Optimal use of tracking software

I didn't know where else to put this, hope it works here.

So, I'm on PT trial version, it'll take a while to get used to all the stats and how to interpret them but until then...I have a few ideas/questions about it that I'd like some clarifications with

1) I'm thinking it's best to leave the poker site(s) open watching alot of tables even when not playing, to build a large hand history. Is that common practice? I assume one also has to deal with not letting the poker site get idle and disconnect you after a period of time...

2) Besides the obvious 3 that show on the HUD by default, what other stats do you look for in your opps during a hand? Do you look @ stuff such as Fold to Bet % on the Flop, Fold to C-bet %, Fold to 3-Bet etc. while you are playing the hand?

3) For a total beginner in the world of stats, which ones should I first learn to interpret and adjust my game on? Besides the main 3, which I know are priority, at least.

That's all I can think of now...but don't worry I'll let you guys know when I think of more

What games are you playing, cash, SNG, MTT, FR, 6-max, HU etc. Some stats are more important than others. Also whether you multitable, how many tables, tile or stack?

data mining is not possible with pt3 or HEM i think on stars you can see a few hands but overall it is not something you can do with either of these programs.

As far as what stats you should be looking at, everyone is going to have their favorites. And like Jilly said, you would have to let us know what types of games you are playing before we could let you know what the best stats would be for it.

One suggestion I would have for you is to check out the link in my signature to my stat guide article. It says it's for Holdem Manager, but realistically, they both have most of the same stats. It will help you with some ranges on the more common stats and it will let you know what all of the different stats mean. That way you might be able to find some favorites of your own. For my next guide, I might be working on something that goes more into what stats you should have, but that's down the road.

For the datamining question...like pifan said, most pokersites don't allow you to have access to handhistories that you are not involved in anymore. You used to be able to see all of it regardless of if you were in the hand or not, so many people(including myself) would scan all night/day long to build our databases. With specific datamining software you are still able to do this, but you can be banned from the site if caught, so I would be cautious if you tried going down that road.

Either way, trying out and eventually purchasing tracking software is probably the best investment you can make when it comes to online poker. Good luck.

ComplexPlaya said:

I didn't know where else to put this, hope it works here.

So, I'm on PT trial version, it'll take a while to get used to all the stats and how to interpret them but until then...I have a few ideas/questions about it that I'd like some clarifications with

1) I'm thinking it's best to leave the poker site(s) open watching alot of tables even when not playing, to build a large hand history. Is that common practice? I assume one also has to deal with not letting the poker site get idle and disconnect you after a period of time...You can't, the big sites all prevent data collection after a set amount of observed hands w/ PT3.

2) Besides the obvious 3 that show on the HUD by default, what other stats do you look for in your opps during a hand? Do you look @ stuff such as Fold to Bet % on the Flop, Fold to C-bet %, Fold to 3-Bet etc. while you are playing the hand? Attempt to steal is a good one to start with. If it's a high number, like over 65%, you know that player is positionally aware, so you know that they play tight in early position and loosen up closer to the button.

3) For a total beginner in the world of stats, which ones should I first learn to interpret and adjust my game on? Besides the main 3, which I know are priority, at least. See below.

That's all I can think of now...but don't worry I'll let you guys know when I think of more

Click to expand...

To answer question number 3 I would suggest this - stick with the ones you mentioned until you get used to it, then slowly add more depending upon the limits/type of games you play. Also, don't get too caught up in the whole stats thing - sometimes a 65/40/6 maniac actually does have a hand and that preflop raise from early position does mean something.
The other stats I would suggest you focus on is your own. Review what hands make you money, what hands lose you money, how you play from different positions, etc. - I can't say enough how important it is to review and assess your game CONSTANTLY, if you have major leaks all the stats on your opponents aren't going to help much.

To elaborate on question 2 - you have to look at the Attempt to steal combined with the basic VPIP/PFR/AF. If they are 24/18/4 with an ATS of 65%, they have a clue. If they are 75/50/8 with an ATS of 80%, well...that just means they bet like crazy all the time.

Thanks for the great answers, guys. Great link absoluthamm and very competent answer praggy!

My apology for forgetting to mention the game I'm interested in : ring, 6 max. At 20 NL right now so micro, but hoping to move back to 50NL soon after I almost killed my bankroll with awful BRM.

Also play tourneys, but am focusing on cash games right now with studying.