Image courtesy of DTO Poker
Now, interestingly enough, poker has decreased in popularity since the poker boom kicked off in 2003, but the overall skill of players has seen a sharp increase over the years. Getting an edge in the modern poker scene often means looking for help wherever you can find it.
Whether reading strategy guides, being coached by old card sharks or using one of the many poker training apps available on the world wide web, as well as basic calculators, advanced simulators and coaching videos - poker skill improvement is now just a click away. Here are our top 7 best poker training apps to help improve your poker skills and get you playing like a boss.
One of the newer poker training apps which only saw a release in 2022, DTO is the brainchild of high stakes poker player Dominik Nitsche and poker player Markus Prinz. According to the app listing, DTO was created using thousands of hours of research on “game theory optimal” (GTO) conducted by some of the world's best poker players. Users can play through tens of millions of GTO scenarios during a hand by selecting multiple choice answers on each decision.
At the end of each hand, the app provides a grade and which listed solutions would adhere to GTO. The app then provides suggestions on how to improve gameplay for next time.
DTO comes in a free to download version and two paid subscription tiers, which have more scenarios for other aspects of poker like pre-flop ranges and different playing positions. Any version of the app has valuable information that could help shape poker strategies and tactics for people of all playing levels though.
Poker Fighter is a poker simulation app that allows users to play unlimited poker hands in virtual Texas Hold 'Em cash games and tournaments, practicing skills with no financial risks. Better suited for beginners and other inexperienced players, Poker Fighter is similar to the free-to-play poker games offered by online casinos and has a free-to-download version and three subscription packages.
According to the app listing, Poker Fighter gives users immediate feedback from professional players, although it's not entirely clear if this is unique feedback for each individual, or pre- written generic tips and feedback taken from a pool of answers. Regardless, Poker Fighter can be an excellent way for beginners to hone skills and learn how to play poker with no risk to their bankroll.
Advertised as a poker tournament calculator, analyzer and dealmaker, the Tournament Cruncher app focuses on independent chip modeling (ICM). According to the product description on the app store, Tournament Cruncher helps users determine the value of their in-game stack based on the number of chips and what their prize money should be. This can be useful in the event of a final table deal between players who would rather chop up the pot than continue playing to the bitter end.
The app also has a push, call and fold ICM decision analyzer offering suggestions and tactics on what the best action would be going forward in a hand. The app claims to have a one-time fee that provides unlimited access to all future content, and updates without any subscription or extra payments down the track.
This poker training app for iPhone and Android devices allows you to perform hand versus hand calculations, so you can see how different cards stack up against each other and their odds of winning. Poker Cruncher comes with a few different versions focusing on specific stages, such as pre-flop and an advanced version for calculating odds and equity.
For a fee, you can also gain access to a tool that performs equity calculations versus a player's range. Several users have noted in reviews they have had issues using it on tablets, but the app can still be a valuable tool for developing poker skills on a suitable device.
Developed by poker pro Max Silver, SnapShove is a built-in calculator and training app geared towards short stack poker. The free version uses data from over one million stimulated games to make its calculations and helps determine proper shove ranges and when it’s the right time to go all in.
The app requires key information, such as the number of players, cost of the ante or big blind, stack sizes and table position before it can calculate. The app has a few different paid features, including a tool that advises you when to play a hand or fold based on the odds. According to its listing on the app store, it also has instant answers to real time poker decisions, but it's unclear if this is a chat feature with a bot or a real person.
This app plays out a typical poker hand with step-by-step instructions and breaks down everything you need to know about playing a standard poker hand with some tactics thrown in the mix as well. Because of its simplicity, the app is better suited for beginners and newbies looking to increase their poker rule knowledge.
According to the app's description, Learn Poker can teach poker basics for beginners, and has advanced poker lessons for more experienced card players. Most of the reviews on the app store are positive for beginners who praise its ability to teach the basics of poker in only a few minutes, while a few more experienced players noted they found the more advanced lessons, concepts and strategies lacking.
Another app designed for the very specific circumstances of making a deal at the final table, DealMaker suggests payouts offered to the remaining players in a poker tournament based on the size of their chip stack.
Although the app only provides a starting point, the results are a great way to maximize your returns during the deal-making process. Tip amounts and tournament equity can be displayed as well. Most of the app's features are limited to the very specific scenario of dealmaking at the final table, but it can still provide a great introduction to the whole concept.
And there you have it, poker fans, our top 7 best poker apps for improving your game. Why not try one today and see what skills you can improve?
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