PokerStars Reviews

PokerStars was established in the year 2000 with it’s head office based on the Isle of Man. Since that time the site has amassed millions of members and it is regarded as the worlds largest poker site. PokerStars even holds a Guinness World Record for the most players playing online at the same time, an astonishing 151,758.

PokerStars offers a huge variety of poker games, sit and go’s and tournaments. These all come at various levels that will suit any player, right from the absolute beginner all the way to the seasoned professional. At PokerStars you only play against other real poker players from around the world. You will never play the house or paid players.

PokerStars is available to U.S based players.

PokerStars Software

The PokerStars software has many features and can be easily customised to suit the players needs and wants. Such features include:

• Players choose their own avatar by downloading an image to represent themselves. There is the option of having no avatar or removing all avatar images at the table.
• Players choose their own table theme. There are many themes to choose from and players can even put there own spin on it by uploading their own background.
• Players can choose from a range of card designs.
• The site has an in-depth and easy to follow lobby
• Players can re-size their playing table. This allows for multiple game/tournament play.
• During gameplay players can chat with other players, make notes and check statistics.
• An individual time bank gives players extra time to think about those tough decisions.
• Software is available in 19 different languages
• Software is available for both MAC and PC

PokerStars graphics are good but more emphasis is put on the game play. This equates to fast play and very few technical difficulties. A great effort considering the amount of traffic the site gets daily.

PokerStars Games

PokerStars boasts the largest online poker room in the world and has all the various poker variations to match. These all can be played at most times during the day and include Texas Hold’em, Omaha (Hi/Low), Stud (Hi/Low), Razz, 5-card draw and HORSE.

Players can choose from a large variety of blind options when it comes to the money games. No-limit hold-em blinds start from as little as $0.01- $0.02 and go all the way up to $25-$50. Limit Hold’em blinds range from $0.02-$0.04 up to $200-$400. The other poker variation have similar blind price structures. All the poker variation also have free game play options for those who are just beginners or for those who simply want to practice.

PokerStars Tournaments

PokerStars offers a full range of multi-table tournaments. These are very popular and it is common to see over 1000 entries in a single event. Buy-ins range from just $0.10 all the way up to $1000.

The biggest of these tournaments is the famous Sunday Million which has a guaranteed prize pool of 1 million dollars. The entry to this is $215 or alternatively entry can be won from a number of satellite tournaments. There are also satellite tournaments for other big money PokerStars tournaments, WSOP events and WPT events.

PokerStars also offers a wide range of Sit and Go tournaments. These include single table, multi-table, shootouts and heads-up games. Buy-ins for the Sit and Go’s range from $1 up to $5,500.

Because of the high volume of traffic players will come across a wide range of opposition and playing styles.

Other Features:

Frequent Players Points (FPPs): This is basically a reward program for those that play on PokerStars often. FPPs are given out when players enter Multi Table or Sit and Go tournaments. These FPPs can then be exchanged for goods such as, PokerStars clothing and merchandise, poker books/accessories and even entries into the Sunday Million or other significant tournaments.

Sign Up Bonus: PokerStars offers a 100% bonus up to $50 for all first ever real money deposits. This bonus is redeemed once a certain amount of FPPs have been earned.

PokerStars Sponsored Players: PokerStars sponsors some of the best and most recognisable faces in poker. These include WSOP main event winners Chris Moneymaker, Joe Hachem and Greg Raymer. Other players include the ever popular Daniel Negreanu (pictured), Barry Greenstein and Isabelle Mercier.

Promotions:

• 1 Million Dollar Poker Stars Turbo Takedown: Players can either buy in direct, use their FPPs or win satellites to enter this tournament held on the last Sunday of every month. There is $1 Million dollar prize pool with the over all winner taking home a cool $100,000.
• Battle of the Planets: Players earn Leader points during multi-table Sit and Gos in order to enter these tournaments and win a share of $3 Million in cash prizes.
• Sunday Million and Sunday Money: Regular Sunday tournaments with over $1.5 million and $750,000 respectively in prize pool money.
• Events: Plenty of chances to win seats at events on the LAPT, EPT and APPT tours.
• Plus many more regularly added promotions

Money Deposit Options: Pokerstars offers a great variety of methods for players to deposit. These include Credit/Debit cards, wire transfers, prepaid cards, local bank transfer to name but a few. Cashouts are usually done through the same method of deposit.

Support: PokerStars offers an award winning support program. Support offices are located around the world and customer support representatives can be contacted through email 24/7. PokerStars pride themselves on quick and quality responses.