PokerStars Review
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Right now at PokerStars: Get an exclusive $50 bonus! |
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  Pros:  Famous Pros Mac Compatible Top Software Most Online Players Great Company |
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Summary (8.5) If you can easily beat the soft games at the lower stakes, PokerStars is the right place for you. With a nice range of limits and action at the tables from 1c/2c up to $100/$200, PokerStars is simply the best room to build your bankroll. However, PokerStars is also the most crowded poker room in the world and there are so many players online at peak hours that you can sometimes wait for some time to find a seat. The support team is top notch, the software is awesome, and thanks to the huge volume of players, the action never stops. If we should describe Poker Stars with just one word, it would be “tournament.” Not only is Poker Stars the home of some of the best poker players in the world, like Daniel Negreanu, Chris Moneymaker, Greg Raymer, and Joe Hachem, but the site also hosts the most satellites to the WSOP. The only downside of PokerStars resides in the softness of the competition, which is a bit tighter than at the other online poker rooms. If you want to sign up and hang out with the pros, use the code FIRST2008 when making your first deposit to claim the generous 100% sign up bonus up to $50. |
Software (9)
The Poker Stars software is amongst the best online poker clients. The lobby is constantly updated and is incredibly easy to navigate. The graphics are very classy, thanks to the clever use of a black backgroung color. Speed and stability have always been the top priorities of the company and long-term poker players will feel comfortable playing at PokerStars. The table background is customizable and feature nice graphics, ranging from the simple and sober Tech theme to the fancy Pirates of the Caribbean theme. The action at the table is smooth and fast, and the options include avatars, player notes, hand history and nice player stats.
Traffic (10)
PokeStars is the world’s most trafficked online poker room in the world. Thanks to the solid promotions and advertising campaigns, poker enthusiasts keep coming back everyday, not to mention the new players who discover the joy of playing in one of the best poker rooms ever. Most of the real money players play at tournaments but ring games are becoming more and more popular.
Soft Competition (6)
Poker Stars is the biggest poker site in the world, but this has little effect on the competition. Most of the players you’ll play against are tight and will give you a run for your money. Even at low stakes ring games, the level of competiton will be unusually high. Fortunately, there is lot of fish to be found in tournaments. This is where you’ll be able to take some money from poker beginners.
Support (8)
Poker Stars doesn’t offer telephone support or live chat but the e-mail support is very responsive, with reply times as fast as withing 30 minutes.
Bonus (7)
PokerStars offers new players a 100% sign up bonus up to $50. To activate the bonus, all you have to do is use the code FIRST2008 when making your first deposit. The bonus is released after you accumulate enough FPPs (frequent player points) to match 10 times the bonus amount within six months. You get 1 FPP in every game where the rake reaches $0.40 with blinds below $1/$2, 2 FPPs where the rake reaches $3, 3 FPPs where the rake reaches $5, and 5 FPPs for every $1 paid in tournament fees.
