Do I Really Need a HUD (like PokerTracker or Hold'em Manager)?

[danieldeangelo]

I see a lot of streamers using HUDs with all those stats on the screen (VPIP, PFR, 3-Bet, etc.). It looks really complicated. Is it possible to be a winning player in 2025 without one, just by taking notes? Or am I at a huge disadvantage if I don't buy and learn how to use one?

 

[Goggelheimer]

That's a perfectly understandable question!
The short answer is: Yes, it's possible, but with a significant disadvantage, especially online.
A HUD today is not just an in-game aid; the associated software is an essential tool for analyzing your own play and that of your opponents away from the tables. Without this data, you lose a crucial part of the necessary studying.
When multi-tabling or on fast-fold tables, a HUD is almost indispensable for quickly spotting opponent tendencies and exploiting them. Even if you're good at taking notes, your brain cannot process as many hands and statistics simultaneously as software can.
However, on some poker sites, HUDs are banned, which levels the playing field again. If you focus on these "no-HUD" sites, then you'll be well-equipped with good note-taking and sharp observation skills.
The bottom line: If you want to play seriously online and maximize your win rate, a HUD with tracking software is the norm—but not an insurmountable obstacle if you're willing to study intensely in other ways and switch to HUD-free sites.

 

[ironduke11]

it helps for sure to understand player tendencies...but i think that playing as the hud suggests isnt always the way to go as the player will vary tactics....it is an advantage but not fool proof

 

[fundiver199]

If you play on sites, where HUDs are not allowed, like GG Poker and partypoker, then you are not at a disadvantage. But if you play on sites, where they are allowed, like pokerstars, 888 Poker and ACR Poker, then yes you are at a disadvantage. Not so much in the low end of the micros though, because there most of the other players likely dont use them either.