Poker software for beginners: calculators, trackers and solvers
You don’t need expensive software to start improving. But a few free or cheap tools make studying much faster. The key rule: use tools to study away from the table, and check your poker room’s rules — many sites ban some tools during play.
Types of tools
Section titled “Types of tools”| Tool | What it does | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Equity calculator | Shows your hand’s equity against a hand or range | Studying spots after a session. See poker equity |
| Range viewer / chart app | Shows preflop ranges by position | Learning what to open. See range charts |
| Hand replayer | Replays your hand histories | Reviewing hands. See hand history |
| Tracker (database) | Stores your hands and stats like VPIP/PFR, win rate | Finding leaks. See VPIP and PFR |
| Solver | Calculates theoretical (GTO) strategies | Advanced study. See GTO poker |
| ICM calculator | Values tournament stacks in money | Final-table and bubble study. See ICM |
What’s allowed
Section titled “What’s allowed”Rules differ by site and change over time:
- Real-time assistance (tools that tell you what to do during a hand) is banned almost everywhere.
- Trackers and HUDs are allowed on some sites and banned on others — including many app-based rooms.
- Studying with any tool away from the table is generally fine.
Always read the room’s permitted software page before installing anything. Breaking the rules can get an account closed and funds held.
What a beginner really needs
Section titled “What a beginner really needs”- A free equity calculator.
- A simple preflop chart.
- A way to save and review hands (many apps keep hand histories).
- A spreadsheet or notes to track results.
Solvers can wait until you’ve mastered the basics. See how to learn poker.
What poker software should a beginner use?
Section titled “What poker software should a beginner use?”A free equity calculator, a preflop chart and a way to review your hand histories.
Are poker trackers and HUDs allowed?
Section titled “Are poker trackers and HUDs allowed?”On some sites only. Always check the room’s permitted software rules.
Can I use a solver while playing?
Section titled “Can I use a solver while playing?”No. Real-time assistance is banned almost everywhere; use solvers to study away from the table.
Do I need a solver to improve?
Section titled “Do I need a solver to improve?”Not at first. Learn the basics before advanced solver study.