A poker solver is a piece of software that uses game theory optimal solutions to help you improve as a player. It’s a tool that many mid stakes and high stakes online pros use to take their games to the next level. It’s also a tool that’s gaining popularity among cash game players looking for an edge over their opponents. While solvers can help you win more poker, it’s important to understand that they’re not a magic bullet and will require some work on your part.
The first thing you should know about using a poker solver is that it’s not allowed during live play. Poker solvers fall into the category of real-time assistance (RTA) tools, and many poker sites have strict rules against their use.
However, poker solvers can be used as study tools when you’re away from the tables. They’re a great way to test your strategies and analyze the results of different board textures, bet sizes and so on. In the end, a GTO poker solver can give you valuable insights and a clearer picture of how you should play in certain situations.
To run a poker solver, you will need some inputs, like your opponent’s preflop range and stack size, as well as the board texture you’re studying. Once all the inputs are in, the poker solver will start running simulations and derive an optimal strategy for both players. Generally speaking, the solution will be a mix of betting/raising strategies that will lead to a win/loss ratio close to the expected value.
Once the solution is complete, it’s a good idea to start internalizing the patterns/concepts it provides. This will make it easier for you to apply the solver’s results to your own game and make positive changes. It may not be easy to do at the outset, but once you’re able to apply the concepts from your poker solver analysis to your own game, you can become much better as a player.
As with any learning tool, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. If you’re not willing to spend the time away from the table plugging in your ranges and analyzing the results, a poker solver will probably only help you at the very highest levels of the game.
A good poker solver will help you identify the areas of your game where there is room for improvement. For example, if the solver tells you that you should bet small pairs on the flop more frequently, it’s likely that this is an area where you can boost your profits significantly. Similarly, if the solver tells you to check back lower overpairs on the flop more often, it’s likely that you are checking too many of these hands when they have the best chance of improving on the board. The more you study with a poker solver, the closer your game will be to a GTO solution. This is a goal all players should strive for.