PokerStrat.com Guide

Poker Strategy Guide (Basics That Actually Matter)

Quick truth: PokerStrat.com isn’t a coaching platform. We don’t teach poker strategy directly. We compare poker coaching sites and poker strategy tools so you can pick the right training for your level. But before you subscribe to anything, these are the core ideas you should understand: GTO, ICM, and exploitative strategy.

Compare Poker Coaching Sites Beginner Intermediate
Cash: Ranges • Lines • EV MTT: ICM • Final tables Tools: Courses • Solvers • Drills
If you want step-by-step training, drills, or solver outputs, use the platforms we review. This page gives you the framework so you don’t buy the wrong thing.

Best Next Click (By Level)

  • Brand new? Start fundamentals first.
  • Winning but stuck? Leak-fix + range work.
  • Reg trying to level up? Solver + ICM study.
Beginner Path Intermediate Expert
One rule: pick one system and commit for 30 days. Switching subs every week is negative EV.

Poker Strategy At a Glance

The simplest way to think about strategy: make fewer big mistakes, then add tools to sharpen decisions.

Concept What It Means Why It Matters Where to Learn It
ConceptGTO Baseline What It MeansBalanced strategy using ranges + frequencies (hard to exploit). Why It MattersGives you “correct” defaults so you can deviate smartly. Where to Learn ItGTO Wizard + advanced courses
ConceptExploit Adjust What It MeansChanging strategy based on opponent tendencies (they overfold/call too much). Why It MattersWhere most profit comes from in live poker + softer pools. Where to Learn ItBeginner systems + structured coaching
ConceptICM MTT What It MeansChip value changes near pay jumps/final tables. Why It MattersPrevents massive late-stage tournament punting. Where to Learn ItRaise Your Edge (MTT endgame)
ConceptPreflop Ranges What It MeansOpen/3-bet/defend ranges by position and stack depth. Why It MattersBad preflop = bad spots forever postflop. Where to Learn ItPokerCoaching + roadmaps

Strategy Priorities (PokerStrat Scorecard)

What to focus on first, depending on where you’re at.

Preflop
9.5
Value Betting
9.2
Turn/River
8.5
GTO Study
7.8
ICM (MTT)
8.0
See Best Coaching Sites Start Beginner

The 3 Concepts That Separate “Decent” From “Dangerous”

1) GTO (Game Theory Optimal)

  • What it is: Balanced baseline strategy (ranges + frequencies).
  • Why it helps: Gives correct defaults so you don’t “feel-play” big pots.
  • When to learn: After fundamentals; it’s not step one for brand-new players.
GTO Wizard Review Intermediate Path

2) Exploitative Strategy

  • What it is: Adjusting to what opponents do wrong.
  • Why it prints: Most players overcall or overfold in predictable spots.
  • Best environment: Live poker + softer online pools.
Beginner Systems PokerCoaching Review

3) ICM (Tournament Endgame)

If you play tournaments, ICM is the difference between “I always bust 2 off the money” and “I get paid.” Chips are not worth the same near pay jumps — and that changes everything.

  • Common leak: taking thin flips when pay jumps are huge
  • Where it matters: bubble, final 3 tables, final table
  • Who should study: anyone who takes MTTs seriously
Raise Your Edge Review Expert / Endgame

Where to Learn Strategy (The Right Way)

PokerStrat compares training platforms so you can pick the right tool without wasting months (or money).

Goal Best Type of Training Suggested Picks Next Step
GoalLearn fundamentals fast Best TypeStructured courses + drills + simple systems Suggested Picks PokerCoaching, Upswing Lab Next StepBeginner Page
GoalFix leaks / improve nodes Best TypeHand review + structured study + baseline ranges Suggested Picks GTO Wizard, Run It Once Next StepIntermediate Page
GoalCrush endgame / final tables Best TypeICM-heavy tournament training + endgame frameworks Suggested Picks Raise Your Edge Next StepExpert Page
Compare All Coaching Sites Top Tool: GTO Wizard Top MTT: Raise Your Edge
Reminder: subscriptions don’t make you better — reps do. Choose one platform and execute a plan.

Poker Strategy FAQ

Is PokerStrat.com a poker coaching site?

No. PokerStrat.com is a comparison site. We review and compare poker coaching platforms and poker strategy tools so you can choose the best fit for your level. If you want drills, courses, or solver outputs, use the platforms we review.

Should beginners study GTO poker first?

Not first. Beginners get the fastest results from fundamentals: preflop ranges, position, value betting, and simple postflop rules. Then add GTO study to understand the baseline “why.”

What’s the biggest tournament strategy mistake?

Ignoring ICM near pay jumps and final tables. Chips aren’t worth the same late in tournaments. If you play MTTs, learning ICM is one of the highest ROI strategy upgrades you can make.

Where should I start if I’m stuck?

Pick one: fundamentals (beginner), leak-fixing and hand review (intermediate), or solver drills/ICM (expert). Then choose a platform that matches that goal — don’t buy everything at once.

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Affiliate disclosure: PokerStrat.com may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page (at no extra cost to you).
Educational only: Poker involves risk and variance. No guarantees — focus on long-term decision-making.

Last Updated December 2025