Gto Calculator

by
DC
Reviewed by: David Chen, CFA Financial Analyst & Strategic Game Theorist

Master the math of unexploitable play with our GTO Calculator. This tool helps poker players and game theorists determine the Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF) and the optimal bluffing frequency (Alpha) based on pot and bet sizes.

GTO Calculator

Calculated Result
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GTO Calculator Formula

Alpha (α): α = B / (P + B)

MDF: 1 – α = P / (P + B)

Source: Upswing Poker MDF Guide | PokerNews GTO Intro

Variables:

  • Pot Size (P): The total amount of money in the pot before the current bet.
  • Bet Size (B): The amount being wagered by the aggressor.
  • Alpha (α): The percentage of time a bet must work (opponent folds) to break even.
  • MDF: Minimum Defense Frequency; the percentage of time you must call/raise to prevent being exploited.

Related Calculators

Pot Odds Calculator Expected Value (EV) Solver Implied Odds Tool Break-even Bluff %

What is GTO Calculator?

A GTO (Game Theory Optimal) calculator is a strategic tool used primarily in high-stakes poker to determine “unexploitable” play. By inputting the pot and bet sizes, the calculator determines how often a player should defend their hand to prevent an opponent from profiting with any two cards.

While human players cannot play perfectly GTO, understanding these baseline frequencies allows you to identify when opponents are over-folding or over-bluffing, enabling you to make profitable adjustments.

How to Calculate GTO Calculator (Example)

  1. Identify the Pot Size (e.g., $100).
  2. Identify the Bet Size (e.g., $50).
  3. Calculate Alpha: $50 / ($100 + $50) = 0.333 (or 33.3%).
  4. Calculate MDF: 1 – 0.333 = 0.667 (or 66.7%).
  5. Conclusion: You must defend 66.7% of your range to stay unexploitable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Alpha and MDF?
Alpha is the fold frequency required for a bet to be profitable, while MDF is the calling frequency required to stop a bet from being automatically profitable.

Does GTO apply to multi-way pots?
GTO calculations become exponentially more complex in multi-way pots; these formulas are primarily optimized for Heads-Up (HU) scenarios.

When should I deviate from GTO?
You should deviate when you have a specific “read” or data showing that your opponent is not playing optimally themselves.

Is MDF always better than Pot Odds?
Not necessarily. MDF is about your overall range defense, while Pot Odds are about the specific hand you are currently holding.