Poker Academy Professional

Poker Academy Professional is a software package designed to improve Texas Holdem strategy and play. It was created by BioTools Inc.

Poker Academy Professional is available for Windows only and costs $85. A demo version is also available for free.

Poker Academy Professional Summary

Poker Academy Professional is a smooth, easy-to-use Texas Holdem trainer with all of the features that a novice needs to get started with poker play. For the cost, it is one of the better deals, since it offers everything needed to get started. Moreover, since there is a free demo version, users have the option of trying out the software before they make a cash commitment.

Our Thoughts on Poker Academy Professional

One thing that Poker Academy’s creators tout as a big advantage is the fact that their AI players can be customized. This is a great feature if you can then instantly forget what you just programmed in. Otherwise, the fact that you just programmed in your opponent’s entire play style might make it a little bit too easy to play against them. Likewise, the fact that you choose your pre-programmed opponents based on play style is a clear disadvantage. It would be better if the program offered a “mix it up” feature. On the other hand, it does give you a chance to learn how to play against specific player types.

Many of the poker trainers do not offer ring games or limit games, and Poker Academy does, which is a big plus for those who are looking to start out in the world of online poker. The software offers ring games at different levels of difficulty and with different numbers of players. For tournaments, not only does the software have live tournament structures built in. There are also tournament structures for many of the popular online poker rooms. This is a great way to learn how to play in those particular structures, whether single-table or multi-table.

While some might criticize the graphics, those who are looking for a serious game realize that avatars and animations only distract from the game itself. The more important thing is the simple arrangement of the screen. It is easy to see the session statistics, hand evaluator, and adviser. The adviser doesn’t so much give advice as give information, which is probably better when you’re trying to learn the ropes anyway. It would be too easy to fall into the pattern of checking when told, raising when told, and so on.

For those who feel they’re ready to compete against something more than an AI, there is the option of playing online against other live players. Poker Academy has its own play currency which can be used to buy into tournaments. As a result, users get a feel for real play before risking their cash out in the wide world of cash play.