Full Tilt Poker Software

The Full Tilt Poker software was designed with input from top players like Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, and Andy Bloch. In its default state, there are a lot of menus and customizable features, which is great for players in the long run, but can be somewhat daunting for beginners. Technical and human resources are expended to maintain Full Tilt poker security and avoid cheats.

Lobby Views

There are three different lobby views, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. You can switch between them using the Lobby file menu.

Standard View – This is the default mode for the Full Tilt software. The key element of standard view is the large browse area in the upper third of the application. Players can use the browse area to select various options about the kind of game they’re looking for. The applicable games will be displayed in a list in the main box of the lobby.

This is the only view that makes use of FTP widgets, which you can read more about below.

Basic View – Basic view was designed to streamline the process of finding a game. Instead of keeping all options available all the time, basic view leads you through them one at a time and then shows games that match your selections.

It’s quick and easy, but significantly less useful for experience Full Tilt Poker software users.

Mini View – Mini view mimics the functionality of basic view, but with a smaller footprint. It’s ideal for players with small computer screens or who just want to minimize the lobby’s real estate. Here’s a shot of mini view next to standard view.

All of the crucial options are still there, but the widget bar on the right side is gone. Depending on the resolution of your display screen, FTP may default to this option and not allow you to change it.

Customizing the Table and Avatars

There are lots of customization options that can be selected at the table. The default Classic View arranges players around a circular table, but FTP also offers an oval-shaped Racetrack View. Each of these has seven different backgrounds that can be displayed behind the table.

FTP offers several dozen different avatars that can be deployed to represent you at the table, from a panda bear to a female ninja. Each avatar can be set to show one of four different emotions: angry, happy, surprised, and normal. If you find the avatars to be distracting, they can be turned off.

Other options at the table include the size and color of the cards, the font and style of the chat box, and the display of different status “badges.” All of these can be accessed by clicking the Options button in the top right corner of the table.

Widgets

FTP widgets are small, self-contained units that can be placed in the lobby to display information about tournaments, players, Iron Man status, etc. You can customize your lobby widgets by clicking the Customize button in the bottom right corner of the Standard View lobby.

Run it Twice

One of the features that’s unique to Full Tilt Poker is the ability to “run it twice,” as the pros often do in televised high stakes cash games. When two players are all-in before the river, running it twice means the rest of the board (whether 1, 2, or 5 cards) will be dealt out two separate times. Then a winner will be determined for each instance of the board, and half of the pot will be awarded in each case. Each player has a run it twice checkbox on their table, and the software will automatically run in twice if and only if both players have checked the option.