math

[deedbr]

If you read a book or article from winning players that really know the math of poker and they explain mathematically what influenced their decision you will probably be amazed. To them it isn't just outs and pot odds. They are getting an idea on the range of hands the opponent plays, the percentage chance they believe the opponent is bluffing, the percentage chance that they are ahead and then the percentage chance the opponent will lay down to their raise. Then they are computing the optimal amount of money that will induce that lay down. They are adding up the chance the opponent folds to a raise to the value of their hand vs opponents range to see if they are getting positive EV. They are also mathematically figuring out what they believe will be the best way to get value out of that hand.

As a lifelong TAG player bordering on nit, when I read Gus's book it blew my mind away. When I saw all the math behind his madness it opened my eyes. It also showed me how much I suck at poker.