Summary: Poker Room is now becoming one of the most popular Poker sites online, this is
mainly due to their superior software, their promotions and availability (with
download, flash and mobile phone
versions). It is
currently the fourth largest Poker site.
Software:
9/10
PokerRoom.com software is widely
regarded as the most advanced in the industry. The presentation is a cut above
the rest, with nice graphics and loads of extra features that aren't found on
other sites. Such as the option to use the keyboard as well as the mouse to
command your play, or the ability to switch to full-screen mode. The games are fast paced,
with ultra-reliable connections and many players use the 'in-turn' options.
There is also great support for note-taking, you can even colour-code players!
PokerRoom also has a non-download java version,
which also allows play on other operating systems such as Macs and Linux. There's even a mobile phone version which can be
played over GPRS, currently the only site to offer this service. Although
connection while using a mobile phone is quite unreliable, it certainly beats
Tetris on the train home from work! However, while the software is rich
with graphics, it can be confusing to newcomers. It also can be
quite
difficult to tell who's turn it is to act during games. The cards are also a lot smaller than
on other sites, which can make them difficult to read. The program is also resource intensive and can slow down
an older PC. Other than that this is by far the graphically most advanced
software.
Bonuses
7/10
The sign up bonus is 40% up to $200, this is
cleared by achieving player points. For every $1 in bonus amount you need 7
player points. 0.07 Player Points are awarded for every $0.10 paid in rake. So a rake of $3
will award all players in the hand 2.1 Player Points. You can also gain player points through entering tournaments 5 player points are awarded for every paid dollar in entry fee (real money
tournaments). For example, if you enter a $20+2 tournament, you will be awarded
5 * $2 = 10 points, if you enter a $5+$0.50 tournament, you will be awarded
5*$0.50 = 2.5 points. PokerRoom also offer an array of other promotions and reload offers.
Game
Variety
8/10
There is a wide variety of games, Texas Holdem, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, and 5 card draw.
They also have plenty of casino games to play, Blackjack
and Chinese Poker.
Ring Games
8/10
There is a very large amount of traffic on ring games, with a wide range of limits.
Although the smallest limit is $0.25/0.50. They have 10 player, 7 player, 5 player and 2 player tables. So finding a game to suit your play is easy.
Tournaments
9/10
Tournaments are particularly great on this site,
with plenty of SNG's and multi-table action. Fans of
SNG's will love PokerRoom, mainly because of the extra
starting chips and the better blind structure. This makes each tourney much less of a card-catching competition and more about playing Poker. They also have a very neat all-in calculator (see pic)
which gives percentages in an all-in situation.
PokerRoom has introduced team tournaments! Team up with a group of players and
compete together in leagues and eliminatory events. All prize money is split
between the team so even if you get knocked out you can still end up in the
money.
Competition
7/10
As one of the top five largest Poker sites, PokerRoom
attracts it's fair share of bad competition. Although, the
soft competition is mainly found at lower limits (much
more so than any other site). This is because the
bonuses offered favours the higher limits.
The
site also has much more of a �community� feel to it. Each
player can make a personal profile known as their 'Pookah'
page, with pictures a personal statement etc. Other
players can then view this and leave guestbook entries.
There is a lot less abuse in the chat boxes and much more
friendly banter, which is a pleasant change. The play on
PokerRoom is generally a lot more sensible and tighter
than on other sites.
Finance and
Customer Services
9/10
Cashouts are very quick and can be done direct to your visa card. You can contact customer service via email, online chat and their 24/7 phone line (they have a UK based helpline too).
Although in our experience this is one area that lets
Poker Room down. On several occasions our emails were not
answered.
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