News: GTO Poker Theories

Could your intelligence get in your way and stop you from getting what you want out of life (and poker)?

One of the real gifts poker has given me is that it has been a great jumping-off point to learn things from other disciplines like economics, AI, psychology, and Game Theory. So here is a series of articles where I bring some of the most interesting things I have learned from other subjects outside of poker which are applicable to this game we know and love.

The "IQ trap," a term coined by author Mark Manson, describes a paradox in which highly intelligent individuals allow their intellect to become an obstacle rather than an advantage. These individuals often overvalue abstract reasoning, become overly critical of systems they deem inefficient or beneath them, and struggle with the practical or emotional aspects of life. In essence, their intelligence creates a sense of superiority that can lead to isolation, cynicism, or inaction, ultimately preventing them from achieving success or fulfilment.

A well-known example of this phenomenon is Chris Langan, once dubbed the smartest man in America with an IQ estimated between 195 and 210. Despite his extraordinary intellect, Langan never achieved the conventional success that many expected. He spent much of his life doing menial work, including working as a nightclub bouncer, and became disillusioned with academia, claiming it lacked rigour and sincerity. Instead of adapting or finding a way to navigate the system, he rejected it altogether, effectively sidelining himself from the opportunities his mind could have unlocked. His story highlights how intelligence, when paired with ego or inflexibility, can hinder rather than help.

This brings us to a more grounded and practical view of intelligence, as expressed by entrepreneur Naval Ravikant (whom we have featured twice in this series for his Uphill Decision Razor and the Hesitation Heuristic).

Naval said that "The only true test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life." From this perspective, intelligence is not measured by abstract reasoning or IQ tests, but by the ability to turn thoughts into outcomes. It values adaptability, emotional intelligence, and action over raw cognitive horsepower. In reframing intelligence this way, we can avoid the IQ trap and focus instead on aligning our intellect with our goals, relationships, and long-term fulfilment.

Game selection

We see this paradox play out in some of the games elite players choose to play.

It is undeniable that, for example, the Triton series includes some of the smartest poker players on the planet. The likes of Jason Koon, Stephen Chidwick and Adrian Mateos may be the best players in the world.

But how smart is it that they choose to play against each other? If they relish the challenge, good luck to them. But if they want to make money, surely there are softer, less stressful games where they might be much more profitable? They may be human supercomputers, but it seems like dumb game selection.

Contrast this with somebody like Alan Keating, who regularly plays in much softer, more gamble-y, private and live streamed high stakes cash games. An amazing player he is, and he has to play with equally talented professionals, but he also gets to play with lots of weak players. Much weaker, on average, than the Triton regulars.

Keating is smart, but probably not as smart as the Triton regulars. It appears, however, that he is getting what he wants out of his poker career and avoiding some very stressful games in the process. His IQ may be lower, but he might be smarter than the Triton regs.

What theories from outside of poker have helped your game? Let us know in the comments.