Odds calculators are downloadable programs that you open up during gameplay and run in conjunction with the poker room's software. The software is able to read every aspect of each hand such as the cards on the board, your own holecards, the size of the bets and much more in real game time. The calculators then process this information to give you advice on the best action to take. These programs are useful if you are looking to obtain a solid strategical approach to poker through the use of tips and advice on every hand you play.

This type of software will work well at lower and intermediate limits, but not so well at high limits where the play is more advanced. If you implement the advice given to you on each hand you should be able to make money easily.

Hand analyzers or online 'odds calculators' are usually free online non-downloadable programs that you use directly on the websites. There are however some downloadable hand analyzers such as Poker Stove. These programs will allow you to create specific match-ups between two different hands to determine the chances of each of them winning the pot. You are also able to choose which cards appear on the board to find out the chances of each hand winning at different stages in the hand. The more advanced hand analyzers such as Poker Stove will allow you to choose 'dead cards' which are cards that you know for whatever reason will not be dealt on the board at any point amongst other advanced features.

For an example of this type of program visit our free Odds Calculator.

Game analyzers are the most complete poker programs available. These programs run in the background and record every play you make into a database and present this information to you in the form of graphs and tables. These programs are almost essential for any frequent online player due to their ability to accurately record wins/losses and to help you spot any leaks in your game. For example, if you are unsure of whether or not you pay too much for flush draws, or whether JTs in late position is a profitable hand for you, game analyzers will be able to tell you.

This is only scratching the surface when it comes to these programs, as they offer numerous helpful features. The most popular tracker is PokerOffice which also includes a table overlay which gives you information about the way your opponents play. These programs are aimed at the long-term players and I can comfortably say that they make a very wise poker investment.