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Absolute Poker Review
Absolute Poker
launched in 2003 is part of the Cereus network. They offer good
sign up bonuses and promotions and have a wide variety of
deposit and withdrawal options.
A security issue involving an ex-employee was addressed during
the early part of 2008 and since then the site has taken radical
steps to prevent future happenings, ensuring peace of mind for all
Absolute Poker players.
Since introducing their new security centre, Absolute Poker
boast a fully automated system that detects abnormal and fraudulent play
including: abnormal win rates, chip dumping, collusion, multi
accounts and BOTS (artificial intelligence).
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Evidence that Absolute Poker’s hard
work is appreciated by poker players comes from the doubling of
real money ring game player numbers, since the introduction of
their new software, Cereus.
An average of 2,500 real money players
hit the felt every hour with peak times seeing up to 20,000
players online; the trend of player numbers is on the up. |
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Absolute Poker
offer a good selection of games in various betting
formats mixing re-buy, turbo and deep stack tournaments into
their schedule to offer a varied selection to their customers.
Games formats include - Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7
Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, HORSE, HOSE and Razz (7 Card
Stud Low).
From the lobby
Players first use several lobby tabs to select their preferred
ring game, scheduled tournament or sit and go tournament. The
Texas Hold’em ring games are separated into three categories,
fixed limit, no-limit/pot-limit and play money. Omaha and Stud
games are divided by the regular and Hi/Lo versions and by
clicking the ‘Other’ tab, players are invited to take their seat
at a HORSE, HOSE or Razz table.
A cool Absolute Buddy feature keeps players in touch with the
friends they meet at the tables allowing them to follow each
others progress.
Sit and Go tournaments
Predominantly sit and go players will find numerous no-limit Texas
Holde’m games beginning every few minutes drawing good numbers in
the low to medium buy-in levels. Most of these will be $0.50 to
$2.00 buy-ins, with many also opting to enter $5 and $10 games
too.
Those wanting to test their skills at sit and go buy-ins up
to $100 are satisfied, with a good take up for the games in the $30
to $50 buy-in range. Sit and go tournaments are offered up to
$5,000 however players that can afford this level are in shorter
supply.
7 Card Stud, Omaha and Razz players will find some action here
although not to the same degree that the popular Texas Hold’em
game generates. |
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Scheduled tournaments
The scheduled tournaments appeal to players across all low to
medium buy-in ranges. There are enough of the less common
games available to keep most players fresh for a challenge.
As well as WSOP and WPT qualifiers, frequent freerolls, there is a
focus on re-buy, turbo and add-on tournaments in their larger
field events.
There is plenty enough variety at Absolute Poker
for most tournament players.
Ring games
Real money cash table players are found in good numbers and
differing from many online poker rooms, it is not uncommon to see
more $0.25/0.50 NLH tables in play than $0.02/04, however general
play at the micro level tends to be spread evenly throughout.
Mid level cash tables have almost the same number playing as the
micro tables, where blinds are structured at $1/2, $2/4, $3/6,
$5/10 and $10/20.
Higher entry players will see many others entering the fray
enjoying $15/30, and $30/60. Much over that, the opposition thins.
Omaha and Stud players will find most of the action takes place at
the levels below $5/10. Those who enjoy HORSE cash tables tend to
play at the lower levels and you will have to pick your moments to
see action on the HOSE and Razz tables.
At the table
There is a choice of three standard table layouts with each being
fairly uncluttered and a wide selection of skins to tailor the view
to your liking; plus you may go a stage further and customize the
table by uploading a skin designed or held on your own computer.
Up-loadable avatars allow all players to add some of their
personality to the tables.
Tool bars at the table give player shortcuts to the lobby, cashier,
hand history and a replay of previous hands. Plus an options tab
allows players useful preferences including optional four color
decks, rabbit cam, chat bubbles, hot keys and favorite seat
position.
An unobtrusive side bar selects screen layout to cascade or 4x4,
with an additional default screen size tab.
The chat window bottom left also gives players updated information
and stats and can be expanded to the side of the table for a larger
view.
Plain action buttons allow players to place bets at pre-set
amounts, they may also use the slider to increase bets, or may
enter any bet amount in a text window (provided limits allow).
Common check boxes allow players to sit out, fold to any bet and
auto-post their blinds. In-play check boxes give players the
opportunity to pre-set a betting action if they make an early
decision.
A circular timer clearly indicates the allowable time for players
to make their decisions.
Bonuses
Players will earn up to $500 in free cash with a valuable 100%
poker bonus on their first deposit! Click on an Absolute Poker
banner and use the poker deposit code AP500.
Absolute poker is US friendly.
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