For a U.S. Beginner, Full Tilt Poker or PokerStars?

I know that this is a matter of preference, but as a beginner (I played .02/.04c nl he at Sportsbook and some $1 SnG's) and someone who plans on using PokerOffice, what do you recommend for starting a NEW account?

I most of the bonuses seem to be the same (100% payback with conditions).
I know Full Tilt Poker has a more "professional" reputation, but I honestly don't know if that would help or hurt me in the long run.

Again, I know improving my game is a lot more important than this, but what are your opinions on the matter?

For micro stakes (less than 25nl) you have to go for PS as FTP doesn't have any game below 10nl and their rake for 10nl is outrageous. Also, bonus is no issue as you won't really be earning any FPPs at the lowest stakes (pot needs to reach $8 for players at the table to get a FPP).

For 25nl FTP is a better option if you sign up there with rakeback, although i personally thing competition is a bit softer at PS.

For 50nl and higher, both are great.

well, I'm using PokerOffice now and I signed up for FTP due to a combination of really liking the interface (similar though they are) and wanting generally "tighter" players.

i don't mind playing .05/.10 nl, and so far (~50 hands) i am up by a few dollars

thanks for the advice!

I guess it is a total personal preference but I love fulltilt over stars, just find it easier to move around and find the games I'm looking for. And I've never had problems withdrawing from them...had one with stars, since corrected but still...

Stars by all means

Stars:

- More players, more games available
- More microlimits to choose from
- Better support
- Better interface (this is more personal preference though)

FT:

- Better signup bonus
- Rakeback (rakeback > FPPs)

as a begginer i would recomend that you play on pokerstars becuase there is much lower limits to start out with

A *new* account? Well, you already have one on FullTilt, so use the CardsChat sign up and not only do you get the normal 100% bonus, but you get the exclusive $25 CardsChat bonus.

The rake is gentler in the micro-stakes game on PokerStars.

I think FullTilt has a bit cleaner table interface, but finding tournaments by name is tough.

I like being able to upload my own avatar to PokerStars, but that's a silly reason to pick a site.

There are more players and more tables/tournaments to choose from on PokerStars, and they have the best customer service in the business.

But really, play what you're comfortable with. I started playing freerolls on FT and didn't like PS when I moved. Now when I go back to FT on occasion, I don't have the same feelings I once had.

I say pokerstars. By far the best site out there.

I think you should look into fulltilt. The rakes may be a little bit bigger, but they offer a lot in terms of games you can play and the setup is WAY more user-friendly than pokerstars in my opinion.

I would say Bodog just because there is a $500 dollar freeroll every 6 hours.

I cant help you out though on raked games i only really do tourneys.

also even though some people on these forums don't like bodog for w/e reasons, its not very hard to work and most of the people you cross on freerolls are not very good so you will have a easier time making it to final tables placed 18/799 today while playing mafia wars haha. no focus.

if your interested in the freerolls i would say FT as you wont find 15,000 people enrolled in a tourney. but both are good!