Get overwhelmingly strong with the GTO strategy! A thorough explanation of the GTO strategy in poker with specific examples!
A recent topic of discussion in poker strategy is the GTO (Game Theory Optimal) Strategy. In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners, from the basic understanding of GTO strategy to the specific ways of deciding actions and practice methods.
Table of Contents
Basic Understanding of GTO Strategy
What is GTO Strategy?
GTO Strategy is a strategy in poker that determines the game-theoretically optimal actions.
Advantages of GTO Strategy
The advantage of GTO strategy is that it always plays based on the optimal choice, so you will not lose in the long term. Furthermore, by observing the difference between GTO and the opponent’s strategy, you will be able to measure the opponent’s skill and exploit them.
Important Points in GTO Strategy
Nash Equilibrium
Nash Equilibrium refers to a state in game theory where no player can increase their benefit by changing their strategy.
In GTO strategy, aiming for this Nash Equilibrium allows you to play optimally without being influenced by the opponent’s tactics.
Balancing
Balancing is the process of adjusting the strength of your hand and the choice of actions at a proper frequency to make your play unpredictable to the opponent. This frequency can be calculated based on Nash Equilibrium in game theory. Thus, you can build a state that is not exploitable.
The fundamental idea of Nash Equilibrium is that being unexploitable is a prerequisite, and in GTO strategy, “Balancing” can be said to be everything.
Examples of Actions Based on GTO Strategy
Here, we explain the concept of optimal actions utilizing GTO strategy, through specific game scenarios.
Analyzing various scenarios and deeply exploring the decision-making process for choosing the optimal action is essential to enhance poker skills.
Case of a Paired Board CB
Preflop
You are on the BTN with A❤J❤, and you 3BET to 8BB in response to a 2.5BB open from UTG, which UTG called.
Flop
On a board of Q♠Q♣7♦ and UTG checks, what should be the action for BTN?
Based on GTO strategy, it is almost 100% betting with A❤J❤ included in the entire range.
Why is this strategy like this?
Here, let’s check the equity of the entire range, which is an important factor in thinking about the strategy.
Most of your range beats most of the opponent’s range, and the overall equity is considered high.
In this GTO strategy, to capitalize on this equity advantage, the entire range bets efficiently and aggressively while maintaining balance with both bluff hands and value hands.
Single Straight Board
Preflop
You (BB) have A♠K♠, and you 3BET to 11BB in response to a 2.5BB open from BTN, which BTN called.
Flop
The flop board is 6♣7♠8❤
In response to your (BB) check, BTN bets 7.4BB, and you call.
Turn
Turn is A♦
Both you (BB) and BTN check.
River
River is 9♦
After your (BB) check, BTN makes a 37.3BB POT size bet.
What would be the appropriate action in this situation?
According to the GTO analysis tool, the optimal action for A♠K♠ is a mixed strategy of calling and folding.
Moreover, the difference in EV between these two actions is very small relative to the pot, so choosing either action will not result in a significant difference in EV.
It’s important to understand the major premise that this action becomes the optimal strategy only when the opponent is acting based on a GTO strategy.
Therefore, if the opponent is not adopting a GTO strategy, you can adjust your action appropriately and maximize your profit.
Let’s check what range BTN is making a pot-size bet in their GTO strategy.
Analyzing BTN’s GTO strategy, it’s clear that a pot-size bet is made with a well-balanced mix of very strong hands like straights and very weak hands that can’t win at showdown.
This indicates that if BTN is not bluffing with hands like QJs or KQs, the range for pot-size bets becomes very strong.
Carefully observing the opponent’s play style, if the opponent is bluffing at an appropriate frequency, it is recommended to adopt a mixed strategy of balancing calls and folds.
On the other hand, if you determine that bluffs are rare, it’s important to adjust your play to prioritize folding.
River with a Completed Flush Board
Preflop
You are in UTG with T❤T♠, and you call an 8BB 3Bet from BTN in response to your 2.5BB open.
Flop
The flop is Q♦T♦7♣
In response to your check, BTN bets 5.8BB and you call.
Turn
Turn is 2♠
In response to your check, BTN bets 21.8BB and you call.
River
River is J♦
In response to your check, BTN goes All-in with 64.4BB.
What would be the appropriate action in this situation?
According to the GTO analysis tool, the optimal action for T❤T♠ is to call, and folding would result in an EV loss.
Here too, it’s important to check what range the opponent is going all-in with.
Your T❤T♠ loses to the opponent’s straights and flushes but wins against many bluff hands and AQ, 77. J♦ completes many of BTN’s draws, but TT is still considered a sufficiently strong hand to call.
However, in actual play, the opponent may not always follow a GTO strategy, so it’s necessary to observe their strategy and appropriately adjust your strategy in response.
Learning Methods for Understanding GTO Strategy
To learn GTO strategy, it is essential to have not only theoretical but also practical practice. By using GTO tools in various practical situations, analyzing and interpreting the results repeatedly, you can master the GTO strategy.
Moreover, a deeper understanding of game theory allows you to provide accurate interpretations for each analysis result.
Repetitive Practice with GTO Tools
To master GTO strategy, repetitive practice using GTO tools is necessary. Utilizing GTO tools helps you find the optimal actions in various situations.
Understanding Game Theory
In poker, game theory is a very important element.
Understanding game theory deepens your thought process in action selection.
It becomes necessary to learn concepts like Nash Equilibrium and Balancing and apply them to poker situations.
Summary
In this article, we introduced the basic concepts of GTO strategy, how to decide specific actions, and methods for learning to understand GTO strategy. GTO strategy is essential for continuing to win in poker. Repeated learning of theory and practice can lead to overwhelming strength.