Professional poker players are constantly evaluating their game and that of their opponents.  The best software for this is PokerTracker.  Poker tracker will record every hand of poker that you play online and arrange them into a neat easy to use database to show you exactly how you are playing and, more importantly, how your opponents are playing.  If the pros are using it you should too.  So how does it work?

       Online poker rooms will automatically store detailed hand histories on your hard drive for every hand of poker that you play.  PokerTracker will then import those hand histories into a database and allow you to compile stats on yourself to help to plug leaks in your game.  It will also allow you to profile your opponents and find and exploit weaknesses in their game.  PokerTracker is also a great record keeping tool.  It will tell you how many hands you have played, how much you won or lost, how many hours you have played, how much you are making per hour, and a number of other things.  The most important aspect of the software is the statistical reporting.

       PokerTracker will allow you to see how loose or tight and how aggressive or passive you are playing.  It will also give you this information for any and all of your opponents.  There may be times that you start to get lax with your starting hands and begin playing too many hands.  This is a common problem that often goes overlooked.  PokerTracker will catch it immediately.  You can also see how often you checkraise, win at showdown, go to showdown, and a variety of other stats.

       The software will also allow you to look at the performance of every different starting hand from AA down to 72o.  You can sort these by position as well to see where you are making money and where you are losing money.  Cutting out losing hands is one of the most profitable things you can do as a poker player.  Without some type of tracking software there is no way to know what hands are making you money in what position and what hands are costing you money.  Generally you remember your big winners and your big losers.  Its the hands in between that make or break a professional poker player.  Make sure that you don't have any gaping holes in your game.

       Professional poker tools is a series of articles.  The author is not affiliated with nor does he sell any of the software or programs discussed in any of these articles.  Please view the authors other articles to find more information on professional poker tools and software.