Poker tracking software. How important is it?

I currently play $200NL at a pokerroom skin and am about to move up to $400NL. I do not use poker tracking software. I play between 2 and 4 tables at a time. I play 5 handed cash game.

Do I need to use software such as PokerTracker or PokerOffice to make it big in online poker or are there players out there that have done it without the software.

Now that I'm going to start playing $400NL is it essential to use PT or PO?

Thanks for all replies.

I think the answer you will get on here is a resounding 'yes!'. It is helpful to look back over big hands outside the heat of battle and it also collects a wealth of statistics that can uncover longer term winning and losing trends in your game.

There is a good thread on 2+2 that tells you how to use the data once you have enough hands logged.

And playing at your stakes you can probably afford the $50 to give it a go to find out for yourself!

YES!!

if i pointed a gun at you in a "contest," wouldnt you want to be holding a gun, too?

w/o software, you are w/o a gun, essentially. most of them have it, and are using it against you already.

happy hunting.

PT is essential. You need to review hand histories to improve as a player and PT makes it easy. The value of HUDs is debatable, but personally I'd never choose to play without one.

thanks. where can i find threads on ftr about using pt/po?

The PokerTracker help files are good enough to get you started, and this thread on 2p2 is awesome for analyzing your game:

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...Number=4946669

Life is soooooooo much easier with PT. If you're rolled for 400nl, PT will be a very small investment with very big returns.

Originally Posted by pokerroomace

thanks. where can i find threads on ftr about using pt/po?

Poker Office has an online manual at their website, but it really is fine to use the Poker Tracker guides as well since the stats are pretty much the same (all of them?). I think it's a good idea to try both of the softwares before deciding which one to go with since there seems to be some split opinions regarding which one of them that is best.

Edit. I really don't see a good reason to not use a tracking software considering how much your game can improve by making a very small (by most peoples standards) investment.

one thing that bugs me is that @ lower level stake cash games (.10/.25) and $3.40 - $5.50 SnG's is it essential for me to buy poker tracker?

Originally Posted by dmg7

one thing that bugs me is that @ lower level stake cash games (.10/.25) and $3.40 - $5.50 SnG's is it essential for me to buy poker tracker?

IMO, no.
I've grinded up to $200NL without PT or PO. I just bought PT this week after over a year of playing online poker.
I'm sure others will tell you that you should definitely buy it. I think you should probs buy PT when it costs you less than 10% of your BR.

Also, to win at low stakes cash games - you literally just have to play the best hands. Bet your good hands and when you bluff only make very small bluffs (like a flop cbet). Don't make 2 or 3 street bluffs.
You should move up very quickly playing like this.
Also, never slowplay.

slow playing is badbadbad at low stakes

naah its good im just grinding atm, working up solid bankroll from $5o - $200 currently, just dnt feel i need PT for these levels especially SnG's where i just use a notepad to make any notes i need.

Originally Posted by dmg7

one thing that bugs me is that @ lower level stake cash games (.10/.25) and $3.40 - $5.50 SnG's is it essential for me to buy poker tracker?

Absolutely. Do you want to play poker for fun, then no. If you want to get better, review your play, work on your game, and understand what works and doesn't within your game then again, Absolutely.

Originally Posted by dmg7

one thing that bugs me is that @ lower level stake cash games (.10/.25) and $3.40 - $5.50 SnG's is it essential for me to buy poker tracker?

I wouldn't say it's essential, but it's definitely something that would help you become a better player. If you don't want to pay for it in cash you can always get one of the softwares discussed in this thread through a promotion. I mean, you're going to play anyway so why not get yourself a tracking software while you're at it.

Originally Posted by pokerroomace

Originally Posted by dmg7

one thing that bugs me is that @ lower level stake cash games (.10/.25) and $3.40 - $5.50 SnG's is it essential for me to buy poker tracker?

IMO, no.
I've grinded up to $200NL without PT or PO. I just bought PT this week after over a year of playing online poker.
I'm sure others will tell you that you should definitely buy it. I think you should probs buy PT when it costs you less than 10% of your BR.

Also, to win at low stakes cash games - you literally just have to play the best hands. Bet your good hands and when you bluff only make very small bluffs (like a flop cbet). Don't make 2 or 3 street bluffs.
You should move up very quickly playing like this.
Also, never slowplay.

I played 200NL for a long while myself without getting PT. But then, I was playing @ Bodog.

But I suggest you get PT in today's environment, cos every man and their dog is probably using it against you

if you play more the 2K hands a week at anylevel PT will make you money, get a hud to weather its PAHUD or PE (gamtime is outdated IMO) youll be amazed at how much you PTBB/100 goes up from consitantly plugging leaks and playing in soft games.