Poker HUDs have become controversial in recent times. Many sites have decided to ban such tools after embracing "amateur-friendly" policies. In this article, we will analyze this new scenario and share the best poker sites without HUD.
For those switching from live to online games, a poker HUD is a kinda uncanny tool. Several numbers popping up right in the middle of the screen can even be considered a distracting factor. However, online pros are more than used to this, and it can be called a vital tool for heavy grinding.
Many companies have developed Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) for online poker like PokerTracker. Not many years ago, such a tool was considered standard. Almost all sites allowed it (only a few precursors like Bodog Poker banned third-party software from the beginning), but after GGPoker was born, the industry was shocked, and the "ecology" fight started. Real-time statistics turned from a powerful tool to be the enemy.
HUD free online poker sites are the "new black," and many sites have decided to ban it, including old-school rooms like partypoker, while some others have decided to replace third-party software with in-app tools. Which one is better, a site allowing Heads-Up Displays or one banning all third-party tools? It's absolutely possible to play online poker without real-time statistics; however, it's essential to play on a leveled playing field. Hence, if the poker room allows this tool, you should use it to avoid disadvantages.
We take no part in this controversy; we only invite the poker community to follow the rules of each site. However, it's crucial to know where you are standing to avoid losing any edge.
Rank | Poker Site | Bonus |
---|---|---|
1 | GGpoker | up to $600 |
2 | WPT Global | up to 1200 |
3 | partypoker | up to $600 |
4 | Unibet poker | $200 |
5 | 4Poker | 400% up to $1,000 |
Although GGPoker was not the first (nor the second one, for what it's worth) poker room banning Heads up display, it's perhaps the biggest one taking this step. GG Network customized its software for recreational online poker players from day one and announced its "Security and Ecology Agreement." Such a document not only ban HUDs but all third-party software and punishes "bad regs" for bumhunt and table select.
The "casual-friendly" model has proved successful, as GGPoker is currently clashing with PokerStars for the TOP1 of the world traffic. The developers have tried to add in-app tools like SmartHUD, which are basic (they feature only a few stats live VPIP, pfr) to please both amateurs and pros.
WPT Global was launched in 2022 with the support of the World Poker Tour brand and was able to quickly enter the world's TOP-3 in terms of the number of games. To maintain the poker ecology in the poker room the following measures are implemented:
In WPT Global, the game is played at hundreds of tables. Most of the traffic comes from 8-max Hold'em tables with limits NL10-1.5K$. Dozens of MTTs with guarantees of up to $100,000 are held in the poker room every day. In Global Spins with buy-ins up to $100, you can win up to $600,000.
Phenom Poker is a modern online cryptocurrency poker platform backed by globally recognized professionals. Its payment model, rakeback program, and software revolutionize the poker world with blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
Although its traffic remains low, it is committed to innovating with great promotions and exotic games in a secure environment.
Above we mentioned only four poker rooms that ban HUDs, but, of course, more sites have chosen the same path. Please check out the following table*
Poker room | HUD Banned | Hand histories available |
---|---|---|
GGPoker | ✅ | ✅ |
WPT Global | ✅ | ✅ |
partypoker | ✅ | ✅ |
Stake Poker | ✅ | ❌ |
KKPoker | ✅ | ✅ |
4Poker | ✅ | ❌ |
Bodog Poker | ✅ | ✅ |
Vbet Poker | ✅ | ❌ |
*Please note that some sites don't ban real-time statistics but don't provide hand histories either, and converters are not available; hence, the result is almost the same, and we include those in the list.
Making friendlier environments for casual players has become a priority in modern online poker, and among many "enemies," real-time statistics is a top priority. Poker pros use statistical analysis to exploit leaks such as continuously folding to 3-bets, not defending big blinds, etc.
There are other reasons why rooms ban tracking software and hand histories:
But, in short, poker sites prohibit HUDs to make their sites more comfortable for amateurs.
Not perse. If a poker room allows using HUDs in the terms and conditions, it cannot be considered cheating; however, bypassing this rule is clearly illegal. Let's recall that a HUD shows only statistical data; it doesn't advise how to play. You'll need to study to understand such numbers.
Nevertheless, not using a HUD in a site allowing you to use it is putting you at a significant disadvantage as many other players will surely use your real-time statistics to exploit your leaks.
With major operators introducing restrictions to third-party tracking tools and HUDs, grinders have only one option: to abandon such sites and play only at HUD-friendly rooms, or to adapt their games to survive without a Heads-Up Display:
We already know why poker rooms ban HUDs. Now let's look at it from a players' perspective, and let's identify the pros and cons of playing without statistics:
Pros
Cons
Overall the main con is not using a HUD where it is allowed because those using it will have an advantage over you. In our opinion, cash games poker players will suffer more without a HUD compared to those playing tournaments.
Online poker HUDs won't die. Even after many sites decided to ban such tools, from the TOP10 over 50% of the rooms are still HUD-friendly. However, we recommend our grinders to evolve their game to be less HUD-dependant: if available, then use it. If not available, then keep playing.
Benefits of our affiliate service:
Reach our team to find out more information:
Famous for its beaches, ancient ruins, and a mix of Greek and Middle Eastern influences, Cyprus a...
The Netherlands (also known as Holland) is a top destination among travelers and backpackers worl...
The Kingdom of Belgium is of the founders of the European Union and is considered one of the most...
Boasting a 37-million population, Poland is one of the most rapidly developing countries in the E...