PokerStars has been running Home Games for quite a long time now, allowing players to create their own private clubs and run cash games and tournaments against family and friends. While the product has enjoyed increasing popularity over the years, there is one feature that’s missing, something players have long been waiting for – mobile capability.
Home Games on Mobile
This week, that wish has been granted as the online poker giant, for the first time ever, has launched mobile support for Home Games, probably the biggest update the product has undergone in years. The changes mean players can now play Home Games on a mobile device, including smartphones and tablets! This is a major upgrade from the previous desktop-only feature.
Home Games can now be played on Android, with mobile support for iOS also to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
More Formats & Options
Apart from making Home Games available for mobile, PokerStars has also added a host of new variants for a more exciting and fun experience. Lesser-played games have also been removed. The new game variants include 6+ Hold’em, Showtime Hold’em, Split Hold’em, Fusion, 5-Card Omaha, and 6-Card Omaha which are available for both cash games and tournaments.
Fans of mixed games will be delighted to know that they can now play games in mixed format, such as H.O.R.S.E., Razz, Stud, Stud Hi/Lo, 2-7 Single Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, 8-Game, and Badugi. Progressive KO and Total PKO formats are also available.
The overhaul also includes customizable options for table size and betting formats. Those organizing tournaments can now impose tweaks on rebuys, starting stack, payout structure, and blind levels, which now come in four different lengths, Hyper (three minutes), Turbo (five minutes), Regular (10 minutes), and Slow (15 minutes).
Tournament players can also now compete with extended time banks to allow them more time to think and decide on the best strategy. In addition to that, PokerStars has now enabled late registration for all Home Games tournaments, for the first six levels.
Some Upgrades Will Not Be Available in All Markets
With the new upgrades being rolled out, PokerStars is bringing its Home Games more in line with the regular tournaments running at the site. But it should be noted that some changes are applicable in selected markets only owing to differences in regulations. Some new variants, for example, won’t be accessible in certain regions.
The changes will come in stages, and will take effect in several markets in the next few days. Details of the major upgrades were revealed this week in a new PokerStars blog.
PokerStars’ Home Games product has enjoyed a surge in popularity especially during the coronavirus lockdown, when people had limited movement and were ordered to stay indoors to prevent the spread of the virus. Home Games have provided a virtual space where friends and family gather for fun and competition, maintaining connection.
The games are available in both real money and play money, and the clubs can grow to include a bigger circle of players. You can join the club as long as you receive an invitation and follow the instructions.
How To Set Up Home Games on PokerStars
If you’re interested in creating your own club, the steps are as easy as pie. The first thing to do is to download the software and register an account. The Home Games tab is easily visible in the lobby. Click on it and choose Create a Poker Club. You can then choose a name for your club and at the same time pick a unique password. This password will serve as an invitation code which you will use in inviting new members.
After successfully naming your club, you can then do some admin works and cool customizations. You can start inviting members, sending them emails with instructions. From there, you can now create scheduled tournaments tailored to your preference.
