How much value is learning Game Theory Optimal (GTO) for a recreational player?

[Toruk Makto]

I haven't had the opportunity to fully study the GTO yet. But from the things I know...
It is of great value to delve into your studies.

 

[yuriko oyama]

In my opinion, I believe that anything to improve is valid, after all we like to play, but we also want to win.
I think that at some point I become profitable, I will tend to create a structure so that I can continue my evolution, within this scenario I see GTO as essential.

 

[John A]

Theory is good to understand... MDA study is how to actually win at your specific stakes.

 

[tagece]

I think using GTO during the game requires more training. However, even for a recreational player it is useful to study the theory a little, it helps a lot to understand the relative value of hands.
Any extra knowledge is always good, not just about poker, but about everything in life.

 

[0546474]

In general, knowledge is never superfluous!!! I think that for a general understanding of the game of poker you need to study the GTO strategy, but when playing at micro-limits you are unlikely to be able to play according to it, adhering to the required ranges!!!

 

[blueskies]

It is useful to at least know the basics, but if you are playing micros, like me, then it's usually counterproductive to use GTO.

 

[km1n]

I dont think as a recreational i should learn those concepts except u try to improve and become a better player and learn more about the game

 

[Poker_Mike]

I'll admit that I've never even tried to learn GTO as part of my toolbox for playing poker. For a recreational player like myself, is it worth it to study GTO?

Some members have already posted some of these ideas...

But it depends what you want from poker as a recreational player.

I know some rec players who don't care how to play poker. They just want to play every hand, see every flop and call down every street to the river. Ugh! Good for them.

Some rec players have no interest in learning new methods that would help them win at poker.

So, if you want to win....if you are open to learning new things...then yes, GTO is worth studying. It will open your eyes to the world of poker you didn't know existed.

And, it is just another tool in your poker tool box.

Good luck !

 

[Balou1982]

In my opinion it is an advantage to learn the basics of GTO when you are a recreational player because you wanna optimise your game and if you can use GTO tactics in your poker game then it isn´t a fault.
But i have to say it will be a challenge to apply GTO tactics on a real poker game where every round can be a surprise and not like in GTO described ;-).

 

[PHX]

Not much value in learning GTO as a recreational player. Your time allocated to poker is limited so you will be better served learning just basic strategies and spend most of time actually playing game.

 

[CheezeWiz]

My gut read is that unless you have exhausted / mastered all other much more basic (or even advanced) studying options available... this is probably not where you want to spend your study time. While I am sure it is some very solid stuff, it appears to be more like a doctorate level course.

 

[G0930]

I'll admit that I've never even tried to learn GTO as part of my toolbox for playing poker. For a recreational player like myself, is it worth it to study GTO?

It should be worth for all of us. Since 99% here are recreational players. amateurs, intermediates, winning players, as long as one doesn't make a living of poker he/she is a recreational player. I am aware that this term is used sometimes to describe fish but this is simply incorrect.

Anyhow GTO can improve anyone's game.
Even fish might turn into decent players and some already skilled players might only need GTO in their repertoire to make the jump to Pro

 

[olejean]

If you play offline poker then it is worth learning. The system in online poker is much more complicated and not tied to GTO in my opinion.

 

[R.Melnyk77]

I think it is worth studying if you are interested in it and if you really want to develop. I always try to learn and learn something new to become better, although to be honest I'm very lazy

 

[perrywh]

It’s up to your game. If you have played 5,000 tournaments and still have trouble winning your share! I say try something different! GTO might be your answer!

 

[pavel1111111]

Having a liitle extra information about the game is a good think 😁 and especially în this days you need all the help you can get to make the corect decisions 😁

 

[nabmom]

Theory is good to understand... MDA study is how to actually win at your specific stakes.

Hi @John A. What is MDA?

 

[nabmom]

It is useful to at least know the basics, but if you are playing micros, like me, then it's usually counterproductive to use GTO.

In general, knowledge is never superfluous!!! I think that for a general understanding of the game of poker you need to study the GTO strategy, but when playing at micro-limits you are unlikely to be able to play according to it, adhering to the required ranges!!!

In your opinion, does successful use of GTO strategy require that other players are also playing optimally?

 

[nabmom]

If you play offline poker then it is worth learning. The system in online poker is much more complicated and not tied to GTO in my opinion.

Cate to elaborate? What is different about the actual game play online vs offline?

 

[olejean]

Cate to elaborate? What is different about the actual game play online vs offline?

The difference is that in offline poker the cards are dealt by a real dealer, where the real GTO is actually present, but in online poker - by a computer, where the "GTO" can be targeted against a specific player sometimes depending on the software in particular. This is my own opinion and only the developers of the software for a certain poker room could confirm or deny it.

 

[RhinoRyan89]

I think most recreationals that play micro and low stakes won't study GTO

But for anyone that plays poker with the aspirations to move up in stakes should study as much poker related material and use many poker related tools to help advance there overall game and the understanding of the game.

 

[Skot_Gy]

If one plays freerolls or micro tournaments, playing by the book doesn't help much since opponents play rather intuitive and chaotic.
On higher levels, yes.

 

[0546474]

In your opinion, does successful use of GTO strategy require that other players are also playing optimally?

Optimal play from other players is not required, but players must have at least a minimal concept of range, and when playing at micro-stakes, some players do not have it at all, and even with a double all-in, a player can call with any hand, even one that is obviously garbage, which reduces chances of winning for example with a pocket pair of aces!!!

 

[LUKADONCICMVP]

no value this game is pure luck not skill

 

[gabryyyel31]

The goal of GTO play is to play in a way that is unexploitable. By definition, at a table full of people playing perfect GTO poker, no one (over a sufficiently long period, assuming unlimited funds) will be able to win. Money will just go back and forth between the players: the only long term winner is the casino who either rakes each pot or charges players a fee every half hour.

If you are playing poker to make money (that is the object of the game), then being in a situation where you need to play GTO is a sign that you are playing a game you can't win. At best, you'll just be trading money with the other players and paying the casino for the right to do so. Get up and find a game with players you can exploit. GTO is something interesting to study and it provides tools when you find yourself facing off against another very skilled player. To be successful playing poker, you want to avoid being in such situations as much as possible.