What's in Your HUD with ronnieb122

We are thrilled to be interviewing online forum legend Ronnie “ronnieb122” Ballantyne on his thoughts on poker software.  Ballantyne resides in Scotland and plays online poker tournaments full-time across many sites.

PokerSoftware:  What Poker software are you currently using?

Ronnie Ballantyne: I have been using Holdem Manager 1 for a long period of time and just began using StackAndTile recently.

PokerSoftware: What are your thoughts about upgrading to Holdem Manager 2?

Ronnie Ballantyne: I feel Hold’em Manager 2 is very buggy and have also heard many bad things about it from fellow poker grinders.

After trying Holdem Manager 2, I found the previous version far easier to use.  It provides the useful information I need in my HUD.

PokerSoftware:  How is your Holdem Manager 1 HUD configured?

Ronnie Ballantyne: I have, from right to left, Voluntary Put in Pot % (VPIP), Pre-Flop Raise % (PFR), 3bet %, Aggression Factor, Hands, and Big Blinds on show at all times.

PokerSoftware: Are there other stats you use that do not appear in your HUD?

Ronnie Ballantyne:  I look at Fold to 3bet%, 4bet%, and Steal% as the situation dictates, but prefer to keep my primary HUD simple, as I play many tables.

PokerSoftware:  As a new user to StackandTile, how long did it take you to set up and how many sites are you using it with?

Ronnie Ballantyne: It took me only an hour to set up, but a few days to totally figure out the full extent of its functionality.  I currently am able to use this software on five sites.  I wanted it to work for six sites simultaneously; however, the software does not work well for me on PartyPoker due to computer settings.

PokerSoftware:  Have you found it easier to manage your tables since using StackAndTile?  Would you recommend it to others who play many tables on multiple sites?  Also, how many tables do you typically play simultaneously?

Ronnie Ballantyne: After I started using StackandTile, I could not believe how good it was.  I found I had so much time to make decisions without tables flashing in front of me that I actually do not think I could multi-table effectively without it now.

During my first session, I was 24-tabling and it felt like I was playing eight tables. I usually play from 14 to 24 tables during the prime of my session and I think this software is a total must for anyone who plays more than eight tables, as I feel it is literally the best poker software available for multi-tablers.  Having this software organizing my tables actually makes me very excited to play.

PokerSoftware:  Do you prefer the pricing model on Holdem Manager where the software has a one-time fee or do you prefer the monthly subscription model that StackAndTile has?

Ronnie Ballantyne: I definitely prefer a one-off payment; however, the subscription cost on StackAndTile is pretty cheap as well.  $16 a month is very good for what you will gain back in profit by not missing spots and timing out from tables.

PokerSoftware: What are your thoughts regarding mobile poker?

Ronnie Ballantyne: I find mobile poker to be good if I am only one- to two-tabling and could focus more on the players.  I actually won a tournament on my mobile phone and final tabled another one as well.  It is really handy if you are out and about and need to play a tournament or if your internet cuts off and need to get back on the tables ASAP.

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