PokerStars Interface
As you might expect for such a successful company, the PokerStars software is top of the range. Since its creation, the client has undergone massive changes and regular updates are still a reality. At first glance it can seem as if there’s a little too much information on the lobby screen. New users may find that it takes a little while to acclimatise themselves to the layout, but once you’ve adjusted it’s very easy to navigate.
Buttons along the top of the table list allow you to select the type of cash game you’d like, as well as tournaments and Sit & Go’s. Each button then has a set of sub categories which allow you to further refine your search. You can sort the table list using all the standard criteria, such as buy-in, date, and average pot. If you’re looking for something a bit more specific then you can create a very detailed filter using the option in the bottom left of the window.
PokerStars offers four different table sizes: 10-max, 9-max, 6-max, and Heads-up. The 10 player full-ring tables are only available for Limit Hold ‘em and Sit & Go’s. The table designs are sleek and simple, in contrast to the more cluttered lobby. The standard check boxes allow you to select your preferred behaviour before the action reaches you and the bet slider is very easy to manipulate. You can also click on the dealer’s chip tray to get access to a list of options. Among the changes you can make are editing the sound settings, turning a 4-color deck on or off, and altering bet amount displays. Although the default look of the table should satisfy most players, there are some highly detailed customization options available. From the options menu you can select from a list of themes, each with a distinctive look. You can also download new themes made by enterprising players or even craft some yourself. The window background, style of the deck, and table colors can all be changed.
People looking for a bit of organization are also well catered for. You can drag and resize the tables to almost any size as well as setting the windows to automatically tile or cascade. There are more advanced options that dedicated players may want to customize. Options such as single click activation and table popup settings will make playing multiple tables a considerably easier proposition. Once you’ve put all the tables in the right place you can save them as a custom layout. That way you can jump right into your favorite games without having to fiddle with the options ever time you start a session.
When it comes to viewing your hand history there are two options. In the top left of the table window the numbers of the two previous hands are listed in white text. Clicking on either will bring up a text hand history viewer with a detailed rundown of every action taken. This information can be quickly copied and pasted and a more complete transcript of your whole session can be requested from support. A little red button next to the white hand list will open up a window containing the brand new graphical hand history viewer. Using this you can skip backwards and forwards through hands like music tracks. Hitting play will run the hand out just as it would have appeared first time round. You can even pause midway through the hand and shift manually from bet to bet.
There are plenty of other changes to play with, including auto-rebuy, tournament history and stats, hand history instant email, and transferring funds. Keep an eye out for new features and options, as PokerStars is constantly finding new ways to update and improve their existing software.
