Deviating From Equilibrium
The concept of equilibrium in poker is essential to the long term success and the fundamental understanding of optimal poker strategy. Equilibrium refers to the optimal poker play that a player can be playing. This usually refers to an optimal mix of bluffing, raising, folding calling or checking. Whenever a player deviates from the optimal amount, or equilibrium, they are then open to exploitation when other players are able to adjust their equilibrium game against their opponents.
By constantly evaluating each hand and the type of image and plays that you are playing, you can evaluate whether you are playing at equilibrium and whether your opponents have deviated from equilibrium play. The information that helps you evaluate this situation lies in observing the number of times a player folds and calls along with the types of cards they are showing down with. If they are clearly a calling station calling down with a wide range of cards, then you need to adjust your play according to how far your opponent has swayed from the equilibrium. You can bet just that little more on your made hands and you know that your opponent who is not playing equilibrium poker is going to call you.
A further thought on the point of equilibrium is that if your opponent is actually playing at equilibrium, your opponent is making all the most optimal moves in his game, it is then up to you to adjust your game to an equilibrium point. Make sure you that you are calling and raising just he right amount of times so that you do not get trapped or call down with the second best hand too many times. Use the idea of equilibrium to increase the profitability of your poker play.
