Having opened in 2005, Carbon Poker was the first Merge Gaming network site, and they’ve remained at the forefront of Merge to this day. This is pretty impressive considering that the network includes Lock Poker, Over Bet, RPM Poker and Poker Nordica. So what has made Carbon Poker so popular over the years? Well besides the fact that they’re still one of the few big sites that accepts American players, people also like the software features and extensive VIP program offered by Carbon. Here is a detailed look at these two aspects, as well as what else you can expect at this site.
Carbon Poker Software Features
Carbon is definitely known as one of the leaders in online poker software features. They developed this reputation after becoming the first room to allow players to “Run It Twice,” which is a popular feature seen on TV poker where players have both the turn and river cards dealt twice. In addition to this, Carbon also lets players use the Rabbit Hunt option (see remaining community cards in non-showdown hands), Expose One Card (show opponents one or two cards after a hand), Time Bank (use reserve time to make a tough decision), Quick Start (find games without using lobby), Late Registration in tournaments, vector graphics, multi-tabling and player accolades.
Carbon Poker Bonus
Most poker rooms throughout the industry offer a max signup bonus worth between $400 and $600. But if you use the instructions on our download page and make a deposit, you can get a 150% up to $750 bonus at Carbon. This max bonus is a bit higher than the majority of the industry, and requirements for earning the bonus aren’t bad either. You unlock $1 of the bonus for every 75 VIP Points earned, which isn’t so bad considering that you get 10 VIP Points for every $1 contributed in rake.
Carbon Poker VIP Program
Expanding on the bonus subject, Carbon also offers a pretty detailed and generous VIP program for players. One of the best rewards you can get through the program includes daily cashback rebates, which offer players money back on rake paid. In addition to this, players can also exchange VIP Points for cash, enter tournaments for free with points, receive special freeroll entries, and shop at the VIP Rewards Store with points.
Game Variety/Tournaments
While Carbon advertises a large array of games such as Badugi, Razz and Triple Draw, the majority of their cash game action centers on Holdem, Omaha and Stud games; you’ll also find a few players in the 5-Card Draw games too. Despite the lack of reliable Badugi, Razz and Triple Draw cash games, Carbon has much better gaming variety than most poker rooms, which only offer full tables in Holdem and Omaha.
In regards to the tournaments, you’ll find a lot more of the advertised Badugi and Triple Draw action, along with H.O.R.S.E. tournaments. Of course, Carbon’s biggest guaranteed tourneys are still Holdem events; this includes their ever-popular weekly $100,000 Guaranteed.
Carbon Poker Promotions
Carbon runs a solid amount of promotions, which are highlighted by the monthly leaderboard races. “Tourney King” offers $20,000 a month to the top MTT players at Carbon, while the SNG Leaderboard rewards $12,000 to the best sit and go players each month. Some of the more common online poker promotions at Carbon include Refer-a-Friend, Royal Flush Bonus, and the Bad Beat Jackpot. The bad beat tables are really big since the jackpot often reaches $500,000 or higher.
Carbon Poker Support
You’ll find decent customer support at Carbon Poker, which includes both live chat and email service. Unfortunately, you don’t get the telephone and fax support too, but for most people, email and live chat is sufficient.
