Poker Software Debate with Marc Alioto (aznAllin007)

Recently, PokerSoftware caught up with online poker pro Marc "aznAllin007" Alioto (pictured). He is a Lock Poker Pro and an instructor at TournamentPokerEdge.com and we grilled him about the ethics of poker software, what programs he's used successfully and unsuccessfully, and the pricing of software in the marketplace.

We appreciate this poker pro taking some time out of his busy schedule to answer poker software-related questions.  Look for Part 2 of this interview soon!
 
PokerSoftware: Do you use any poker software programs currently or have you used them in the past? If so, which ones?

Marc Alioto: I have used many different poker software programs in the past six years of my career.  I started out with PokerTracker and have now moved to Holdem Manager 2.  I also dabbled with Table Ninja and SitNGo Wizard for a couple of months, but found that my play became too robotic, so I stopped using those.  I have always used Sharkscope for checking stats on players.

PokerSoftware: What types of poker software programs do you think are bad for the industry or unethical, if any?

Marc Alioto: Although I use Sharkscope and won’t go a day without it, I feel that programs that track players’ win/loss rates are bad for poker.  Many amateurs leave online poker because they get berated about their stats and many good players will multi-account or switch skins because their Sharkscope stats are so good.

These sites also expose players who are on huge downswings.  I hate when I am on a huge downswing and have people in that chat letting me know about it.  I have been guilty of this as well in the past, but it is just another example of why showing players' money earned could be bad.  I am torn though.  I love using these tracking programs, but I think the poker community suffers in the long-term because of them.  Other than that, I am all for HUDs and other software that makes players better.

PokerSoftware: What types of poker software programs would you like to see available in the future?

Marc Alioto: I have been looking into ICM calculations the past couple of months and would love to see more programs go into depth on that subject.  It seems impossible to come up with a proper ICM calculator, as there are so many variables that change in each situation, so I am a little skeptical.  Maybe one of these companies can prove me wrong?

PokerSoftware: Which do you prefer: playing poker with a mouse, using auto hotkeys, or using a USB controller like the Xbox 360?

Marc Alioto: Although I enjoyed using hotkeys in my sit and go days, I am very happy to only be using a wireless mouse in my journey to crush MTTs.  For all you 20- to 30-table grinders, make sure you are using hotkeys.  You will make more money and time out way less often.  You will get frustrated at first, as the software will seem difficult to use, but you will end up happy when the extra money enters your pocket.

PokerSoftware: Overall, what do you think about the pricing of poker software?

Marc Alioto: No matter what level you are playing at, all poker software is affordable.  Some people pay over $30,000 a year for school and they don’t have a clue what they are going to do with their life.  Knowing that you want to get better at poker is a good enough reason to invest in some software.  Many expert players do not use a HUD, so it isn’t for everyone.  That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be tried and, for the price, I don't think you can go wrong.