GTO stands for game theory optimal. A GTO strategy is one that cannot be exploited: no matter how your opponent plays, they cannot do better than break even against it in the long run (before rake). In game theory, this is called a Nash equilibrium.
How GTO strategies are found
Computer programs called solvers calculate GTO strategies for specific spots by playing against themselves millions of times until neither side can improve. The results are often mixed strategies: for example, bet a hand 60% of the time and check it 40%.
GTO vs exploitative play
- GTO is a defensive strategy. It does not care what your opponent does and cannot be beaten, but it also does not take full advantage of mistakes.
- Exploitative play adjusts to your opponent’s leaks. Against a player who folds too much, bluff more; against one who never folds, value bet more and bluff less. It wins more against weak players but can be exploited back.
Should you play GTO at low stakes?
Mostly no. Recreational players make big, predictable mistakes, and exploiting them earns far more than a balanced strategy. GTO ideas are still useful as a baseline: knowing roughly how often you should defend, which hands to 3-bet, and how often bluffs need to work.
Where GTO is easy to use
Short-stacked tournament play is the clearest example. Push/fold charts are close to GTO for all-in-or-fold decisions. See the push/fold chart and practise with the push/fold trainer in the free tracker app. More terms in the poker glossary.