AlphaPlayers

This software package, from Eagle Games, is a great tool for learning to play no limit hold 'em tournaments. You can spend more (we'll review those at some other time) and get something a bit more sophisticated, but unless you're an advanced player Tournament Poker is a great educational tool at a great price.

The graphics aren't exactly XBox-quality, but hopefully that's not the reason you're buying it. The primary use of the package is to practice playing in a tournament against a reasonably decent batch of computer-generated players. (We've seen some reviews that say the computer opponents are too predictable and easy to beat, but we've noticed that even when they're set to the lowest level of compeition they'll occasionally try to bluff you out of a pot.) There's a batch of preset tournaments to choose from, ranging from single-table to the 2003 and 2004 World Series of Poker main events. You can "play it straight" or you can choose from a wide variety of "cheat" options that allow you to see your opponents' hands at various stages of play. There's also an information box at the bottom of the screen that gives you the percentages for your next play. Great stuff for learning how to win.

A second part of the package includes tools for running your own tournaments. It'll keep track of things like the time remaining in rounds, the current blind structure, buy-ins, add-ons, re-buys, and even the prize structure. Save your customized settings and you're ready to run the same tournament the next week. Everything considered, the package is a great bargain, we recommend Tournament Poker - No Limit Texas Hold 'Em from Eagle Games.