Should I buy Poker Tracker and/or Poker Academy

Greetings,

For the longest time I've contemplated buying Pokertracker. Based on many posts I've read, there are obviously many 2+2 posters who swear by the benefits obtained through informed use of Pokertracker. I actually downloaded the software (three times) and ran the maximum number of free simulations (1,000). The software has some neat features, especially auto-importing hands and extensive statistics. Futhermore, if I continue winning (I've been a consistent online winner for 6 months) it might be necessary for constructing sound financial records (for the tax man).

Now we come to Poker Academy. Last night I saw it in a software bin at Circuit City for $20. I thought about buying it but remembered Poker Academy Pro was allegedly the optimal version. Plus, it looked like the box had already been opened. Next, I wondered if this was really a high priority given that I'm already profitable.

Now, there are other reason I'm apprehensive, unwilling or not motivated enough to buy reputable (or dubious) software packages. The most important reason is time constraint. I figure it could take dozens of hours to properly learn how to work the ropes (especially with Pokertracker). Futhermore, I'm worried I would somehow tamper with my winning formula. This is likely an irrational proposition but for some reason it does concern me. I spent 1000's of hours before I became a winning online player (at limits up to 3-6 fixed and 2-4 NL) and worry the slightest modification could have disastrous results. Then again, I constantly am trying to improve my game by reading new books, articles and even some 2+2 posts.

Maybe I'm just cheap [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] But seriously, I guess my concern is basically 'rocking the boat' and diverting time from profitable live play. Any feedback or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

JeffreyREBT

[BoogerFace]

Are you serious?

If it were me, I'd just focus on running g00t.

[beavens]

i <3 PT.. but you aren't gonna die without it.

[StacysMom]

[ QUOTE ]
i <3 PT.. but you aren't gonna die without it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I refuse to play on a non PT comp.

I like Poker Academy, but I don't really find the time to use it now. Recently, when I do play it, I'm playing STTs just to get the feel. Clearly, the limit cash games are the program's strong point, but I'd rather donk in that than donk my money away (which I have done a little bit as I'm clueless at s&gs).

I bought the Pro version of it back in January of last year and played about 30k hands in it before I wagered a dollar. I played it from early January to about mid March. I played maybe another 2-4k hands of limit after that.

Was it worth it for me? Yeah, I'd say. But I was a complete novice that would limp with hands like Q9o in EP thinking it was a limpable hand. For a winning player, it's probably more worthwhile to play real games and learn from real experience.

The 2.0 version has some pretty cool features in it.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I already had the answer to my own question but decided to ask it anyway. I have found live play (and actively trying to learn from mistakes) is probably the best teacher. I have cashed out three times (and not made a new deposit) for 1,200 BB's at my level with over an additional 1,000 BB's as my standing bankroll. If it wasn't for a trip to Las Vegas where I donked away a small fortune playing craps, coupled with negative expectation video poker at my local casino (I stopped this nonsense when I started noticing I was succeeding at poker) I'd be way ahead for the year!

That being said, I have directed my energies towards playing with the general belief that it's not all-important if I'm not using all possible weapons at my disposal (like pokertracker, poker office, data mining, etc). Of course, if I started having sustained negative results I would become concerned and take these additional resources VERY seriously. Sometimes it just seems odd to me that I am beating online poker without using Pokertracker or other supplements! It just appears that most successful online players are making extensive use of player profiling through Pokertracker or some other aid. I sometimes wonder how I'd do if I data-mined (just tracking hands I am involved with for ethical reasons) and obsessively profiled my opponents!

At this point, I do consider it imperative to have a mechnanism for tax purposes. Pokertracker seems to fit the bill for this purpose (I am going to talk to my tax accountant and get feedback). BTW, I think the biggest determinant for my transformation into a winning player is psychological control, which I learned through Rational Emotive Behavioral Psychology.

Thank you,

JeffreyREBT (Wherein I don't promise to make you rich without trying, or even trying very hard; I do promise to say things that will make you FEEL rich).

[vpaco]

They do not keep your stats, but profile other players through data mining. This can certainly help on a different level.