* Offers a $1 million weekly guaranteed tournament, the largest in the world
* Massive satellite spread
* Features mixed games like H.O.R.S.E. and Razz
* Great software
* Supports completely automated import of tournament and ring-game data to Poker Tracker

Misses

* Only offers e-mail support
* Tough opposition in high-stakes tournaments and cash games

FULL REVIEW - Poker Stars (8.35)

PokerStars is the largest poker site in the world - an especially impressive feat considering it's not part of any network and has created its staggering player base entirely on its own. The world-famous room offers huge volume in cash games and tournaments at almost any variation and level, making PokerStars an excellent option for all players - including those who enjoy competing in the more unusual poker variations.

In addition to massive traffic and game variety, PokerStars also offers great promotions and an exceptional loyalty program with a huge selection of merchandise, special events and qualifiers to all major poker tournaments. It also sponsors many of the world’s most famous poker players, including Canadian prodigy Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein and WSOP Main Event winners Chris Moneymaker, Joe Hachem and Greg Raymer.

The PokerStars software is top-notch in terms of functionality, layout and graphics, and offers fast play and very high reliability. The software also features great multi-table options and a high level of customization, allowing players to upload pictures for use as avatars and choose graphics and sound options.

Because of the massive player base, the opposition ranges from soft to very aggressive, and there are many opportunities to compete with top players for anyone interested in improving their skills. The customer support is well above average, answering questions fast and with high response quality.

The games offered are, of course, Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold'em as well as both Hi and Hi-Lo versions of Omaha and Seven-Card Stud. The site also offers No-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo games, H.O.R.S.E., H.O.S.E., 2-7 Triple Draw, Five-Card Draw and Razz. PokerStars started the micro-limit tables trend when it introduced games for as little as 1¢/2¢ in Hold'em and Omaha Hi. At these micro-limit tables, there is no rake.

In general, the games at PokerStars vary between No-Limit, Pot-Limit and Fixed-Limit. Full-table games, short-handed and heads-up tables are all available. Due to the size and geographical diversity of PokerStars, action can be found at pretty much any game at any hour.

PokerStars offers plenty of tournaments and freerolls with great value and the traffic volume is the best in the industry. Real-money player statistics as of September 2008 show 22,500 ring-game players at peak hours and 155,000 tournament players at peak hours.

Overall, PokerStars is very professionally managed with a real "feel for poker." They offer massive player volume, game diversity and software quality plus generous promotions and bonuses for loyal players. The software is available for both MAC and PC users and is updated frequently to ensure safety and stability, with virtually no downtime as a result.

* Over $4 million in monthly tournaments
* Supports completely automated import of Hold'em tournament and ring game data to Poker Tracker
* Doyle Brunson poker school
* Vital stats supplied during play
* Accepts U.S. players

Misses

* Seven-Card Stud only available in high version

FULL REVIEW - Doyles Room (8.47)

Important update as of October 18, 2007:

DoylesRoom.com now accepts U.S. players.

DoylesRoom started offering poker in 2004, and was very successful in attracting players with the endorsement of one of the most famous players in the world. The bulk of those players were American, of course, so the passing of the UIGEA in 2006 was a hit to traffic volume.

Since the shift to the Microgaming network, however, the site once again boasts high traffic, a wide game variety and an extensive range of table limits. And as of October 18, 2007, the site is again accepting U.S. players, so traffic can only be expected to rise.

The software provides very useful stats as well as three different table sizes: large, normal and mini view. It's stable and reliable, and the graphics are nice and kind of "old school," with a wood grain feel. The functions are also well placed and easy to use.

DoylesRoom offers plenty of promotions, including sign-up bonuses, an attractive VIP points program and a nice bad beat jackpot that pays out when four-of-a-kind eights-or-better is beaten in a cash game. There is also the famous weekly bounty tournament in which Doyle himself plays, accompanied by his friends Mike Caro and Hoyt Corkins and his son Todd.

The games offered at DoylesRoom are Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven-Card Stud, Five-Card Draw and Five-Card Stud. The games vary between No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit. Full-table games, short-handed, and heads-up tables are all available. Real money player statistics as of September 2008 show 2,000 ring-game players at peak hours, and 10,000 tournament players at peak hours.

Overall, DoylesRoom offers great action, good game diversity and software that plays very well. The software is updated frequently to ensure safety and stability, with very little downtime as a result.