Installing the PokerStars Client:

• Install Wine (have FontForge installed before building Wine from source)
• Download the PokerStars client. Install using the command 'wine PokerStarsInstall.exe'

Installing the Microsoft Arial (if needed) and Tahoma fonts:

• Download the Arial fonts. Install using the command 'wine arial32.exe'
• Download the Tahoma fonts. Install using the command 'wine tahoma32.exe'

• wine "C:\Program Files\PokerStars\PokerStarsUpdate.exe"

• You can resize and then redraw the table using the F5 key by adding the following into the ~/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/PokerStars/user.ini file under [Options]: f5redrawtable=1 (won't work properly if window is resized beyond min/max size)

It has been reported several times that the lobby/table fonts for the table list/player names/chip amounts don't render well or don't show up at all. I would try the following first to correct the font problem:

• The Wine package for your distro might not have been built using FontForge. Try installing FontForge and then build Wine from source.
• Install the Arial (if needed) and Tahoma fonts {See HOWTO above}
• No longer needed: Change resolution to 96 dpi. If you have an nVidia card and use the drivers from their site, add the following to the driver section in xorg.conf: Option "UseEdidDpi" "False" and Option "DPI" "96 x 96"
  

Running the PokerStars Client without allowing the window manager to control the windows makes Manually resizing table windows work correctly. However, the cursor in the chat box still tabs and mouseover player information still doesn't work. You will have to sacrifice desktop integration though if you choose to run PokerStars this way. Run 'winecfg'/Graphics tab and uncheck 'Allow the window manager to control the windows' to set.

WARNING: I recommend not using other programs while playing PokerStars this way.

Sorry for not getting right back with everyone. However, I am happy to say that PokerStars is working again. The E-Mail I received explains what caused the problem first reported on 9-19-06. Since its late for me, I will just post part of it here:

'We have traced this problem to a feature on the server side, which has been temporarily deactivated pending further testing. You should be able to play on PokerStars under your virtual machine again at this time.

Thank you for your patience with this matter, and for your report of the problem. Good luck in your games, and thank you for playing on PokerStars.'

Nice to know that they are looking out for the Linux poker players too. I have deleted the replies suggesting a temporary fix to Wine as this was not the cause of this problem (I would hate for someone to apply a patch that they don't need). Thanks to everyone that reported here and also E-Mailed PokerStars support. It helped them track down the problem quickly it seems :D

They work just right and smooth, everything from razz, omaha and h.o.r.s.e. to nl sngs, tourneys and cashgames. There are no crashes from nowhere that will cause you to loose money, as regular player i mark this perfectly stable for real money play.

Admin Note:  Wine does not guarantee the stability of your application IN ANY WAY.  Use at your own risk.