Lesson 2
Inputs: Garbage In, Garbage Out
A solver is only as smart as the information you give it.
Solvers aren't magic. You have to set up the scenario perfectly. If you give it wrong assumptions, it will give you wrong answers.
The 3 Key Inputs:
- Ranges: What hands does Player A have? What hands does Player B have?
- The Board: What cards are on the table?
- Bet Sizes: What bet sizes are allowed? (e.g., 33% pot, 75% pot, All-in).
If you tell the solver "My opponent never bluffs," it will tell you to fold everything. If that assumption is wrong, the strategy is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- • Accurate ranges are the most important part of solving.
- • Limiting the game tree (fewer bet sizes) makes the simulation run faster.
- • You must define the starting pot and stack sizes.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- • giving the opponent a random hand (Any two cards) when they would have folded preflop.
- • forgetting to include all-in options.
Worked Example
You simulate a hand where the opponent has AA, KK, QQ, JJ... but you forgot to include 76s, 89s, etc.
The solver will think the opponent is super strong and will tell you to over-fold. In reality, the opponent might have those weaker hands.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding to complete this lesson.
Question 1 of 5