Poker Apps that Will Help You Play Better Competitively
Poker is booming now more than ever, and if you’ve been playing more often, you’re not alone. As of 2018 it was estimated that there were some 60 million poker players in the U.S. alone. And it’s widely believed many more have gotten into the game during the pandemic.
Whether you’re new to the game or you’ve been at it a while though, there’s always room to step up your game. And though you can always learn from experience, you might find it more productive to get a head start with poker-related resources like books, videos — and, of course, apps. Mobile apps are particularly useful because they’re available right on your smartphone, meaning you can easily hone your skills wherever you are.
This list of poker apps will help you get started.
PokerGuide HD
You can use PokerGuide to brush up on the basics. It’s the ultimate mobile poker resource, with information on everything from how to play poker to terms and tips useful for new and experienced players alike. The app also has a rundown of some basic poker rules, ranking charts of hands, a standing hand chart that shows which hands you should and shouldn’t play with, and a blind timer to help you organize your own poker games at home. It’s an excellent multipurpose tool for any player to keep on hand.
Preflop+ and Postflop+
If you want to learn more advanced strategies, try the Preflop+ and Postflop+ apps, which both come from Crafty Wheel Studios. Preflop+ teaches +EV shoves, calls, and rejams based on the Nash equilibrium –– a game theory concept where no player benefits from changing their strategy. Meanwhile, Postflop+ focuses on Game Theory Optimal or GTO, a strategy that involves playing mathematically-perfect poker by evaluating the game in terms of ranges and probabilities. It also provides math tools like equity calculators, as well as simulated situations to practice on. These are clearly more advanced apps, but they’re helpful ones for those who really want to speed up improvement.
PokerGo
You can learn from the experience of the greats with PokerGo –– which is also known as the “Netflix of poker.” Though you’ll need to shell out for this one, it’s worth every penny. The app provides exclusive coverage of major tournaments like the WSOP, WPT, the Super High Roller Bowl Series, Poker Masters, and Poker Opens in the U.S., UK, and Australia. You can even watch original poker series like Pokerography and Legends of the Game. Subscriptions are available for $10 a month or $99 a year.
Pokerrrr 2 – Poker with Buddies
For more hands-on practice, you can use this app to test your knowledge in a game against friends. With Pokerrrr 2, you can simply log in and create a room. After that, all you need to do is share the room’s referral code with friends and start playing. The app even allows you to win prizes, if you like. It’s a great alternative to your usual kitchen table poker sessions and can be downloaded and used for free.
BravoPoker Live
Networking with other players is recognized as a crucial aspect of leveling up your poker game. The input you receive from your counterparts can serve as the constructive criticism you need to develop your play. And on way to seek out that input –– now that it’s safer to head out into the world again –– is to find the nearest real-life poker room. BravoPoker Live helps you to do just that by identifying poker rooms, showing you open tables and waiting lists, and even allowing you to register for games and tournaments. It’s a great way to dive into the scene.
With so many apps available on both Android and iOS, you’ll have no problem finding platforms that will help you train and improve your game. In the meantime, if you want to pursue broader gaming interests, don’t hesitate to get a start at our own extensive games archive.