Game theory for NLH

[Steve_N_SD]

Need suggestions for game theory books, articles, resources for NLH - thanks in advance!

[Malachii]

Try using the search function. I think this topic may have been covered once or twice before.

[greatwhite]

Just wait. Sklansky will have is book out in no time at all. I think he said it would be out by the end of the year.

[jakethebake]

Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman's book is expected out within the next couple of months. I have very high expectations for it. For a preview, see some of Jerrod Ankenman's 2+2 posts.

[That guy]

as I understand it, game theory is most effectively used when you are playing against opponents who can read you very well. Game theory can offset this by randomizing your play --- you can't out-think randomness.

until you start playing against excellent people-readers, game theory may not be of much use... admittedly, I am no expert on game theory... but not that many poker players claim to be...

[maryfield48]

[ QUOTE ]
as I understand it, game theory is most effectively used when you are playing against opponents who can read you very well. Game theory can offset this by randomizing your play --- you can't out-think randomness.

until you start playing against excellent people-readers, game theory may not be of much use... admittedly, I am no expert on game theory... but not that many poker players claim to be...

[/ QUOTE ]

There are different levels, though, don't you find?

I think of the practice of varying opening raises between 3BB & 5BB as a pretty basic use of game theory. As suggested by Harrington, you might raise your AA, KK hands 3BB 80% of the time, and 4BB or 5BB 10% each, whereas with JJ-99, the ratio might be 40/60. What's important is that the size of the raise is not too reliable a predictor of the quality of your hand.

You don't have to be playing at a very high level or with the same players all the time for that kind of thing to have utility.

[Hosayif]

doesnt always raising the same amount with every hand have the same affect?

[benkahuna]

It does, but it's even more confusing if you vary your bet. Then people waste energy trying to figure out what you're doing, distracting them.

[maryfield48]

[ QUOTE ]
doesnt always raising the same amount with every hand have the same affect?

[/ QUOTE ]

The thing about Harrington's method is that the %-ages around which you distribute your 3-5BB raises vary depending on the hand that you have. What that does is ensure that with AA or KK 3BB is the majority, which makes sense because you want some action with those hands. With TT, you will be raising 5BB or 4BB more often than with AA or KK, thereby discouraging action. So it's random within a certain strategic framework.

[TBD]

The chapter on NLH in Super System by Doyle Brunson. Doyle basically discusses Game Theory in NLH in that chapter. He has no formal education, but he is probably the leading authority on that subject.