Full Tilt Vs Poker Stars

[Kemics]

I've always played on Partypoker for no other reason than my friend recommended it. A while back i withdrew all my cash to buy a motorbike and now i've got a spare couple beer tokens im thinking of making a deposit on either FT or PS.

I wont be depositing anything major $150-200ish

PS will double the first $50 i put in, but FT says it'll match up to $600. However, im told the games on PS are a little softer just because its got more players, or fish in the pond. I havn't looked a the FT software yet but the PS looked really outdated.

Are there any other bonuses i should look out for? Such as the the recommended by a friend?

p.s with the bonuses do the go in with your deposit or do you have to unlock them?

Thanks!

[kingetje]

pokerstars >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> full tilt (or any other site)

[Jauron]

I prefer PS, and yes you have to unlock the bonus.

[Ciso_B]

Both crap. Why not Just save the $150 and buy something nice.

[MrDarling]

depends what your going to play.

In low limit cash games I doubt there is a big difference in skill between the two (in fact, I doubt there is a big difference between the two on most levels).
Personally, I think FT have the best software from all the sites I played at, but thats a matter of taste.

I think the best selling point for FT to a low level is RB. Though in the high levels where you reach supernova - PS points+bonuses = FTP RB. However in low levels (games+number hands per month) I think FTP RB>PS points and bonuses.
Both bonuses are as hard to clear BTW from what I know.

Whatever you do, don't start a new FT account without RB.

RB is soooooo important to low-mid levels grinders its not even funny.

[Kemics]

how do i set up rakeback? i've heard the term but never understood how it works, the more hands you play the larger percentage of your rake they give back?

I'm going to start off grinding 10NL and try to get to 25NL. I usually multitable 3-4 tables and do quite well, however i just installed pokertracker for the first time which im looking forward to using (no idea how to get the HUD working though)

Anyone on Fulltilt want to recommend me as a friend? i think it works out you get $100 and i get $25, or at least so the ads say, probably a catch

[xDiamond_CutteRx]

I prefer Stars so much that I've stayed there despite being able to get RB on Full Tilt. But if money is your bottom line, you are probably better off playing at FT and getting RB for the low limit grinding (because it will make a huge difference). If you're a high volume player who can make Supernova on Stars, I would go that route, because in most significant ways, it's better than the RB deals on FT.

[MrDarling]

RB you get a fix % return on the rake you pay to the site regardless of the amount of rake you pay.
This is why a fixed RB is preferable to low-mid levels players as there is no advantage to paying more rake.

FWIW, if you do choose the RB route, you can not use the refer friend promotion. So its a choice between a "quick" $ or a lot of $$ in the long term.

If you are serious about poker and plan to play it long time, I suggest RB account over any other bonus.
w/o RB I'd be broke long ago and might have quit poker all together (my last deposit was meant to be my last deposit). In few of my first month the RB actually Dbl's my BR.

[Gunslinger]

Like everyone said, RB is HUGELY important to small stakes grinders. I think long term, getting RB at FT is better than playing at Stars IF you are not getting Supernova.

HOWEVER, do NOT play 10NL at Full Tilt, because they charge 10% rake at that limit. If you can start at 25NL, then FT with RB is good. Plus, the 100% first deposit bonus, and you can clear your bonus in 10% increments.

If you have to play 10NL (or lower), go with Stars.

[crack]

What everyone else said about FT. It just isn't worth playing on stars if you're not a high volume player.

[Jernej Zorec]

aslo what Gunslinger said is true,
for nl10 do not play full tilt, rake is way to high and RB does not make up for it

[Kemics]

http://ftgrinder.blogspot.com/2008/08/f ... rd-to.html

i does seem that the 10% rake on 10NL at FTP makes it a pretty tough game to beat. i think the plan is gonna be to grind stars till i get my roll up to 25NL then jump ship for FTP.

Whats the best bonus for signing up for stars?

thanks for all the advice everybody

[Kemics]

just finished my first session on stars.

I see why MrD loves the rake back, even with stars 5% rake i paid $14 in rake over 300 hands at 10NL.

[xDiamond_CutteRx]

What everyone else said about FT. It just isn't worth playing on stars if you're not a high volume player.

Financially, yes. I just happen to be dumb, but I also vastly prefer the customer service I've received at Stars, and I like the software that much better.

[supafrey]

just finished my first session on stars.

I see why MrD loves the rake back, even with stars 5% rake i paid $14 in rake over 300 hands at 10NL.

Don't trust the rake numbers on pokertracker, they are generally incorrect.