One of the most common questions in poker today is, “Do I need to use a solver?”

Solver technology has reshaped the game, influencing both strategy and the way players discuss poker. But for many, it can feel intimidating.

The truth is, you don’t need to run solvers yourself—but you do need to understand their outputs, even at lower stakes.

Poker has evolved because of solvers, and ignoring them means falling behind. However, that doesn’t mean you have to generate your own solutions.

Some of the best players in the world, including those crushing Triton events, don’t personally run solvers. Many professionals rely on others to interpret solver data for them. The key isn’t in operating the software—it’s in learning the strategic lessons it provides.

I know a high-stakes pro who has his stable of players run solves and then explains the findings to them. I personally coach some of the game’s biggest crushers by running sims and distilling the key heuristics for them.

For some players, this approach is far more effective. Running solves without fully grasping them can do more harm than good.

If you’re unsure about using solvers, a great first step is to seek insights from a coach or knowledgeable friend who can break down the outputs for you.

If you’re serious about improving, the real goal isn’t to memorise solver outputs—it’s to develop a deeper intuition for the game. Solvers provide a blueprint, but applying that knowledge correctly is what truly matters.

Rather than getting lost in running endless sims, focus on understanding key heuristics and patterns that emerge from solver outputs. Whether that means working with a coach, discussing hands with skilled friends, or studying high-quality breakdowns, the key is learning how to think in a solver-informed way without becoming overly reliant on the tool itself.

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