If you’re a poker player or have been following the world of poker, you may have heard of “poker solvers.” These are software programs that help players analyze and solve complex situations in the game of poker. While they can be a valuable tool for players looking to improve their game, some people argue that they are a form of cheating.
So, are poker solvers cheating It’s a complicated question with no easy answer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what poker solvers are, how they work, and whether or not they can be considered cheating.
What Are Poker Solvers
Poker solvers are computer programs designed to help players analyze complex situations in the game of poker. They work by taking in information about the hand (such as the cards on the board, the cards in each player’s hand, and the size of each player’s stack) and running simulations to determine which play is most likely to result in a win.
There are several different types of poker solvers available on the market today. Some are standalone programs that you can purchase and download onto your computer, while others are web-based tools that you can access through your browser. Some popular examples include PioSolver, GTO+, and Flopzilla.
How Do Poker Solvers Work
When you use a poker solver, you input information about the hand you’re playing. This includes things like:
- The cards on the board
- The cards in your hand
- The size of your opponent’s stack
- The size of your own stack
Once you’ve input this information, the solver will run a simulation of the hand. It will consider all of the possible outcomes based on the information you’ve provided, and determine which play is most likely to result in a win.
Poker solvers use what’s known as “game theory optimal” (GTO) strategy. This means that they consider all of the possible plays that you and your opponent could make, and choose the one that has the highest expected value (EV) based on those potential plays.
Are Poker Solvers Cheating
Now that we know what poker solvers are and how they work, let’s get to the question at hand: are they cheating
The answer is… it depends. In some cases, using a poker solver could be considered cheating. For example, if you were playing in a live game with no electronic devices allowed and you were using a phone or tablet to access a web-based solver, that would be cheating.
However, if you’re playing online where electronic devices are allowed (and even encouraged), using a poker solver is generally not considered cheating. In fact, many professional players use solvers as part of their regular practice routine.
Some players argue that using a solver gives an unfair advantage because it allows you to make decisions based on perfect information. In other words, if you input all of the information about a hand into a solver, it will tell you exactly what to do to maximize your chances of winning.
However, this argument doesn’t hold up when you consider that your opponents also have access to these same tools. If everyone is able to use solvers to improve their game, then it’s not really an advantage – it’s just leveling the playing field.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, poker solvers can be a valuable tool for players looking to improve their game. While they may be considered cheating in some situations, they are generally accepted as a legitimate tool for online play. If you’re interested in using a poker solver, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable program that will help you improve your game without compromising your integrity.
