How to effectively use poker HUDs and tracking software?
Poker HUDs (heads-up displays) and tracking software provide a wealth of data to optimize play. But only if used properly. Simply having metrics on display during play does not guarantee making optimal adjustments.
Interpret database stats in context
Raw HUD stats require contextualization to be meaningful:
- Consider sample size when evaluating stats. Is it from 5 hands played or 5,000? Large samples carry more weight.
- Some players distribute stats differently across positions and situations. Weigh HUD data accordingly. Don’t assume universal tendencies.
- Review graphs for stat trends rather than just current snapshot numbers. Perceive patterns and trajectory.
- Compare stats to your database averages to gauge relative tendencies. If 80% is high for steal attempts, 70% is low.
- Look at correlated stats together to discern player types. Passive players have low AF and WWSF for instance.
Check multiple indicators and assess wisely. In isolation, stats lie.
Customize your display
Don’t get overwhelmed with superfluous data. Configure your HUD intelligently:
- Only enable the 5-10 most important/revealing stats you need. Cluttered HUDs become information overload.
- Group key stats like aggression, preflop play, and post-flop play in bandarq. Keep related metrics together.
- Adjust stat thresholds and colors to highlight leaks and patterns in opponents’ play. For instance, red when WWSF exceeds 80%.
- Save multiple HUD layouts tailored to your player type (fish, nit, lag, etc.) and update those as you refine your approach.
Curate your HUD configuration over time to display the optimal data.
Review detailed history pages
Dig deeper by consulting complete player profiles:
- Review detailed history pages and graphs for players you face regularly or have large samples on. Note deviations.
- Search hand histories and filter by large pots, showdowns, flop c-bets, etc. to identify outliers from normal patterns.
- Look for differences in key stat ranges when players are in and out of position, deep and short stacked, on different site formats, etc. Compare and contrast.
- Check fold-to-3bet percentages against different bet sizing ranges. Some players only fold to very large 3bets for instance.
History pages reveal nuances hidden in summarized HUD stats alone. Mine that knowledge.
Weigh stats against table dynamics
No player tendencies exist in a vacuum. Consider the current table dynamics:
- If a player opens wide from an early position, their high VPIP could indicate table weakness, not actual hand strength.
- Passive stats signal a player is a card dead and lacking opportunity, not just playing nitty. Watch for them to spring to life after finally getting their hands.
- In multi-way pots, wider 3bet and barreling ranges are common as players try to isolate and thin the field.
- As players start rapidly losing chips, their stats typically loosen and spew increases. They feel pressure to gamble.
