Updated · MergeConverter team
Before you start
Make sure the session is imported and the right screen name is set as hero. If a hand count looks low, re-check the conversion log: every skipped hand comes with a reason. Then run this checklist in order. It takes about ten minutes for a normal session.
1. Filter to one game and one stake
Mixing blinds levels, formats and PLO with hold'em makes every number meaningless. Filter by game type, table size and a single stake level, then look at the sample. Under a few hundred hands, treat all stats as hints, not facts.
2. Check four core stats
- VPIP / PFR: are you playing the range you meant to, and is the gap between them sensible for your position mix?
- 3-bet and fold to 3-bet: do you give up too often, or call too wide?
- C-bet and fold to c-bet: separate flop from turn; many leaks sit on the second barrel.
- WTSD / W$SD: showdown frequency and success show whether you pay off too much or fold too much.
3. Look at positions, not only totals
Break results down by position. A winning session overall can hide a steady loss from the blinds. Compare your button and cutoff numbers with your small blind and big blind numbers; large gaps tell you where to study.
4. Review the five biggest pots you lost and won
Sort by pot size. For each hand ask: was the decision right with the information I had, and what would change if the opponent's range were wider or tighter? Mark two or three hands for deeper study instead of trying to review everything.
5. Review all-ins and big folds
All-in hands separate luck from decisions: compare equity at the time of the all-in with the result. For big folds, check whether the price and the opponent's tendencies supported the fold.
6. Write notes and one action
- Add short notes on opponents who repeat patterns.
- Write one concrete thing to change next session, for example "stop calling river bets with weak top pair".
- Re-check that point after the next session.
Review is for improvement after the session. Check your club's rules on real-time tools and respect them.
Common questions
How many hands do I need before the stats mean anything?
For frequency stats like VPIP and PFR a few hundred hands show a trend; for results and rare spots you need many thousands. Use small samples to choose what to study, not to judge yourself.
Should I review winning sessions too?
Yes. Winning sessions often hide mistakes that were not punished. The checklist works the same way.
Which tracker should I use?
Any of HM3, PT4 or Hand2Note works once the hands are imported. See the guides for each combination.