What is HUD?

HUD (Heads-Up Display) is a tool in poker software that displays opponent statistics in real time, typically used alongside hand tracking software like Hold'em Manager or PokerTracker. At the table, the HUD shows key data for each player, helping you quickly assess their tightness, aggression, fold tendencies, and more.

Key Statistic Interpretation

VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot)

• Meaning: The frequency with which a player voluntarily puts money into the pot (excluding blinds).
• Common Ranges:
  • Tight-Passive: 12-18%
  • Loose-Aggressive: 25-35%
  • Maniac: 40%+
• Application: Higher VPIP means the player enters more pots, typically with a wider hand range. Against high VPIP players, widen your value raising range; against low VPIP players, stealing blinds and bluffing are more effective.

PFR (Pre-Flop Raise)

• Meaning: The frequency of raising pre-flop.
• Common Ranges:
  • Standard: 10-16%
  • Aggressive: 18%+
• Application: High PFR means the player raises often, usually indicating strength. Combined with VPIP, you can categorize playing styles:
  • High VPIP, low PFR: Passive loose fish, limping many hands.
  • Low VPIP, high PFR: Tight aggressive, typical winning player.

AF (Aggression Factor)

• Meaning: Post-flop aggression factor = (Bet + Raise) / Call.
• Common Ranges:
  • Passive: < 1.5
  • Moderate: 1.5-3.0
  • Aggressive: > 3.0
• Application: High AF indicates a player prefers to bet or raise rather than call, often holding made hands or draws. Low AF suggests a tendency to control pot size, possibly slow-playing or folding. Note: AF should be considered alongside sample size; small samples can be noisy.

3Bet (Pre-flop Re-raise frequency)

• Meaning: The percentage of time a player re-raises an opponent's raise.
• Common Ranges:
  • Standard: 3-7%
  • Aggressive: 8%+
• Application: High 3Bet players often target steals or hold strong hands. Against them, reduce your steal frequency and consider 4-bet bluffing or calling to induce.

CBet (Continuation Bet Frequency)

• Meaning: The percentage of time the pre-flop raiser continues betting on the flop.
• Common Ranges:
  • Low: < 60%
  • High: > 75%
• Application: High CBet players like to range bet; exploit their fold equity with check-raise bluffs. Low CBet players are more conservative; steal pots more on dry boards.

Fold to CBet (Fold to Continuation Bet)

• Meaning: The frequency of folding to a continuation bet on the flop.
• Common Ranges:
  • Low: < 40%
  • High: > 60%
• Application: High fold-to-CBet players are easy to bluff; bet more to steal. Low fold-to-CBet players are sticky; bet for value with strong hands.

Practical Combination Readings

A single stat can be misleading; combine them for better analysis:

• Tight-Aggressive (TAG): VPIP 12-18%, PFR 10-14%, AF > 2. These players enter few pots but are aggressive. Avoid getting involved unless you have a strong hand.
• Loose-Aggressive (LAG): VPIP 25-35%, PFR 20-30%, AF > 2.5. They have wide ranges and raise often. Isolate with 3-bets or re-raise.
• Passive Fish (Calling Station): VPIP > 30%, PFR < 10%, AF < 1.5. They call a lot and rarely fold. Value bet heavily; bluff less.

Sample Size and Common Mistakes

• Minimum Hands: Each stat needs a certain number of hands to be reliable. VPIP/PFR: ~50 hands, AF: at least 100, 3Bet: 200+.
• Mistakes: Don't over-rely on HUD and ignore dynamic reads. Opponents can adjust, and small samples are noisy.

Summary

The HUD is a tool to increase efficiency, not a magic bullet. Understand each stat's definition, combine with table dynamics and opponent history, to make better decisions. Start with a few core stats and expand gradually.