PokerStove
Open-Source Equity Calculator review — features, pricing, verdict and alternatives.
PokerStove is an open-source free poker equity calculation tool built in C++, supporting 14 poker variants including Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, and Stud. Lightweight, fast, and accurate — one of the most influential free tools in poker history.
Updated 2026-08.
Key Features
Precise Equity Calculation
Precisely calculates hand winning odds using combinatorics
14 Game Variants
Supports Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, and 11 more poker variants
Open-Source C++ Library
Complete hand evaluation library that developers can integrate into their own projects
Lightweight & Fast
Tiny installation size with fast calculations
Cross-Platform
Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS
Command-Line Tools
ps-eval and other CLI tools for batch calculations and automation
Pricing and Best Use Cases
Free / Open Source
Price: $0
Best for: All players and developers
- Completely free and open-source
- 14 poker variants
- BSD 3-Clause license
Advantages
- Completely free and open-source
- Supports 14 variants, broadest coverage
- Lightweight and fast, minimal resource usage
- Cross-platform (Windows/Linux/macOS)
- Developers can freely integrate
Limitations
- Very basic interface
- No longer actively maintained
- Lacks range analysis and training features
- Higher usage barrier for regular users
vs. Competitors
PokerStove vs Equilab
Equilab has a friendlier interface and more features (trainer, scenario analysis); PokerStove is lighter, supports more variants, and is open-source customizable. Beginners choose Equilab, technical users choose PokerStove.
PokerStove vs PokerJudge
PokerStove is a minimal equity calculator; PokerJudge is a comprehensive training platform. Completely different positioning.
Verdict
PokerStove is a classic in poker software history, still uniquely valuable as an open-source free tool — supporting 14 game variants is unmatched by other free tools. Equilab is friendlier for regular players, but PokerStove remains a valuable resource for technical users and developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PokerStove still work?
Yes. While no longer actively updated, core equity calculations remain accurate. Windows installer available on GitHub.
Is PokerStove free?
Completely free and open-source (BSD 3-Clause license).
Should I choose PokerStove or Equilab?
Regular users should choose Equilab (better interface, has trainer). Choose PokerStove if you need Omaha/Razz/Stud support or are a developer.
Does PokerStove support macOS?
Can be compiled from source on macOS. The GitHub repo provides a CMake build system.
Does PokerStove support PLO?
Supports Omaha/8 and Omaha High.
How can developers use PokerStove?
PokerStove provides a complete C++ hand evaluation library (peval) that can be built with CMake and integrated into your projects. Requires Boost v1.46+ and CMake v3.14+.