Collectng hand history data has become the norm for expert online poker players. One of the most famous uses of this practice was when Isildur1 was examined by several opponents sharing hand histories, who consequently devised a strategy to use against him.

What does sharing hand histories actually entail?

Typically, one has to understand the meaning of collecting and sharing hand histories. The collecting and sharing of hand histories is also known as data mining. Data mining is in two segments – Collecting and analysis of hand histories and Hand Sharing.

Collecting and Analyses of Hand Histories: Generally, it is the method of collecting information of several opponents hand histories including analysis of each player’s hand history making use of poker tools. With the use of poker programs, a player is able to observe the game play of each opponent on the table and the tools will reveal the tendencies of each player.

Hand Sharing: this is a process by which player are able to collect hand histories from a number of online card rooms and thereby convert them into formats appropriate for their own use. Hand sharing is also known as Hand Converting and players are able to show the hands played by various opponents to other players for the purpose of discussion and evaluation. Most online poker sites store players hand histories so as to enable players to keep track of their own performance or for the purpose of discussion and analysis.

Why do players actually share hand histories?

By collecting, sharing and analyzing hand histories a player is able to avoid tough games and select soft ones. Data mining enhances your game play and a player is able to identify the rocky, passive, loose aggressive and tight excessive players. With data mining, a player is able to recognize the fish and shark. Consequently, every online poker player is out there searching for the fish and data mining is one efficient way of discovering where the fish is.

Players are able to track their game play and evaluate their playing style making use of poker software. With data mining, a player is able study where s/he did wrong throughout the game and therefore correct his or her blunders and this is one way of improving your game play. With the collecting and analysis of your opponents hand histories, you will be able to make certain conclusion about each adversary and this will also enable you to read your opponents mind during game play.
Tools used for data mining

There are several tools available online used for data mining. Although there is an upfront cost to such software programs, frequent players will have no problem justifying such purchases, as they play practically every day. Poker tools such as poker tracker and other a number of data mining services such as Hand HQ, Poker Edge, SharkScope and many others are used for the recovery  and analysis of hand histories.

Why Poker Stars does not allow players to swap and analyze hand histories through the use of poker software.

PokerStars accept players to make use of some of these poker applications and services to improve their winning probabilities during the game. Poker Stars is the one site that really has led the industry in security issues such as this.

One main reason is that the players collect a huge database of players profile and sell it to other players. A player who receives this detailed information gets an unfair advantage over these opponents and is able to manipulate each opponent according to how their previous hands have been played. Online poker is all about investing and if one obtains a loophole where s/he can make a great fortune is short time then this would be unfair to the rest of the players. Players who make use of data mining tools such as poker tracker are able to observe the loose players and avoid the tight players.  As such, Poker Stars clearly states that such hand history sharing is a violation of their terms.

Poker Stars only accept players to make use of poker calculators simply tell you the starting hand recommendations and odds. Note: Not all poker rooms allow players to data mine. Consequently, players should check their poker card room before deciding to make use of tools for the purpose of data mining.