Hits

• Offers a $1 million weekly guaranteed tournament, the largest in the world
• Massive satellite spread
• Features mixed games like H.O.R.S.E. and Razz
• Great software
• Supports completely automated import of tournament and ring-game data to Poker Tracker

Misses

• Only offers e-mail support
• Tough opposition in high-stakes tournaments and cash games

FULL REVIEW - Poker Stars (8.76)

PokerStars is the largest poker site in the world - an especially impressive feat considering it's not part of any network and has created its staggering player base entirely on its own. The world-famous room offers huge volume in cash games and tournaments at almost any variation and level, making PokerStars an excellent option for all players - including those who enjoy competing in the more unusual poker variations.

In addition to massive traffic and game variety, PokerStars also offers great promotions and an exceptional loyalty program with a huge selection of merchandise, special events and qualifiers to all major poker tournaments. It also sponsors many of the world’s most famous poker players, including Canadian prodigy Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein and WSOP Main Event winners Chris Moneymaker, Joe Hachem and Greg Raymer.

The PokerStars software is top-notch in terms of functionality, layout and graphics, and offers fast play and very high reliability. The software also features great multi-table options and a high level of customization, allowing players to upload pictures for use as avatars and choose graphics and sound options.

Because of the massive player base, the opposition ranges from soft to very aggressive, and there are many opportunities to compete with top players for anyone interested in improving their skills. The customer support is well above average, answering questions fast and with high response quality.

The games offered are, of course, Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold'em as well as both Hi and Hi-Lo versions of Omaha and Seven-Card Stud. The site also offers No-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo games, H.O.R.S.E., H.O.S.E., 2-7 Triple Draw, Five-Card Draw and Razz. PokerStars started the micro-limit tables trend when it introduced games for as little as 1¢/2¢ in Hold'em and Omaha Hi. At these micro-limit tables, there is no rake.

In general, the games at PokerStars vary between No-Limit, Pot-Limit and Fixed-Limit. Full-table games, short-handed and heads-up tables are all available. Due to the size and geographical diversity of PokerStars, action can be found at pretty much any game at any hour.

PokerStars offers plenty of tournaments and freerolls with great value and the traffic volume is the best in the industry. Real-money player statistics as of May 2008 show 22,500 ring-game players at peak hours and 155,000 tournament players at peak hours.

Overall, PokerStars is very professionally managed with a real "feel for poker." They offer massive player volume, game diversity and software quality plus generous promotions and bonuses for loyal players. The software is available for both MAC and PC users and is updated frequently to ensure safety and stability, with virtually no downtime as a result.