Black Chip Poker
Introduction to BCP Black Chip Poker
Black Chip Poker is one of the leading skins on the Winning Poker Network – the most popular online poker network for US players that prefer to use poker tracking software. Players at Black Chip Poker get access to the most valuable tournaments open to US players, the most rewarding promotions and probably the best VIP loyalty scheme in the world.
$1000USPOKERGetting Started at Black Chip Poker
To start playing at Black Chip Poker, you will have to download the poker client software from – blackchippoker.eu – . The installation of the software and account registration process just takes a few minutes and there is a live chat facility on website if you encounter any problems. If you have never created an online poker account before, here are a few tips to avoid beginner mistakes:
- Make sure you use a valid email address and double-check the address for accuracy after you have entered it.
- Use the Black Chip Poker bonus code “USPOKER” on the first registration page to ensure you qualify for the Welcome Package.
- When you enter your personal details on page 2, make sure they are the same as the documents you will use to verify your account.
- Take the time to read the “Terms and Conditions” so that you understand the rules for playing online poker at Black Chip Poker.
When you have finished the registration process, you will receive an email welcoming you to Black Chip Poker. We recommend that you complete the verification stage straight away (confirming your ID with a driver´s license and utility bill) as verification adds an extra layer of security to your account.
More about the Black Chip Poker Bonus Code
Using the Black Chip Poker bonus code “USPOKER” entitles you to a 100% match bonus on your first deposit up to $1,000. The bonus is cleared by earning “Award Points” as you contribute to the rake deducted from cash game pots or when you pay a fee to enter a Sit & Go game or multitable tournament. Award Points are distributed at the rate of 5.5 points per dollar, and the bonus is released in increments of $5.00 every time you have collected 27.5 Award Points.
In addition to the Black Chip poker bonus for first deposits, you will also get entry into the site´s weekly $250 New Depositor Freeroll tournaments. These run every Saturday at 12:05pm (ET) and you will be allowed to play in up to four of the tournaments each month – depending on what stage of the month you make your first deposit. I.e. – if you deposit on the 1st of the month, you will get access to four freerolls. If you deposit on the 25th of the month, you will likely get access to just one freeroll.
The Choice of Games
The choice of games at Black Chip Poker will keep most players happy. The site has very active NL Texas Hold´em and PL Omaha tables with stakes from $0.01/$0.02 to $25.00/$50.00, and – during peak times – you will also find games of Omaha Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud Poker and 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo Poker underway. The site´s Sit & Go games will also appeal to players – ranging from three-handed, hyper-turbo Jackpot Poker games to S&G satellites to some of the site´s most valuable tournaments.
Speaking of tournaments, Black Chip Poker hosts the most valuable weekly poker tournament accessible by players in the US – the $115,000 guaranteed “Sunday Special” – and is famous for its $1,000,000 guaranteed “Million Dollar Sundays”. The site has a comprehensive satellite schedule for its most valuable tournaments, often starting at “Freebuy” level – satellites that have no buy-in and the option for players to add to their stacks with re-buys and add-ons.
The Level of Traffic
As mentioned at the beginning of this Black Chip Poker review, the Winning Poker Network is the most popular US-facing online poker site for players that prefer to use poker tracking software. The ability to have an insight into your opponent´s play is one of the key elements of successful poker, and this is one of the main reasons why the Winning Poker Network attracts and maintains such a high level of traffic.
Another key point is that Black Chip Poker is not exclusively for US players. Players from all over the world have accounts with the site – especially European players in ring-fenced countries that experience low liquidity and low rewards on their domestic poker sites. This means that the action continues around the clock – a bonus for any player that enjoys long sessions at the tables.
The Standard of Play
Due to “serious” players taking advantage of the opportunity to use poker tracking software, the standard of play at Black Chip Poker – particularly at the higher stake levels – is pretty good. However, recreational players should not be dissuaded from playing at the site because of two important factors that influence how many players approach their game – the “Beast” and the “Elite Benefits” VIP program.
The “Beast” is a non-contributory weekly rake race that awards leaderboard points to players for their contribution to the rake deducted from cash game pots. The more “Beast Points” a player has, the higher their position on the leaderboard and the more valuable prize they receive. The quest to get points often leads players to act a little looser than if there was no prize to aim at, and it is worth looking at the Beast leaderboard to determine who these players are.
The “Elite Benefits” VIP Program is discussed in more detail below. However, in terms of the standard of play, it is important to know that points in the “Elite Benefits” VIP program are awarded using the dealt rake method. This means that a player is awarded points for being dealt into a hand whether they contribute to the rake or not. This means that some players will play ultra-tight, waiting for only the premium hands to come along.
Features and Promotions
Black Chip Poker rarely takes a break from rolling out new software features or launching new promotions. As far as the site´s software is concerned, there is an easy-to-navigate lobby, stacks of customizable table themes, and adjustable options for buy-ins, top-ups and preferred seating. A comprehensive set of filters helps you find your preferred game or tournament quickly.
The promotions are practically non-stop. If the site is not trying to qualify you for a major online poker tournament, it is trying to qualify you for a major live poker event. There are regular events such as the “Cage” – a five hour cash game with rising blinds each level – freerolls “On Demand”, frequent reload bonuses and a special leaderboard competition for players who enjoy playing Sit & Go games.
Banking and Customer Service
Like many online poker sites nowadays, the banking options vary according to your location. For most US poker players, the choice exists of making a deposit into your account via debit or credit cards, P2P transfer or Bitcoin. Withdrawals are usually processed via the same means that was used to make a deposit and Black Chip Poker also offers a prepaid debit card as an option or will send you a check.
The level of customer service is fantastic. In addition to the live chat facility, players in the US have a toll-free telephone service at their disposal or can use the online email facility. Black Chip Poker also has a comprehensive FAQ section on its website and representatives available to answer players´ questions via social media channels and on poker players´ forums.
The Elite Benefits VIP Program
At the start of our Black Chip Poker review, we claimed that the site has “probably the best VIP loyalty scheme in the world” and with good reason. Black Chip Poker is one of the few remaining online poker sites that uses the dealt rake method of points distribution – a system that suits all but the loosest players better than the contributed rake method of points distribution.
This system allows multitabling players to collect points in the Elite Benefits VIP program quicker, achieve higher status levels faster and earn more rewards. In addition to the “regular” cash exchanges, tournament entries and themed goodies from the online store, Black Chip Poker players can also collect “Achievement Rewards” and “Legendary Bonuses” for hitting certain points´ milestones – adding valuable cash rewards to their growing bankrolls.
Why You Should Play at Black Chip Poker
- Great First Deposit Bonus
- Frequent Reload Bonuses
- Plenty of Action Around the Clock
- Valuable Guaranteed Tournaments
- Valuable VIP Rewards Program
Why You Might Not Like Black Chip Poker
- Lack of Mobile or Mac Compatibility
- You Live in State Where Online Poker is Regulated
- You Are No Fan of Extended Tournament Late Registration Periods
Black Chip Poker Review Conclusion
There is a lot to like about Black Chip Poker and not a lot where you will find fault. The games are solid, there is good customer support and the opportunity exists for a decent long-term profit. The site has integrity stamped all over it and monitors the action to promote fairness and prevent collusion, as well as verifying the identity of every player before allowing them to withdraw their winnings.
Thousands of players visit Black Chip Poker for its great promotions, valuable tournaments and lucrative VIP program. Make sure you don´t miss out on the benefits of playing at Black Chip Poker by visiting the site today and registering your account using the Black Chip Poker bonus code “USPOKER”.