Does the modern poker theory actually function? Is it capable of getting you maximum profit from a game of real money poker? To discover more about the modern poker theory and GTO poker, read on.
Modern Poker Theory Explained
1.Get Involved More
Try to get involved in more pots against you if you intend to make some real money from a game of poker and not just play for recreation.
What do you need to do in order to get more involved? You need to use the “isolation raise” technique where you raise every time the pot dips too low.
Do not let weak players get a ‘cheat flop’. Make it costly instead.
2.Get Position on Them
Look out for the position that the other players are playing at. This enables you to capture their chips (and their money!) after the flop.
You can have a c-bet when they check and take it down. If the flop is good for you, trap them or bluff them.
Having position makes all these different lines of attacks easier to perform.
3.Don’t Get Too Out of Line
If you decide to bluff when they call, then do not drag the con such that it becomes painfully obvious you are bluffing.
This will increase their impetus to call. Remember that you cannot bluff your way thorough continuous calls with a bad hand. Also, you cannot force any weaker opponent to fold. It is necessary to be extra aggressive against players who are new or weaker than the rest, but patience is also key in poker.
4.Keep Your Foot on the Gas Pedal
Keep on flooring that aggressive behaviour with weaker players. This will give them the vibe that you are a crazed poker maniac and you are just in the game for the fun of it.
When you get a big hand, who do you think the weak opponent will pay off?
5.Show Them a Few Bluffs Early On
Show your opponents a couple of smaller bluffs earlier on. This will make them believe you are a crazy poker player who bluffs all through and loosen them up.
When you do have a big hand, they will think you are still bluffing!
What Is GTO in Modern Poker Theory?
If you have heard of game theory, then understanding GTO will be easier for you. GTO or Game Theory Optimal is a strategy used in poker that depends on applied mathematics and a bit of game theory.
GTO enables you to calculate what could be the optimum solution in a particular poker situation, thereby restricting exploitation by opponents.
In the last 10 years the world of poker has been inundated by professionals who swear by GTO and keep their style as close to this strategy as possible. GTO lets you play almost perfect poker and win when the other players commit even the smallest mistakes.
GTO therefore is a defensive strategy to play poker.
How Does GTO Work?
GTO works by using defensive strategy. In this case, you calculate your next move such that you play the perfect move in a particular situation, forcing your opponent to make mistakes. There is no way your opponent can get any edge on you in such a situation.
If we look at GTO using the Rock-Paper-Scissors game, then here you select any one of the three options randomly and play each exactly 1/3 of the time. This enables you to win exactly 1/3 of the times, lose 1/3rd of the times and tie the same, no matter what your opponent does.
Advantages of Playing GTO in Modern Poker
The following are the reasons why you should use GTO in your modern poker game:
- It helps you to concentrate on your hand more, instead of planning on how to oust your opponent next.
- There are no assumptions as it is mathematically accurate.
- You cannot only think of the results here as you will be busy calculating.
- Even if you need to work around a particular situation, adjustments will be easier.
Disadvantages of Playing GTO Poker
The following are the reasons why you should not use GTO in your modern poker game:
- GTO was initially a way to prevent exploitation at the hands of your opponents. But most of the time opponents do not really know your strategy so GTO might be unnecessary.
- You cannot really use GTO in multi-way pots. Poker has different rules for different situations and thus no true GTO strategy can be present.
Should I Learn & Play Modern Poker Theory
It is indeed not binding that you play poker in the 21st century only using GTO and other Modern Poker Theory. It is not GTO that will enable you to win a game of poker, but intuition and training. Knowing GTO might be an added advantage, but it is just that. Practise poker till you get perfect!
Final Thoughts
Follow the tips and strategies mentioned above and see if they improve your real money poker game or not.