The meaning of the expression “game tree” is unknown by most of those who start in poker or, even for those who have some level of knowledge, in terms of the skills of the game.
The use of this phrase is becoming very daily, as players understand everything about the theoretical points of poker and their skills. However, this term is still extremely difficult and intricate for some players.
As the concept is analyzed and the techniques to develop it are acquired, the road is gradually cleared to achieve victories, which are increasingly processed. Since you begin to understand the meaning, you get the necessary boost to level up and reach unsuspected limits.
Game tree concept
During the start of a round of a poker game or at any stage of the game, in which a UTG player must decide what to do, unleash your imagination and imagine all possible scenarios that may develop.
The number of game options that exist is numerous and unpredictable. The possible amounts of the bets and the tendencies that the game takes, enhance the actions and the final result.
It can be said that not even the most powerful computer can calculate all the probabilities that exist, precisely, because the variables are infinite. That is why No-Limit Hold’em can be resolved according to Limit Hold’em.
In addition to all this, the game tree can be used in a variety of ways, according to the theory. This aspect is important to understand what is the relationship between the parts that make up one hand and differentiate it from another.
It also increases the view that the player has, improving efficiency and making decisions more productive, especially when making a comparison with the traditional way of developing the game of poker.
This is based on looking at all the actions that happened during the game, instead of concentrating on what might have happened. In these cases, the game tree constitutes a graphic design of future decisions or in a guide.
Its structure is similar to that of the family tree, formed by the option in the first stage and followed by all the other determinations that are taken. To have a good game tree according to the preflop and postflop system, HoldemResources Calculator or CardRunners EV can be used.
Consequences of errors at the beginning
The effect that can cause an error committed in a previous round or at a certain point at the beginning of the game, triggers a series of actions, which can become massive, later, in the tree.
For this reason, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of all the concepts, in order to learn as the game develops. When the level of the hands is opened too much and this happens before the flop, the consequence in the postflop EV is too great.
This situation is repeated frequently in the MTT players, especially at the end. In these cases, the players think that opening the blinds, before they fold a lot, would be the right decision, but this works only in theory.
Just as when you retire from bets c, you have to increase the bet, it is another aspect that is purely theoretical. Both cases are part of the game tree and do not take into account other details. When betting on an EV with high intensity, you can generate a big gain in 80% of the places where you bet, since the EV of one point is merged with the other EVs of the other branches of the tree.
A big loss when betting on EV, where it is not usually used, can happen when betting all the valuable hands, having the highest level of certification in the hands that are areas, which is not convenient at all.
There are players who bet on the flop, constantly, and do not change the turn, because the number of hands is not enough according to their own opinion. This fact allows the caller to notice that something is happening, trying to get a balance after the payment of the flop.
This situation complicates the river and the turn when it comes to a player who bets big. On the other hand, when the player opens and c-bets quickly, it is concluded that he does not have EV in the places where the opponents cannot be doubled, with the purpose of defending the EV and obtaining gains when the opponents retire.
If you give up preflop fold equity, it could be more beneficial and in return, you would receive higher postflop EVs. This does not work in all situations when the opponent makes a lot of mistakes after the flop, it will be the ideal opportunity to start new hands.
Generally, a game with these conditions could happen repeatedly. Keep in mind that not always normal bets, which are considered important have such violent characteristics
Easy or difficult?
It should be known that the process becomes more complicated each time an action is taken. Decision making tends to make the picture more difficult and this is an undeniable reality. When it is observed that the opponents begin to have error after error, this should not represent a problem, because having a very complex tree avoids the traps and strengthens the plays.
To make the game tree easier, the process is very simple. We must try to minimize the number of levels that must be attended; that is, by presenting a tremendous advantage at a massive level corresponding to the flop, which could be to climb positions to meet the call of the big blind, it would be suggested to bet almost 90%, according to the GTO.
By doing this action, the loss will be minimal in the EV, by betting 100%. In this way, you will put aside concerns about developing an appropriate level of verification. Also, to have a benefit in the range, it is better to 0% of the betting than to bet 25% of the level. The truth of this is evidenced in the OOP in several ways.
But this principle can be risky if it is applied in circumstances that are the most convenient. When the benefit of the flop level is very limited or it is not recommended to develop the push-fold preflop, the process of drastic simplification would be risky.
When making C 100% and 0% bets, the solver indicates that the 50% bet is raised. Knowing the ideal level of c-bets in specific places is not an easy task and, even more, if you do not have the GTO solver.
To generalize, it can be said that the higher the level of benefit, the support of a corrector that is specific for bets must be contemplated and, likewise, encompass betting c-bet.
A means to face the opponents
On the other hand, there is the situation when playing with less strong opponents, which make decisions a little more drastic, this makes a more complicated game tree. It is possible to adjust preflop increase, flop and c-bet sizes, adapting them to other sizes to give them value, use them as tricks or bet strongly on the river through separate hands.
When adding these alternatives to the tree an absolute reality is presented, the best strategy to use will be in which the adversary makes a mistake consecutively. The ability to identify the size of the bet, so that the opponent withdraws constantly, should become the trick for the dimensions of the bet. Although it is not fair, really, it is not important in those places.
Likewise, you can use the start of the game tree, to achieve optimal positions when we reach the end. In the event that the other player’s bet is known, but there is no corresponding turn, you can start calling a flop with more amplitude than usual.
So, you can analyze the option of not retiring completely on some flops, with the purpose of going towards the river exits, which could have the adversary. When this one does not present this type of exits in the river, it would have to duplicate the flop, because otherwise, the EV would be very low.
By winning enough money on the river EV, which is played against the opponent, it could be great compensation for the player. The best way to measure these results is by using a GTO solver.
As there is no process of taking the exact measurements of this action, it must be known that this concept will turn the game into pure benefits for the player, to use it in several points and following the appropriate strategies.
Strengthening the best in time
To conclude, all the procedures to be used for learning must be analyzed, since this would bring the greatest advantage to this whole concept. Building strategies that help understand all the sections of the game tree are very important.
Also, check the simplest, such as pre-flop adjustments, levels, 3-bets, push-flop strategy and repetitions that will help you learn effectively. These concepts will be introduced unconsciously, as we make room in our mind and improve the skills to go to more complicated levels.
To ensure a learning system for beginners that encompasses the EV in all areas of the game tree and to conform levels of growth, the ability to understand and practice each of the parts that follow must be improved.
You cannot understand the difficult points of rivers and turns, without having seen preflop and the flop. It is possible that you are mistaken without knowing it, this means that the EV will have a very low result. Make arrangements in separate parts of the tree, such as a leak, is not seen frequently and does not have much value, but if you have to do the repair in a previous area and the branches that connect it.
If you are aware of this detail, the analysis and learning procedures can increase in a dizzying way. This is valid for any aspect of life, being similar to the fact of not “trying to run before I can walk”. First, you have to familiarize yourself with the basics of the tree, then use it as a platform to promote yourself in the future
The realm of poker is one wrapped in layers of intricate strategy, much like a chess game’s elaborate dance of infinite moves, each unfolding a new branch in a vast, expansive tree of gameplay possibilities. Each pathway in this elaborate network resonates with strategic essence, reflecting the diverse, multi-dimensional facets inherent within the poker universe.
Every node in this game tree marks a pivotal strategic moment—a point of potential divergence where the trajectory of the game may be altered, birthing an array of potential outcomes. This is the intricate maze of the poker world, a delicate intertwining of decisions, bluffs, meticulous risks, and sharp judgement, forming the pulsating heart of every poker encounter. Every choice enacted, each card played, sends ripples through this elaborate matrix, molding the game’s course in nuanced and profound manners.
Diving deeper, each branch in this game tree is a whisper of past choices, overshadowed by future potentials. It’s as if every thread in this elaborate weave is infused with the spirit of strategy, shadowed by the twins of risk and reward, marked by the echoes of paths untaken. This is the game’s delicate ballet, a symphonic balance between audacity and caution, analysis and instinct, peril and prize.
Grasping the intricate tendrils of the game tree empowers players to traverse the winding, labyrinthian landscape of poker strategy with heightened efficacy. It bestows upon them the clarity to unravel the game’s subtle intricacies, to peer through the shroud of the unknown and envisage the numerous futures lurking in the shadows. It’s akin to wielding a compass in an immense, chaotic sea of potentials, steering through the stormy waters of strategic endeavors with heightened discernment and understanding.
Navigating this dense forest of possibilities is not merely about comprehending the extant routes—it’s about sculpting new ones, reshaping the strategic terrain to one’s advantage. It’s the art of the strategist, finely crafting each maneuver, each decision, manipulating the flow and the strategic environment to secure favorable conditions, command initiative, and control the game’s rhythm.
Embarking on the journey to master this art is not just about absorbing theoretical wisdom but about assimilating the soul of strategic gameplay. It’s about syncing with the game’s subtle beats, attaining an innate understanding of the elaborate dance of chance and strategy.
This journey is about soaring beyond the game’s superficial layers, immersing in the profound depths of strategy, weaving through the rich tapestry of decisions, risks, and rewards. It’s a synthesis of mind and strategy, a harmonious confluence of intuition and calculation culminating in a symphony of strategic gameplay.
In its essence, conquering the intricate realms of the game tree is a voyage of ongoing learning, introspection, and evolution. It’s a refinement of strategic insight, a sharpening of intuitive perception, fostering a richer, more intricate comprehension of the multifarious realm of poker strategy. It’s a metamorphosis, a transcendence, a quest for the apex of strategic mastery.
Each subtle revelation, every piece of wisdom acquired, and every skill mastered on this quest becomes a luminous beacon, illuminating the intricate corridors of the game tree, revealing the hidden alcoves of strategic potential, and leading one through the diverse, complex world of poker strategy to the summit of mastery.