What is an HUD?
A HUD (Heads-Up Display) is a visual tool used in video games, simulators, and modern vehicles to showcase important information right in front of the player or user. This allows the user to view crucial data without taking their eyes off their primary focus.
Displaying Poker Statistics in an HUD
A HUD typically displays a variety of customizable statistics. For example:
- VP$IP (Voluntarily Put Money in Pot): This statistic indicates the percentage of hands in which a player willingly enters the pot, reflecting their overall level of looseness or tightness.
- PFR (Pre-Flop Raise): This percentage represents the frequency with which a player raises pre-flop, showing their level of aggression.
- AF (Aggression Factor): This value measures a player’s aggression post-flop by comparing the number of times they bet or raise versus the number of times they call. A higher value indicates a more aggressive player.
- 3-Bet: This percentage represents the frequency with which a player makes a three-bet pre-flop, showcasing their re-raising tendencies.
- C-Bet (Continuation Bet): C-Bet percentage indicates how often a player continues betting post-flop after raising pre-flop, revealing their follow-through aggression.
Key HUD Stats: Pre-flop
VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot)
VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot) indicates the frequency with which a player puts money into the pot when they have the opportunity. This metric is expressed as a percentage and illustrates a player’s overall level of participation in the game. VPIP is instrumental in determining a player’s style and how aggressive or passive they are during the pre-flop stage.
A player with a high VPIP percentage is generally considered loose and likely to play a wide range of hands. Conversely, a player with a low VPIP percentage is considered tight and may only play a limited selection of strong hands.
As a guideline, a VPIP of 15-20% is considered tight, while a VPIP of 25-35% is seen as loose. However, it is important to remember that optimal VPIP ranges may vary according to table dynamics, stack sizes, and game formats.
PFR (Pre-Flop Raise)
PFR (Pre-Flop Raise) measures the frequency with which a player raises before the flop. Like VPIP, PFR is expressed as a percentage, which helps to evaluate a player’s level of aggression during the pre-flop stage. By comparing a player’s PFR with their VPIP, you can gain an in-depth understanding of their playing style and how often they are likely to enter a pot with a raise.
A tight player will typically have a low PFR, meaning they only raise in selective circumstances and with strong hands. In comparison, a loose player will have a high PFR, suggesting they frequently raise with a wider range of hands.
3-Bet (Third Pre-Flop Raise)
A 3-bet is the term used to describe the third pre-flop raise in a given hand. A high 3-bet percentage suggests that a player may be more aggressive with frequent re-raises, whereas a low percentage indicates a more conservative approach.
Fold to 3-Bet
The Fold to 3-Bet statistic measures the percentage of times a player folds to a 3-bet after making the initial pre-flop raise.
A high fold to 3-bet percentage suggests that the player may be more prone to folding in the face of aggression, offering opportunities for exploitation through well-timed 3-bets. On the other hand, a low percentage indicates a player who is less likely to fold, necessitating a more cautious approach.
4-Bet (Fourth Pre-Flop Raise)
A 4-bet is the term used for the fourth pre-flop raise in a given hand. This HUD statistic provides a player’s tendencies for re-raising after their initial pre-flop raise has been 3-bet by another player. A high 4-bet percentage suggests an aggressive player who frequently defends their initial raise with further raises, while a low percentage implies a more passive player who may be hesitant to commit more chips.
Opening Positions
In poker, the opening position refers to the first player to voluntarily put money into the pot after the blinds. In HUD statistics, opening positions reveal the percentage of hands a player chooses to play from various positions at the table.
Post-flop
Fold to Continuation Bet (FtoCB)
Fold to Continuation Bet, or FtoCB, is a critical post-flop statistic that shows the percentage of times a player folds to a continuation bet after seeing the flop. This stat is calculated by dividing the number of times a player folds to a continuation bet by the total opportunities to face a continuation bet.
A high FtoCB percentage indicates that a player is more likely to fold to continuation bets, which means you can exploit this tendency by frequently making continuation bets against them. On the other hand, a low FtoCB percentage shows that your opponent is likely to call or raise your continuation bets, so you should consider being more cautious and selective when deciding whether to continue betting.
Continuation Bet (C-bet)
The continuation bet (C-bet) is a post-flop statistic that represents the percentage of times a player made a bet on the flop when they were the initial pre-flop raiser. C-bet percentage is calculated by dividing the number of times a player makes a bet on the flop after raising pre-flop by the total opportunities they had to make a bet as the pre-flop raiser.
A high C-bet percentage indicates that an opponent frequently bets on the flop after raising pre-flop, which suggests that they are betting with a wide range of hands, including strong and weak ones, as well as bluffs. Alternatively, a low C-bet percentage implies that the player is more selective when betting on the flop, likely doing so only with strong hands.
Check-Raise and Donk Bet Percentages
A check-raise occurs when a player checks initially and then raises after an opponent bets. The check-raise percentage reveals the frequency at which an opponent employs this tactic. A high check-raise percentage could signify that a player is more aggressive post-flop, whereas a low percentage may indicate a more conservative approach.
The donk bet is a post-flop play in which a player, out of position, leads with a bet instead of checking. This stat calculates the percentage of times a player makes a donk bet when out of position given the opportunity. A higher percentage demonstrates that a player is more likely to bet out of position, while a low percentage reflects a tendency to check in these situations.
How does the AF (Aggression Factor) in HUD stats contribute to understanding an opponent’s gameplay?
The Aggression Factor (AF) is a metric that measures the ratio of aggressive actions (bets and raises) to passive actions (calls) a player takes. A high AF suggests a player is more aggressive, while a low AF indicates a passive style. Analyzing an opponent’s AF can help players identify potential bluffs or strong hands.
What is the significance of the WTSD (Went to Showdown) stat in poker HUD stats?
WTSD (Went to Showdown) represents the percentage of hands where a player sees the showdown after seeing the flop. A high WTSD percentage indicates the player is more likely to call and reach showdowns, while a low percentage suggests they may be prone to bluffing or folding weaker hands.
What are the best HUD stats to use?
For poker players, the most essential HUD stats include VPIP (Voluntarily Put $ in Pot), PFR (Pre-Flop Raise), AF (Aggression Factor), 3Bet% (Three-Bet Percentage), and ATS (Attempt to Steal). These key metrics offer a solid foundation for strategic decision-making at the poker table.
Benefits of Using HUD in Online Poker
There are several benefits of using an HUD in online poker, including:
- Reading Opponents: An HUD gives you a better understanding of your opponents by displaying their statistics, which helps you identify tendencies, predict their moves, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Improved Decision-Making: By evaluating this information and adapting your strategy accordingly, you can make better decisions on when to call, raise, or fold. Understanding when an opponent is likely to bluff or when they typically hold strong hands can also help you identify profitable situations more accurately.
- Tracking Your Gameplay and Performance: HUD can record and save your entire hand history, enabling you to review and analyze your game later. Identifying your areas of strength and weakness can help you improve your overall performance.
- Multi-Table Play: Using a HUD can be extremely beneficial when playing multiple tables simultaneously. The real-time information provided by the HUD helps you make better decisions across multiple games without getting overwhelmed.
- Developing Reads on Unknown Players: When facing a new opponent, an HUD gives you immediate access to their data and playing style, enabling you to make informed decisions and quickly adjust your game strategy.
Interpreting Data from an HUD
- Knowing your opponents’ HUD stats, pick up on certain tendencies and patterns, like when they play too tight, too aggressive, or too passive, and use this information to your advantage.
- Avoid playing against strong players with similar statistics as your own, as their gameplay may likely be as strong or stronger than yours. Instead, seek out weaker players with observable tendencies you can exploit.
- Keep in mind that the HUD statistics are not definitive but serve as guiding tools for decision-making. Develop a balanced approach using HUD data and your
own experience and intuition.
Popular HUD Tools and Software
Various HUD tools and software are available for online poker players, each offering a different set of features, coverage, and ease of use. Here are some of the most popular HUD options in the online poker industry:
1. PokerTracker
PokerTracker is a widely used and well-regarded HUD software that provides comprehensive data analysis and customizable tracking features for various online poker sites.
2. Holdem Manager
Holdem Manager is another popular HUD that offers powerful analysis tools and customizable functions for Texas Hold’em and Omaha players with numerous features such as an integrated hand history replayer and situational views.
3. DriveHUD
DriveHUD is a more recent entry to the HUD market and covers a wide range of poker sites and game types. It offers unique features such as tilt metric tracking to help players better manage their emotions during play.
Also, have a look at:
4. Jivaro
5. Hand2Note
Customizing Your HUD
1. Choose the Right Stats
Identify the key stats that provide the most valuable insights for your game and focus on those. Examples include VPIP (Voluntarily Put $ in Pot), PFR (Pre-Flop Raise), and AF (Aggression Factor).
2. Group Stats by Category
Organize the selected stats into groups based on their relevance to specific situations, such as preflop, post-flop, or blind aspects of the game..
3. Configure Display Settings
Ensure your HUD’s layout is uncluttered and easy to read on-the-fly. Customize the font size, colors, and positioning to create a functional display.
Reviewing Your Sessions with HUD Stats
Identifying Leaks with HUD Stats
Regularly reviewing your sessions using your HUD stats provides valuable insights into your performance and the weaknesses in your opponents’ gameplay. By identifying areas where you are deviating from optimal play and observing how your opponents exploit those mistakes, you can adapt your strategy.
Interactive Session Reviews with HUD Stats
Holdem Manager and PokerTracker both offer an interactive replay feature that allows you to review your hands while keeping the HUD stats visible. This tool allows you to pause and analyze every action you took during the hand & consider alternative lines of play.
What is a good went to showdown percentage?
For many poker players, a good Went to Showdown (WTSD) percentage typically falls around 25%. This number reflects a balanced approach to reaching the showdown after seeing the flop. Consistently higher WTSD percentages may suggest a player holds onto hands post-flop more often than is typically advisable.
What should my poker stats be?
Ideal poker stats feature a VPIP of 15-20% and an aggression frequency of 50-60%. These percentages suggest balanced gameplay, where you’re selectively aggressive with quality hands. Straying too high indicates loose play with weaker hands, while significantly lower percentages hint at overpost-flop play.