It seems as though PokerStars is readying itself to make some additional bold moves as far as its available poker game offerings go. How does it intend to do this? By trialling Double-Board Game Split Hold’em.
Over time, many poker players have tried to find something bigger and better to occupy their time with than standard pot-limit versions of Omaha poker. To ensure that this bigger and better thrill comes, PokerStars has brought Split Hold’em poker to the forefront of its offerings. This game basically works as a Double-Board Hold’em option.
With this being the case, as with other double-board options, the PokerStars offering will allow 2 full flops, as well as both turns and rivers that will be dealt simultaneously when the time calls for such. In order for a player to claim the full pot, either a show down on a winning hand via both boards must occur, or all of the player’s opponents have to fold prior to a showdown taking place. Should a showdown with a winning hand occur just on a single board, then half the pot will be received.
Representative for PokerStars, Dan Price spoke about the new game via the official blog. He said that Split Hold’em is working as “an example of the new variants we’ve been working on at PokerStars”. He went on to further say that PokerStars believes that these games are engaging and challenging, giving players the chance to test and hone their skills and wits with a fresh and unseen format.
According to Price, Split Hold’em is a game that has already brought forth a mass of discussion internally relating to the best kind of strategy to use. Therefore, PokerStars can’t wait to discover how its players adapt to the Double-Board setup.
The new variant is currently available, but only a trial basis for the time being, without a specified time period.
The Overall Poker Landscape
The diversity of poker gameplay has been something that one of the PokerStars pros Daniel Negranu has long championed. He mentioned that the landscape needs to continue changing and being innovative in order for poker to remain appealing to players. Especially in the online world.
It has actually been some time that PokerStars has been looking to incorporate new innovations for the public to try out. However, it has had quite a focus on eSports in recent months, first bringing out the Power Up offering, which debuted in October 2017. Of course, this is a game that is quite dramatically different to standard poker. This is why Split Hold’em will provide somewhat of a gentler transition, remaining a lot closer to Hold’em poker overall.
That being said, Double-Board versions of poker have actually been around for a considerable number of years already. This is due to the fact that they work as an easy variant to understand. Rules surrounding gameplay aren’t hugely different to standard Omaha or Hold’em poker. And while there is a significant shift in the type of strategy necessary, Double-Board games still provide a familiar-enough setting.
