Party poker review

Summary

Party Poker is an exceptionally large online poker room, attracting one of the largest player bases in the industry today. Over time they have remained extremely popular among both novice and veteran online poker players.

The massive popularity of the poker room can be attributed to several factors. The software is not only fast and highly functional; supplies a downloadable version for Windows computers, and a separate in browser version for Mac and Linux users. Party Poker corners the market on valuable tournaments as well, presenting the annual Party Poker Million, a weekly $300k Guaranteed and a host of Freeroll competitions.

Software and Extra Features

Party Poker’s software has recently been updated, giving a nice facelift to the lobby area but unfortunately neglecting the actual playing table which is still a bit drab. The software itself however is fast and reliable, and supports up to four tables being played simultaneously.

They have also launched a no download version of their software, which means that Mac (aka Macintosh) and Linux players can also play at Party Poker now.

One special feature that sets Party Poker apart from other poker sites is the Deal Making facility. This comes into play whenever a tournament is down to the final table and is entirely optional. All players must agree to do a deal, which means that they can decide between them to stop the tournament and split the chips in an agreed way.

All players must agree to discuss a deal before it can go ahead, but by discussing the deal it does not commit any player to actually following through and accepting the terms of the deal. Any player can refuse the deal and the tournament carries on as before.

Player Traffic and Competition

Party Poker has been hit more than most sites by the new law banning US players from playing poker online. The position it once held as undisputed market leader in terms of player numbers has come under severe threat from the likes of Poker Stars and Ultimate Bet who both still accept US based players.

The new focus for Party Poker is towards Western Europe and Scandinavia as well as emerging poker markets like South America and the Far East. All of these have seen a big leap in the numbers of active players since the law was introduced and Party Poker increased their advertising in these areas. Right now they average about 7,000 ring game and 40,000 real money tournament players during peak hours.

Since the new law, Party Poker has become far easier to play at than before. Where previously there was fierce competition to register for a place at Sit and Go tournaments, it is now easy to just go along and sign up to any tournament that takes your fancy. There’s none of the old scrabbling for places, but this has led to an inevitable loss in excitement on the site.

Sign up Bonus

They have great sign up bonus offers, $25 extra or 30% extra up to $150 on your first deposit. Now let’s see what the requirements are and how they are awarded.

30% of first deposit up to $150 if deposit amount is greater than or equal to $25

To clear the bonus, you have to play 5 times the raked hands of the bonus amount on Poker or Gammon.

$25 on first deposit if deposit amount is greater than or equal to $50

The rule to clear is the same as above; you have to play 5 times the raked hands of the bonus amount i.e. if the bonus value is $25 you need to play 125 raked hands. The time period to finish the raked hands is 30 days.

With the new anti-gambling law in effect, changes have also been made to the existing offers depending on the minimum deposit. With effect from 13th October the minimum deposit has been lowered from $50 to $10.

In the new scheme you will receive $10 bonus when you deposit a minimum of $25. Remember you must play 50 raked hands to qualify for the bonus. Also a new player registering with a 30% up to $150 code will receive $6 on a deposit of $20.

Game Variety and Promotions

There is a good variety of game play on Party Poker, with Omaha and & card stud being available as well as limit, pot limit and no limit Texas Holdem.

All tournament types are also well served with a wide range of buy-in options and single table tournament Sit & Gos available from only $3. Ring game tables where you can just go along and sit at an empty space are available at blinds of $0.02/$0.04 and upwards to $25/$50.

Party Poker’s main event is the Party Poker Million. They have also replaced the $1 million tournament with $300,000 guaranteed every Sunday. Player's club free-rolls are another attraction at party poker. Players accumulate party points while playing real money games and can redeem them to enter free-rolls or various other tournaments.

Deposit/Withdrawal Methods

Deposits are handled by most of the major online payment processors. Click&Buy, Click2Pay, FirePay and Moneybookers are accepted as well as all major credit/debit cards. PartyPoker.com also have their own Gaming Card which you can use, finally there’s Bank Transfer/Bank Wire Transfer from your local bank or Ukash and paysafecard which you buy in your local store.

There are a few other options that are specific to particular countries, like BPAY in Australia.

Withdrawals are slightly more restricted but can be done by credit/debit card, Click2Pay, NETeller, FirePay and Moneybookers. Other options are Bank Wire Transfer or checks by mail or Fed Ex.

Beginners Tables

They also have beginners live game tables reserved for new real money players only. New real money players can play on these tables for 45 days after they have set up a real money account. Where to go? Just log in to your account, go to the main lobby, click on the real money heading and then select beginners. Then choose a table and start playing. Following games and stakes are offered for beginners.

1. Game: Texas Hold'em
2. Limits: $.5/$1, $1/$2, $2/$4 and $3/$6

Customer Service

Party Poker’s customer service is excellent, with 24 hour free phone support to US, Canada and Western Europe including UK. There is also email support available too for less urgent problems.