Poker Software Revealed with Benjamin Reason (reasons14)

We sat down with Tournament Poker Edge instructor Benjamin "reasons14" Reason to understand what it is like to be a training site instructor and get his thoughts on poker-related software in general.
 
PokerSoftware:  Can you tell us when and how you got involved with Tournament Poker Edge?
 
Benjamin Reason:  Tough one to answer.  I think it came about from grinding the hyper-turbo sit and gos directly after Black Friday.  Marc "aznAllin007" Alioto was in all of my games and we ended up meeting through some mutual friends.

Technically, I have been involved since 2013, but my first series came out earlier this year. It has been a busy year for me, but I plan to be heavily involved on all levels come 2015.
 
PokerSoftware:  How much time does it take to make a video series?  What software is involved?
 
Benjamin Reason:  It depends on what type of video series is being created.  If the video series is a live sweat and recorded then and there, it only takes up that time.  However, doing a hand history review takes considerably more time, as there might be a bit more forethought and editing that goes into the process.
 
Regarding software, Camtasia, a screen recording program, is an absolute must.  I'm sure there are other programs out there, but that's what I've been using my entire life.
 
PokerSoftware:  Does producing a video series help your own game at all?
 
Benjamin Reason:  Yes, of course.  This is one of the reasons I enjoy coaching and teaching in the first place: it makes me reflect on my own game and forces me to evolve quicker as a player.
 
PokerSoftware:  What poker-related software do you use while playing or for study and analysis?
 
Benjamin Reason:  I use Flopzilla, HoldemResources Calculator, PokerTracker 4, Hold'em Manager 2, and have recently been trying to figure out CardRunnersEV.

PokerSoftware:  You mentioned PokerTracker 4 and Hold'em Manager 2.  Do you use both?
 
Benjamin Reasons:  I've been making a slow transition to PT4.  I've used HM2 for the past five years, but PT4 is seemingly a lot easier to use and takes up less space on my computer.  The interface seems easier overall.
 
PokerSoftware:  What stats do you think are most important as an MTT player?  Do those change when you are focusing on sit and gos?
 
Benjamin Reasons:  I think when using a HUD in general, there are a few stats that will be equally as important, such as VPIP/PFR/3-bet/c-bet.  With MTTs, I think starting to add some post-flop stats, such as turn c-bet stats and check-raise, are vital. Paying attention to WSD and W$SD will help out a lot too.
 
With SNGs, I think there is a lot of edge to be had in filtering for stack sizes.  This applies the same for MTTs, but not to the same degree.  Not all 18/15/4s are created equal.  They could be running the same HUD numbers, but playing a very different range when the effective stacks get shorter.
 
Adding in a limp stat with SNGs is a very good idea as well, as that will greatly aid in the heads-up portion of the SNG.  I've also seen a lot of SNG players not put remaining player filters on. For example, if we're playing a nine-max SNG and the table has reached five players, it's important to set your HUD to filter for just that number of players, as ranges differ greatly at that point.
 
PokerSoftware:  What are the main differences between Flopzilla, HoldemResources, and CardrunnersEV?  Do you need all three?
 
Benjamin Reasons:  I primarily use Flopzilla to break down ranges for the flop, turn, and river. It has been a great hand reading tool to figure out different options, exploitive and un-exploitive. It visualizes things for me very well.
 
As far as HoldemResources goes, I may not be using this program to the fullest, but I use it for most or all of my pre-flop calculations.  You can apply ICM structures to it as well, which is useful for SNGs and MTT final table situations.
 
I haven't totally cracked CardrunnersEV yet.  However, the software lets you solve a lot of flop situations by creating different EV trees.  It has been a useful tool in adjusting to the new "flat-atc-from-the-big-blind" trend.  Really though, it's a very intricate program and serves as a good reminder just how complex the game of poker can be.
 
You can learn more about Benjamin Reason on his poker blog, add him to Twitter @reasons14, and shout out to him on the TPE poker forums.

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