Poker Solver Strategy

What Are Poker Solvers?

Poker solvers are specialized software programs that calculate game theory optimal (GTO) strategies for poker situations. By using advanced algorithms, solvers find Nash equilibrium solutions where neither player can improve their expected value by changing their strategy. This represents theoretically perfect, unexploitable play.

The revolution in poker strategy over the past decade owes much to solver technology. What top professionals once developed through intuition and experience can now be calculated precisely. According to research published by the Carnegie Mellon University AI research group, modern poker solvers use counterfactual regret minimization (CFR) algorithms that iterate millions of times to converge on equilibrium strategies.

Understanding how to use solvers effectively has become essential for serious players. However, simply running solver outputs is not enough. The key is developing an understanding of why the solver makes certain plays, then applying those principles at the table. This guide covers the major solver programs, effective study methods, and how to translate solver knowledge into practical improvements.

How Poker Solvers Work

Poker solvers use iterative algorithms to find Nash equilibrium strategies. The most common approach is counterfactual regret minimization (CFR), which works by simulating millions of poker hands and adjusting strategies based on "regret" for not taking optimal actions.

The CFR Algorithm

CFR tracks the expected value of each action at every decision point. When an action would have performed better than the chosen action, the algorithm accumulates "regret" for not taking it. Over iterations, strategies shift toward actions with positive regret, eventually converging on equilibrium play.

The University of Alberta Computer Poker Research Group pioneered much of this technology. Their Cepheus program was the first to "essentially solve" heads-up limit hold'em in 2015, demonstrating that even complex poker variants could be solved computationally.

Input Parameters

To generate solutions, solvers require specific inputs:

• Starting ranges: The hands each player can have at the current decision point
• Board texture: The community cards already dealt
• Stack depths: Effective stack sizes in big blinds
• Bet sizing options: Which bet sizes the solver should consider (e.g., 33%, 50%, 75%, 125% pot)
• Position: Which player acts first on each street

The solver then builds a "game tree" of all possible actions and outcomes, calculating optimal frequencies for each decision. More bet sizing options create larger trees requiring more computation time but producing more accurate solutions.

Popular Poker Solvers Compared

Several solver programs dominate the market, each with distinct strengths. Your choice depends on budget, technical comfort, and study goals.

PioSolver

PioSolver is the industry standard for serious players and coaches. It offers complete control over inputs, allowing custom solutions for any scenario. The learning curve is steeper than cloud-based alternatives, but the flexibility is unmatched. Requires a Windows PC with adequate RAM (16GB+ recommended for complex solves). The Pro version supports larger tree sizes and faster calculations.

GTO Wizard

GTO Wizard provides a browser-based platform with pre-solved solutions and training tools. No software installation or powerful hardware required. The interface emphasizes learning with built-in quizzes, spot-specific training, and intuitive visualization. The GTO Wizard blog offers educational content explaining solver concepts for players at all levels. Best for players who want accessible GTO training without technical setup.

GTO+

GTO+ offers desktop solver functionality at a lower price point than PioSolver. The interface is more approachable for beginners while still allowing custom solves. Includes aggregated reports and visualization tools. Good middle-ground option for players who want to run their own solves without the complexity of PioSolver.

Simple Postflop

Simple Postflop combines solver analysis with training features in one package. Users can both generate solutions and practice applying them through built-in quizzes. The interface balances functionality with usability. Particularly strong for post-flop study with its scenario templates.

MonkerSolver

MonkerSolver specializes in preflop solutions and multi-way pots, areas where other solvers struggle. Running full preflop solves requires significant computing resources, but the preflop outputs inform opening ranges, 3-bet frequencies, and cold calling decisions that form the foundation of winning play. Advanced players use MonkerSolver alongside post-flop tools.

Effective Solver Study Methods

Simply looking at solver outputs rarely translates to table improvement. Effective study requires structured approaches that build understanding rather than memorization. Here are proven methods for productive solver work.

Focus on Patterns, Not Frequencies

Memorizing that a solver bets 67% of the time with a specific hand in a specific spot is impractical. Instead, focus on patterns: when does the solver prefer betting versus checking? Which board textures favor which player? Understanding the logic behind frequencies transfers to countless similar situations. For more on how board textures affect strategy, see our complete guide to board textures.

Start With Common Spots

Begin your study with situations that occur frequently:

• Single raised pots in position
• BTN vs BB single raised pots
• 3-bet pots (both in position and out of position)
• Common flop textures (paired boards, monotone boards, coordinated boards)

Mastering these common scenarios yields more practical value than studying exotic 4-bet pot situations that rarely arise.

Understand the Why

For each solver action, ask why. If the solver checks a hand you expected to bet, investigate. Is it because of range composition? Blocker effects? Pot geometry? The Two Plus Two strategy forums contain extensive discussions of solver logic that can help explain counterintuitive outputs. Understanding the reasoning behind plays allows you to adapt when conditions differ.

Use the Quiz/Drill Features

Most modern solver platforms include practice modes. These quizzes test whether you can replicate solver decisions under time pressure. Active recall strengthens retention far more than passive review. Aim for 15-30 minutes of drilling per study session.

Analyze Your Own Hands

Import hands from your actual sessions into solver analysis. Comparing your decisions to solver recommendations highlights systematic leaks. This personal relevance enhances learning because you remember the specific situation and can see concrete improvements. Our GTO poker strategy guide explains how to think about deviations from solver play.

Node Locking for Exploitative Study

Node locking allows you to fix opponent strategies at specific nodes, then solve for maximum exploitation. For example, lock an opponent to always fold to river bets, then see how the solver adjusts. This reveals how to exploit specific tendencies you observe at the tables while maintaining theoretical awareness.

Key Solver Concepts to Understand

Several concepts appear repeatedly in solver analysis. Understanding these frameworks helps you interpret outputs and apply lessons correctly.

Range Advantage vs Nut Advantage

Solvers distinguish between range advantage (overall equity edge) and nut advantage (having more of the strongest hands). These advantages determine betting strategies:

• High range advantage: Bet frequently with large sizing
• High nut advantage only: Bet polarized with large sizing, check medium hands
• No advantage: Check frequently, use smaller bet sizes when betting

Indifference and Mixed Strategies

Solvers often show "mixed" strategies where a hand bets at one frequency and checks at another. This represents indifference: the expected value is equal whether you bet or check. In practice, you can simplify by betting pure (100%) with hands that prefer betting slightly and checking pure with hands that prefer checking slightly. The frequency matters less than consistent logic.

Blocker Effects

Blockers significantly influence solver decisions. Holding cards that reduce opponent's strong hand combinations makes bluffing more profitable. Conversely, blocking opponent's folding range makes bluffs less effective. Solvers naturally incorporate blocker math into their frequencies. For a deeper exploration, see our complete guide to blocker theory.

Geometric Sizing

Solvers often use geometric bet sizing patterns: betting sizes that build the pot to go all-in by the river in a specific number of bets. For example, three bets of 75% pot reach approximately all-in from 100BB stacks. Understanding geometric sizing helps you plan betting lines across multiple streets.

Limitations of Solver Study

Despite their power, solvers have important limitations. Understanding these constraints helps you apply solver knowledge appropriately.

GTO vs Exploitative Play

Solvers calculate GTO strategy, which is unexploitable but not necessarily maximally profitable against weak opponents. Against recreational players making large mistakes, exploitative adjustments often extract more value than theoretically perfect play. According to poker strategy researchers at Upswing Poker, the best approach combines GTO awareness with opponent-specific exploitation.

Input Sensitivity

Solver outputs depend heavily on inputs. Different starting ranges, bet sizing options, or stack depths produce different solutions. A solution for BTN vs BB at 100BB does not apply to CO vs SB at 50BB. Be careful extrapolating solver insights to different conditions.

Abstraction and Simplification

To make solving tractable, users must abstract bet sizes (choosing discrete options rather than infinite possibilities). These abstractions introduce small errors. Additionally, most solvers cannot handle multi-way pots well, limiting their utility for many live poker scenarios.

Implementation at the Table

Knowing the GTO play and executing it under time pressure are different challenges. Solver study must be complemented by practice applying concepts in real hands. Building intuition requires playing volume, not just studying theory.

Applying Solver Knowledge at the Table

The goal of solver study is table improvement. Here's how to translate study into practical results.

Develop Heuristics

Distill solver patterns into simple rules you can apply in real-time:

• "On dry paired boards as the preflop aggressor, c-bet small frequently"
• "On wet boards out of position, check more and use larger sizes when betting"
• "With nut blockers but weak showdown value, bluff more often"

These heuristics capture solver wisdom in executable form.

Default to Solver, Deviate with Reason

Use GTO as your default strategy, then deviate when you have specific reads. Without information, play close to solver recommendations. With clear exploitative opportunities (opponent folds too much, calls too much, etc.), adjust accordingly while understanding the theoretical cost.

Review Sessions Post-Play

After playing sessions, review key hands in a solver. Compare your actual decisions to solver outputs. Note patterns in your deviations: are you consistently over-bluffing? Under-defending? This feedback loop accelerates improvement.

Focus on Biggest Leaks First

Prioritize studying spots where you make the largest EV mistakes. A major preflop leak costs more than a subtle river spot error. Use solver study to plug your biggest leaks first before refining small edges.

Recommended Study Schedule

Consistent, focused study sessions produce better results than sporadic marathon sessions. Here's an effective weekly structure for intermediate players:

• Monday: Review weekend session hands in solver (30-45 min)
• Wednesday: Focused study on one specific spot category (45-60 min)
• Friday: Drilling and quizzes to test retention (30 min)
• Weekend: Play sessions, taking notes on interesting spots for later review

This schedule balances active play with dedicated study time. Adjust based on your volume and goals, but maintaining regular study habits matters more than total hours logged.

Getting Started: First Steps

If you're new to solver study, follow this progression:

1. Choose a platform: GTO Wizard for accessibility, GTO+ for budget desktop work
2. Master basics first: Ensure you understand hand rankings, position, and basic preflop strategy
3. Start with SRP IP: Single raised pots in position (BTN vs BB) are the most common and fundamental
4. Study one concept weekly: Focus on c-betting, then check-raising, then turn play, etc.
5. Drill actively: Spend at least 1/3 of study time on quizzes, not passive browsing
6. Apply and review: Play hands, then analyze with solver to close the learning loop

Progress gradually from common spots to edge cases. Build a solid foundation before exploring exotic scenarios.

Related Strategy Guides

• GTO Poker Strategy - Understand the game theory principles behind solver outputs
• Range Construction - Learn how to build and analyze preflop ranges
• Blocker Theory - Master card removal effects for better bluffing and calling decisions
• Polarized vs Linear Ranges - Understand range composition in betting strategies
• Reading the Board - Analyze board textures like a solver