I'm currently reading Expert No limit Hold'em 1 by Tipton and I"m half way through it coming up to Chapter 5. I came to this forum to seek assistance with it because I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around how I would be able to actually apply the concepts to the table. I find the algebra to be tedious. How is it that I'd be able to effectively do these algebra problems during a heads up match? It seems absurd to me and I feel frustrated. Could someone give me a pointer on how the EV calculations on indifference could be done quickly at the table?

I find the Min-R/shoving tables to be helpful but the rest is above my head in so far as how to use it at online tables. Not to mention equity software is not permitted while playing online, how can one possibly go through these math problems during a match to find equilibrium play or proper adjustments? It seems the only option is for me to be doing these math problems away from the tables in some imaginary scenarios which seems futile to me. The fact that the equilibrium graph and range charts in the first few chapters seem to be the only value I've reaped so far I feel frustrated. Am I wasting my time? Or is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

I'm not a huge fan of the algebra considering it would be too time consuming to apply while playing at the tables. Is there more to this book other than the math? And are we expected to keep track of every hand and make calculations regarding equilibrium deviances on the fly? I play 6-9player SNG's so HU play doesn't occur until the end at which point stats have already been gathered of villain's tendencies to that point. I assume I have to write everything down by hand to make calculations manually once the table becomes heads up at the stack sizes where the concepts of the book become relevant.

Please excuse the long winded rant... looking for suggestions and ideas as to how to make the concepts of the book work with as little math as possible. Or perhaps shortcuts of the math.

Thanks!

I think you're probably better off asking in the poker theory forum, or in the thread dedicated to Will's books. He used to answer questions himself. (He's yaqh).

Will Tipton's vol.1 and 2 are def hard reads. It's like going through a Phd thesis.
The complicated math is just there to illustrate the concepts, nobody expects that you memorize any of that. The graphs and plots are supposed to make you better visualize the distribution of your ranges.
Don't worry, my mind can't process plots either...
I suggest you don't give up on the book, mark down the passages you like and if there are some calculations/plots pertaining to that idea, go over them once or twice. If you still don't get it, move on, not everything is super relevant for everyone and something either clicks for you or it doesn't.

A lot of that book is theory prep for people who want to program their own solvers. It's absolutely not math you would ever use at the table.

Cool thanks for the responses. I was planning on taking what I resonated with most for the time being and perhaps come back to the other stuff at a later time. I had the idea in my head that everyone else is understanding this stuff and I'm struggling with being able to acquire adequate interest in it. I see the value in the range tables and the equilibrium charts though.

Thanks again for the responses. I think I just needed some peace of mind and I found it with these answers!

Cheers guys!