Tourney Poker Blinds / Tourney Software for Mac and iOS (1 Viewer)

OK, I've tried a bunch of different apps and free-poker-timer-websites, but I've yet to find something "that just works." It seems like a lot of free stuff out there is prone to crashing or resetting at random and the worst-possible moments. So, I'm looking to see what you guys use for your blinds/timers, and have a few basic requirements:

- Works on a Mac laptop.
- Structure can be saved/modified/recalled, easily.
- Can run on a desktop (standalone App or Browser App is fine) for link to TV/projector.
- Can support custom blind structures.
** Can support multiple structures (not a hard requirement, but would be nice).

I really don't need any of the extra stuff - Names, table assignments, etc. - but if those things come in a package that works properly, I'd gladly pay for it.

Please post links to your favorite home tournament software.

Thanks in advance!

It's unfortunate that you had -Works on a Mac.

I've never had any issue with Tournament Director. But it doesn't run on a Mac.

I use an ancient version of Tournament Director (edit: I see this may not work on a Mac...sorry) I use the bare bones display options: Time Remaining, Blind Level, and Next Blind Level and it works great for what I need it to do.

I see that Blind Valet recently changed a bunch of stuff. It used to be super easy to set up.

Best all around blinds/tourney software is Blinds Up. Been using this for a while now, but unfortunately it requires an ipad. I used to lug around a PC, monitor, etc... Now, I use an ipad in one room, and airplay it to a TV in the other room. Works far above my initial expectations...

I didn't come here to push my stuff, but it works on a Mac and for what you are talking about so far would probably be free to use.

http://drneau.com/TournamentManager.htm

The poker clock function in DDPoker would also likely work fine for you (www.ddpoker.com). And if you can get Silverlight running on a Mac, PokerDIY may work as well (got it to work on Linux, so it might be possible).

Dr. Neau said:

I didn't come here to push my stuff, but it works on a Mac and for what you are talking about so far would probably be free to use.

http://drneau.com/TournamentManager.htm

Click to expand...

Dr. Neau, thanks for the suggestion! I tried running it, but when I click start I get a "license invalid" error. What am I doing wrong?

Bah. The internal key is old. Hold on...

This is good through the end of 2020.

fnnA-mb@q-vyvq-$Oet-n$w|-ExL%-VH0H-yE$svvvv

I don't know if Blind Valet works on Macs, but it's a web based program that syncs to your phone in real time. I've used it several times and it's a quick to setup program to use. I still mainly use Tournament Director though for my league games.

Mesnik44 said:

It's unfortunate that you had -Works on a Mac.

I've never had any issue with Tournament Director. But it doesn't run on a Mac.

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I liked it a lot, but I'm one of the (apparently) sizeable number of people who have serious lag issues with the software, to the point where it is impossible to use.

I think it makes sense for @Tommy and the crew to look into recruiting some developers here that can maybe write a blinds app from scratch and branding it PCF Blinds Manager or something like that. Great marketing for PCF as folks who are not on here will find it and download it and then see the PCF logo etc, and then get drawn to this site. The users here can contribute a sht ton in terms of suggestions and ideas. Just would need to figure out a way to compensate the developers for their time. There is clearly a hole in the market for a reliable blinds manager.

Trihonda said:

Best all around blinds/tourney software is Blinds Up. Been using this for a while now, but unfortunately it requires an ipad. I used to lug around a PC, monitor, etc... Now, I use an ipad in one room, and airplay it to a TV in the other room. Works far above my initial expectations...

Click to expand...

Im using Blinds Up too. Its not great, but it works ok. I think the dev game up on the app. v2 never came out.

I've tried using Blinds Up, but the glitches/crashes make it unusable for me.

mummel said:

I think it makes sense for @Tommy and the crew to look into recruiting some developers here that can maybe write a blinds app from scratch and branding it PCF Blinds Manager or something like that. Great marketing for PCF as folks who are not on here will find it and download it and then see the PCF logo etc, and then get drawn to this site. The users here can contribute a sht ton in terms of suggestions and ideas. Just would need to figure out a way to compensate the developers for their time. There is clearly a hole in the market for a reliable blinds manager.

Click to expand...

As someone who has written and sells a very reliable blinds manager, just a word of caution:

Any developers working on something should check their employment agreements before doing anything. Often, anything you create is the property of your company unless you get explicit written permission stating otherwise.

mummel said:

Im using Blinds Up too. Its not great, but it works ok. I think the dev game up on the app. v2 never came out.

Click to expand...

justsomedude said:

I've tried using Blinds Up, but the glitches/crashes make it unusable for me.

Click to expand...

I've used most of the features of the app (aside from league points). I've not encountered any major glitches that weren't fixed promptly by the developer, NOR have I had any difficulties running the app. I've used it for many tournaments, including a Chip Meetup, and it's been amazing.

Trihonda said:

I've used most of the features of the app (aside from league points). I've not encountered any major glitches that weren't fixed promptly by the developer, NOR have I had any difficulties running the app. I've used it for many tournaments, including a Chip Meetup, and it's been amazing.

Click to expand...

I was having problems with the App saving settings and crashing on my iPad Mini 2. I'd be running a setup, make a change, it would crash, and my entire tourney setup would be wiped out, forcing me to set things up again from scratch. Granted, the last time I tried it was about 8 months ago... but if it has been updated since then, I'd be willing to give it another go.

I use:

http://www.travispokertimer.com/

justsomedude said:

I was having problems with the App saving settings and crashing on my iPad Mini 2. I'd be running a setup, make a change, it would crash, and my entire tourney setup would be wiped out, forcing me to set things up again from scratch. Granted, the last time I tried it was about 8 months ago... but if it has been updated since then, I'd be willing to give it another go.

Click to expand...

Also make sure you are using the latest IOS.

I also use and suggest BlindsUP on the ipad. It's what I use every month for over a year. Before that I used Travispokertimer on the MAC - it was good, but it needed the laptop and that was a pain. Does Blinds Up have a few bugs? Yes, but nothing that I can't work around at this point. It is stable enough for me to use and trust.

mummel said:

I think it makes sense for @Tommy and the crew to look into recruiting some developers here that can maybe write a blinds app from scratch and branding it PCF Blinds Manager or something like that. Great marketing for PCF as folks who are not on here will find it and download it and then see the PCF logo etc, and then get drawn to this site. The users here can contribute a sht ton in terms of suggestions and ideas. Just would need to figure out a way to compensate the developers for their time. There is clearly a hole in the market for a reliable blinds manager.

Click to expand...

Also, building something that can be streamed to a raspberry pi will get around the need for an AppleTV or laptop.

mummel said:

Also, building something that can be streamed to a raspberry pi will get around the need for an AppleTV or laptop.

Click to expand...

You got me wondering. It would appear from what I'm reading that if someone had the appropriate Java Runtime (a full SE version and not the Embedded version...the Embedded version doesn't have graphics capabilities) installed on their RPi that a standard Java application like mine should work. I might have to try that. Now I can write a RPi off as a business expense!

Dr. Neau said:

You got me wondering. It would appear from what I'm reading that if someone had the appropriate Java Runtime (a full SE version and not the Embedded version...the Embedded version doesn't have graphics capabilities) installed on their RPi that a standard Java application like mine should work. I might have to try that. Now I can write a RPi off as a business expense!

Click to expand...

Would be great to connect to some sort of server too, where you could log in on a PC, set everything up, save it to the cloud, and then run the tournament from your app. That way no data is lost, you can switch between different devices, you can keep a record of your tourneys, league scores etc.

I've *kinda* got that now (kinda). All data is stored is a directory that you can move from host to host as needed. Obviously not as seemless as you're talking.

@Dr. Neau - tried installing your software today but a pop up appears when i click "start" saying the licence is invalid. Options are to relicence, demo or quit. Hitting Demo just takes me back to the popup. Do you need to provide a temporary passcode just to get it working initially? Any thoughts? Windows 10, java up-to-date.

Wils said:

@Dr. Neau - tried installing your software today but a pop up appears when i click "start" saying the licence is invalid. Options are to relicence, demo or quit. Hitting Demo just takes me back to the popup. Do you need to provide a temporary passcode just to get it working initially? Any thoughts? Windows 10, java up-to-date.

Click to expand...

This one worked for me, he posted it above.

fnnA-mb@q-vyvq-$Oet-n$w|-ExL%-VH0H-yE$svvvv

Thanks

OK, so I have some updates for Mac / iOS options after trying some software...

- I tried the Travis Timer, and while the functionality seemed to work reliably, the resolution was wonky on my MacBook. All of the fonts had a rough "8-bit" look to them, and I was never able to get any full screen mode to work. There was always a big black border around the timer, which oddly only took up 50-60% of the center of the screen. I'd be willing to give it another look if the font and full-screen issues were resolved. See photo of "the border," below...



...this just looks crummy when projected on a big screen.

- Next up was Poker Manager by CocoaTree Applications. This kind of seemed like my dream solution... it has a beautiful interface, a remote control app to let you pause and control the timer from your iPhone/iPad, and awesome features with a super simple setup. I got everything setup for my tournament on Friday, and it worked perfectly up until the first break when, out of nowhere, the clock went completely haywire and started running negative. I tried to reset the level and the entire App crashed. When I reopened it, my saved tournament was completely wiped out. Maybe this is just a glitch with the free version - but based on this experience, there's no way I'd ever pay for the full software. There are also a lot of negative reviews in the Apple App Store about this app's instability. So much for CocoaTree... I'll be staying away from Poker Manager for the time being.

- After my Friday mid-tourney-meltdown, I went on a hunt for reliable/good-looking software. I ended up at The Poker Timer. After all of my recent frustrations, I said "screw it," and immediately paid for the full version. So far, it has been easy to work with and it is just quick and snappy on my MacBook. It's not as beautiful to look at as Poker Manager, but so far everything just works. Structure setups are easy, full screen mode works, and the clock seems to run reliably. The ability to save/recall multiple structures (without crashes/wipeouts) seems to be working as well. Also, the dev responded to an email inquiry about 2 hours after I sent it, so that is promising as well. I won't have another tournament for a couple of months, but hopefully, this will become a stable/long term solution.

More to come after I've given The Poker Timer a solid run.

FYI. I have no idea what "Travis Timer" is. That's not mine.

Mine is here: http://drneau.com/TournamentManager.htm

justsomedude said:

OK, so I have some updates for Mac / iOS options after trying some software...

- @Dr. Neau, I tried your Travis Timer, and while the functionality seemed to work reliably, the resolution was wonky on my MacBook. All of the fonts had a rough "8-bit" look to them, and I was never able to get any full screen mode to work. There was always a big black border around the timer, which oddly only took up 50-60% of the center of the screen. I'd be willing to give it another look if the font and full-scree issues were resolved. See photo of "the border," below...

View attachment 71281

- Next up was Poker Manager by CocoaTree Applications. This kind of seemed like my dream solution... it has a beautiful interface, a remote control app to let you pause and control the timer from your iPhone/iPad, and awesome features with a super simple setup. I got everything setup for my tournament on Friday, and it worked perfectly up until the first break when, out of nowhere, the clock went completely haywire and started running negative. I tried to reset the level and the entire App crashed. When I reopened it, my saved tournament was completely wiped out. Maybe this is just a glitch with the free version - but based on this experience, there's no way I'd ever pay for the full software. So much for CocoaTree... I'll never use their Poker Manager program again.

- After my Friday mid-tourney-meltdown, I went on a hunt for reliable/good-looking software. I ended up at The Poker Timer. After all of my recent frustrations, I said "screw it," and immediately paid for the full version. So far, it has been easy to work with and it is just quick and snappy on my MacBook. It's not as beautiful to look at as Poker Manager, but so far everything just works. Structure setups are easy, full screen mode works, and the clock seems to run reliably. The ability to save/recall multiple structures (without crashes/wipeouts) seems to be working as well. Also, the dev responded to an email inquiry about 2 hours after I sent it, so that is promising as well. I won't have another tournament for a couple of months, but hopefully, this will become a stable/long term solution.

More to come after I've given The Poker Timer a solid run.

Click to expand...

Travis Timer is not the Dr's software.