Hello my name is Nick and this is my first ever post on 2+2. My question is; What kind of math do i study for poker? I was never really into math in school but now i really want to study math to improve as a poker player. I started studying poker 1 month ago and i am very dedicated but i'm stuck on the math because i don't want to waste precious time studying the wrong "kind of" math. Maybe this sounds really stupid but any "Poker math" books/math sites anyone can recommend or just anything to get me started because i feel stuck.

Thankful for any replies!

You don't say what kind of Poker, which is significant.

Assuming No Limit Holdem I would say start out with basic pot counting. Always know how large the pot and your stack is in relation to each other and the other players. Its a mental exercise you need to master or all else is of limited use.

Then you need to make sure you understand basic probability theory. Some suggested books that might help.

Cash games I would start with the beginner's books such as Ed Miller's getting started with holder and then the more advanced No Limit Holdem Theory and Practice (with DS & MM). Them the more advanced Applications of No-Limit Holdem Janda, and Expert Heads up no limit holdem - Tipton.

For no tournament check out Kill everyone nelson, streib and heston. Tournament Maths is significantly different due to smaller stack sizes and bubble effects.

Alright! Thanks for the reply, this will truly help me!

Probability and Venn diagrams, just for visual representation when debating hand ranges with yourself. At the point you read Janda you should have looked at game theory too (with nash equilibriums) to try to fit the game into these terms (although it will never be perfect).

Trigonometry, focus on memorizing equations. Then watch rounders to teach you bankroll management. Should only take a few hours to get caught up

I sure will look into all of that. Thanks!

Alright. I already have/know what BR management is. I now play $0.50 180 SnG with a $50 BR!

Probability & Game Theory, DS's Theory of Poker should be purchased by anyone who wants to take poker theory seriously in any game. This is the book I tend to re-read when I hit a downswing. If I had to pick one book, it would be DS's Theory of Poker.

Hello!

I sure will purchase it and give it a read because it sounds like a book that is needed for me right now.

Any other advice you have? Maybe another book or something?

Thanks

Here is a quick math primer on poker:

No problem.

Poker actually is a broader topic than you'd think at first. Early in your poker career you should specialize, and pick a book in your speciality. You should have a strong opinion about what your skillset is going to be and make it happen.

I am currently reading a tells book by Zachary Elwood, which I think is really good, but not applicable if you're playing Sit 'n Gos. Math is more important. You should find a no-limit tourney book, and dream about expanding in the online tourney realm. Then after five years or so if you want to, you can think about taking on other games. Many professionals stick with their speciality forever though.

Also, you may want poker software, odds calculators. I recently purchased ProPokerTools Oracle, and am happy with the purchase.

Buying a book, buying software, and reading a book should be thought of as a financial decision, and poker is essentially the sports of finance. Poker should take over your entire life, lol.

Alright!

Thanks!

LMAO what is that?

Sent you a PM. Also, I believe, and someone can correct me if I'm wrong, there's more potential in no-limit cash than no-limit tourney, so it's something to think about. From an EV/hr perspective, the cash games are just about always better.

Depends, are we talking online or live?

Multi-tabling makes online tournaments much softer than online cash as strong players can only play one seat in a tournament, but can be sitting at multiple cash table. Hence a much lower proportion of seats are taken by strong player in online tournaments, assuming the same starting ratio of strong to weak players. So there is a strong argument for preferring online tournaments to online cash despite the variance.

Live it's much less clear. But the one critical difference is variance. The variance in tournaments is massive compared with cash. Hence a much larger bankroll is needed for the same income level. Which makes live cash a much more practical option.

However opponents play just as badly if not worse in tournaments as cash games, so I would say the underlying EV is at least a good if not better in tournaments. However, variance is generally considered more important than EV here.

Both. Even if online, you can multi-table the cash games as well as the tourneys. MTT's (unlike SNGs) have a LOT of variance and has more bankroll requirements, I believe. With $5000 cash, say, I'd think you can do more damage with NL ring. I'm biased towards cash though.

Not much math in poker tbf. Slightly different focus areas for 180s and cash. For 180s, learn ICM and what equity you need to shove vs different ranges to break even. This means knowing what say a naked flush draw + 1 overcard has equity-wise vs top pair. Learn your equity vs equity spots and then you can calculate pot odds.