What Does Artificial Intelligence Really Know About Poker?

The world of poker is one that is at one with digital technology. Indeed, the game’s very rise can be charted by looking at the number of users on online poker websites. The most famous poker champion of all, Chris Moneymaker, won the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event for $2.5 million after entering a PokerStars online satellite for just $85.

So, should poker players be encouraged or fearful of AI (Artificial Intelligence)? And could bots ever really win at the felt? To find out, we asked the ChatGPT AI model seven vitally important questions across a range of subjects. Its answers might just surprise you.

We started with an obvious one and a question that so many amateurs will wonder before anything else. We asked: What is the quickest way to get better at poker than most people?

There are several ways you can improve your poker skills more quickly than most people:

Practice, practice, practice: The more hands you play, the more experience you will gain, which will help you make better decisions at the table.

Study and learn from others: Read books and articles about poker strategy, watch instructional videos, and seek out the advice of more experienced players.

Analyze your play: After each session, review your hands and try to identify any mistakes you made. Think about how you could have played the hand differently and what you could have done to maximize your winnings.

Find the right game: Look for games that are at your skill level so that you are not consistently outmatched by better players.

Stay focused: It’s easy to get distracted at the poker table, but staying focused and avoiding tilt will help you make better decisions.

By following these tips, you can improve your poker skills more quickly and consistently than most people.

That’s as maybe, but exactly how? If Texas No Limit Hold’em is ‘The Cadillac of Poker’ as Doyle Brunson called it, then the bluff is surely putting your foot firmly to the accelerator pedal. We asked: What is the best way to bluff?

Chat GPT: Bluffing in poker is a risky strategy that can be effective if used correctly. Here are a few tips to consider when bluffing:

Pay attention to your opponents: Look for signs that they may be weak or strong, such as their betting patterns and their body language.

Choose your spot wisely: Bluffing is more likely to be successful in certain situations, such as when you have a marginal hand or you are heads-up (playing against just one other player).

Bet and act confidently: If you seem uncertain, your opponents may be more likely to call your bluff.

Vary your play: If you bluff too frequently, your opponents may catch on to your strategy. Mix up your play to keep your opponents guessing.

Know when to fold: If you think your bluff is not going to work, it’s usually best to fold rather than risking a large portion of your stack.

It’s important to remember that bluffing is just one aspect of poker strategy and should be used judiciously. It’s not a good idea to rely on bluffing as your primary strategy, as it can be costly in the long run.

Sound advice, all told. But that’s strategy. Whilst it’s gathered in many contributing factors in a matter of a few nanoseconds, what about picking who the top of the leaderboard is… of all time. We asked: Who do most people consider to be the best poker player ever?

ChatGPT: There is no definitive answer to this question, as opinions on the matter vary. Some people believe that the best poker player ever is Phil Ivey, while others think it is Doyle Brunson or Daniel Negreanu. Others believe that it is someone else entirely. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal opinion.

Well, we can’t complain – it is all opinion after all. But by coming up with three names that would likely make most people’s ‘Mount Rushmore’, we’ve got to hand it to the bot. It’s hedged its bets well there.

So many poker answers are subjective, but this time, the computer gave three answers. Can we pin it down to just one on a very tricky subject? We asked: What is the most impressive poker tournament victory of all time?

ChatGPT: There have been many impressive poker tournament victories over the years, and it is difficult to say which one is the most impressive. Some people might consider Chris Moneymaker’s victory in the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event to be the most impressive, as it helped to popularize poker and launched the “poker boom” of the mid-2000s. Others might consider Phil Hellmuth’s record 15 World Series of Poker bracelets to be the most impressive poker achievement of all time. Again, it is a matter of personal opinion.

This time we have got the bot. Phil Hellmuth has, of course, won 16, not 15 bracelets. The AI software only includes data gathered up to and including 2021. Since Hellmuth didn’t win any in ’22, we can assume that the date data ran out in 2021 was before the summer when he claimed #16. Gamble Online 1 – 0 The Bot Army. Let’s give it a question that is almost impossible to answer without being wrong somehow. We asked: What is the best way to play pocket jacks in no-limit hold’em poker?

ChatGPT: Pocket jacks, also known as “jacks or better,” is a strong starting hand in no limit hold’em poker. The best way to play pocket jacks will depend on the specific situation you are in. Here are a few general tips for playing pocket jacks:

Raise before the flop: Pocket jacks are a strong starting hand, so you should generally raise before the flop to build the pot and to try to narrow the field.

Consider your position: Your position at the table will affect how you should play pocket jacks. If you are in an early position, you should be more conservative with your play. If you are in a late position, you can be more aggressive.

Pay attention to the board: The flop, turn, and river cards that are dealt can significantly impact the strength of your hand. If the board is heavily coordinated (e.g. there are two or three cards of the same suit), your pocket jacks may be vulnerable to a flush.

Don’t be afraid to fold: While pocket jacks are a strong starting hand, they are not unbeatable. If you face a lot of action or if the board looks unfavorable, you may need to fold your pocket jacks.

Good advice, but pretty generic. We failed to see the tactic that we developed over the years for playing pocket jacks mentioned at all, which is to shout “All-in!!!!” at the top of our voice, before closing our eyes, praying to the Poker Gods with some mantra chanting and waiting for a friendly tap on the shoulder from a fellow player to let us know that we were busted several minutes ago.

Let’s go back to something we know will make a difference for poker fans to know the answer to. We asked: What is the most popular casino to play poker at in the world?

ChatGPT: It is difficult to determine the most popular casino to play poker at in the world, as different casinos are popular in different regions and among different groups of people [Ed-why does every ChatGPT answer start like this as if it needs a pat on the head like a dog?]. Some of the most well-known casinos for poker include the Bellagio and the Wynn in Las Vegas, the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, and the Casino Español in Mexico City. These casinos are known for hosting high-stakes poker games and major poker tournaments. However, there are many other casinos around the world that are popular among poker players.

Well, we’re off to Mexico City. But first, we asked: What is the most fun element of playing live poker?

ChatGPT: There are many elements of live poker that can be enjoyable. Some players enjoy the social aspect of live poker, as it allows them to interact with other players and form friendships. Others enjoy the strategy and mental challenge of the game, as well as the opportunity to use their skills to outsmart their opponents. Still, others may enjoy the thrill of competition and the chance to win money. Ultimately, the most fun element of live poker will depend on the individual player and their personal preferences.

There you have it. Think the bots are taking over? Not without getting a pat on the back for every decision they make. Plus, how can they afford the food in Monte Carlo, and will their circuit boards melt the first time they lose with pocket jacks The jury is out on Artificial Intelligence.