In the Table Selection article we stated that in order to do table selection really well we need some software that supports table selection.
There are many alternatives to choose from but I believe these are the main alternatives:
- Pokertracker’s Table Tracker
- Holdem Manager’s Table Scanner
- PokerTableRating Premium Table Finder (not allowed by most poker rooms)
- Beta: TableScan Turbo
It seems that all four has what is needed to make good table selection. So it is probably natural to choose the one connected to the tracker you are using. If you have Pokertracker (although the monthly fee may make you look for alternatives) or Holdem Manager and otherwise take a look at PokerTableRatings.
I am trying out TableScan Turbo right now and it seems to be good. First I couldn’t get it started though, so I am not entirely convinced yet.
Personally I use Table Tracker (screenshot above) which is mostly satisfying my needs. I use a customized scoring system where I give points at a Full Ring table:
- 5 points if VPIP > 30
- 3 points if VPIP > 25
- 1 point if AF < 1,5
- 1 point if AF > 4
On top of this I hide tables with too many short stackers and I color code tables with at least 2 players playing 1 or 2 tables.
The good thing with Table Selection Software is that they allow you to customize your scoring. Some players play better against certain types of players than others do – so you should put some thought into what works best for you.
An issue with the whole Table Selection business is that you need to play a lot to have enough hand histories to find the fish in a good way. Or datamine or buy hand histories – but this is not allowed by most poker rooms.
If you have a lot of hands in your database but still frequently find that you have 50 hands or less on a lot of players an alternative strategy might be to choose tables with several opponents you don’t have stats on.