Review of Holdem Poker

Our review of Holdem Poker shows that the classic namesake, like a good 'ole fresh can of sardines, still holds sway over my heart (and stomach). HoldemPoker is a skin of the OnGame network, which has been around since 1999 and continues to be one of online poker's biggest names. By playing here you'll get all the benefits of a large poker site in terms of numerous games and tournaments while still playing at a niche poker room.

Categories Reviewed at HoldemPoker.com

Fish: 3.5
The flop percentage is about average at 35-40% for full ring games and average pots usually reach a decent size. What that means is that you'll often be up against a few aggressive and observant opponents. Usually, you won't be getting the right pot odds to play your drawing hands preflop so just stick to your premium hands and reraise the bullies at the table. As you would expect, the low limit games (now down to 5/10c for no-limit) are more beatable than the higher stakes tables.

Sharks: 3 (inverse rating)
Much to my chagrin, I usually run into a few of my own kind at these tables. Since this network has been online for several years many of the sharks have stuck around. However, over the past year this network has really increased promotions so they also bring on a large amount of inexperienced players. Overall, the player base is pretty well balanced but at most small-to-mid stakes games you'll find a desirable fish-to-shark ratio.

Bait (promotions): 4
While not offering as many promotions as their network counterpart, HoldemPoker.com will match you 100% on your initial deposit if you use one of our links and enter bonus code: Shark. Normally, new players receive only a 20% bonus. You can use this up to $100 and you'll need to earn 10 player points per dollar of bonus to clear it. This is quite generous for middle and high stakes players as you'll clear the bonus pretty quickly. Lower stakes players should play multiple tables to decrease the waiting time before they actually see a good chunk of the bonus. Other promotions include a $20 bonus for each friend that you refer and a daily $500 freeroll.

Skin (software): 5
The software is excellent here and is one of their most attractive features. The graphics are highly detailed and the 3-D avatars chosen for each seat at the table can become quite humorous after a couple of ink shots. I like the "spoken" actions, and you'll see a thought bubble above each avatar exclaiming if they "check", "raise", or "fold". The lobby is laid out well and they offer a no-download Java version for Mac players of if you're just impatient like I am.

Prey (tournaments): 5
Another one of their best features, the tournament choices are excellent at HoldemPoker. Most $20 buy-in events reach at least 200 players and guaranteed tourneys can draw as many as 700-1000. Everyday $5 buy-in tournaments usually attract at least 500 players so you're playing for a good return on your initial investment. The schedule is quite busy and they host multiple events per hour. Overall, they offer excellent tournament options.

Overall Holdem Poker Rating

Pearls (positives)
Holdem Poker's best features, in my underwater opinion, include their software and tournaments. This is a popular network and you shouldn't get bored of the visuals very quickly. Also, the no-download software is a nice option.

Hooks (negatives)
They don't offer as many promotions as their network counterparts, and that "Friends" bonus picture is just terrible! They did just fine with their shirts and bodies but look at the facial features! I have fins for arms and I could do a better job.

The Hammer (overall rating): 4

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Tips for Playing at Holdem Poker

Meat (tips)
The best strategy for outplaying aggressive opponents is to play even more selectively aggressive. Button down the hatches and only play your premium cards since you don't want to play a drawing hand for a big raise. When you pick up a big hand, you can either reraise preflop or you may consider slowplaying if you're heads-up. If your opponent is one to keep betting and try to take control, just keep checking and calling until the river when you throw in a raise.

Blubber (babble)
I know that you're probably sick of hearing it, but I wish that I would've at least been consulted when they chose a name for "Texas Hold'em". Back in my day ( the REAL days of poker) we didn't have any hold'em this or fold'em that… just straight Kelp Keep'em. It would've been a lot more authentic if they would've called this site KeepemPoker, but that's just my opinion.

♣ ♣ For further details and ratings for HoldemPoker.com, you can visit our basic Holdem Poker review.

     

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