Online poker has changed the face of the entire game, largely because of tools available to online poker players that allow them to better dissect the game. If you're not using these tools, you're definitely making less money that you should be, because your opponents are using them and enjoying an edge on you as a result.

Here are three absolutely essential pieces of poker software.

PokerStove

If you're not using PokerStove, you're probably just guessing when it comes to the most fundamental math of poker - namely, what chance your holdings have against not a specific hand (because you rarely know exactly what your opponent has) but against a probable range of hands. PokerStove makes learning this a snap, and is an essential tool for fully understanding the full concept of pot odds in poker. Plus, it's absolutely free, so that doesn't hurt.

Table Ninja

Playing a lot of tables at once online can be a really frustrating experience. You find yourself clicking all over the screen, your stress level rising and your ability to focus decreasing. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just navigate all of those tables and all of the actions on those tables with your keyboard? Darn right it would be, and that's exactly what Table Ninja does. It's just a few bucks (generally around $30) and it will pay for itself in short order. If you play more than 3 tables, you're burning money, bottom line. There's a free trial, so you can see for yourself how powerful the tool really is.

Hold em Manager

We saved the best for last. This is, hands down, the most powerful piece of poker software known to humankind. It slices, it dices... ok, maybe I'm overhyping it, but once you use Holdem manager, you understand why people get so fanatical about it. Think of HEM like a really smart friend who watches every hand of poker you play and then provides you with an objective analysis of your play that you can slice and dice (see, I told you!) any which way you like. Now imagine that friend not only does that, but will also provide you with a quick summary on your entire history with your opponent at the table as you play. Now imagine your friend only costs $90. Cash game players should not be without HEM, and MTT and SNG players will find a lot to love as well. Plus - free trial. Can't beat that.

Poker is changing, and you don't want to be left behind. Do yourself a favor and invest in at least one of these tools today.