Poker Ghetto

PokerStars – The Pros

PokerStars is undeniably the world’s largest poker site, currently also accepting U.S players. It has more tables and tournaments than any other poker room and provides action at every level, for every type of player. You need only look at the PokerStars pro team to get an idea of the quality you’ll be getting; Daniel Negreanu, Chris Moneymaker, Joe Hachem, Barry Greenstein, Vanessa Rousso, Peter Eastgate and many more, all bear the PokerStars crest.

PokerStars Ring Games and Tournaments

With an unrivalled number of online poker tournaments, 24-7 sit n’ go’s at any stake kicking off every minute, all variations of Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Stud; fixed, pot and no limit games, deep bonuses, fantastic promotions and groundbreaking software, you can play more poker, more of the time.

Not only that, you’ll be playing the best poker. Poker stars run the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), the biggest online poker series in the world, as well as the Spring Championship of Online Poker –All Stakes (SCOOP) and host the largest weekly poker tourneys to be found including the Sunday Million and Sunday Warm-Up. Fancy your shot at a $1.5m weekly guaranteed?

Their live tournaments don’t disappoint either. You can join them in their global domination with the European Poker Tour (EPT), the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), Latin America Poker Tour (LAPT), PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA), the World Cup of Poker and, of course, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) – PokerStars claim to send more players than all the other poker rooms combined to the WSOP.

Traffic and Style at PokerStars

PokerStars used to be renowned for tough players, with a lot of sharks battling it out in the best room available. Following huge success and heavy marketing campaigns, PokerStars has recruited a much broader audience which means that play varies significantly from one table to the next. It might be anything from tight-passive to hyper-aggressive so you need to pay attention as you feel your way through the minefield. It’s important to remember there are a lot of players in this room who make a living out of cleaning up on multiple tables here daily. The lower limit games and tourneys have a high number of fish floating around so make a good place to start while you’re getting a feel for the site (depending on your level of play of course!). One thing is for sure, the ring game and tournament traffic is HUGE. Heaven for action junkies.

PokerStars Games Variety

PokerStars is constantly adding new poker variations. There are a real mix of games available including all versions (as well as Mixed Hold ‘em and Mixed Omaha Hi/Lo) of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, as well as H.O.R.S.E., H.O.S.E. to round up your games when playing one game is getting too boring. 8-Game, 5-Card Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, 2-7 Single Draw Lowball, Razz, Badugi – all for you to pick and choose from and mix and match. PokerStars are really good at listening to player feedback and actively taking it on board, so games, features and tournaments are often added or fine-tuned as a result.

PokerStars Bonus & Welcome

PokerStars offer a 100% first-time deposit bonus up to the value of $50. You will need to play on PokerStars and collect VPPs (VIP Player Points) equal to 10 times the bonus amount within the first six months of sign up in order to cash out your bonus. Once you become a regular player at PokerStars you will be eligible for PokerStars Reload Bonuses that they promote every now and then. They will communicate these bonuses via the website or over email. There are sites with more generous bonuses than this but PokerStars is an attraction in itself without having to beg for attention. The chance to play against and chat with former and current WSOP champions is lure enough in itself.

The loyalty programme is good though. Once you’re in the VIP Club you will be rewarded for regular play with Frequent Player Points (FPPs). These translate to merchandise, online tournament entries, seats at live events (of which PokerStars is best placed to get you in), cash and so on. You earn FPPs per VIP Player Point – VPPs are awarded according to rake and symbolise your status within the VIP Club (VPPs cannot be traded like FPPs). For each VPP, you will get a number of FPPs dependent on your level in the VIP Club – the higher the level, the greater the multiples of frequent player points you will earn.

Poker software

One of the reasons PokerStars is able to maintain its leading edge is that their technology is truly innovative. It is slick, offering fast play, great multi-table options and plenty of scope for detailed customisation. While very occasionally they do suffer the effects of being the world’s largest online poker room, generally the software doesn’t let you down.

In summary

All-in all you’re going to appreciate the high profile, high traffic, pure poker loving nature of this site. Famous names, extensive variations of games and ease of use are all massive benefits. The only challenge is getting through unscathed by the big bankroll power-houses that prowl the site, preying on the weak or unsuspecting. Take up the challenge and visit PokerStars today.