3D Poker vs. 2D Poker Comparison

Ever since 3D poker came about in early 2001 people have been asking themselves "should I play 3D poker or 2D poker?" It can be a difficult decision for players, because each form of online poker has their advantages and disadvantages. This article will be a comparison between the two, so online poker players can make an educated decision as to which form of poker benefits them most.

Benefits of 3D Poker

3D poker has tons of benefits including advanced software, a more social atmosphere, and fishier players. We'll analyze each advantage more in depth right now...

3D Poker Software

The biggest, and most obvious advantage of playing at a 3D poker site is of course the fact that the software is 3D! Sites like PKR Poker and Ladbrokes 3D Poker make players feel like they're right at the table, and the graphics are comparable to modern day video games. Also, besides just cool looking environments, the characters can actually do things such as chip tricks, congratulate other players, or get mad if you lose a hand.

Social Atmosphere

This one is kind of hard to explain, but when you play at PKR.com you really feel like you're part of a community, as opposed to just one player amongst millions like at PokerStars.com or FullTiltPoker.com. This community type atmosphere is created through the in-game emotions displayed by players, the special events PKR runs (such as their annual PKRtober Fest in October where players' avatars dress up in costumes), and the live meet ups in England that PKR arranges for players who wish to attend.

Players can have buddy lists at the site, and most people have a bunch of buddies that they regularly play and chat with at PKR.com. If you're a social person, you might want to check out PKR.com to meet some other poker players who share the same passion for 3D poker.

Fishy Competition

One subtle advantage at 3D poker sites is the fact that they have much softer competition than traditional online poker rooms. Since players see less hands per hour, and the stakes are usually lower, all of the professional online players stick to 2D poker sites so they can see more hands at higher stakes. As a result of this, it is mostly casual players who play at PKR.com and Ladbrokes.com, so you can really take advantage of that fact if you're a decent player.

Benefits of 2D Poker

Although we obviously prefer 3D poker since we're running this website, there are some definite advantages to 2D poker sites as well. Here they are...

Simple Software

One big advantage of playing at a traditional online poker room is the fact that the software uses practically none of your computer's resources. It's pretty equivalent to opening up Internet Explorer, so as long as your computer can handle that, it can handle a 2D poker room.

This is a big difference from 3D poker rooms, because at sites like PKR you need a fairly modern computer to run the software. As long as your computer was made in the last few years you'll be fine, but for people with older computers or people who like to have multiple programs open when they play poker, it may be an issue.

More Traffic/Higher Stakes

Another big benefit of playing at a 2D poker site like PokerStars is the fact that they have a lot more traffic than 3D poker rooms. Even though a lot of players like 3D poker, 2D is still far more popular so there are more tables running, and higher stakes games offered at the traditional online poker rooms. If you're a high stakes player you might want to stick with 2D so you always have a game to play.

Hands per Hour

The other big difference is the fact that at a 3D poker room, you'll see probably 33% less hands per hour than you would at a 2D poker room. This is only an issue for serious players, but its something to consider if you're playing for profit.