The software issue is well known among people that have played online for any length of time, I would think. Just look at the PokerStars lists to see just an example of the number of programs out there.
I personally don't have an issue with keeping stats on
players that you have played before because it's the online equivalent of "making book" on live players that you've played. You loose so much in the way of physical
tells, emotion, etc. in playing online vs live that, IMO, compiling numbers on your opponents is a reasonable alternative, and not at all unethical -- especially when the site specifically allows it. Remember also that these tools are extremely useful not only for analyzing others' play, but your own as well. It's a lot easier to look at past performance and spot leaks, trends, how you play certain hands, etc. Even without considering other players' stats, these tools can make you a better player.
Now datamining is another thing altogether. I don't believe it's fair to have extensive knowledge of how somebody plays that you've never played before. So I appreciate the fact that PokerStars disallows this, and while I know it happens anyway, I feel a little more comfortable playing there than somewhere else where mining is allowed or even encouraged.
This has been posted many times I know, but for the benefit of the folks posting here who are new and unaware of these programs, here is the current PokerStars lists of allowed and disallowed software.
Prohibited Online Poker Software Programs
ALLOWED:
- Can you give me some examples of acceptable programs?
- The following are examples of programs which are permitted:
- Calculatem Pro
- Coach Rounder
- Draw Poker Source
- GameTime+
- Holdem Genius
- Holdem Indicator
- Holdem Manager
- Holdem Partner
- Holdem Ranger
- Omaha Poker Coach
- Paragon Poker Pal
- Poker Academy Prospector
- PokerAce HUD
- Pokerbility
- Poker Buddy
- Poker Butler
- PokerEval (Registered Version Only)
- Poker EV
- Poker Evolver
- Poker Indicator
- Poker Juggernaut
- Poker Office
- Poker Potjie
- Poker Pro 2007
- Poker Sharpener
- Poker Sidekick
- Poker Sniffer
- Poker-Spy
- PokerStat
- Poker Stove
- Poker Tracker
- Poker Vitals
- Poker Weapon
- Poker Wingman
- PPA Poker Calculator
- SmartBuddy
- Star Tracker
- Stud Inspector v1
- Table Shark
- Telescope by SpadeIt
- Texas Calculatem
- ThePokerDB
- Tournament Indicator
- Tournament Shark
This list was last updated May 21st, 2008.
NOT ALLOWED:
- In general, what kinds of programs are prohibited?
- The following types of programs are prohibited:
- Any program that shares hole card data with other players or programs is colluding, and is prohibited.
- Any program that works off of a central database of player profiles or hands played is prohibited.
- Any program that plays without human intervention (a "bot") or reduces the requirement of a human playing. For instance, an "auto-folder" is prohibited.
- The practice of datamining (observing games as a non-player for extended periods in order to build up a large database of hand histories for future reference) is prohibited.
- Any software that offers direct game play advice on the appropriate action to take, and which is also programmable or configurable beyond a very basic level.
- Can you give some examples of programs which are prohibited?
- The following are examples of programs which are prohibited at all times:
- Advanced Poker Calculator
- Gambot
- hhSmithey
- Holdem Hawk
- Holdem Pirate
- Holdem Inspector a.k.a. Online Holdem Inspector
- iHH Harvester
- Magic Holdem
- Mandraker
- Open Holdem Bot
- OPI Wizard
- PokerAnalytics
- Poker Android
- Poker Bot+
- Poker Bloodhound
- Poker Crusher
- Poker Edge
- Poker Inspector a.k.a. Online Poker Inspector
- Poker Mate
- Poker Prophecy
- Poker Sherlock
- Poker Table Manager
- Real Poker Rankings
- SharkScope [Pending]
- Sit n' Go Brain
- Sixth Sense
- SmartCollector a.k.a. Mixed Harvesters
- SpadeEye
- Stars Hand History (SHH)
- StarSpy
- Texas Auto Fold
- TheCashDB
- WinHoldem
This list was last updated May 21st, 2008.
There are some programs which have legitimate uses for analysing your game, but which are not appropriate for use during play. For example, ICM (Independent Chip Model) and Nash Equilibrium tools may be used for post-game analysis and for studying hands which you have previously played. However, you may not use such a tool while the PokerStars software is open.
Some examples of programs which are prohibited only while PokerStars is running are:
- Insight Poker Hound
- Sit n’ Go End Game Tools
- SitnGo Wizard
- SNG Power Tools
- Spade ICM
- STT Analyzer by PokerSoftwareTools
This list was last updated May 21st 2008.