Poker Tracker Overview
Poker Tracker is the most popular product in the tracking software genre. In recent years, tracking software has become one of the “must-have” tools for serious online poker players, and Poker Tracker is at the head of that list.
The latest version of Poker Tracker, Poker Tracker 3 Omaha and Holdem, allows players to track their play in both forms of poker –However both products must be purchased separately, or bundled together: Players are able to purchase one of the PT3 products, and then purchase the second at a reduced “add-on” price. Players can also purchase a Stud version of Poker Tracker from a previous release.
Online poker tracking software gives players the ability to store and categorize every single hand history from every game they have ever participated in. This capability allows online poker players to review their own play as well as build databases on the opponents they see frequently. Additionally, add-on programs allow for real time data collection with updated table stats, giving you up to the minute details on your current opponents’ play –these add-ons are known as HUD’s.
If you were to poll professional poker players the overwhelming majority use tracking software to some extent, and it’s by far the most utilized of all third party online poker software.
Poker Tracker Features
It’s hard to narrow down the beneficial features of Poker Tracker to a manageable number, so here are the main features of the software, and how they can benefit you at the poker tables.
- Compatible with PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, iPoker Network, and Party Poker
- Tracks statistics in every conceivable category: starting hands, BB/100, Voluntarily Put Money in the Pot (VPIP), Pre-flop Raise % (PFR), Total Aggression Factor (TAF)
- Numerous filters allow you to quickly locate the information you are looking for
- Built in hand replayer
- Real time statistics update overlay, Table Tracker, available
- Numerous graphs to chart your results in different areas
- Table selection feature, shows you the best tables available based on your Poker Tracker database
Poker Tracker Drawbacks
There are no inherent drawbacks to using Poker Tracker, although many players feel that using tracking software erodes their hand reading and note taking skills. That said, most users use a combination of written notes and Poker Tracker stats to form their conclusions.
Players are also finding fewer sites that allow the use of tracking software. Many poker players have started to question if tracking software is causing a competitive imbalance, and should be eliminated from the online poker world. Although tracking software appears to be considered “SAFE” as far as its use in online poker.
Poker Tracker Price Tag
Poker Tracker 3 is reasonable priced at $89.99, and players can add-on the Omaha version for $54.99. Poker Tracker also offers a micro-stakes version which limits data collection to tables within the following stakes:
- No-Limit Games $0.10 / $0.25
- Limit Games $0.25 / $0.50
- Tournaments with a maximum $11 buy-in
The micro-stakes version cost $44.99 –with the Omaha add-on costing $29.99.
Players can still purchase the original version of PT Omaha and PT Stud for $55 each. These are the first generation versions of the product, which lack some of the bells and whistles offered with PT3.
Poker Tracker Final Verdict
If you’re a serious poker player you are likely playing against numerous opponents who are using Poker Tracker, so it’s in your best interest to level the playing field. Poker Tracker will also pay for itself almost immediately by pinpointing holes in your own game.
