Merge Poker Network
A global network with emphasis on the US poker market, the Merge Poker Network has seen tremendous growth over the last year or so. Complementing that growth: A steady stream of software updates that has positioned Merge as one of the most innovative operators in online poker. For more in-depth discussion of the software, the promotions and the network itself, continue on with our guide to playing poker on the Merge Poker Network.
Features of the Merge Network Software
Merge rose to popularity largely on the strength of its poker room software. The platform offers unique features like rabbit hunting and the ability to run it twice, and also supports just about the widest range of potential games. There aren't a lot of rooms that spread HORSE, HOSE, Badugi, Razz, Lowball and Draw Poker, but you'll find all of those games and a decent bit more on the menu at Merge Network rooms.
There are a few things missing from Merge; you won't find a fast-fold client at the room, and there do not appear to be any immediate plans to deploy one. You're also out of luck if you're looking for a no download version of the software or a mobile version, as neither are available at the typical room on the Merge Poker Network.
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Poker Room
Bonus
PC
Mobile
Poker Room Highlights
Review
1
200% up to
$5,000
- Receive a 200% up to $5,000 deposit bonus.
- This site pays out cash daily from rake and VIP program.
- Offers Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, Badugi and mixed games
2
200% up to
$4,000
- Features a 200% to $4,000 Deposit Bonus
- Play Poker, Casino or Bet On Sports
- Fast Payouts & Accepts US Credit Cards
The Merge Poker Network has been offering online poker to players for the better part of a decade. Driven by flagship room CarbonPoker.com, Merge is also home to such recognizable rooms as GR88 and Black Chip Poker. Those skins, along with several dozen others, all use the Merge software platform and pool all of their players into one collective lobby.
Advocates of playing at the Merge Poker Network like to talk about the nearly-unmatched level of game variety (more on that below) and a collection of promotions that gives active players a chance to earn very high rakeback rates. Those not as fond of Merge point out the relatively thin SNG lobby and absence of higher-stakes cash games, along with tougher-than-average games.
Merge Network: Real Money Traffic Levels
Merge sits right on the cusp of the top 10 online poker rooms (ranked by real money traffic). How does that translate in terms of available games and limits? Basically, it's more than enough traffic to support a surplus of games on the low end of the buy in spectrum, but not enough traffic to generate steady games at mid stakes and high stakes. That description is also accurate for the tournament lobbies at Merge Network rooms - tons of cheap options, but not much to choose from once buy ins start to creep about the $25-$30 range.
Most games played at Merge are no limit hold'em, but the Merge software does support a much richer variety of game types. Razz, Badugi, Triple Lowball and a host of mixed games are dealt at Merge, although players will often have to start games or play shorthanded in order to get action at these formats.
Shared Promotions and Bonuses at Merge Sites
Merge Poker rooms offer one of the more attractive sets of shared promotions that you'll find at a US-facing network. Some highlights of the common promotions at Merge rooms:
- Poker Maximus: A rich tournament series that guarantees over $1.3 million in prize pools and comes with a leaderboard promotion potentially worth thousands of dollars.
- SNG / MTT Leaderboards: Each month, the top SNG and MTT players on Merge sites get the chance to fight for tens of thousands in prizes spread out over dozens of players.
- Rake Chases: If cash games are more your thing, then you'll appreciate the substantial value made available by the monthly rake chases at Merge Network rooms.
- Sunday $125k: A favorite of tournament players thanks to a frequent overlay, tons of satellites and generally soft competition for a major online tournament.
