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Pokerstars.com - Critical Review

Pokerstars is one of the largest two online poker sites and attracts over 85,000 players at peak times.

It appears to be the main winner from the recent US legislation as it still welcomes players from the USA.

Tournament Tables

The traditional strength of Pokerstars.com has always been tournaments. They are the most innovative provider of both MTTs, Sit and Goes and Satellites. Each year more people qualify for major events like the WSOP, WPT and the EPT at Pokerstars.com than any other site. This includes two main event winners of the World Series; Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer.

Pokerstars Tournament Dollars (T$ and W$)

Tournament dollars (T$) is a system exclusive to Pokerstars.com whereby unwanted tournament entries won in satellites can be stored and used for other events. When you unregister from an event the entry fee is credited to your T$ account. This gives you tournament specialists added flexibility and the chance to benefit from winning several seats in a particular event. W Dollars (W$) is a similar system but restricted to entry fees for special events such as the WSOP and WCOOP.

Pokerstars Cash Tables

The range of cash games offered by Pokerstars.com is excellent; holdem, omaha high, omaha8, 7 card stud, 7 card stud split, Razz, HORSE, 2-7 triple draw and 5 card draw are all available. The stakes range from tables with blinds of 2 cent/4 cent to absolutely gigantic. I think it's worth registering a Pokerstars account just to railbird the $25/$50 no limit holdem games.

There is a good rake structure at the 2 cent/4 cent, 4 cent/8 cent and 5 cent/10 cent limit tables where it is capped at 4 cents, 8 cents and 10 cents respectively. Beginners get a real chance to develop their bankrolls here. Pokerstars have a "no flop no drop" policy at all of their tables. If you don't see a flop they don't rake the pot.

$50 Initial 100% Match bonus

Pokerstars will match your first deposit upto $50. Use bonus code "First 2007" when depositing and you will have six months to earn 10FFPs for every dollar deposited.

Reload bonuses are announced every few months. This is a easy source of free cash for regular players.

Pokerstars FFPs Frequent Player Points and VIP Club

Every time you pay a tournament entry fee or are dealt cards in a cash game you can earn Pokerstars player points, FFPs. These can be redeemed for gifts or used to buy into special tournaments. A range of prizes are on offer depending on your status; bronzestar, silverstar, goldstar, platinumstar, supernova or supernova elite.

Pokerstars Freerolls

This is the one area the site scores badly. The plain fact is that you will find it very difficult to win any free cash here. They run a good selection of freeroll tournys - all games not just holdem and the software is very smooth. However, there can be up to 10,000 entrants and only the top 24 receive prizes. This is a free entry into another tournament! Pokerstars are so far behind their competition that they have clearly have made a decision not to compete with the other networks in this area. Presumably they have made a commercial decision that it is better to concentrate on rewarding their real money players. The FPP freerolls look to be much better value.

Banking and Customer Support

I made my first deposit here with a credit card card and cashed out with cheques. No problems. Later on I switched to my Neteller A/c when I was offered reload bonuses.

I have never had any need to contact customer service so can't comment about this but they seem to have a reputation for efficiency.

Conclusion

I give Pokerstars.com a rating of A-. The software is top notch as is their tournament action. The cash tables had a reputation for attracting slightly better players than average but after the recent migration of a lot of players from sites that won't accept US citizens that may no longer be true.

The pot limit and no limit tables are 9 handed. This is fine for holdem but I prefer plo8 games to have 10 seats so I don't play there much now. I will probably always have a soft spot for Stars as it was the first site I downloaded and where I started to learn the wonderful game that is poker. Click here to start playing on Pokerstars.

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