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Yes, Noble Poker has some exciting potential, but for this particular category, the relatively new site has some kinks to work out. They do offer one of the wider selections of deposit/withdrawal options, with the usual Neteller and FirePay services included. The 24-hour live help is a plus, but it’s a little annoying that you have to contact them in order to get an update on your bonus earnings. Also, an attempt to change the email on my Noble account proved to be the biggest hassle I’ve ever experienced among poker sites for such a request. I was told their process was necessary for security reasons. But no other sites had such requirements to change an email address, and I questioned why it was easier to open a money account, deposit and withdraw funds at Noble. |
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By far, Noble Poker’s best qualities lie in their Software/Graphics, which has them ranked among the top sites in the category. The graphics are clean and bright (but not too bright). There are 3-D avatars available, and options to have each player and/or the dealer speak out their actions. Even the sound alerting you when it’s your turn (and bell “ding”) is practical, while not being annoying at the same time. Multiple table play is also available (3 max). There is real-time game play history, which can be a useful, in-depth game tool while you’re at the table. Unfortunately though, in order to get your hand/game history while you’re not at a table, you’ll have to contact customer support to request it. (Software may work with Macs using Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac software.) |
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In contrast to Noble’s rating in the previous category, here, the site ranked at the bottom of the poker rooms we reviewed. Their rating was already limited since only Texas Hold’em,Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo games are offered. A regular selection of Multi-Table and Sit’n’Go tournaments are available, but the general lack of players (at most table limits) make it hard to find consistent action. |
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Players: Variety/Action |
6 |
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The Variety/Action of the types of players encountered at Noble have an average rating. However, when the tables thin out, a dichotomy of rock players and aggressive players becomes more apparent. And with less of the “in between” player types, the few games to choose from may only go too fast, or too slow. |
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The 50% (up to $250) deposit bonus was reduced from the previous 100% offer at the beginning of 2006. It is still a larger than average bonus, but it may take some time (and rakes) to complete the requirements. For each played hand (getting dealt cards) in a raked pot, a player earns 1-4 crowns depending on table limits. For each dollar in tournament fees, 20 crowns are awarded. For each 500 Crowns a player earns, a $10 bonus will be issued. The bonus is paid only in increments $10, and players have 3 months to earn it. The bonus requirements are quite rigorous, and the fewer game options during the frequent low traffic times only makes the bonus more challenging, especially if you still have a substantial amount to earn.
Noble Poker does have a "crowns system," offering certain players entry in special free rolls and sometimes high vaule re-load bonuses. They also have the “ The Noble Poker $100,000,000 Extravaganza” tournament event going on now until April 2006, featuring a whopping $100,000,000 jackpot to a final table player that hits a Royal Flush Spades. Check NoblePoker.com for more details. |
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Noble’s all-around rake structure is average, as their score indicates compared to the other poker sites. Keeping them from a top rake rating is their slightly less than favorably rake for Limit ring games. To view their rake structure, go to NoblePoker.com, in the top menu, click on “ The Games,” then “ Game Rules,” and from there click on “ Ring Game Rake Structure.” |
