CardRunners Pro Eric Burtzlaff (DamnRinger) Discusses Holdem Manager

Eric "DamnRinger" Burtzlaff is one of the most popular No Limit Hold'em Full Ring coaches in poker today. He officially works for CardRunners, where he's produced many popular poker training videos, but can also be seen around the various forums prominently. He also offers private one-on-one coaching for micro- and small-stakes full ring players.

Burtzlaff is a die-hard Holdem Manager user and we asked him for his unique insight into the program and how it's helped him be successful in the online poker arena.

PSW: When did you first start using Holdem Manager and what jumped out about it that made it your go-to program for hand history and stat tracking?

Eric Burtzlaff: I first started using it about the time that PokerTracker 3 was released and, unfortunately, it had a lot of bugs. I was looking for a solution and heard that Holdem Manager was good. Basically, the second I started using it, I was impressed. It is smooth and doesn't crash. I need a program I can rely on all the time and Holdem Manager was that program from the second I switched over to it.

PSW: Holdem Manager can be a little intimidating to use. What were some of the challenges you faced and what did you do to overcome them?

Eric Burtzlaff: It definitely can be very intimidating and I definitely struggled with the program at first since it is slightly different than PokerTracker. I'd say learning to apply the other features was the toughest thing. I also had to learn what good values for a lot of the lesser-used stats were. I'd just recommend spending some time experimenting or, if you are really having trouble, use the Holdem Manager forums; they are usually pretty helpful.

PSW: We've seen a lot of programs added to the Holdem Manager App Suite. Which ones do you suggest that people use regularly?

Eric Burtzlaff: I use Table Ninja, but I was using it before it was integrated into Holdem Manager. I only use it for a few of its convenience features like hover over tables and sit out all. I don't find any of the other programs to be very useful.

PSW: As a mid-stakes player, we’d imagine that you're always looking for an edge against the other good regs. How much does "scouting" via the "vs Players" section help find villains' leaks?

Eric Burtzlaff: I use it rarely, more so for just simply looking at how players are doing against me. It allows me to learn which guys are crushing my soul and which guys I'm just running hot against. I think the “Players” tab is better for scouting, but it's not quite customizable enough for setting your own values.

PSW: You're well known in the online poker community for being a great coach. What do students typically do incorrectly when it comes to stats?

Eric Burtzlaff: I'd say players look in the wrong places for their mistakes. They also know a stat is wrong or is a leak, but don’t know the correct way to fix it. I think people see, “Oh, I'm playing 12/8. I need to make that 15/12” and try to change that by playing more hands overall. That isn't how it works; there are steps that players need to take to change a number even as simple as their VPIP or PFR.

I don't know that people are misusing their stats, but rather misinterpreting the best way to fix them. I pride myself in being able to identify leaks and come up with a solid plan for fixing them.

PSW: We know you love Rush Poker on Full Tilt Poker. How important is having a solid and reliable HUD in those games, especially at the 200nl and 400nl levels?

Eric Burtzlaff: I think it’s massively important for me. I rely a lot on stats and integrate them with what I know about each player. So, I don't think I could win without an HUD if everyone else were using one since everyone would have a ridiculous advantage. That being said, I won a ton on Cake Poker a few years ago with no HUD, so it’s definitely possible at the mid-stakes. I also know a few players who don't use HUDs at 400nl Rush and do quite well. I guess it’s to each his own, but it definitely makes playing easier.

PSW: What features do you wish would be added to Holdem Manager?

Eric Burtzlaff: I don't know what feature I'd want. I actually think Holdem Manager is about as close to perfect as a database program can get. I'd like for them to work on speeding the program up as much as possible, but I think it does that pretty well. But the quicker it can load up inquires, the better.

PSW: What's in store for you in 2011 at the tables?

Eric Burtzlaff: I've made a goal to myself that I will stay at the mid-stakes for all of 2011 and play 100,000 hands per month. I really want 2011 to be the most profitable year I've ever had. I have been doing a fantastic amount of coaching and am really enjoying being a popular coach with CardRunners. I might make a WSOP appearance, but I'm not a tournament guy, so we'll see if I make it out there or not.