Described as the world's largest poker site, PokerStars allows user to play a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold 'Em, in both play money and real money games and tournaments.http://www.pokerstars.com/about/ This guide will help new users get started and learn how to play poker on PokerStars easily at home.

Launched in 2001 and operated by the Harrah's casino group, PokerStars quickly rose to prominence when Chris Moneymaker enrolled in a $39 satellite tournament on the site, winning both the satellite and an entry into the 2003 World Series of Poker, which he won as well and the top prize of $2.5 million. The same thing happened the following year when Greg Raymer was crowned the winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker. The company has continued to grow throughout the years with hundreds of thousands of players online at any given time in one of over 10,000 tournaments. http://www.pokerstars.com/about/

In addition to hosting their popular poker room, PokerStars sponsors several professional poker tours as well as many top players including the 2005 WSOP champion Joe Hachem, Vanessa Rousso, Joe Cada, Barry Greenstein and Daniel Negreanu. http://www.pokerstars.com/team-pokerstars/ They also offer tutorials to introduce the game to new players or those looking to improve their skills.http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/room/

To play on PokerStars, the first thing you'll need to do is download the proper software. This software allows you to connect with other players for table games, tournaments and other events. There are four versions of the software, both play money and real money versions for both Mac OSX and Microsoft Windows operating systems.http://www.pokerstars.net/poker/download/mac/ Be sure to select the correct software for your needs.

1. Determine if you plan to play for play money or real money. The real money client will allow free play as well, so if you may wish to play both, the real money client may be best.
2. If you want to play with strictly play money, visit PokerStars.net.http://www.pokerstars.net/poker/download/mac/ If you are looking for both real and play money, visit PokerStars.com.http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/download/mac/
3. Once at the selected website, click the download in the menu bar. The system should automatically detect if you are using a PC or Mac and direct you to the correct software.http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/download/mac/
4. Click the download link that appears on the next screen, selecting either Run or Save File in the dialog box that pops up.
5. Follow the prompts to install and start the application.

In order to play, you'll need both an Internet connection and an account. For either play money or real money versions on PC or Mac, a minimum connection of 56k dial-up Internet connection is required to play.http://www.pokerstars.net/poker/download/mac/

1. After the software is installed, the application should start automatically. You will see a welcome screen, with news about upcoming events, as well as the main lobby of PokerStars.
2. Click the red Log In button in the lower right corner of the application. You will be given the option of entering an existing user ID and password or creating a new account.
3. Click the Create New Account button, which will open a larger dialog box.
4. Select and enter your desired nickname and click the button to "Check if available." Once you have selected an available username, which cannot be changed, enter your desired password twice. Click the Next button to continue.
5. Enter your full name, date of birth, gender, mailing address and e-mail address in the applicable fields. If you are playing with real money, you'll need to enter the information exactly as listed on your credit card, debit card or other form of payment you plan to use.
6. Check the box on the following screen to confirm that your information was entered correctly and confirm that you are at least 18 years of age. Click Next.
7. Select how you found PokerStars, selecting what type of source referred you and entering the exact name of the source if applicable. Click Next.
8. Click the link to read the End User License Agreement fully and return to the PokerStars application to check the box that you have read and understood the entire agreement. Click Next to continue.
9. Complete the captcha form by entering the letter that appear in the box. click Next.
10. Check the inbox of the e-mail address you used in your sign up to find the verification letter. The e-mail will contain a verification code.
11. Return to the application and open the Account pulldown menu at the very top. Select Validate Email Address and type or paste the verification code where specified. Click Validate. If successful, a status window will appear confirming your new account. You will also receive a confirmation e-mail welcoming you to the PokerStars team.http://www.pokerstars.net/tutorials/

Now that you have the software and the account, it's time to find a game and play. To get started, you need a bankroll, or money to use to fund your bets or tournament buy-ins. If you signed up as a free money player, you will be given 1,000 play dollars to start. If you are playing for real money, you'll need to make a deposit by clicking the cashier button on the application. Be sure to adhere to local, state and federal laws regarding online gaming applicable to your area.

1. From your PokerStars lobby in the application, you will see the top row of the menu listing the games available. The first four selections, Hold'em, Omaha, stud and other games are for table games. The final three, tourney, sit, & go and events refer to the different tournaments offered. Select which you would like to play.
2. On the next line, you can filter the results based on what type of game or tournament you are looking for. Options include variations on the type of game, pot limits, types of tournaments and events and amount of the buy-in or table minimum. Select which you would like to play.
3. Results matching both the type of game and specific other preferences will show below the menu bars. Scroll through the tables or tournaments to find one you would like to join. Double click on the table or tournament to open the table or tournament lobby.
   1. For tables, to join, click an available seat open button. You will be asked to select the amount of money you wish to bring to the table. The amount must be less than your account balance and more than the table minimum.
   2. For tournaments, you will be asked to pay the buy-in fee, plus the entry fee. The buy-in is added to the total prize pool, while the entry fee goes directly to PokerStars for providing the service.http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/room/features/tour/
4. On you are at a table or in a tournament, it's time to shuffle up and deal!