If your poker site is not supported by your poker tracking software, then you will need a converter or card catcher in order to use a HUD or analyze the hands you have played. While the programs are an extra expense, the good news is that many other players will either not know about this software or won’t be willing to pay the money to use one. That means fewer players with a HUD and more of an advantage for you!
Converters For Ignition, Bovada, and Bodog
1. Ignition/Bovada/Bodog Hand Converter
To review your play on Hold’em Manager or Pokertracker, you must first convert your Ignition/Bodog hands and run them through the Converter. I have used this software for several years and it works like a charm. It is a must-have for any player who grinds on Ignition, Bovada, or Bodog. This option will not allow for a HUD during play, but since I use Hold’em Indicator, this is the best solution for me.
2. Ignition/Bovada/Bodog Card Catcher
If you want to use your HEM or PokerTracker HUD on Ignition, Bovada, or Bodog, the Card Catcher solves the issue by allowing you to run your own customized HUD from the hands database in real-time. Basically, the catcher converts the hands as you play and your tracking software can pull them in for immediate HUD use.
Converters For The Chico Network (BetOnline, Sportsbetting Poker)
1. Chico Hands Converter
In order to use Hold’em Manager or Pokertracker on BetOnline and Sportsbetting Poker, you will need a hand converter. I have used this one, by Kings Hands, for two years and it has served me well. It even let’s allows you to use a HUD! The software sits in the background and automatically converts the hands as you play. And believe me, I love anything that is automatic. 🙂
2. BetOnline Card Catcher
An alternative to the Chico Hands Converter. The BetOnline Card Catcher will convert hands from any Chico poker room, including BetOnline and Sportsbetting Poker, in real time. I have not personally used this one myself, but this is the same company that offers the Ignition Converter, so I am confident that the quality of this product will be top notch as well.
What Is Poker Hand Converter?
There are many different formats used by various poker sites to write their hand histories. Programs that use the hand histories must be able to decipher the language used in order to pull the hands into the software for use by their customers. Since the hand histories are not universal, there are a few poker sites who, for one reason or another, not supported by the poker tracking software companies. It is unclear why this is the case. To solve this problem, third-party companies have developed hand conversion software to fill the demand for such products.
How Do Poker Hand Converters Work?
A converter or card catcher basically translates the hand history language into text that is readable by the major poker tracking software companies, Pokertracker and Hold’em Manager.
What Is A Card Catcher?
A card catcher does pretty much the same thing that a converter does, the only difference is that it happens in real-time instead of in bulk. Converters convert hands between sessions, catchers do so during sessions.
You might as why anyone would buy a converter then? It’s because Ignition, Bovada, and Bodog are anonymous, so a HUD can only show session stats. For that purpose, Hold’em Indicator suffices. Other than that, it really just comes down to personal preference. If you are used to your Hold’em Manager or PokerTracker HUD, get the card catcher. If you use Hold’em Indicator, use the converter.
The main advantage to the catcher is that you can analyze your play faster, and not wait 24 hours to download hands, which is required by Ignition, Bovada, and Bodog.
Summary
Poker hand converters and card catchers allow Hold’em Manager and PokerTracker users to import hands into their database for both HUD use and review. So, if you want to use the same HUD that you are used to, or just analyze your play, give one a try.
