Today, I read this interesting
article about poker tips and tricks that are beneficial to poker players. Although I am not too familiar with Poker, however, from what I have read Poker unlike other casino games depends on smart strategies rather than luck. So it is safe to say that the odds are in the favour of the player.
What is Game Theory Optimal (GTO)?
The Game Theory Optimal is a strategy that leaves you unexploitable by other players. This makes you almost impossible to beat as it lets you refrain from using a specific play too often or rarely. To execute it properly you have to balance your use of bluffs and the value of your hands.
Additionally, this strategy guarantees to make money out of your opponents or at the very least break even or win back your initial wager. However, this technique is more than that and to achieve this, you need to have a deeper understanding of the game of poker itself.
Unlike the aggressive exploitative play commonly used by players worldwide, GTO is more of a defensive play as it prevents you from being exploited. Moreover, GTO can also be used as a countermeasure if your opponent is also using this strategy.
What is Exploitative Poker?
From the name itself, this strategy looks for ways to exploit the strategies that your opponents use by looking for imbalances and mistakes you can use as an opening.
Between the two strategies, exploitative poker has been around longer. It was being used by players from around the world to take home countless winnings long before GTO came into fruition.
One of the most common ways to execute this strategy is by excessively betting as a bluff because this usually causes your opponents to fold. Regardless of whether or not you indeed have a great hand, this strategy can help you win games.
However, be careful as this strategy can be a double-edged sword as it also leaves you prone to exploitation from your opponents. Because of this, you have to be cautious while using this strategy as once the other players find out what you’re up to, they can counterattack your strategy and deem it useless.
Additionally, exploitative poker should be fluid, meaning you should always adapt to the situation you’re in. Always remember that you’re prone to danger with this strategy so make sure to make necessary adjustments throughout the game to avoid losing.
According to the article, GTO is defensive play while using Exploitative play is offensive. And there are several pros and cons attached to each of them. These strategies can be used together but this may depend on the player.
My questions for you are:
- Which of these is your favourite strategy?
- And which of these strategies works best in an online casino?
- What are the other poker strategies that are as good as GTO or Exploitative play or even better?