7 Solver Strategies That Changed Poker

Poker has been changed forever. The best players in the world spend countless hours studying with tools like PioSOLVER, and that's enabled the discovery of crucial strategies that allow smart players to win more money at faster rates.

In this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood list 7 of the most valuable strategic discoveries of the solver era. Whether or not you study with solvers yourself, you'll get a lot of value from this discussion.

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Written Version of this Episode 

00:00 Introduction to Solver Strategies

01:28 The Myth of Betting Initiative

04:28 Small Bets Weren’t Small Enough

06:54 Equity and Nut Advantage

09:36 Playing Out of Position as Pre-Flop Raiser

15:41 Unintuitive Removal Effects

18:56 The Power of Block Betting

21:49 Building a Balanced Betting Range

23:03 The Aggressiveness of Solver Strategies

24:20 Using Solvers Effectively

In this compelling episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive into the game-changing insights delivered by poker solvers. As they unpack seven key strategies that have revolutionized modern No Limit Hold'em, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these advanced tools have reshaped the way poker is played at every level.

The episode begins by debunking the myth of the betting initiative, revealing how solvers have shown that equity and nut advantage are the true drivers of optimal play. From there, Mike and Gary discuss the importance of correctly sizing bets, with solvers teaching us that small bets weren’t small enough, and big bets weren’t big enough in the pre-solver era. These revelations highlight why understanding equity dynamics is crucial to mastering poker strategy.

Listeners will also learn about the radical shifts in out-of-position play, particularly for pre-flop raisers. The podcast explores how solvers have emphasized the need for more check-raising and trapping, a stark contrast to the overly aggressive strategies of the past. This discussion is especially valuable for players looking to refine their defensive tactics and incorporate advanced solver-driven techniques

Another highlight is the exploration of unintuitive removal effects, where the hosts break down how solvers have changed the approach to bluffing, particularly when holding missed draws. Gary delves into the nuances of blockers and unblockers, explaining how these concepts influence decision-making in ways that were previously overlooked by many players.

The episode also covers the power of block betting, a strategy that solvers have shown to be incredibly effective for controlling pot size and maximizing value. Gary shares his extensive knowledge on the subject, providing actionable insights for listeners who want to integrate this tactic into their own game.

Finally, the podcast wraps up by discussing just how aggressive and “gangster” the solver-approved equilibrium strategy can be. From massive over-bets to relentless check-raises, solvers have demonstrated that the optimal strategy is far more aggressive than most players realize, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in poker.

Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting to explore solver-based strategies, this poker strategy podcast is packed with essential takeaways that will help you elevate your game. Tune in to discover the solver secrets that can transform your approach and give you a competitive edge at the tables.