Practice software

There are several programs that you can buy for your PC to practice playing poker without going online. They all include programmed “bot” opponents that play against you.

Poki's Poker Academy

This is the first commercially available computer program to incorporate both game theory and recent advancements in machine learning. Its use of game theory makes it a challenging heads-up opponent that is not afraid to bluff you with just the right frequency. The machine learning techniques include statistical opponent modeling that help it adapt to your game and exploit your weaknesses. This program is a strong learning tool, especially for heads-up play.

Cost: $70. See Poki-Poker.com

Turbo Texas Holdem

This is the ancient learning tool that's been around since the days of DOS but is still worth having. It provides an “advisor mode” to suggest the betting decision the computer thinks is best. You can choose different lineups of computer opponents to refine your strategy and tactics. It has good analysis tools for setting up specific scenarios and seeing which strategy fares best. For example, you can tell it to always deal AJs to the first player after the blinds and then see whether the bot wins more by raising or calling, and how the results depend on the lineup of the other players.

Cost $60-90 for various versions. See Wilson Software.

AceSpade

This software is similar to Turbo Texas Holdem. Some people say the bot players are harder to beat. However, it lacks the high-speed simulation capabilities of Turbo.

Cost: $120. See AceSpade Software.