Jean-Guy
Rock Star
Bronze Level
In his book The Theory of Poker David Sklansky defined multi level thinking:
Level 0: I do not even care about my cards.
Level 1: How strong is my hand?
Level 2: How strong is their hand
Level 3: How strong do they think my hand is?
Level 4: How strong do they think I think my hand is?
Level 5: How strong do they think I think they think my hand is?
Level 6: Etc…
Sounds complicated, but does it work? It depends. In fact you have to be excactly one level above your opponent for this type of thinking to work. At least as far as I can “think.” If there’s more levels between you and your opponent in a head to head situation the multi level thinking often won’t work.
In many aspects of life you can use the famous “Ockham’s Razor” - a principle introduced by the friar William of Ockham in the 14th century. The principle says that if you have two competing ideas to explain the same phenomenon, you should prefer the simpler one. Ockham can also be seen as the inspiration for KISS - keep it simple stupid.
Poker is a complicated game. So why make it even more complicated. If you are a football fan you will know Pep Guardiola who is infamous for over thinking. As of now he could perhaps benefit with a little KISS.
Level 0: I do not even care about my cards.
Level 1: How strong is my hand?
Level 2: How strong is their hand
Level 3: How strong do they think my hand is?
Level 4: How strong do they think I think my hand is?
Level 5: How strong do they think I think they think my hand is?
Level 6: Etc…
Sounds complicated, but does it work? It depends. In fact you have to be excactly one level above your opponent for this type of thinking to work. At least as far as I can “think.” If there’s more levels between you and your opponent in a head to head situation the multi level thinking often won’t work.
In many aspects of life you can use the famous “Ockham’s Razor” - a principle introduced by the friar William of Ockham in the 14th century. The principle says that if you have two competing ideas to explain the same phenomenon, you should prefer the simpler one. Ockham can also be seen as the inspiration for KISS - keep it simple stupid.
Poker is a complicated game. So why make it even more complicated. If you are a football fan you will know Pep Guardiola who is infamous for over thinking. As of now he could perhaps benefit with a little KISS.
