RTA in Online Poker: An Unstoppable Threat or a Contained Problem?

What is RTA and Why is It Controversial?

RTA (Real-Time Assistance) refers to software that provides real-time decision-making assistance to online poker players. These tools suggest the optimal action for every situation, giving users an unfair advantage over those playing unaided​.

While solvers are widely accepted for post-game analysis, RTA operates during live gameplay, essentially turning a player into a near-perfect decision-maker, making it one of the most heavily banned practices in online poker​.

The Fedor Kruse Scandal and Its Ripple Effect

One of the most high-profile RTA scandals involved high-stakes player Fedor Kruse, who was accused of using a second computer to consult pre-solved poker scenarios in real-time. His former roommates exposed him, providing screenshots and chat logs as evidence​.

The scandal forced GGPoker to ban 40 accounts linked to RTA use and issue warnings to another 40 high-stakes players​.

How Do Poker Sites Detect RTA?

Online poker platforms have introduced strict countermeasures against RTA:

The Impact of RTA on Online Poker