I started a spread sheet in MS Works that basically analyzes hand histories for Poker Stars tournaments. I use AHK to semi-automate the whole process. It started out as a small project and has since grown into an obsession that is beyond the capabilities of Works and AHK.

Sorry if this post gets long, but it's important to understand what I need to do if you have any recommendations.

The spread sheet completely breaks down a HH to it's elements and displays it in a table. It recognizes raises as 2-bets, 3-bets, etc, it can review HH in table format with bets/raises shown as XPot and calls shown as pot odds. Lot's more features but I'm trying to stick to the pertinent details.

I define the stats grabbed straight from the HH as 1ST order stats. Stats based on the context of the hand such as the examples above, 2ND order stats. 3RD order stats would require context and analysis to identify bluffs, bet/hand strength, betting patterns, etc. 4TH order stats would be leveling type info based on one players perception of another in the context of stats recorded while at the table. More on this later.

I use AHK to capture, the latest HH, info-tab data, and personal stats data as input. It can also instantly review anything in the IHH window in the format described previously. It does setup and loads blind structures and payout schedules from a library. It navigates to different views of the spreadsheet perhaps hiding, revealing, scaling to create a crude display.

Since spreadsheets are so fragile, I want to add an input/output GUI form layer over it. I'm hoping that I can create controls on this form that will generate some 3rd order stats. Instead of making rough notes on bluff lines or bet size/hand strength, I would like controls for the user to provide the strength of hand or draw information so I could more easily create 3RD order stats.

Programming hand strength seems like a difficult task and instead, it should be easy for a user to add this information on the occasional showdown. For example, for the flop, I might have a radio group for c-bet, draw, combo, made hand and a number scroll for strength.

Eventually I hope to do something for 4TH level providing what stats players have seen and recording adjustments. Pref-lop hand ranges for steals, re-steals, thin value, etc. would be an ideal place to start.

Has anyone used Open Office 3? Since it's a suite that is based on one program, I am hoping I can create hot links between database, spread sheet, input/output forms.

I am not an experienced programmer though I enjoy it. As an engineer, I wrote some simple utilities back in the DOS days. I just learned AHK and MS Work for this project in the last few weeks. I don't mind learning some simple higher level stuff but I'm hoping to avoid learning C++ or some other lower level language.

My initial thoughts for the DB structure:
-Tournament Summary Record:
-Tournament Record: Tourney ID, buy-in, starting stack, type, etc
-Hand Record: Tourney ID, Hand ID, Table #, Seat-Player x9
-Action Record: Plyr Name, Seat #, Hand ID, Action, amount, round, street, 2-n order data.
-Player Record: Plyr name, 1-n order stats
-Individual Record: Tourney ID, finish, $ won

Any recommendations? I am mostly interested on what platform to choose but I am open to suggestions on my overall plan.

Thanks.