Review of Paradise Poker

Our review of Paradise Poker describes one of the first online poker sites in business - they've been around since 1999. My observations show that more experienced sites tend to have more experiences players overall. However, Paradise has held some enormous promotions lately that have added a large amount of new fish to the feeding tank. Their software has some neat quirks, and they have good tournament traffic.

Categories Reviewed at ParadisePoker.com

Fish: 2.5
While Paradise has traditionally been a shark's worst nightmare, the goldfish and guppies are making a comeback thanks to Paradise's latest promotions at acquiring new players. These inexperienced fish spill over into the ring games (mostly at the lower limits) and have helped to loosen up the action a little bit.

Sharks: 4.5 (inverse rating)
As Paradise's players have had 6 years to improve their online poker game, they have their fair share of sharks lurking in both the deep and shallow waters. Naturally, the strength of your opponents tends to increase as tighter play reigns over higher limits. While some sharks may take their shots at lower limits, these games tend to have a fairly balanced fish-to-shark ratio.

Bait (promotions): 4
If I was judging Paradise Poker's bait a few months ago, I might be tempted to give them a 2. The deposit bonus is only fair at 25% up to $50 and they didn't seem like they were willing to drop the hook any further to entice new players. However, I've bumped their ratings due to the recent Million Dollar Freeroll promotion. This is a great idea that allows all new players one free entry in a qualifying tournament heat. The top players are then entered into a 100% free online tournament with the top prize being $1,000,000. This is an excellent promotion, and everyone should take a shot for the chance at a million bucks.

Skin (software): 4
While the game speed is pretty slow for ring games at Paradise, I think that some interesting features in the software make up for it. For example, at showdowns, players hands will sometimes be displayed with special animations. Other quirks include a "snack bar" in which you can order food or drinks to be delivered to your individual table next to your seat. Of course, it is a gambling establishment, so all food and drinks are comped! Go free pixels! If only they could make a more shark-friendly glass for their beers. Have you ever tried to pick up one of those with a couple of fins?

Prey (tournaments): 4
As mentioned earlier, the Million Dollar Freeroll is probably is best free tournament deal online right now. Aside from that, their best tournaments are at mid-level buy-ins as well as a guaranteed $100,000 tourney every week. They also have the best tournament names such as Ocean and Seahorse. I love seahorses! I usually order them by the dozen. Tournament traffic tends to be a bit weaker than ring game traffic at Paradise.

Overall Paradise Poker Rating

Pearls (positives)
With fun software, increasing traffic, and the Million Dollar Freeroll, Paradise seems recommitted to being one of the top poker rooms. The new promotion is also helping to balance out the level of sharks and fish.

Hooks (negatives)
Their ring games tend to be tougher than most and play at a slower pace.

The Hammer (overall rating): 4

♣ Visit paradisepoker.com

Tips for Playing at Paradise Poker

Meat (tips)
Similar to tighter sites like Ultimate Bet and Full Tilt, you'll tend to run into better competition. The solution to lack of soft action is to raise less and slowplay more. Of course, you get still get drawn out on at a tough site, so still be wary of any potential draws. If you hit a monster of the flop, you won't usually have many players in the pot with you so slow down and let them catch up.

Blubber (babble)
The overall theme behind Paradise Poker is a tropical island paradise. These touristy locales are my favorite to hang out at! When I've had my fill of my hometown Maui, I'll often take a cruise to one of these other tropical destinations, even if I have to swim all the way to the Bahamas. The reason? Have you seen how packed their beaches can get? It has got to be the most fun place to get a little suntan on my dorsal. Boy, you humans can be pretty speedy when you think you're life is in danger.

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

     

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