My Software Is Better Than Your Software

Continuing a pattern of one-upmanship between online poker’s two biggest sites, PokerStars rolled out a major software upgrade only a few days after Full Tilt Poker launched theirs. Full Tilt Poker also had a bonus attached to their upgrade, and Stars - you guessed it - is offering a competing bonus. First, the details on the upgrade. Stars has finally come along with FTP on synchronized tournament breaks. That means all tournaments on PokerStars will break at the same time - :55 after the hour - regardless of what time they started. This is a big win for MTTers, as they can now enjoy one synchronized break per hour on both Stars and FTP. Stars also introduced a new game to the lobby - split Pot Limit Holdem / Omaha, available in the cash lobby under ‘other games’ (PLH / PLO), along with some minor tweaks and bug fixes. Next, the bonus. Stars is offering a new redeposit bonus and a first time deposit bonus. If you’re a first time depositor, you can earn a bonus of 100% on your deposit up to $600. If you’re looking to reload your account, Stars is offering you a 50% bonus up to $300. Unlike most deposit bonuses, the Stars bonus allows you to make up to three separate deposits that will all count toward your bonus.