Introduction

PokerStars, which is one of the largest poker sites, has announced its mobile poker app to capture a new market. This app brings the famous PokerStars game to mobile devices (iOS and Android 2.2 or above) allowing players to kill time while playing for real money.
This is a free to download application that needs an active internet connection to work. The makers have developed the software very creatively. However, there seem to be a few glitches as well. The game is currently not optimized for the New iPad and gives dismal results including layout issues. On the plus side, the game uses the latest software to insure safety, which is one of the most important things in games that involve real currency. PokerStars uses Web Cashier to handle your bankroll. However, the cashier is not available in the game and one has to use the desktop version for this feature. This thing can be quite a letdown for some!
Features
The game works on Wi-Fi and 3G, but it is recommended that you use it on Wi-Fi. We tried both the options and were left impressed with the Wi-Fi.
The game can be played for real money; however, those who wish to play for fun and practice can play money games. Other key features of the game include:
Multi-Tabling
One can play up to four tables on Smartphone and five on iPad simultaneously. It is very easy to switch between the tables by pressing the table tabs on the screen or simply by swiping the screen. Plus, the game also has the auto turn feature that is of great help, as the tables switch automatically whenever it is your turn.
On the downside this feature is not properly designed. There is no tiling the tables, which makes it pretty difficult to handle even on the iPad’s screen. Since the app only shows one table at a time, it becomes quite difficult to manage it all, especially during the Zoom Poker.
Play Now and Player Guide
The Play Now feature saves time by taking you directly to the tables where you can start a game right away. Plus, the game also has a Player Search option with which you can easily find a friend or a former opponent. The search tab also offers a tournament search feature where you can search for a tournament if you know the code.
The game has a ‘More’ section that offers a complete guide for new players. This is a good addition for beginners and will help them understand the game quickly and easily.

Zoom Poker
This feature is available in the latest version of the game. This is a Speed Poker that looks tailor made for mobile gaming. During this feature, players play in pools and not the normal tables. There is a new hand available right after they fold so that everything moves at a fast speed.
Graphics
Graphics are top notch and uncompromising. The screen will leave you mesmerized thanks to the creative use of colors. You won’t really feel that you are playing the mobile version of the game because everything is superior. It won’t be entirely wrong to say that this game is a visual treat.
The icing on the cake is the fact that despite having such cool graphics, the game never gets heavy or takes too long to load. We played the game on several devices and the colors remained sharp throughout, yet the iPad was in a class of its own.

Game Selection

Just like graphics and software, this app scores in this section as well and is miles ahead of its competition. This game has all the Omaha cash and Texas Hold’em games available that one plays on a desktop computer. The app guarantees action on every stake and limit possible.
Plus the availability of the multi-table option also gives it an edge over its competitors. With this feature one can play multi-table tournaments and sit n’ go even on the go!
Currently there are only two variations available in Texas Hold’em or Omaha. However, one can hope that the makers will also make the other variations, such as Razz, Draw and Stud accessible as well. So those who want to play all the mixed tournaments will have to wait for an update to come.
Bonuses & Promotions
In order to lure in new players this app offers a big 100% First Time Deposit Bonus up to $600. This is available to new players with real money accounts. You will have to use the code ‘STARS600‘ to avail this bonus. The players have to collect their VIP Player Points within the six months of the first deposit. Players can quality for three qualifying deposits in three months. However, you will need to accumulate 170 VPPs for every 10$.
In addition, it is expected that the makers will announce more bonuses and promotions soon to keep people’s interest alive in the game.
Conclusion
PokerStars comes at a time when there is huge demand for high quality games that allow players to play for real money. This fact alone has helped this game receive tremendous appraise already. In addition, the game actually delivers what it promises. There are a few glitches here there, yet they are easy to ignore because the pros easily overshadow the cons in this one. There is too much going in its favor. Highly recommended!