GTO Strategy for Deep Stack MTTs

What is GTO?

Game Theory Optimal (GTO) poker is a strategy that cannot be exploited by opponents. While perfect GTO is impossible for humans, understanding its principles helps you make better decisions and avoid being exploited.

Key GTO Principles for Deep Stack MTTs:

  • Balance your ranges to prevent exploitation
  • Use mixed strategies in certain spots
  • Consider ICM pressure in tournament contexts
  • Adjust frequencies based on stack depths
Essential GTO Calculations

1. Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF)

MDF = 1 - (Bet Size / (Pot Size + Bet Size))

Example: Pot = 100, Villain bets 75
MDF = 1 - (75 / (100 + 75)) = 1 - 0.43 = 57%
You need to defend at least 57% of your range to prevent exploitation.

2. Pot Odds

Pot Odds = Call Amount / (Current Pot + Call Amount)

Example: Pot = 150, Villain bets 50, you need to call 50
Pot Odds = 50 / (150 + 50) = 25%
Your hand needs at least 25% equity to profitably call.

3. Alpha (Bluff-to-Value Ratio)

Alpha = Bet Size / (Pot Size + Bet Size)

This tells you the optimal bluff frequency.
Example: Betting pot-sized (100 into 100)
Alpha = 100 / (100 + 100) = 50%
Your betting range should be 50% bluffs, 50% value.

4. Expected Value (EV)

EV = (Win % × Win Amount) - (Lose % × Lose Amount)

Example: 3-bet bluff with 65% fold equity
Win: 65% × 12bb (current pot)
Lose: 35% × 20bb (your 3-bet size)
EV = (0.65 × 12) - (0.35 × 20) = 7.8 - 7 = +0.8bb

Deep Stack GTO Adjustments

Opening Ranges (100bb+)

UTG (12-15%)

77+, ATs+, KJs+, QJs, AJo+, KQo

BTN (45-50%)

22+, A2s+, K2s+, Q4s+, J6s+, T6s+, 96s+, 86s+, 75s+, 64s+, 53s+, A2o+, K7o+, Q8o+, J8o+, T8o+, 98o

3-Betting Frequencies

vs UTG Open:5-7% (tight, linear)
vs MP Open:7-9% (mixed)
vs CO Open:9-12% (polarized)
vs BTN Open:12-15% (wide, polarized)

C-Betting Strategy

High Frequency (75-100%):

A-high dry flops, K-high rainbow, paired boards

Medium Frequency (40-60%):

Two-tone boards, middling connected boards

Low Frequency (0-30%):

Monotone boards, low connected boards (876, 654)

Practical GTO Applications

River Decision Framework

  1. Calculate pot odds for calling
  2. Estimate villain's bluff frequency
  3. Determine if your hand is a bluff-catcher
  4. Apply MDF if villain is balanced
  5. Deviate based on population tendencies

GTO vs Exploitative in MTTs:

Pure GTO is often suboptimal in MTTs due to ICM considerations. Use GTO as your baseline, then adjust based on:

  • Stack sizes and ICM pressure
  • Player tendencies and skill levels
  • Tournament stage and payout jumps
  • Table dynamics and history

Quick Reference Bet Sizings:

Small (25-33% pot):High frequency, protection
Medium (50-75% pot):Standard, balanced
Large (100%+ pot):Polarized, pressure
Overbet (150%+ pot):Maximum pressure, nuts/air