The nifty, quick glance, VPIP meter that is part of the Holdem Pirate Poker Calculator software gives you a snapshot image that is designed to increase your probability of making money.

This is simply my favorite empirical poker calculator (EPC) because the VPIP meter acts as an analyst of all the pertinent data, and thus, improves your decision making skills. With little doubt, you will now know if you are at the right table, in the right hand, and up against the right player. Simply, it is a guide as to how to win at poker.

Being at the right table is your first critical decision in winning at holdem poker. The VPIP meter is really effective in that process because you could sit at a table, and simply watch for a couple rounds while the VPIP goes to work. Depending on your own playing style, you may prefer a loose/passive table as opposed to a tight/aggressive make-up. Either way, you are going to know in short order while only involved in only a couple of blinds.

The VPIP meter monitors individual activities and collates that into a table tempo. In that regard, you are going to have a lot of valuable information before trying to play a hand like KQos in early position or even calling the small blind with a lousy Q2s. Conversely, the VPIP meter may be offering up scenarios to not only play those exact hands, but play them aggressively! Its important to play out of your zone for image strategy and this tool really helps you do it.

The individual statistics can show what type of player you are up against as well. If you see that RobRoyBoy99 has seen 60% of the flops, has a pre-flop raise of 40%, but has won a mere 12% of his showdowns, well you want him at the table. Any decent holding (middle pair) is going to take this opponent down, if not sooner than later. You want to be part of that before someone else does, so re-raising the fool is a good option to try for heads-up play.

I really love the fact that the VPIP meter can collect data for me while I am pouring my tea in the kitchen, putting the dog outside, or saying good night to my wife. As opposed to most other EPCs, the VPIP meter is a quick study, with the visual impact you want in demanding, time-sensitive hand situations.