IGNITION POKER - STRICTLY U.S. ONLY
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INTRODUCTION
Following Bovada Pokers decision to transition to Ignition Poker, Ignition is now one of the largest poker networks that still accepts American customers. The Bovada poker app is based on HTML5 web technology so I am happy to report that the software is 100% compatible with Windows Phone and provides you with a unique chance to play the adrenaline-pumping Zone variant of Texas Hold’em and Omaha while remaining on the go. Despite a few minor flaws, the new app is slick, safe and perfectly US-friendly, so if you’re looking for a great poker client built around fast-fold poker action, you should definitely consider giving it a try.
DOWNLOAD INFO & PROMOTIONS
The Ignition app for Windows Phone is completely browser-based, which means that loading the necessary files is as simple as visiting the mobile version of Ignition site. Even though no files are stored in the memory of your device once you’re done playing, the app doesn’t really lag and the loading times are very smooth. The main menu of Ignition mobile gives you access to the poker client, as well as the site’s flagship sports betting and casino products. If you don’t have a Ignition account yet, you’ll have to register for an account before you’ll be allowed to join any real money games. Fortunately, the entire process can be completed via the mobile app, so you won’t have to use your desktop computer just to provide the Ignition staff with all the necessary information.
One of the biggest advantages of joining Ignition is the generous $1,000 Welcome Bonus, which is a 1:1 match on the first payment that you make. As is often the case with online poker sites, the promotional money isn’t available as soon as you make your deposit – instead, you have to unlock it in several stages by playing poker and accumulating Poker Points. Once you fund your account and claim the bonus, you’ll have 60 days to release the entire amount – after this deadline passes, the unused bonus funds are forfeited. Fortunately, playing on the higher stakes allows you to clear the bonus faster, so even if you have to unlock the entire $1,000, you shouldn’t be forced to engage in any excessive grinding.
One of the biggest advantages of joining Ignition is the generous $1,000 Welcome Bonus, which is a 1:1 match on the first payment that you make. As is often the case with online poker sites, the promotional money isn’t available as soon as you make your deposit – instead, you have to unlock it in several stages by playing poker and accumulating Poker Points. Once you fund your account and claim the bonus, you’ll have 60 days to release the entire amount – after this deadline passes, the unused bonus funds are forfeited. Fortunately, playing on the higher stakes allows you to clear the bonus faster, so even if you have to unlock the entire $1,000, you shouldn’t be forced to engage in any excessive grinding.
FEATURES
Like all browser-based Windows Phone poker apps, the new Ignition Casino poker client isn’t very likely to impress you with flaring special effects and copious amount of eye candy. However, the visual theme will feel familiar to anyone who came in contact with Ignition’s desktop software, as all the menus feature the site’s trademark mix of black, red and white. Aside from the games, the main menu gives you access to the full set of banking options, which means that you’ll be able to manage your deposits and withdrawals without using your desktop computer. One of the biggest flaws of the app is the lack of customisation options – in fact, the main menu doesn’t allow you to adjust any settings at all.
As briefly touched on above, Ignition Windows Phone app is all about fast-fold Zone poker – you won’t find any classic 6-max and full ring games or Sit & Go tournaments here. The difference between Zone poker and traditional games lies in the fact that each time you fold or win a hand, you’re transferred to another table in order to avoid waiting for the other players to take their turn. Consequently, playing Zone poker is incredibly fast-paced and allows you to play as many hands per hour as if you were playing on multiple tables at once. Supported poker variants include Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi/Lo at the moment, which gives this app an edge over all the other fast-fold, Hold’em only software packages.
As briefly touched on above, Ignition Windows Phone app is all about fast-fold Zone poker – you won’t find any classic 6-max and full ring games or Sit & Go tournaments here. The difference between Zone poker and traditional games lies in the fact that each time you fold or win a hand, you’re transferred to another table in order to avoid waiting for the other players to take their turn. Consequently, playing Zone poker is incredibly fast-paced and allows you to play as many hands per hour as if you were playing on multiple tables at once. Supported poker variants include Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi/Lo at the moment, which gives this app an edge over all the other fast-fold, Hold’em only software packages.
TABLE MODE & COMPETITION
As you’d expect from a Windows Phone poker app designed with fast-fold Hold’em and Omaha in mind, the table mode in Ignition’s mobile client is exceptionally well designed. The user interface is easy to adjust to and quickly becomes second nature, so it’s almost impossible to make any costly mistakes after spending a few minutes with this package. All the important buttons are conveniently placed near the bottom of your screen, allowing you to watch the action without ever obscuring the table with your thumbs. The fonts are big enough to make it easy to read the size of the pot, stacks and bets and the cards are easy to distinguish from one another even with the two-colored deck. Consequently, switching the tables once you complete your hand doesn’t seem confusing, as you should be able to assess the situation at a glance and focus on planning your next move.
SOFT COMPETITION
The traffic on Ignition is very high, particularly during the peak hours, which means that you’ll probably never see empty tables after you click the go button. However, unlike on other major networks, most players on Ignition tend to play like fish due to the fact that the site tends to cater to casual poker enthusiasts by offering anonymous tables and other newbie-friendly features for desktop-based customers. Consequently, if you’re a seasoned poker player, turning profit on Ignition should prove to be easier than on most other offshore sites – and if you’re a beginner yourself, you will be able to hone your skills without donating too much money to hardened poker veterans.
VERDICT
The current version of Ignition’s Windows Phone mobile app probably wouldn’t be the best choice for players who are looking for a poker client that’d allow them to play classic ring games or single-table tournaments, but if you enjoy fast fold games and Hold’em or Omaha, odds are high you’re going to fall in love with what this little piece of software has to offer. The action is perfectly smooth, the loading times are ridiculously short for a browser-based app, the user interface is exceptionally well designed, the competition is very soft… and if that wasn’t enough, Ignition offers some of the most lucrative bonuses available in the industry right now.
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Reviews of other recommended Windows mobile poker apps.
