GTO in the poker. Myths and reality

GTO strategy is one of the largest mysteries in the world of modern poker. Every player heard about her but no one was able to study this strategy in full volume. Some consider it a panacea for a poterist, others say that the GTO is harmful in itself and does not be any benefit to the real game. We understand together.

What is GTO?

Game Theoretical Optimum) is the optimal mathematical game theory on which John Nash developed his own concept, named "The equilibrium of Nesha". This model involves a game strategy in which every action is balanced and allows not to lose any of the opponents, so any tactics he adhered to.

Profitably? Of course, because no one wants to lose! But not all so simple. Initially, the concept of the GTO does not imply victory over opponent, equilibrium theory only allows you to play zero under all conditions.

GTO in the poker

The great popularity of poker and the development of technology led to the fact that players on overhanging limits were forced to look for the least opportunity to increase their advantage over stronger opponents.

Taking the theory of Nesha, they created a balanced range that allowed each action to respond to the most unpredictable and put rivals in an uncomfortable position. Theoretically, unable to read an opponent, opponents will try to rebuild their own strategy and deviate from ideal decisions, making a large number of mistakes. In this case, the GTO will start making a profit.

GTO in the poker. Photo: UPSWINGPOKER

And indeed, many of the high-class professionals have been able to significantly improve their own skills by working with special computer ducts.

Exploit strategy

The operating strategy is based on search "holes" in the enemy’s actions and their use for their own purpose. As an example, you can cite a classic mistake associated with a large number of passes on an extended bid. In this case, an incredibly advantage of the solution would be a contbet with any cards as it will still make a profit.

Explode still remains the most favorable strategy for microlimites, as well as quite decently works for players with medium and high rates, as most pointers make a lot of mistakes on all streets.

GTO or expression?

In order to answer this question, one must remember that poker is first and foremost a game between people, not between cars. The computer does not get tired, not mistaken or tweak, while living players are forced to fight their own emotions and fatigue, which negatively affects the quality of decisions.

For a successful game on an equilibrium strategy, a complete understanding of the opponent’s spectra is extreme. In addition, the imperfection of human memory will never allow you to remember all the ranges and branches of decisions, so even the strongest professionals are forced to simplify all the concepts very much, at the best of bringing the game to zero.

At the same time, the operating strategy is easier to remember and generates a stable profit, especially in play with weak players.

GTO in the poker. Photo: Poker-ROM-CASINO

That as a result

For all the ambiguity of the Utto study it still makes sense for players who want to go to "Higher League". Finding optimal solutions using a computer allows you to improve the expression of abnormalities in the enemy strategy, as well as provides the necessary theoretical base for fighting with the strongest opponents.

Today, the capacities of the most modern computers are still not enough to calculate the 6-max Haldem, not to mention more complex game options, such as Omaha. The matter is complicated by the fact that thousands of pokerists often deviate from the optimal strategy, and recreational players and rapids – "They play with heart".

Under these conditions, the concept of GTO will be a long time the territory of a few enthusiasts that have been substantially deepened in poker science, and most players are sufficient to study only the basic concepts of equilibrium theory.