Online poker is being threatened by an increasing number of poker bots - software programs designed to play poker flawlessly without human involvement. Understandably, many newer players are hesitant to play online out of fear they'll be easily beaten and lose their money to unbeatable software.
Online poker is being threatened by an increasing number of poker bots - software programs designed to play poker flawlessly without human involvement. These bots use complex calculations and analysis to make perfect decisions every hand. Understandably, many newer players are hesitant to play online out of fear they'll be easily beaten and lose their money to unbeatable software.
While this may seem daunting, the good news is most poker bots have identifiable weaknesses that can be exploited. By learning the signs of bots and adjusting your strategy accordingly as a beginner, you can still win real money playing online. Let's explore how to detect bots at the tables, and some proven techniques to outplay them.
While advanced bots can be tricky to catch, most have clear patterns that reveal their automated nature once you know the signs:
Timed moves
Bots act at precisely timed intervals each hand because they don't need to actually "think." Real players show normal variation.
No chatting
Ask a suspected bot a direct question in chat. No response indicates automation, as bots can't converse.
Bet sizing
Bots frequently bet/raise the exact same amounts repeatedly. Humans naturally vary their sizings.
Aggression
Highly aggressive play is a bot "tell," as real humans worry about risking money while bots don't.
No adjustment
Unlike people, bots fail to modify strategies based on opponent tendencies. It's a dead giveaway.
By keeping these common bot flags in mind, you'll begin to quickly notice when you're not up against a human in the game. Once identified, you can shift gears and use the ideal counter-strategy.
While sophisticated bots using advanced AI exist, most average poker bots have inherent weaknesses in their programming that you can leverage as a beginner:
Predictability
Since bots use preset strategies without adjusting, their plays become predictable over time. You'll begin to spot their patterns.
Bet sizing
Most bots can't picks up on bet sizing tells. Vary your bets frequently and significantly, and bots get confused.
Stop losses
When down a certain amount, bots typically disengage from hands. You can use this to manipulate their strategy.
Random aggression
Sporadic, randomly-timed aggression throws bots off. They expect mathematically sound play every hand.
Polarized ranges
Bots struggle with heavily polarized play - they expect a balanced approach. Shift between loose and tight extremes.
Beginner players shouldn't fear bots - they should learn to exploit them! Once you identify the common holes in bot programming, you gain a major edge to come out on top more often.
Despite all the recent panic, the truth is that unbeatable "super bots" are very rare in the online poker world currently. Here's why:
Detecting bots is easy
Most online poker sites have advanced security to quickly catch and ban bots before they dominate.
It's hard to code perfect bots
To make bots that are truly unexploitable requires immense programming expertise and poker genius. Few possess the skills.
Randomization defeats machines
True machine dominance requires human-level reasoning and randomization. No bots are close to this yet.
Humans still think better
The complexity of poker means strategic adjustments and opponent perceptions are key strengths for people.
While bots will continue improving, don't believe the hype that today's top bots can't be beaten with the right adjustments. Stick to reputable poker sites with vigilant security, learn the bot tells, and you'll do just fine as a beginner.
For many beginners, the proliferation of poker bots seems like a good reason to avoid online poker entirely. However, quitting online play due to bots is an overreaction that misses the bigger picture:
Most sites actively ban bots
Major online poker operators invest heavily in security teams and technology to detect and remove bots.
Beating regs is still huge value
Even if a few bots slip through, weaker human regulars are still massive value to exploit as a beginner.
You can still win vs. bots
By learning bot strategies and adjusting your play, you can overcome their machine patterns and win.
Live poker has cons too
Between rake, tips, travel costs, and convenience, live poker has big tradeoffs compared to online.
Rather than quitting online poker altogether, take time to learn optimal strategies against the bots you encounter. A few adjustments is all it takes to frequently beat them and continue crushing. Don't ignore the major benefits online poker still offers. While sophisticated poker bots pose a threat on some sites, don't let fear of machines stop you from online success. Learn the telltale patterns that reveal bots, and shift to an adjusting playing style they can't handle. Mix up bet sizing, play unpredictably, and target their algorithmic weaknesses.
Most bots still have major flaws and leaks beginners can exploit readily once detected. So brush up on optimal counter-strategies, stick to trusted sites, and you can absolutely still win online as a newer player. Don't let the bots bully you off the virtual tables!
