Online poker’s days are numbered ?

[lambchop_ft]

Hi all

First of all let me say I’m a newbie – apologies if this topic has been discussed many times before (but I’d be grateful for details of where to find more information).

Should I be worried that online poker’s days are numbered ?

Imagine this scenario …

Somebody writes some poker software that recommends how to play in real time. You plug in your hole cards, position, the board, and other players’ actions - and it tells you to bet, call, fold etc.

The software gets popular with beginner players, who find they can make a bit of money on the micro-limit tables, instead of losing money like they were before. (I’m assuming limit holdem, since that’s where most beginners start).

Another company notices the potential, and writes a better program. This one is capable of winning money at the $3-$6 level. Lots of people start buying it. This enables someone with no poker knowledge, and not much intelligence, to make money playing online. Eventually programs like this become widespread (even more so than Pokertracker is now).

Wouldn’t this kill the online game ? If poker players make money from weaker players, all the way down the chain, then we all need a good supply of beginners at the bottom of the pyramid. If beginners can buy a program that plays decently, they won’t lose as much money.

Worse than that – why would they even start to play, if they know their opponents are probably using computer advisors ?

Notice that this scenario doesn’t require a program that can beat top players, or even good players – just one that can beat the many fish who are swimming into the game.

There are poker simulation programs out there, that can probably beat a lot of fishlike players already – so I’m guessing it will be technically feasible.

Can this happen ? Would online poker go into decline if it did ?

I hope you convince me that this scenario is flawed ! Thanks in advance for your contributions.

Mister B.