I play NL5 for 30-60 minutes a day in the evening –*for fun – but I obviously like to win!

I love studying and watching poker too.

I'm planning to move up to NL10 when my BR is $200 (currently it's $165 on an upward trend).

I'm in two minds whether to buy a HUD/tracking program. I used a 30-day trial a while back, and it was really nice to have, but it costs $100 to buy. That's over half my bankroll, which took me months to build up from a $10 deposit, which makes it feel like I'd spending half my profit so far on something that I've also done okay without so far! Does that make any sense?

I kind of want to be talked into it, because I did really enjoy having it, but I'm not sure it's worth it when I'm talking about such low stakes/profits.

It depends. If you play on sites that don't allow them then they're not important at all. If you don't have the ability to properly interpret what they're saying then they could actively hurt you

Does poker tracker 4 work on stars?

So for the very basic VPIP/PFR/cbet and fold-to % stats, assuming I study how to interpret and use them correctly, is it helpful at a low stakes/45-mins per day level?

I am interested in the tracking data too, to study my own game.

It depends what your long term goals are with poker. A HUD means more info, which means better decisions in theory. Better decisions mean a better win rate.

Long term goals = to win more and to increase stakes.

In that case you should be investing in one. There's no disadvantage if you use it well. £100 is a trivial amount in the greater scheme of things.

Studying by using your actually database will directly lead to

Buy the tracker. Use the HUD if you want to but the real bonus for those that want to excel is the use of your database to hone your skills. MANY don't take that leap...instead just grind along with the HUD stats without the homework option that is available.

Yes, I play there and use PT4

Thanks guys, I think you've all convinced me

I'll probably update this thread with questions about it once I've used it for a few days

NLH needs a HUD, Omahas less so.

It's pretty important i think, will def help you out in some close spots if you don't have specific notes on a player like you can search through your overall stats on villain and see how he is deviating etc.

You can def go w/o a HUD at the micros i think but i still think you'll get a higher winrate with a HUD. Sucks to be in ur situation maybe look for a deal somewhere but i think ull be fine w/o a HUD maybe invest in one once u hit $200.

$100 HUD tax to play poker now a days lol.