The Fundamental Theorem of Poker

The fundamental theorem of poker sounds a lot more intimidating than it actually is because it uses a couple words that most people do not hear everyday. In reality, the fundamental theorem of poker is quite simple and plainly spoken - yet at the same time it's even more complex than the scientific-sounding name implications.

The fundamental theorem of poker is another contribution to the poker world by notable poker player, theorist and author David Sklansky, who also came up with the gap concept, among other things. The theorem reads as follows:

"Every time you play a hand differently from the way you would have played it if you could see all your opponents' cards, they gain; and every time you play your hand the same way you would have played it if you could see all of them they are lose. your cards, you lose. "

It's a lot of words to sum up a fairly simple idea, and that is this: if you could see your opponent's cards, then it would be possible to make decisions based on complete mathematical certainty. Thus, assuming you knew your math and understood some basic poker concepts like pot odds, you could always make the best possible decision to bring you closer to winning the table. By the same token, if your opponent could see all your cards, he would have the same decision-making power.

What the fundamental theorem of poker emphasizes is the fact that information is by far the most important resource that any poker player has. The more information you have, the better your chances of making the correct decision.

Unfortunately, there is little that players can do to really increase their available information. While you may have the ability to "read" your opponents, any information that you gain from this is far from complete. Plus, there is always the chance that your opponent is actively deceiving you, feeding you misinformation that will surely result in you making an incorrect decision.

What you can take away from the fundamental theorem of poker is that there is always a correct decision. While you should not beat yourself up for making an incorrect decision, you should use every hand as an opportunity to gain as much information as possible. Learn about your opponents so that you can better predict their actions in the future. Even if the only information that you can glean is that your opponent is playing completely completely randomly, that is still information that you can use.

Do not think too hard about how this theorem applies to your everyday game - you'll just drive yourself crazy. Instead, think about it in a broad sense and try to keep your mind open to every possible avenue for new information.

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Source by Jonathan Holloway