Online Poker » Party Poker » Party Poker for Linux

Although Party Poker does not allow U.S. players, it is still one of the largest and well-played online poker sites. The software is known to have sharp and clear graphics, live-action previews, customizable player images and enhanced multi-tabling options.

Using Party Poker Instant Play on Linux

There are no poker sites that offer a downloadable client for Linux. Many Linux users will use the Wine emulator to use windows-based poker programs on Linux. Party Poker does not, however, operate that well with Wine, so it is recommended that you use the Flash/Java version of their poker room. This means that you won't have to download any software and will instead play directly in your Internet browser.

If you access http://www.partypoker.com, on the left-hand side of the site's home page there will be an Instant Play button. If you simply click this button you'll have immediate access to the free Linux poker room. It is important to note that while Instant Play is a free and quick way to play online poker at Party Poker, the many features such as avatars and table sorting, accessories and graphics will not be present.

Party Poker Linux Game Types

If you do successfully run the Party Poker software through Wine, you'll have access to all of the options that Party Poker provides. The standard poker room games such as Omaha Hi-Lo and Omaha, Texas Hold'em, 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo are all offered. The Party Poker room also offers Blackjack. It should be mentioned that Party Poker is known for soft competition, especially in tournaments. On the plus side, there is almost always action in each game thanks to the big size and geographical diversity at Party Poker. Big playing times will run at European peak hours.

Differences Between Instant Play and the Downloadable Party Poker Software

The biggest difference between Party Poker Instant Play and the downloadable version of Party Poker software will be the special features. If you are able to download the full version and have it installed on your Linux computer, you will definitely get the better deal. The graphics will be clearer and higher quality. The special features such as table sorting and avatars will be lost on the Instant Play version. Other unique features in the downloadable software include exceptionally smooth navigation as well as multi-language and currency options. The Party Poker main lobby is also exceptionally appealing to the eye and players have access to many statistics including the percentage of players who view the flop and the average pot size.

The full download version will only be compatible with Windows users and minimum system requirements must be met to ensure a proper installation. Those include the following:

1. Windows 98/ME/2000/XP or Vista

2. Pentium system with 256 MB of RAM

3. A screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels