List of books recommended for GTO-specific study
Interest in incorporating Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies into poker play is growing among players ranging from beginners to advanced.
This article features a carefully selected introduction of books specialized in learning GTO.
Table of Contents
What is GTO?
GTO (Game Theory Optimal) is a theoretically optimal strategy, a strategy that allows you to determine the best action to take, regardless of what hand your opponent holds.
Methods of Learning GTO
Practice + Theory
Learning GTO requires both an understanding of game theory and repetitive practice with actual hands. Studying theory helps you understand the basic tactics, and repetitive practice enhances your practical skills.
Books for Learning Theory
When it comes to the best tool for learning theory, it is undoubtedly books. Books are the sole source of information that allow you to delve deeply into the author’s expert knowledge. They are a compilation of the author’s own practical experiences and research, serving as a guide for learners.
List of GTO Learning Books
Modern Poker Theory
Who is this book recommended for?
- GTO Beginners
- Those who want to apply GTO in practice
Author Introduction
Michael Acevedo is a mathematician, professional poker player, and coach for top pros. He was involved in the development of the widely used GTO solver, ‘PioSolver’, and his deep understanding of poker theory is recognized worldwide.
Features
This book comprehensively explains the theory and practice of GTO. It starts with the basic principles of game theory and then details the application of these principles to no-limit hold’em. Moreover, with over 600 diagrams, it provides clear guidelines on how to apply GTO strategies in actual gameplay.
Play Optimal Poker
Who is this book recommended for?
- GTO Beginners to Intermediate
- Those interested in learning Exploit strategies
Author Introduction
Andrew Brokos is an American professional poker player and a well-known poker blogger. He has a background in computer science, applying his mathematical skills to poker. He frequently lectures on poker strategy and game theory, thanks to his deep theoretical insights.
Features
This book detailedly explains game theory and exploit strategies. It elucidates the concepts of game theory in an understandable way without complex formulas and also explains exploit strategies through concrete examples.
Poker's 1%
Who is this book recommended for?
- Intermediate to Advanced GTO Players
- Those aspiring to be in the top 1% of poker players
Author Introduction
Ed Miller is a professional poker player from the United States, who also works as a poker coach and is the author of several poker strategy books. His books have significantly influenced the poker world with their mathematical and strategic approaches to the game.
Features
This book focuses on explaining game theory and the concept of ‘frequency’. Specifically, it enables understanding of range versus range thinking, bluffing and value range construction based on game theory principles.
How to Learn Practical Application?
GTO Analysis Tools
To improve your poker skills, understanding the theory of GTO is not enough; repetitive practice in real games based on this theory is also necessary. For this purpose, GTO analysis tools are extremely helpful.
These tools show you how to play in different situations. You can check how to play a specific hand or whether your strategy is optimized.
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced books specialized in learning GTO.
By reading the books mentioned above, understanding game theory, and using GTO analysis tools for hand analysis, you can strive to improve your poker skills.