Poker Room Policies

PokerStars is the world’s largest online ‘poker room’. You can play ring games and tournaments with opponents from all over the world, and because you’re playing online, it’s all possible right from your own computer. Similar to a card room in a bricks-and-mortar casino, the PokerStars poker room has rules and policies to ensure that our games are fair, and that our players get maximum enjoyment at the poker tables.

Ring Games
Tournaments
General Policies
Prohibited Software

Ring Games

At PokerStars, you can play more ring games, in more poker variants, than at any other poker site. The ring games section sets out the rules and policies for basic game-play in all ring games, as well as available limits and rake structures.

» About ring games

Ring Game Rules

There are common rules and policies in place that apply to ring game play in all the poker games offered at PokerStars. These include minimum/maximum buy-ins, all-in rules, game speed, and other aspects.

» See game rules

Limits

PokerStars hosts games with limits ranging from micro-stakes of $0.01/$0.02 to high stakes of $1000/$2000. There are many limit types and structures, including fixed limit, no limit and pot limit.

» View limit structures

Rake

PokerStars is compensated for hosting online ring games in the form of an incidental fee, called the ‘rake’. This is a small percentage of the pot, generally in the amount of 4.5% up to a maximum that is dependent upon stakes.

» Get rake details

Tournaments

You’ll find the most tournaments with the largest prize amounts at PokerStars. The tournaments section explains how tourneys work. This includes rules and policies for all tournaments, plus tournament types and prize structures.

» About tournaments

Rules

The rules and policies for PokerStars tournaments ensure that players get the ultimate poker experience. Details on tournament elements such as registrations, breaks, eliminations and deal-making are provided.

» See the rules

Tournament Types

PokerStars offers a multitude of online poker tournaments in numerous formats. Learn about multi-table, Sit & Go and heads-up tourneys, as well as satellites, rebuys, turbos, bounties, deep stacks, and much more.

» Descriptions of tourney types

Structures

The structure of a tournament refers to the buy-in, prize pool, number of entrants, places paid, blind levels/times, and other elements that allow different kinds of tourneys to appeal to all types of players.

» How to check structures

General Policies

All conduct and game-play at PokerStars must be in accordance with the PokerStars general policies. These high-level policies apply to participation in ring games as well as tournaments.

» View the policies

Prohibited Software

PokerStars allows the use of some third party software and online tools, but prohibits software and tools that affect game fairness. The prohibited software page has detailed explanations and examples.

» Get more information