Full Tilt vs PokerStars: Which is Right For You?

One question that frequently comes up amongst online poker players is “Full Tilt vs PokerStars: what is the best site to play at?” Although there are many options across the internet, these are really the only two major sites that any in the know poker player gives serious consideration to. I have been using both sites for many years now, and I like them both. However, I have noticed that there are a few differences. Here are some of my impressions.

The first thing you’ll notice about Full Tilt vs PokerStars is the graphics. Many of the poker sites out there, like PokerStars, have semi boring, formal graphics, but the Full Tilt graphics are better. You have a large choice of many attractive avatars, and a wide variety of background images. I personally enjoy playing with the beach theme background. This gives the entire playing experience a different vibe, which can’t be overstated when talking about poker. Your mental state is extremely important.

Another difference between Full Tilt vs PokerStars is the number and quality of players. Most of the time, there are more than 100,000 poker players on Full Tilt and about 250,000 on PokerStars. This means that you’ll usually be able to find the exact game you’re looking for with minimal waiting time on either site. PokerStars has more players, but I haven’t found there to be any benefit to having more players after a certain threshold is reached. Furthermore, the quality of players at Full Tilt vs PokerStars is different. From personal experience I have found that the players at Full Tilt Poker are overall weaker.

Why does it matter if the quality of players is different? Because the worse players that you play against, the better your chances of winning and making profits. There is nothing better than making money playing a game that you love. You can make money at either site but I have found it easier to make money at Full Tilt vs PokerStars.

I think the main reason for this is their advertising. If you watch even a minimal amount of television, you have no doubt seen advertisements for Full Tilt Poker. These advertisements are what attract new players (fish) to Full Tilt. The more fish you play against, the more you’ll win.

If you’ve seen these commercials, you’ve probably also noticed how many poker professionals endorse Full Tilt. Full Tilt has a roster of professional poker players that is unmatched by any other site, including PokerStars. The Full Tilt interface allows you to instantly see which tables the pros are playing at so that you can watch them  and possibly learn from their play. You can even chat with them. Maybe they’ll give you an invaluable tip that will help your game.

Available Games:

Full Tilt and Pokerstars have a wide variety of games, both in terms of game type and stakes. The games they offer are the usual suspects such as:

Texas Holdem – Limit, No Limit, and Pot Limit
Omaha Hi/Lo – Limit, No Limit, and Pot Limit
Omaha Hi – Limit, No Limit, and Pot Limit
Stud Hi/Lo
Stud Hi
Razz
and more..

They also have a wide variety of mixed games, in which the type of poker rotates. Full Tilt has an innovative new game called Rush Poker. This is a game in which you are dealt into a new hand at a new table as soon as you fold your hand. It is perfect for the action junkie in you. This is the fastest poker game on the internet, and you can only play it at Full Tilt. Make sure you read my [Rush Poker Strategy] before you head over to Full Tilt to play. Rush poker is a truly unique poker experience that PokerStars doesn’t offer.

Both sites allow you to easily sort and sift through all these games to find the exact one you want, and the stakes start as low as $.01/$.02. It’s pretty much impossible to play for less money than that, which means you could get a lot of poker experience by only risking a dollar or two! If low stakes aren’t your cup of tea, then you’d better head to Full Tilt, because they have the biggest cash games on the net. In addition to the cash games, Both sites offer tournament and Sit-n-Go (single table tournament) format games. The Sit-n-Gos generally fill up almost immediately so you never have to wait long to get in the action.

Both sites have excellent customer service and respond to emails in a reasonable amount of time. As a test I emailed the same question to both sites. I received a reply from Pokerstars in 42 minutes and from Full Tilt in 48.

In the battle of Full Tilt vs PokerStars, it is very close. Full Tilt has bigger games, Rush Poker, better graphics, and the real item that tips it big time for me.. worse players. As far as bonuses go, Full Tilt has offered a 100% match bonus of up to $600 since its inception. PokerStars only offered a 100% match bonus of $50 until recently. If you ask me if it is Full Tilt vs PokerStars? I still play on both sites but the winner is Full Tilt.

If you don’t have an account yet why not give it a try and see for yourself. Use our Full Tilt Poker bonus code: 3456 for the 100% match bonus up to $600 offer.