Poker Software Revealed with Bistra

Poker software can help players in many different ways.  Romanian online tournament grinder Bistra sat down with us to talk about the different software he is using to help his game.  We hope his insights will help you pick what software to use.
 
PokerSoftware:  What poker software are you currently using while playing?
 
Bistra:  I am currently using both Hold'em Manager 2 and Tournament Shark while playing online.
 
PokerSoftware:  How long have you been using Hold'em Manager 2?
 
Bistra:  I started with Hold'em Manager 1 in early 2013.  I am not exactly sure when I made the upgrade to Hold'em Manager 2, but I have been using it for a bit of time.
 
PokerSoftware:  How does Hold'em Manager 2 compare to the original version of Hold'em Manager?
 
Bistra:  Hold'em Manager 2 is a huge improvement over Hold'em Manager 1, which was quite basic.  The main improvement for me is that ability to see many more statistics about players.  I also love that Hold'em Manager 2 automatically takes notes on players for you.
 
I did have some problems at first with Hold'em Manager 2 because it needed more of my computer resources than the original version did.  My computer was lagging all the time due to this and eventually I needed to upgrade my computer.
 
PokerSoftware:  What's under the hood of your HUD?
 
Bistra:  First line: VPIP % / PFR % / Steal % / 3bet %
Second Line Aggression Factor / C-bet % / fold to c-bet % / wtsd %
 
PokerSoftware:  What stats do you use most often?
 
Bistra:  Pre-flop raise by position is very important to me, meaning how often an opponent raises from different positions such as under the gun, under the gun +1, cutoff, button, etc.  C-bets are also important, but these days everyone typically c-bets whether they connected on the flop or not.  I also feel 3-bet by position is an important stat to use.
 
Many of these stats may not be useful with a limited sample size.  However, once you have a large enough history with a particular player, these stats can give you a fairly accurate range of potential cards and hands your opponents may have.
 
PokerSoftware:  You use the automated note feature in NoteCaddy.  What do you like the best about it?
 
Bistra: I am currently using the free version of NoteCaddy.  While I am enjoying using it, I know just like other aspects of the software, it is very complex and I am not fully using it properly yet.  In general, Hold'em Manager 2 provides more features, but each new feature also has a learning curve.
 
It took me some time to learn what I have in Hold'em Manager 2 since it takes time to figure out the new features such as this one and I typically try to learn while playing.  It is obviously difficult to do both at the same time.
 
PokerSoftware:  Tell us a little bit about Tournament Shark.  What does this software do and how does it help you?
 
Bistra:  Tournament Shark provides insight into what type of player you are playing against.  The software displays the average buy-in, profits, and the total number of games played.  Players are also ranked with a system of stars and cards.  For example, a player with five stars and an ace is a top player.

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