There is currently no deposit bonus offered by PokerStars. They have been offering different reload bonuses lately, so that is something to remember. Bonuses are difficult to clear at the lower limits(<$1/$2) and moderately easy to clear at $1/$2 and above.
Software (9)
PokerStars' software is some of the best in the business. Player search function, custom avatars and instant hand histories are just some of the features. You can block yourself from the player search function. Good personal statistic tracking as well as a note taking feature. Lobby view includes average pot size, average players/flop percentage and number of hands per hour....all the key ingredients to making the proper table selection.
Traffic (9)
During peak hours, PokerStars reaches between 50,000 and 70,000 players.
Ring Games (8)
PokerStars' limit games range from $.02/$.04 to $100/$200 and no limit games range from $.01/$.02 to $10/$20. Preflop percentages range from high teens to low 40's with the best time of day to play being evening hours of eastern standard time. PokerStars' ring games can sometimes be a bit difficult, but use the lobby statistics to find the best game. Be sure to go back to the lobby once you are seated at an optimal table to make sure your table's stats are still in your favor.
Tournaments (9)
PokerStars hosts between 60 and 80 regular multi-table tournaments per day ranging from freerolls to $320 buyin. Satellites and Sit-n-Go's are nearly 'round the clock. Great tournaments with many of them reaching over 1000 participants, so even the $1 tournaments have a nice return. The only problem I have seen with their tournaments is that they tend to pay out too many places. For example, in a recent tournament with 1664 entrants, 351 places were paid...that's too many in my opinion. Sit-n-Go's at PokerStars are abundant and can be quite profitable. While the ring games can be tough, the Sit-n-Go's tend to be soft especially at the lower buyins.
Variety (7)
PokerStars hosts Texas Hold 'em, Omaha hi/lo, Omaha, 7 card stud and 7 card stud hi/lo. Most of the traffic is dedicated to Hold 'em (~60/40 split between No/Pot Limit and Limit) followed by Omaha hi/lo, Omaha, 7 card stud and 7 card stud hi/lo. An email I received from PokerStars Support indicated that their programmers were working on a draw engine for draw-based games in the "near future".
Player Rewards (7)
PokerStars uses a system called Frequent Player Points (FPP) to reward player loyalty. One FPP is awarded for each pot that reaches a certain rake amount (ex. for fixed limit $.50/$1 or lower, the rake must reach $.50). You also receive 5 FPPs for every $1 in tournament fees. PokerStars offers more than 50 items in their FPP store. Items include apparel, books, posters, stress balls. Items range from 300 FPPs for a stress ball to 10,000 FPPs for a logo letterman's jacket. FPPs can also be used for special FPP buyin tournaments.
Overall (8)
While I'm still disappointed that PokerStars does not offer a signup bonus, it remains one of my favorite sites. The software is nearly flawless and the competition can be soft at times. You'll just need to do some experimenting to find the fish you can best exploit. Their technical support staff is second to none with quick and accurate responses. In terms of traffic, PokerStars is beginning to rival Party Poker at peak times (50,000 to 70,000 players). Having the 2003, 2004 and 2005 World Series of Poker Champions' names attached to PokerStars is helping them bring in a large number of players.
