ergonomic, 99% mouse-free 4-tabling for $40

Cadence Lauren · #1 07-18-2005, 02:01 AM

It looks like I am the first to post on this idea, and therefore perhaps the first to use this strategy.

After rapidly developing RSI 4 tabling with my new 1600 x 1200 resolution capable monitor, I did some searching and playing around and eventually developed a method of playing four tables at once without using a mouse. It involves the following:
- AutoHotKey freeware
- allSnap freeware
- a Nostromo Speedpad n52 (about $40)

The n52 is the key component. Any previous attempts at multi-tabling using keyboard commands proved more stressful than using a mouse.

The basics go like this:

1. Write an AutoHotKey script that assigns key combinations to the mouse clicks that are necessary for common poker actions. For example, Ctrl + Numpad1 = select top left table, or Alt + Numpad3 = click "bet" or "raise."

2. Assign n52 keys to those key combinations, and therefore those mouse clicks, using simple macros. The n52 comes with a very intuitive profile editor that makes this easy.

3. Spend some time on play money tables to acclimate yourself to the key setup you've chosen (and ultimately to see if this system will work for you--if not, return the n52 and your net investment for this experiment is a couple of hours and $0).

4. Play as normal.

The only PartyPoker actions I still have to use the mouse for are joining waitlists, sitting down at tables, and moving tables on my desktop. I may be forgetting a few others, but I make at least 99% of my gameplay actions using the n52.

Although it will probably take you a couple of hours to install and set up AutoHotKey, familiarize yourself with the necessary AutoHotKey script, and set up the n52 profile, the physical learning curve is not steep. In less than 30 minutes, my game play was just as accurate as it was using a mouse, and my speed of action was actually a good deal faster. The n52 has the added advantage of being extremely ergonomic--I have no RSI complaints anymore.

The net result of developing and using this system has been a good deal of time saved and pain relieved. Although it took quite a bit of experimenting and time to tune it to the degree that I have, the AutoHotKey script and n52 profile I provide should give you a shortcut to mouse-free poker in the shortest time possible.

Rather than turn this into a very lengthy post, I have posted the AutoHotKey script and n52 profile I use, plus comprehensive links and more detailed instructions, in my LiveJournal.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/caydenza/44606.html

I disabled comments there, so if you have comments, critiques, or suggestions, please leave them here.

Nomad84 · #2 07-18-2005, 11:18 PM

I am not familiar with the Nostromo Speedpad n52. It appears to be a device that combines a gamepad with keyboard functionality and is operated with your left hand. Is this correct? Do you rest it on a desk or leg or is it held or something else? Do you still have your right hand free for mousing?

Thanks.

Cadence Lauren · #3 07-20-2005, 09:35 PM

You are correct on all counts. It is exclusively left handed, and combines macro-programable keys with a (macro-programmable) gamepad. You rest it anywhere, and it does leave you open for mousing with your right hand. The setup I was using with AutoHotKey, a freeware program, however, eliminated the need for mousing to switch tables, select betting options, etc.

HOWEVER, I have had a few more days now with the ol' Nostromo, and I am regretting that I decided to try it in an effort to avoid buying the infinitely more powerful but four times as costly Ergodex DX1 (Ergodex Homepage). The problem is that the ergonomics don't hold up well for multi-hour sessions or over multiple days. The keys require too much pressure to engage, the pad is located too far from the keys even for my sizeable hands, and you have to work around the preset key locations in an effort to assign keyed actions to intuitive locations.

The Ergodex product promises to be infinitely more customizable and comfortable. Whereas I could only realistically assign 8 or so of the 15 available keys on the n52, I envision using 20 or more keys for many more functions on the DX1--functions such as Deal Me Out; Auto Post Blind; even an "all away" function that uses one key to click Deal Me Out on all open tables for when I want to take a break, and an "all back" function that does the same for unclicking Deal Me Out and then clicking Auto Post Blind. Plus, instead of reducing betting functions down to three semi-comfortable keys on the n52, I could easily program 6 keys in an intuitive setup to utilize all 6 limit betting buttons using the DX1.

Needless to say, after much research and bitter experience, I am biting the bullet and purchasing a DX1. I am currently building a bankroll (quite successfully, aside from ergonomic issues) and plan to realize a significant income from my online play by the beginning of next year. For that longterm goal, $150 seems like a fair price for the ultimate customizable solution that I hope the DX1 will bring. If it doesn't, such a solution pretty clearly doesn't exist. Just about every major gaming magazine I looked at online has called the DX1 the very top (and end) of the line for customizing key configurations and game commands.

I hope to write a much more positive post in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime I'd recommend against the Nostromo n52.