Every time I download the software at a new poker room I get excited thinking about the potential for new features. Everything seems to be evolving in both the software and hardware world so any new poker client or software upgrade could contain a special feature that will change the way we play poker online. As an American I am restricted to a small group of poker rooms so click here to learn more about the current software at non-U.S. rooms like PKR, Betfair and Bet365 Poker. I do stay up to date on the latest software upgrades at Pokerstars, the only European room I regularly check. I will be going over my favorite poker platform features at Pokerstars and one of the major US poker sites. I will start with Poker Stars since they are the largest room online going into 2013.
Pokerstars Software Features
Pokerstars did not become the most successful poker room because of their software but it certainly has helped. Everything is smooth, fast and flawless but I’m here to talk about unique platform features. The Home Games service at Pokerstars is really cool. You can set up private games with family and friends very easily at Pokerstars. This can range from a heads-up game with your brother or a tournament with 20-30 of your buddies. You can also setup poker clubs with co-workers and/or people in your town.
Another cool feature is under appreciated in my eyes. Pokerstars has a “responsible gambling” feature that allows you to restrict your deposit limit, buy-in limit – for cash games and tournaments – and exclude yourself from being able to play for a certain amount of time. This can be helpful to those with gambling problems and those without them. I’m sure many players have won some money at the small stakes tables and decided that they were ready for the medium/high stakes tables. This usually ends with an empty bankroll.
Juicy Stakes Poker Software Features
Juicy Stakes Poker shares the #1 US poker site ranking with their network partners and while their software isn’t spectacular in my eyes there are some excellent features. This poker room was formerly known as Cake Poker. I recently logged into this room and found some really cool features that do not seem to be available at some of the other skins on the network. I will briefly go over them.
- Exchange – This room has an Exchange that allows users to buy and sell Gold Cards, an important part of the rewards program. If you are missing a certain Gold Card it could take you months to receive it since they are distributed randomly while you play. This certain card could complete a set that is worth hundreds of dollars so being able to buy the card at the Exchange is pretty cool. If you need cash you can also sell your Gold Cards.
- Russian Roulette, R-Zone & War – These are games available at Juicy Stakes Poker. If you are bored with poker and want to try something new these games are perfect. I lost a few bucks learning how to play these games the other day so I suggest that you read the rules first.