Game Theory Optimal (GTO) focuses on the mathematically-perfect way to play poker. If achieved, there is no way an opponent can exploit your move. Utilizing a card matrix, it guides you to the play that returns the most profit. The possible result? A dominant and financially-fruitful win. The most damage an opponent could do to your round would be to break even, and that’s if they play the strategy themselves. During a game of professional poker, you may hear the poker term “GTO” being shouted out to signify someone strategizing around it.

As online poker rooms become densely populated, the level of skill among players is improving dramatically. In today’s world, we’re spoiled with endless information and insight into the game. New strategies are arising thanks to modern poker theory and debutant players are entering the scene by the masses. For many, it’s a time to adapt and innovate their repertoire of skills, while others become complacent. Yes, it is hard to reach, but if you’re able to experience GTO in poker, you’re pretty unstoppable. From myths to winning, we discuss the ins and outs of GTO.

Is it an offensive or defensive strategy?

Although GTO provides players with the best path to success, it’s regarded as a defensive strategy as its purpose is to avoid your move being exploited. However, this does remain a gray area in poker theory as it incorporates mixed strategies focused on balanced ranges.

Gone are the days when experienced players focused on single hands. Now it’s all about predicting the range of hands they think their opponent has against what the opponent believes they are holding.

So, what are balanced ranges? This is a range of hands that is unexploitable by means of a poker strategy. Keeping a level of unpredictability is essential to a successful poker career. For instance, if you’re consistently folding your cards and only play when holding a strong hand, you become easy to read and opponents will be able to react accordingly. If you’re able to, understanding the poker personalities of the surrounding players can only do you good. For example, if you notice that a certain player likes to play aggressively through bluffing and semi-bluffing, then you know that if you have a strong hand, there’s a good chance of winning the pot.

Advantages and disadvantages

From live dealer poker to online tournaments, the game is rapidly innovating with the digital world, meaning some strategies that used to work don’t anymore. It’s important to remember that GTO is a poker term players use to describe the state of being unexploitable.

A great advantage of GTO in poker is the fact that you don’t need to be aware of your opponent’s plays. Constantly monitoring players’ actions can become tiring and delusive, resulting in silly bets and, in other cases, the process of chasing a player because of a false assumption. Moreover, if a player achieves this optimal level, then, effectively, they’re untouchable and cannot lose.

However, a downside of this poker theory is that it’s highly unlikely to find an optimal strategy for every scenario when playing against two or more opponents. Other disadvantages include the fact that poker is not entirely mathematically-solved yet, which means GTO in poker isn’t capable of reacting to every move. Not to mention, it’s nearly impossible to learn.

GTO myths

We debunk some of the most common myths associated with Game Theory Optimal.

A GTO strategy will always take the most profitable line

Contrary to popular belief, GTO does not focus on taking the most profitable line as it’s more of a defensive strategy. Rather, it seeks to disarm opponents in the sense that they cannot exploit your move. Therefore, the aim is to win each round, but not with a profit-grabbing mentality. This is because it doesn’t consider the strategies being employed around you.

The best players in the world use a GTO strategy

The best players in the world do not completely utilize this strategy. Why? Because not even a computer is capable of reaching this state at a consistent level. Rather, it’s used as a phrase to indicate a player performing at a high level.

You must be good at math to use a GTO-influenced strategy

The simplicity of its calculations means you do not have to be a math whizz to work it out. Interestingly, it doesn’t use math’s complex equations such as algebra. Rather, it works on figuring out percentages which is a simple calculation. And as you practice more, it becomes easier and you’re able to react far more quickly.

There’s no point in learning GTO since an exploitable strategy has a higher profit ceiling

Again, this is not true as incorporating GTO is a great way to balance your playing style, therefore making you a more unpredictable player. Even understanding the basics of this modern poker theory will help to progress your skills and identify ways to exploit opponents in numerous scenarios.

Test your skills on Borgata Online

Want to play poker online? From live dealer games to online tournaments, Borgata Online is regarded as one of the best online poker sites. We also have a huge range of live dealer casino games, online slots and so much more to explore.

Register today and put your skills to the test.