TPR's Online Poker Ratings

While much of the site and services are dependant upon the actual software being used, we still separated the two subjects since this category applies a more technical perspective. We think the graphics should be clean, nice, clear (not cluttered) and practical. Flashy graphics and features does not equate to winning pots for us. Similar to factors affecting the site/services ratings, we also expected the poker softwares to offer common features, such as sound a graphic options, table/gameplay controls (auto features, chat options, card mucking, etc.), as well as site-wide options (hand history and customization features). Beyond such standards, we were also impressed to find some substantive software features that distinguished some sites from others.

Other considerations for this category were the general demands the software had on our computers, Internet connection/bandwidth, delays resulting from such, as well as the poker site’s server ability to handle their traffic. Now we also believe that issues resulting from slow computers and weak connections are not necessarily the fault of the site’s software, and usually the end user, their computer and/or connection can be blamed. However, after playing on different computers with different processing capabilities (all in good shape), as well as connecting via different methods (DSL, Cable, wired and wireless), one can get a general sense of when connection or delay issues are more site related or not. Also, we like to have the option to play on more than one table at a time. While most sites allow you to at least play on two tables at a time, some may exhibit more latency issues and delays. Another related issue is how the site runs while connected to other poker sites. Unless we’re trying to play at six different tables on three different sites, the game play should run reasonably smooth.

*Tech Note: Of the sites reviewed, only PokerRoom (along with PokerRoom skins: HoldemPoker and EuroPoker), Pacific Poker, and Full Tilt Poker have Mac-friendly options to play poker on their sites. Full Tilt's version is the first native dowloadable software designed specifically for Mac computers, while PokerRoom and Pacific Poker's software are web-based. One possible solution for Mac users to play on the other sites is Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac, which is a software application that allows different operating systems to run on a Mac computer. For more info, click here for various resources in our Links section regarding Virtual PC info .

Recently, this category was reassessed, and PartyPoker was knocked out of its top ranking by PokerRoom.com. The sites that are ranked 1-7 were all close in scores, with some even tied, but PokerRoom managed to stand out above the rest. Clean, nice, smoothe and very functional graphics. The software also includes a Session Browser, where you can check statistics of all your poker sessions: game type played, duration, number of hands and net gain/loss (information all regular players should be keeping track of already). PokerRoom also has a Mac-friendly online version, a somewhat limited mobile version, and not to mention, they offer online casino games as well. While HoldemPoker and EuroPoker are both PokerRoom skins, PokerRoom remains the flagship platform amongst the brands with a mobile version and CasinoRoom access for their players. However, recent upgrades to PartyPoker's site have secured it in second place, including a screen re-sizing featuring (great for those playing on multiple tables) and access to PartyCasino games.

Full Tilt Poker has recently moved up its ranking for this category due to continued improvements to their software playability, as well as their recent release of the first native downloadable software version for Mac computers. Noble Poker also deserves much praise in this category, blazing onto the poker scene with some of the cleanest and most practical graphics I’ve seen. If you’re a Hold’em fan, I would definitely check out Noble Poker to see what I mean.

Ultimate Bet and Green Tie both have very functional software. (One small difference is that at Green Tie, you get the Green Tie Girls adorning your menu screen.) There still seems to be some unnecessary latency just moving through the main lobby and menu. And the game play seems prone to delays as well (weather server, site, or personal computer/connection caused). They do have a great mini-view for Hold’em, which turns the table into a graphic strip with all of the players lined up in a row (taking up a fraction of your screen). However, they have yet to apply the mini-view for 7-Card Stud games, which I play often. I was informed last year that they would soon have the mini-view option available for Stud games, but I still have yet to see any such changes.

Pacific Poker is a heartbreaker in this category. I really like the games and action, but the fact that you can only play at one table at a time is not only a negative, but it’s a rare issue to be found amongst online poker sites. You can’t even peruse the lobby or cashier while playing at a table.

Bodog Poker is a new site with a fresh, clean look. For play interface, they opted for a wider screen view. This allows for a unique player setting called "picture in picture," which allows mini-views of up to two games on the left side of the screen, while a main view in the middle can be used to switch to a third game or view the lobby. It is an interesting feature that allows you to play in up to three games simultaneously. However, I still prefer having separate screens for separate games being played, and actually think Bodog's "picture in picture" feature may be more nuisance than benefit.