Poker software, small bankroll

[bigslikk]

$100 roll, starting at 2NL on Stars

I have never used additional poker software (other than pokerstove), but I plan on downloading the free PT trial version which is good for 60 days. What exactly does this program do?

Is PT the one that creates a complicated inventory of hands / winnings to analyze or is it the one that provides the HUD? Because IMO both kinds of programs are invaluable.

I know using software at 2NL is overkill but I think a HUD (if that's what PT trial version is) would allow me to side-step the occassional nut camper that I neglected to notice. And without a HUD multi-tabling is more difficult obviously. Thoughts?

[d0zer]

PT3 does both HUD & various reports.

Get it.

Invaluable indeed. I feel like I'm walking into a warzone blindfolded without it. Yes it's essential for multi-tabling (IMO).

[Stacks]

Yes, the program you are looking for and need is PokerTracker. Right now the latest is PT3, which has been released, but does have the 60 day free trial you are talking about. What PT3 does is allow you to import your saved Hand Histories into it's database. From there it will tell you a number of important information. You can quickly see how much money you have made/lost at specific stakes, your stats (VP$IP,PFR,c-bet%, etc), stats of other opponents, how many hands you've played, where you play those hands. And with all this information you can find your tendencies and what you are doing wrong/right and fix it, or do it more often.

Also PT3 has a built-in HUD (Heads Up Display), which is all the information your database has collected on your opponents. It appears on your screen next to the players names and you can tailor it to meet your needs. It gives valuable information that can help you exploit players, or dodge those nut campers.

I believe that even at 2nl, a program like this is incredibly important in helping you define your game, even if it's just used as record keeping.

Hope that helps.

BTW also there is a new program out called Holdem Manager that does essentially the same thing as PokerTracker. Some people like it better, some don't. Find which you like and go from there.