Link Mania

I have been overly busy lately, hence the slowdown in updates. A bunch of things need commenting, but I'll tackle them one by one.

First, I wanted to put together a list of links with useful tools. This is not necessarily comprehensive, but I've found most of them to strongly enhance the Hattrick experience:

Hattrick Organizer
The Organizer is the first assistant software that I used, and I dare say one of the best out there. The advantages are so many: it's Java-based, you can use third-party plugins, it's easy to use and fairly intuitive. And last, but not least, it's free.

Now, I generally do not recommend programs like this, especially for new players, because I think they slow down your understanding of how the game functions. However, once you have a fairly solid grasp of what HT is all about, these are a good way to keep track of what is going on with your team. Still, questions like, "I trained scoring this week, but my HAM shows that none of my players got training," can usually make me frenetically run in circles around the room, cursing loudly.

Hattrick @ databased.at
A very good information site. Has a complete breakdown of in-game information, and some quite useful tools. Appropriate for people who do not like to download stuff, or log in to Hattrick from various locations. Some of the functions have become paid over the years, but there still are a lot of free goodies.

Virtual Hattrick Organizer
Hattrick Organizer's baby brother. The two products are unrelated, but VHO is, similarly to databased.at, suitable for people who have no permanent "base of operations". While not sporting a large variety of useful functions, VHO provides a good overview of your team.

Hottrick
A site that originates, I believe, from the Polish ht-gang. There is a useful, albeit unfinished, guide for beginner players. You might also want to use the keeper tool, and the friendly search agent.

Hatstats
The ratings' Mecca of Hattrick. If you hear references to "your hatstats", and have no idea what people are talking about - here is where you find the answer. Loads of useful team ratings for all who want to benchmark their teams against the competition. The site covers each nation up to division IV, and beyond for some of the bigger leagues. Though, they get the flops for the very awkward positioning of the newly introduced Google ad banner on the team page.

Hattristics
A huge database with tabulated percentages for special and weather events, tactics used, possession, etc. Might be a bit hard to figure out, but undoubtedly very useful.

HT-Dog
I discovered this one only recently, but it seems like a good tool to scout your next opposition. Very user-friendly, and highly recommended.

Foxtrick
If you are using Firefox, this plugin is a must. If you're not using Foxtrick, it is the reason to install the browser! What Foxtrick does is, it implements a number of add-ons to Hattrick directly in the html while you're browsing. Not only can you change the colour of HT, but you can also opt to see the hatstats ratings in the match report, the number of stars in the formation info, or links to the keeper and injury tools in the player info of keepers and injured players, respectively. You can even download nifty little clipart sets to replace the ugly medals and cups on team shelves while you're browsing! All options can be turned on and off.

HT Arena
HT Arena is a great service for everyone who lacks the supporter feature, but still looks to add some flavor to their team. You can create your team's very own website, complete with information taken directtly from the game. Don't worry, it's all CHPP-approved.

The list here is surely not comprehensive, and I am sure that most of you have found other little gems to help you play the game better. I will appreciate all contributions!

That's it for now, in the near future, expect my takes on HT-Magnus and usability, and the upcoming changes to scorers and wingers.

Also, thanks to my first two readers, ivo_stoyanov and farfouille!