HUD and software - are they worth it for beginners?

[gabriel31]

I've heard of HUDs and trackers. Is it worth investing in this as soon as you start playing online, or just for those who are serious?

 

[Andyreas]

You should first learn the basics of the game, in my opinion.

If you think you are comfortable, you can try a free HUD at first and see if you get along with it - or if it doesn't help your game at all.

 

[puzzlefish]

Many sites have built in HUDs already. Some are more reliable than others. I would recommend having one if you plan to play seriously right from the start. It is definitely not necessary for a recreational player just starting and learning the game, but it does reveal information about your opponent that you may otherwise not remember or not have made a note of.

 

[TeUnit]

In the words of Ratt, "What you give is what you get".

The more tools and the more work you do on your game the better you will be.

 

[19aleks57]

Gain experience in freerolls; the more you play, the further you will be from HUDs and software.

 

[nabmom]

I found a HUD really helpful for analyzing my game and figuring out my leaks. I consider it to be a learning tool similar to a poker book. I landed on using PokerTracker.

But it is really most helpful after you have thousands of hands. And some sites no longer support the HUD that I use. My suggestion is to see what HUDs work for the sites you play at regularly and then try out a free demo. You have to do your own calculation if you play enough that the investment in a HUD is worth the price.

 

[Baco]

For complete beginners, I don’t think HUDs are necessary right away. It’s better to first learn the fundamentals — hand ranges, position, basic bet sizing, and why you’re making each decision.

That said, trackers can become very useful fairly early if you use them as a learning tool, not a crutch. Reviewing hands, spotting leaks, and understanding basic stats like VPIP and PFR can really speed up improvement.

My suggestion: start without a HUD or keep it very simple, focus on solid fundamentals, and add more stats gradually once you’re comfortable. Used correctly, software helps — but it shouldn’t replace thinking at the table.