is poker tracker worth it?

[Silly_11 0]

Hey everyone i'm trying to figure out if poker tracker is actually worth it? I will try the free trial of it but would like some comments from someone who has actually used it more extensively.... i'm wondering if.....1) It improved your game?2) did it help to find leaks in your game?3) do you have to be really knowledgeable about poker for it to work?4) have you made more money from it?Any help is appreciated.... ThanksSilly

[redsamurai 0]

I used the free version for about 3 days before buying it earlier this week. I can definitely say that it has nearly paid for itself in this short time. I play short handed tables almost exclusively so the comments below are targeted at that.

1) It improved your game?

When playing short-handed the value of making an accurate read goes up. Having the "Game Time Window" along with auto-importing of hand histories while the game is being played lets me know exactly how often players defend their blinds, how often they fold to a flop bet, and other information that before I only was tracking mentally. Using this information one is able to better target steal attempts, value bets, etc. to increase your hourly win rate.

2) did it help to find leaks in your game?

It is a little early to tell this yet, but knowing that you are being "watched" I think helps keep oneself from making marginally wrong plays that are easy to do if you aren’t keeping statistics. I also have been taking the time to replay my sessions to examine my game for missteps; doing this can be nothing but helpful to your game. Being able to look at a marginal situation outside of the heat of the moment and being able to go to a book or to figure out the best possible play will improve your game.

3) do you have to be really knowledgeable about poker for it to work?

You will need to learn to interpret some statistics and gain some idea of what is optimal. The more knowledgeable about poker and statistics you are the more you will get out of the package. That said using the software and understanding what the various statistics mean will make you more knowledgeable about Hold'em.

4) have you made more money from it?

Using it seriously for 4 sessions, it may have paid for itself by now. I really should have purchased this a long time ago. For $55 it is a steal.