[TheMightyJim2k]

So I cashed out of Party last night. It was a little sad and I'll miss playing with all of the donkeys there that allowed me to 9-tuple my roll in the last 14 months, but they are closing up shop tomorrow and I'm excited to try a new poker site.

I originally was very certain that I was going to move to Full Tilt. I can easily get 27% rakeback and their deposit bonus is great (100% up to $600). However I know that they do not have a large selection of low limit holdem which is my primary game. I am also concerned that the play may be fairly strong as a lot of the online "sharks" leave party and move to full tilt.

Once I heard that Pstars was staying in the market I realized I have a much more difficult decision. What I need is good information about PokerStars. How difficult are their low limit hold'em games? What is the best signup bonus available? How do the fpp's work (frequent player points), and do they truly equal a 15-20% rakeback? How often do they have reload bonuses? Can you datamine with Pokertracker (ie can you get HH from tables you are just observing)?

All info from anyone that has played either of the sites is greatly appreciated. If you have played both even better, and let me know what your experience was like.

thanks in advance for the help!

[hachkc]

Originally Posted by TheMightyJim2k

How difficult are their low limit hold'em games?

I suck at limit so no comment here. My only big, consistent losses online have all come from playing LHE and LO8.

What is the best signup bonus available?
How often do they have reload bonuses?

I know they are doing a 100% but only upto $50. P* is not known for their signup or reload bonuses (maybe 2 a year); FTP is much better from that aspect.

How do the fpp's work (frequent player points), and do they truly equal a 15-20% rakeback?

$0.40 for fixed limit poker games with stakes $0.50/$1.00 and lower
$0.75 for fixed limit poker games with stakes $1/$2
$1.00 for pot limit poker games, no limit poker games, fixed limit poker games with stakes $2/$4 and higher

Also, this rate can increase depending on your VIP level (bronze, silver, gold, platinum, supernova). This level is determined by the number of FPPs you earn in a month. As for the FPP / Rakeback question, I don't know but I've heard its decent. See 2+2 for more on this question. Also, I really like the selection of merchandise and such in the P* FPP Store, best site in my opinion.

Can you datamine with Pokertracker (ie can you get HH from tables you are just observing)?

Basically, no. I believe it may be possible if you purchase PokerAce which gives you the ability to pull hands from the IHH (Instant Hand Hist) screen versus using the normal P* Hand History logging. I've never used this so I can't comment on it.

All info from anyone that has played either of the sites is greatly appreciated. If you have played both even better, and let me know what your experience was like.

If I had to choose based on game selection, go P*. If bonuses and rakeback are more important, FTP might be a choice. Based on PP comments, my guess is FTP is going to get a lot more action so the game selection should increase. Typically the only reason I don't play at P* is when I'm clearing bonuses which I'm doing right now at FTP. P* has a much better selection of games than FTP in my opinion though I only play cash games for NLHE and PLO8.

[JM]

Split your roll and try both!

[Button Potato]

I like both sites so I play on both.

[Sniper2075]

I also like both, I'm currently playing at P* as I'm clearing my bonus and I really like there HORSE games

[joshuadalton]

I started on PP, but switched to FT a few months ago to see if it was true that the competition was better.
Anyway, FT has a great signup bonus, so that would be my suggestion.
I did just put some funds into P* to start playing in the CT tourneys.