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Full review of True Poker
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True Poker
www.truepoker.com
FREE DOWNLOAD!
Software size 10 MB
Special Features
3D real-game environment
Advanced sound and voice effects
Using avatars
Online tutorials from Sklansky and Malmuth Total weighted score
(out of 10) 4.50 |
Sign-up bonus in $ $75
Deposit bonus in % 30%Hits
Lobby information is detailed
Live table hosts 24/7
Shortcut keys for certain actions
Note taking support
Hand statistics function
Misses
No multi-table play
No seven-card stud
Only 3D version available |
Summary
True Poker is positioned as the "real deal" poker room, with high-end graphics,
avatars and sound effects. With recent enhancements to the software, the speed
of the games are now good, making True Poker a very good choice for players
looking for great 3D-feel. True Poker launched in May 2001 and has been heavily
marketed to reach a top 6-10 spot in terms of traffic, but lately fallen back
somewhat in traffic. Note - only one table play is allowed. Real money player
statistics - May 2005: 250-350 ring game players at peak hours, 200-300
tournament players at peak hours.
Software and graphics
TruePoker offers a unique real feel experience, but is certainly not the choice
of players wanting to play many games in quick tempo.It takes time to adjust to
the True Poker site, as you have a "frog view" perspective looking over the
table with a circle of players from your position and your hole cards facing
down! It can also be tricky to keep in mind where the button is.All players,
including the dealer are avatars. Some negative points are that you can only play
one table at a time (no multi-table play). Also, you do not see the site of the
pot (as you have to move the mouse over pot in order to see the size). If your
computer is old you can experience problems with this heavy application. The
speed of the action is today better, with improvements to the software. Still
you will get fewer games played per hour (also since you can only play at one
table). There is a classic offline tell you can spot on True Poker, namely the
"color check" as people pick up their cards with three cards of the same color
on the board, to check if they have a flush draw. This phenomenon goes also for
certain other draws. You can only request the last 10 hands via e-mail, but
instead you can set preferences at the site to get automatic download of the
hands directly to your computer. There is a log of all betting actions, that
shows who bets and calls and how much. There is also a player notes function.An
interesting fact is that David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth has consulted for
TruePoker to develop an anti-collusion system, with automatic flagging of
suspicious activity to be review by the security team.
Ring game traffic
The traffic is in the medium range, with about 200-300 players at peak times in
the ring games. The traffic is very concentrated to hold'em games. There are
many play money tables.
Tournament traffic
The traffic in the tournaments is OK, with up about 150-200 players at peak
times.
Game variety
The variety is limited to only hold'em and Omaha Hi and Hi-Lo. (Partly since
stud requires the player to see the others' upcards across the table, which is
harder from the "frog view".) There are a few sit and go single-table
tournaments, but the focus is on scheduled tournaments, which are multi-table.
Rake
The rake is at the average of the industry, with max rake at $3. The tournaments
typically are charged 10% on top of the registration fee.There are often re-buys
and add-ons in the tournaments.
Soft competition
The tables seem to be at an average level, with view flop percentages in full
hold'em tables going up to the 40-ies and low 50-ies.
Sign up bonus
There is a 20% deposit match, up to a maximum of $50. Play 500 raked hands
within 40 days to get $50 (equals 10 raked pots per dollar).
Loyalty bonus
A loyalty bonus in terms of "True Poker Points" is awarded for each raked hand,
which are redeemable for tournaments entries or merchandise.
Promotions
Offers only a few promotions. Typically there are special hand promotions, such
as Omaha pocket card quads, winning hold'em with 72 off, etc. Sometimes the
endorsers take part in games or tournaments, in the latter with a bounty on them
for the players knocking them out.An online tuition is available with David
Sklansky and Mason Malmuth, where you pay a fee to get your cash game analyzed
at designated tables.
Support
Good support, with live hosts, telephone and e-mail support.
Financial security
Should be clearly secure, as one of the top 20 poker rooms in the world, with no
earlier recorded problems. High score.
Deposit & withdrawal options
Deposit options:
VISA, MasterCard, NETeller, FirePay, PrePaid ATM, bank draft, cashier's check.
Cash out options:
Only bank draft sent to billing address (VISA paid up to the amount deposited)
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