Absolute Poker

US PLAYERS ACCEPTED

(Absolute Poker is currently embroiled in a cheating scandal and its rating is suspended pending the outcome of an independent audit)

Absolute Poker is a solid full-feature poker room that rewards frequent players. They do an outstanding job of keeping players by offering numerous reload bonuses, hosting special promotional tournaments, and providing a great loyalty program. Absolute has a large concentration of international players, so ring games and tournaments are available around the clock. The software is very fast and responsive. Limits range from the micro level ($.02/.04) to high level ($75/150). No limit blinds go up to $5/10 and but they are not very active. Their overall traffic is in the medium range and most players are playing hold 'em. Live support is not an option, but their email response time is among the fastest in the industry. The Absolute Poker website is very informative, and contains answers to most of the questions players may have.

Beginners will find loose limit and no limit action at the lower limits, and have a choice from several deposit options. The ability to personalize your experience by uploading a player image and table skin (changes the table appearance) will make it easier for a beginner to feel comfortable. Intermediate players will find generous bonus offers and promotions, as well as all of the features you expect to find in a top notch, poker room. Hardcore enthusiasts, there are no high stakes NL cash games, but you can play up to 6 tables/tournaments at a time. Also, the Absolute Reward Points program benefits the frequent player with free entries into tournaments. Points are accrued in accordance with raked hands and tournament entry fees. So while you work off that bonus by earning points, you earn a side benefit for loyalty.

No matter your skill level or experience, Absolute Poker deserves a chance to be your primary poker destination.

Poker Software

The software reliability is excellent at Absolute Poker, as players have reported minimal interruptions. Basic features can be found including a player search feature, emailed hand history reports, and the option to customize your image/avatar. The graphics are clean and the interface runs very smoothly. There is hardly a pause between the time you select a table and it pops up onscreen. Short-handed games are played at 10-seat tables that allow added flexibility when choosing a seat. The lobby is basic, uncluttered, and easy to navigate. Once you are seated, you have the option to change your table skin. There are several to choose from or you can upload your own. Hot key buttons are an option for the players who don't like using their mouse.

A wide selection of Hold’em tournaments is offered. Other games have fewer tournament offerings. The number of starting chips for tournaments with buy-ins under $100 is 1,500; $100 or over is 2,500. Absolute hosts a bi-weekly $100k guaranteed event. In fact, they offer over $1 million in guaranteed money every month. Low cost satellites where players can win entry into the biggest tournaments are also scheduled. A nice feature is the ability to set up your own private tournament. You will also find an abundance of freerolls.

The standard rake at a full table is 5% up to $3. It is their policy not to charge a rake if there is no flop ("no flop no drop").

The initial deposit bonus is 100%, max $500. The Bonus Amount will automatically be added to your Pending Bonus account where it will be held and automatically released to your cash account based on the following easy requirements; for each raked hand (minimum rake of $0.50) you play you will receive 1 point, and you will receive 1 point for each $1 of tournament buy-in fee. Please note that the tournament fee is now collected as a 9% of the total of the prize pool and that Pending points will be based on the fee collected rounded up to the closest whole number. For example, a $10 tourney will generate $0.90 in fees, and will earn 1 point. At 20 points, $5 will be transferred from your Pending Bonus account to your cash account. Money in your pending account will expire 60 days from the time it was awarded unless it has been transferred to your real money account by meeting the hands played requirements.

Peak time (late evening (EST) approximately 16,000 players

Mid-morning (EST) approximately 9,000 players

Mid afternoon (EST) approximately 12,000 players 

Absolute poker boasts some very loose play at the micro and lower limit tables. View flop percentages are in the 50's and 60's with even 70's + at the shorthanded tables. Middle limit tables get a bit more conservative, averaging in the 40's. At the higher limits, which do not see much action, tight tables are usually the norm with percentages typically in the 30's.