What is a Solver in Poker

Introduction

So many poker tools are available to help you enhance your poker game. One of the popular methods is to study decision trees on poker solvers. But what are these poker solvers? Is there only one or more than one? Also, how do they work? Read further to get answers to all your questions.

Objective

The article explains the meaning and usage of poker solvers.

What is Poker Solvers?

Poker solvers are computer programmes that help calculate solutions for any poker query. The solutions are based on many valuable insights. They are close to Game Theory Play, meaning other players cannot exploit a player using GTO solutions. The most commonly used solvers are PioSolver, GTO+, and Simple Postflop.

Best Poker Solvers to Beat The Games

Here’s a list of poker solvers used by poker players:

PioSOLVER

PioSOLVER is a very fast GTO solver for Texas Holdem Poker. It is not a web service; you need a Windows computer or laptop to run the software. They have two programs:

• PioSolver - It is a text-based engine that helps in solving trees.
• PioViewer is a Windows GUI that uses PioSolver to solve trees, read results, and present them in graphical form.

Monker Solver

Monker Solver is a product of Monkerware that solves Holdem and Omaha from any number of players. You need Windows 64-bit or Mac OS X with at least 8 GB RAM to run this program.

Monkerware also has Viewer, which helps in navigating preflop ranges.

Simple Postflop

Simple Posflop is a poker GTO calculator that analyses pre-flop and post-flop actions. It is a convenient tool for moving to a new level of poker skills. GTO calculator helps you switch to balanced poker and increases competitiveness at the poker table.

GTO+

GTO+ is a Holdem game theory analysis that comes with an intuitive interface. You can easily make a decision tree with GTO+. You just have to fill out any play you see as a fit, and the GTO+ solver will figure out the optimal play. GTO+ gives fast and accurate calculations.

GTO Wizard

GTO Wizard is a tool that helps you learn and train the GTO. They come with a range of tools to help you analyse your game. You can download and upload your hand histories, see your mistakes, and improve them in the next game.

How Does A Solver Work?

The solver works based on the inputs you set. Here’s how a solver works:

Defining Inputs

Start by defining the options or the inputs correctly. Fill out all the asked details. The inputs include:

• The preflop ranges
• Bet Size
• Raise Size
• The effective stack size
• Pot Size
• Leading Possibilities

These inputs help the solver give accurate results. However, there may be a possibility that information is not available, such as you don’t know your opponent's preflop range. Yet, the solver gives you results despite these constraints.

The solver works based on the assumption that each player knows their opponent’s strategy from preflop to the river. This assumption and the constraints help the solver to give an equilibrium strategy.

What are the limitations of using solvers?

Here are three limitations of the solver:

• Solvers cannot handle multiway pots with more than one equilibrium. Calculating GTO is easy when there are two players.
• You must enter the correct parameters, as the solver cannot handle incorrect inputs. It’s simple: if you want correct or accurate results, you must put correct values.
• The solver can help you play against a skilled player. However, it fails to help against players with extreme or predictable gameplay.

Poker Solver Parameters

• Out of Position Range: You can assume the hands your opponent might have if they play first.
• In Position Player Range: Similar to OOP range. You assume the hands your opponents might have if they are the last ones to act.
• Board: The community cards used by everyone. The solver starts analysing from the flop.
• Starting Pot: This is the amount from the start of the game.
• Effective Stakcs: The smallest stack size between the players in the hand. This determines how much you can bet or win.
• Betting options: Deciding the betting sizes.
• Rake: The fee the house takes from every pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are poker solvers legal?

Using it as a study tool is allowed, but starting to analyze it in the middle of the game is considered cheating.

Are poker solvers worth it?

It depends, as, in the end, they are merely programs that work based on your input. They can give you some great No-limit Holdem solutions but take you down the wrong path.

Is poker solved by AI?

AI has undoubtedly transformed the poker game. It offers new strategies, training methods, and insights.

Conclusion

The journey of becoming a pro player can be achieved in three ways: Studying and playing games on your own, having a coach or a mentor, or enrolling on a poker training site. Irrespective of your chosen method, you can always use GTO Poker Solver to keep yourself updated with modern poker gameplay and strategies. There are pros and cons to choosing the solver, so it's better to analyse all the factors before opting for one.