Poker Websites

[pokerdave]

I was persuaded by a mate tonight to give Pacific Poker (888.com) a go.

By far the worst software I've used. Very, very fast - which makes it difficult to keep up. I presume this is to get games over and done with as quickly as possible, therefore maximising their profits.

For instance, if someone goes all in pre-flop and you call them - rather than the flop fall, then the turn, then the river (with brief delays in between) all 5 cards flip instantly and the pot slides over to the winner (literally) within a fraction of a second.

Would be interested to know others opinions on Pacific Poker.

Full Tilt definitely my fave so far though. Also, the opportunity to play the likes of Howard Lederer, Clone Gowen, Phil Ivey, etc gives the site an edge.

[John Holmes' Stunt C**K]

I agree with you re the all-in situation, where the five community cards turn over in an instant, often leaving you unsure as to whether you won the hand or not.

Not sure about what else you thought was too quick though, games range from 30 second limits on making a decision to 5 second, so there is choice. I prefer the 10 second limits, as a game where you have endless time to make the decision results in a ridiculously long game.

After playing on other sites, I do prefer 888 due to the choice of games on offer, another good thing is that you rarely have to wait more than a minute before the game starts in a sitngo, unlike a few other sites i've played.

I take it you lost a little then

[pokerdave]

No, you're right - it's not the "decision making" time that's a problem - it's the simultaneous flipping, etc. Like you said, happens so quickly, you barely get a chance to see what beat you or if the other guy was bluffing you or not.

Also agree regarding the choice of games. Full Tilt do 9 or 18 seat sit n go's else it's the bigger multi table tourneys where you've got maybe 200 or more entering. I like the idea of 30 to 40ish seat sit n go's. Enough to get a decent sized pot but you've still got a reasonable chance of getting in the money which isn't so easy when you're up against 200 other guys.

Bizarrely I did win. Cared so little for the software that I just spent my entire initial deposit on a $20 5 seat tourney and won $50

Like you said, I suppose you've to take the rough with the smooth.

[John Holmes' Stunt C**K]

Have you got a link to the full tilt site mate? never heard of it before you mentioned it. is their a signup bonus?

[pokerdave]

Yeah, it's http://www.fulltiltpoker.com.

Feel free to use this link though as it might get me a little bonus if you decide to sign up for a real money account - http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/?aff=2664&code=&int=0&ext=

They've got a 100% sign up bonus that releases the bonus to you in $5 increments. I think I've got back about $30 of the initial $50 I deposited so far.

I find it to be really good but it does have a few drawbacks. You don't seem to have the variety of sit n go tourneys that other sites offer (just 9 or 18 seat but).

One possible downside is that, because it's predominantly a US site, alot of the multi-table tourneys don't kick off until later at night because of the time difference.

On the upside though, the software's really good. It includes pretty detailed hand histories for the last 50 played which are useful for a little bit of analysis after the hand's finished.

If you give it a go, let me know what you think. Am interested what other's opinons are.

[trustme]

I have been using ladbrokes for the last 9 months, the standard of play is good and it has got some of the best players around on the high level mtts. I have found the players friendly and always willing to give advice if needed. Met a load in london for a big tournament and since then its been win, win, win.

From Jan i will be using betfair and poker.co.uk also. Heard good things about these sites from friends

[Rob]

use pokerroom alsmost exclusively (the problem with using linux on home machine and needing a site with a web client)

everyone bitches about bad beats on pokerroom, but I've never noticed anything unusual - and what goes around comes around

poker.co.uk is a god site as well

[trustme]

rob, this happens on any site you go on, everyone moans about badbeats and some people think they get them more than anyone else. another favourite moan is that people always get knocked out by the river card or that they chip leader seems to win everyhand even when they are the underdog.
This happens on and off line and online it is more noticable because you play at least twice as many hands as you do in a live tournament due to the speed.
Another conspiracy that pops up from time to time is that if you withdraw money from your account then you go on a losing streak until you have to deposit again.
I've had my fair share of bad beats, nasty river cards and strange outdraws to chip leaders but i've also been on the good side of all of this.
rant over, have fun and good luck mate.