Poker solvers are software programs that calculate Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies for poker situations. They find the Nash equilibrium between two ranges.
Solvers show you how perfect players would play against each other
| Step |
What Happens |
| 1. Input ranges |
Define each player's range |
| 2. Set bet sizes |
Choose allowed betting options |
| 3. Run solve |
Computer iterates toward equilibrium |
| 4. View output |
See optimal frequencies for each action |
| Solver |
Known For |
| PioSolver |
Industry standard, detailed |
| GTO+ |
More affordable |
| Simple Postflop |
Browser-based |
| Monker Solver |
Preflop solving |
| Output |
Meaning |
| Betting frequency |
How often to bet each hand |
| Check frequency |
How often to check |
| EV of each action |
Expected value per action |
| Mixed strategies |
When to randomize |
Situation: SB vs BB, A♠7♥2♣ flop
| Hand |
Bet |
Check |
| AA |
100% |
0% |
| AK |
85% |
15% |
| 77 |
60% |
40% |
| QJ |
30% |
70% |
| 65s |
20% |
80% |
These are example frequencies for illustration.
| Reason |
Explanation |
| Indifference |
Make opponent's response equal EV |
| Balance |
Don't become predictable |
| Optimal ratio |
Right bluff-to-value ratio |
When solver says "bet 50%":
- NOT "sometimes bet, sometimes don't randomly"
- It means: over many instances of this spot, bet half the time
- In practice: pick one action and commit
| Input |
Description |
| Ranges |
What hands each player can have |
| Pot size |
Current pot |
| Stack sizes |
Remaining chips |
| Bet sizes |
Allowed betting options |
| Board |
Current community cards |
| Setting |
Trade-off |
| Higher accuracy |
Longer solve time |
| Lower accuracy |
Faster but less precise |
| More bet sizes |
More realistic, slower |
| Limitation |
Implication |
| Assumes perfect opponent |
Real players make mistakes |
| Simplified bet sizes |
Can't solve every option |
| Doesn't adapt |
No reads on specific players |
| Computational limits |
Can't solve full game tree |
Solvers calculate perfect strategy between two ranges. They're powerful study tools but require proper setup and interpretation. Use them to learn patterns and principles, not to memorize exact frequencies. Understanding WHY the solver does something is more valuable than copying it.