Full Tilt Poker Review

Full Tilt Poker review

Since its inception in 2004, Full Tilt Poker has established itself as one of the most reputable, authentic poker sites. Endorsed by a host of stellar names, including Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius and Tom Dwan, it offers custom to US players and a generous 100% up to $600 first deposit bonus. Known for its clever television advertisements and prestigious online tournament series – the FTOPS – Full Tilt Poker is second only to PokerStars in the popularity stakes.

Bonus and Promotions

Full Tilt Poker’s 100% up to $600 is the benchmark for online poker first deposit bonuses. Although there’s no instant cash bonus, players are awarded $6 for every $100 paid in rake. This is released in increments of 10% of the first deposit or $20.  The Full Tilt Poker bonus has a very generous 90 day clearing time but given the high volume of players and Happy Hour periods the bonus is easily obtainable. Players are awarded Full Tilt points – one for every $1 raked in a cash game hand – which can be spent in the online store or used for tournament entry.

Full Tilt Poker’s leading promotions include the Iron Man series, which is essentially a bona fide rake race, and gives high volume players a mid year bonus and a chance to play one of the site’s pros heads up. Full Tilt Poker has pioneered the concept of ‘rush poker’, which eliminates waiting times by constantly switching players to different tables. Beginners are given $25 free to try this innovative new game. Full Tilt Poker runs a plethora of satellites to live events, including the WSOP, Late Night Poker and Poker Million.

Games

Full Tilt Poker offers a superb range of games and stakes. Tournament volume can exceed 70,000, and over 11,000 players can be found in ring games during peak times. Highlights of the tournament scene include the $750k Sunday Guarantee for high rollers, and $100k first depositors Freeroll for beginners. Because of the influence of ‘Team Full Tilt’, Full Tilt Poker is always quick to incorporate new concepts and developments in the poker world in its games. It boasts a very pro-active, evolving community, which means several new mixed games (including HORSE and HA), and the ‘run it twice’ option in ring games. All game variants are well represented, including Razz, Pot Limit Omaha and 7 Card Stud. Stakes run as low as $0.01/$0.02 to the nosebleed levels of $500/$1000, where you can find the likes of Phil Ivey lurking. Although there are plenty of fish at micro stakes, competition can be very stiff as low as $2/$4, so table selection is key.

Software

The Full Tilt Poker software is impeccable. The new, black themed lobby looks sophisticated and the extensive game filter feature makes it easy to navigate. In game graphics are crisp and vibrant, with players allowed to choose from a range of avatars, and, if you are good enough, create your own! Backgrounds are customisable, and the instant, virtual hand re-player is a useful tool to monitor opponent tactics. Full Tilt Poker is railbird friendly, with every player welcome to watch pros battle it out at the nosebleed stakes. The ‘mini-view’ feature allows players to multi-table up to 18 tables.

Support

Full Tilt Poker email support is quick and efficient, but the lack of an ‘instant chat’ feature is somewhat frustrating. Full Tilt Poker offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options, including all credit cards and e-wallets such as Moneybookers and ClickandBuy.