Real-Time Solving

Overview

Real-Time Solving (RTS) is a technique where a player uses a solver or similar software to compute the optimal (GTO) or exploitative strategy for a specific decision point during a hand, with the solver running in real time. This contrasts with traditional solvers that are used for offline analysis to prepare ranges and strategies before play.

Usage in Online Poker

In online poker, real-time solving is generally prohibited by most major platforms (e.g., PokerStars, GGPoker) as it constitutes unfair assistance under the “use of prohibited software” rules. Players are prohibited from having any software that continuously analyzes a hand in progress. Nonetheless, some players attempt to use RTS tools clandestinely, which can lead to account closure and forfeiture of funds.

Usage in Live Poker

In live poker, the practicality of real-time solving is limited. A player would need to secretly consult a device (e.g., a smartphone or hidden computer) to run a solver during a hand. This is widely considered cheating and is prohibited in all reputable cardrooms. High-profile incidents, such as the 2019 WSOP Main Event controversy where a player was accused of using a phone to consult solver outputs, have led to increased surveillance and stricter rules.

Ethical and Legal Implications

Real-time solving violates the spirit of fair competition. Poker is a game of incomplete information and human skill; using a computer to remove that uncertainty undermines the game. Both live and online poker rooms explicitly ban the use of such tools. Players caught using RTS face severe penalties, including lifetime bans.

Related Concepts

• Solver: Software that calculates Nash equilibrium strategies for poker, used for pre-session study.
• GTO (Game Theory Optimal): A theoretically unexploitable strategy; solvers aim to approximate GTO.
• Workflow (versus Real-Time Solving): A distinction is often made between “workflow” (similar to real-time solving but claimed to be for study) and actual in-play assistance. However, any tool that provides decision aid during a hand is prohibited.
• Range Calculation: Computing the expected value of a decision based on assumed ranges; this can be done mentally or with tools, but real-time tool use is cheating.

Conclusion

Real-time solving is a form of cheating in poker. The poker community strongly condemns its use, and regulatory bodies actively enforce bans. Players should focus on developing their skills through study and practice, not through illicit technological assistance.