What is a Solver in Poker?

Introduction

Solver is a powerful poker tool that calculates the optimal strategies for scenarios you have filled. Many poker tools are available to help you enhance your poker game. A few of them are PioSover, GTO+One, and SimplePostfllop. These tools were commercialised in 2015 and have changed the poker game.

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.

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.

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 of each player.
• 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.

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 Should You Think About Solvers?

Think of solver like a genie. You get what you ask. You may not get a helpful answer if you ask the wrong question.

Your inputs must be as close to reality as possible to get accurate and valuable strategies. Once you have figured that out, you can understand why the solver plays certain hands.

Once you figure that out, you can start looking for patterns. Since you cannot study every possible flop, turn, and river, internalising the pattern you study becomes critical.

Here are some patterns and concepts provided the inputs are correct:

• Which hands should you bet/raise?
• How often you should bet/check/etc.
• Which hands should be played with a mixed strategy?

With these inputs, you can figure out the why behind them.

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.

Can Poker Solvers Help My Poker Game?

Yes. Poker Solvers can help you become a better poker player, provided you know how to use it correctly. You should use a poker solver when playing higher stakes where you need a balanced strategy.

When the stakes are lower, exploitative poker is always a superior strategy, and you can find ways to capitalise on your opponent’s mistakes. You can use Solver in low-stake games, but the balancing approach won’t work.

Once you start moving to mid- to higher-stakes games, you need a solver to remain competitive and learn to play a balanced poker strategy.

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 analyse 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.

What is a poker solver?

A poker solver is a software that analyses poker scenarios and calculates the optimal strategies based on Game theory's optimal principles.

How much do poker solvers cost?

The price depends on the solver you choose. However, it can be expensive and range from $250 to over $1,000.

What is GTO poker?

The game optimal theory is a strategy that aims to make you play unexploitable by any opponent.

Are poker solver outputs perfect?

No. The poker colver outputs are not perfect. The game’s complexity limits them.

Conclusion

Poker solvers are the most helpful tool for becoming a better poker player. When you don’t have a poker solver, you have three ways to become a better poker player I;e: Studying and playing games on your own, having a coach or a mentor, or enrolling on a poker training site.

Regardless of your chosen method, GTO Poker Solver keeps you 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.