Guiding with a problem-solver is akin to receiving driving tuition.
Alright, we're gonna dive back into the good ol' GTO chat. But let's focus, especially for those low- to mid-stakes grinders out there, on making the most of solvers and GTO principles. Before we jump in, be sure to jot this down and remember it like the back of your hand.
Listen, I've seen too many coaches spinning the "GTO ain't needed" rhetoric, and then you lot who think "you can't crush without GTO." Hell, I've even heard folks say I'm not a fan of GTO. Well, I'm about to set the record straight and show you the sweet spot.
You see, most coaches out there? I think they're just not sharp enough to truly grasp GTO, its impact on the game, and how to properly apply it, especially online where the game gets a lot more complex. So they teach that GTO is a no-go, and they spout some "street poker" nonsense.
Yeah, I can see the shock on your face. "Ben, but you always say we don't need GTO!"
Nah, I ain't saying that, and let me tell ya why. How the hell you gonna find your opponents' weak spots, build exploits, and dominate the felt if you ain't got a grasp of that most important thing—the theoretically correct baseline strategy?
Listen, I'm gonna show you how to get the most outta your solvers.
Now, using a solver early on in your poker career can be a real game-changer... or it can fuck things up real bad. I believe solvers are fucking amazing tools in the hands of seasoned players and high-stakes regs who can take the recommendations and translate it to real-world situations. They also know which advice will help bring in the big bucks and what to disregard as far-fetched nonsense that'll only hurt your results.
If you're playing with a group of high-stakes homies, we sure as hell use solvers. But we always ask each other how realistic the strategy seems, what we can draw from it, and what exploits follow.
But Jesus Christ, low-stakes players and beginners think they can gut their way through using only a solver! That's just laughable.
No, what you need is an experienced player or mentor who'll explain strategy to you, put it in the right fucking context, and answer all your "whys" and "what fors?".
Picture yourself sitting in math class with a teacher who just writes the answer on the board and skips the good parts. Can you learn anything that way? Of course not.
People learn when they understand things. Which is why you need someone to explain how GTO strategy plays out in real life. Once you set your sights on that "aha!" moment, where you can extrapolate knowledge to other similar situations? That's when you'll have a real shot at mastering the game.
Now, I'm aware there's some criticism out there, so let me address it right the fuck now:
"Of course, COURSES, Ben, you're selling them!"
Fuck that noise. I honestly don't give a shit what works for you. You can sign up for my content, check out my best free YouTube videos, or cough up some cash for a good external coach. All I care about is you figuring this complex game out and climbing your way to the top.
But wait, haven't I said before that GTO isn't essential? Yeah, I've expressed skepticism about how people teach and apply unexploitable play principles. But here's the thing: you need to learn that baseline strategy to find opponents' weak spots, build exploits, and become an unstoppable force.
Some people bluff in poker like they're fucking around at a discotheque, mindlessly spinning through decisions and thinking they're making progress. Sadly, that ain't how it works. Without an understanding of why you're making certain decisions, you're just grinding one computer simulation after another without a fucking clue as to what your opponents might be doing. So take a moment to ask yourself if what the solver's saying is realistic or if it's just some bullshit that'll only set you back.
Now, I ain't saying you should ignore the solver and rely entirely on your instincts. The best course of action is to use your brain with the solver. Don't let the solver replace your brain or you'll find yourself up the creek without a paddle. Or find a more experienced player who can teach you how to do that and guide you to your destination.
You see, triple barreling a "Casino Joe" with second pair and expecting him to fold? That's when you've lost your fucking mind. There are more spots like that than you might think. Don't be that idiot.
I'm selling a course because I believe working with the materials is the best way to learn. And that's why we didn't develop a solver. We had opportunities to buy one or write our own, but I'm sticking to the approach that's worked for the last ten years—even at all stakes.
So yeah, some of my actions might not pass the "GTO test," but they help me fucking win. And that's what it's all about.
On a related note, it's interesting to discuss the poker-related products out there, don't you think? Like learning a solver is much like learning to drive—you should have an experienced person in the passenger seat helping you out. In poker, an experienced winner can help you translate the solver's output into real game context and explain how to get the most out of it.
Gradually, you'll learn to work on your own using the same method. But should a brand-new poker player just dive into the solver grinder like a madman? I don't fucking think so. Doing that could actually set your game back more than it'd help.
A more practical approach would be to work a bit with the solver, brainstorm questions, and hit up our Discord—it's free, after all. And remember, when you're using tools designed to help improve your game? Don't forget to switch that brain on, too. After all, you'll be playing against real people, and many of them won't be the sharpest tools in the shed. So, every time you analyze solver output, try to view it through the lens of human players, their potential mistakes, and your potential exploits.
The optimal approach is to blend solver work with advice from an experienced player. Or you can learn from videos featuring experts who explain why the solver builds ranges a certain way and suggest realistic strategies based on GTO. My experience shows this is the most dependable way to become a very good player.
The same rule applies to real life: theory helps you see the basics, but you need something else to apply that knowledge to real tasks.
Good luck with your poker journey, and I'll see ya at the tables.
- If you're unsure about making the most of GTO strategies in your poker game, especially for low- to mid-stakes grinders, remember this - most coaches might not fully grasp GTO's impact and proper application, especially online where the game gets more complex, so they teach it is a no-go.
- Solvers, when used correctly, can be an exceptional tool for seasoned players and high-stakes regulars who can translate the recommendations to real-world situations, understand opponents' weak spots, build exploits, and make the most of their plays.
- However, for low-stakes players and beginners, relying on a solver alone can be detrimental. Their practical approach should be to work with a solver, brainstorm questions, and seek guidance from experienced players to translate the solver's output into real game context.
- Just like in math class where understanding the concepts and 'whys' is crucial for learning, it's essential to know how the GTO strategy plays out in real life before attempting to interpret solver output and apply it to the felt.
- Ultimately, a blend of solver work and advice from an experienced player is the most dependable way to become a very good player at casino games, casino-games such as poker, and sports betting.
