Thinking in Solver Terms: Frequencies & Mixed Strategies

GTO solvers don't think in terms of "always raise" or "always fold." They think in frequencies.

Understanding Frequencies

A solver might recommend raising AA 80% of the time and calling 20% of the time. This isn't random — it's an optimal mixed strategy that prevents opponents from exploiting you.

Why Mixed Strategies Matter

If you always raise with AA, observant opponents know your raising range includes AA. If you sometimes call, your calling range is stronger and harder to play against.

Key Solver Concepts

**Nash Equilibrium**: A state where no player can improve by changing their strategy alone

**Indifference Points**: Where opponent is exactly break-even between two actions (fold/call or call/raise)

**MDF (Minimum Defense Frequency)**: The minimum % of your range you must defend to prevent opponent auto-profiting

**Alpha**: The minimum fold equity needed to make a bluff break-even

Practical Application

You don't need to follow solver frequencies exactly. But understanding them helps you:

Build balanced ranges

Avoid being exploitable

Identify when opponents are far from optimal and exploit them