Self-Analysis and Tracking Programs

One of the most crucial keys to improving one's game is taking a critical eye and searching for "leaks" that can cut into winnings. Many pros use what's known as poker tracking software to review their game as well as the stats and tendencies of their opponents. I use Hold'em Manager 2 (HEM2), one of the more popular tools available. Unfortunately, because I play on Bovada, the use of "anonymous" players makes it impossible to review specific players' stats, as well as use the HUD (heads-up display) that displays players' stats on the table in real time. However, HEM2 is still an extremely useful means to analyzing one's own game and identifying areas for improvement.

For an idea of what the program looks like, here are two images, one displaying a handful of my stats on a per stakes basis along with a list of all hands played below, and the other a graph of my cash results (actual dollar amounts are blacked out, sorry):

There are a few things to bear in mind when looking at the above images: 1) The sample size is very small (only about 13,000 hands), so there simply isn't enough data to say whether the results accurately reflect the quality of the player's game. 2) For about the last 3k hands or so I've broken even, partially due to running bad and partially due to some questionable decisions on my part. 3) The first image shows some examples of some basic stats that can be examined:

VPIP (Voluntarily Put $ In Pot) - This indicates what % of hands the player put money in the pot when it wasn't a requirement. This would include any call or raise in a hand, but excludes posted blinds not followed by further action.

PFR (Preflop Raise %) - This is the % of hands the player raises before the flop

3Bet - This is the % of hands the player re-raises preflop.

WTSD% and W$SD% (Went to Showdown % and Won $ at Showdown %) - These indicate what % of the time that a player got to the showdown with their cards and then how often they had the best hand at showdown.

And so forth. Depending on what stats are relevant or wish to be examined, one can look at anything from the frequency and success rate of continuation bets to the success of steal attempts to the overall level of aggression. It's up to you how much information you want and what's relevant. Going forward, I'm excited about the possibilities that HEM2 will present for improving my play and will see about coming up with some good examples of stuff I've been doing wrong.