For poker enthusiasts, particularly fans of Pot Limit Omaha (PLO), the creation of Vision marks a significant shift in how players approach studying the game.
The training tool was designed by Austrian poker player and software creator Matthias Pum, a former competitive gamer turned professional poker, who spoke with PokerNews about the challenges he faced in creating a user-friendly alternative to traditional solvers
From Gaming to Poker: Matthias Pum’s Journey
Matthias Pum’s introduction to poker was unconventional. As a semi-professional Warcraft 3 player, a chance encounter with a fellow gamer at a LAN event opened the door to poker.
“He crushed me at Warcraft and casually mentioned he didn’t care about the prize money because he was already making a name for himself as a poker pro,” Pum recalls.
Inspired, Pum dove into the game, balancing his studies in Computer Science with a growing obsession for poker strategy. Despite his parents’ skepticism, he honed his skills by watching training videos and analyzing the game’s theoretical aspects. Eventually, a combination of opportunity and circumstance—his employer’s insolvency—allowed him to pursue poker full-time.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Solvers
Pum’s transition to professional poker wasn’t without setbacks. After a meteoric rise playing on poker apps, he faced significant losses and had to rebuild from scratch. However, the emergence of Monker Solver in 2017 reinvigorated his passion.
“Many thought solvers would ruin the game, but for me, it was a fresh start”
“Many thought solvers would ruin the game, but for me, it was a fresh start. I was hooked on the precision and clarity they provided,” Pum explains.
The time-consuming nature of traditional solvers, however, frustrated him. “Most of my study time was spent setting up scenarios instead of actually learning,” he says. This inefficiency planted the seed for Vision.
Creating Vision: From Concept to Reality
In 2018, Pum began building Vision as a tool to streamline PLO study. Initially a personal project with a rough interface, Vision quickly evolved into a product after positive feedback from his coaching students. Just a few months later, it was ready for launch.
Key features that distinguish Vision from traditional solvers include:
- Hand Categorization View: Simplifies PLO’s complex hand combinations by breaking them into categories, aiding pattern recognition.
- Flop Overview Tool: Allows users to analyze board types without manually inputting each flop card.
- Interactive Practice Modes: Includes features like Preflop RFI Trainer, where players can test their decision-making, and Streak Mode, a gamified experience with weekly leaderboards and prizes.
“These tools eliminate the friction of setup and let users focus on learning,” says Pum.
Partnering with Run It Once
Vision’s success caught the attention of Phil Galfond, founder of Run It Once (RIO) and a legend in the poker world. What began as an affiliate inquiry from an RIO coach turned into a full partnership in 2020. “It was surreal. I thought it would just be a simple affiliate deal, but Phil came back with a much bigger offer,” Pum shares.
The partnership provided Vision with greater visibility and resources, helping it grow into one of the leading tools for PLO players worldwide.
Shaping the Future of PLO
Pum’s ultimate goal with Vision is to bridge the gap between casual and advanced players, making high-level analysis less intimidating. With features like gamified challenges and customizable study tools, Vision appeals to players looking to sharpen their skills without the steep learning curve of traditional solvers.
While Pum no longer plays poker professionally, he remains deeply connected to the game through Vision. “The depth and nuance of the game make it endlessly fascinating,” he says. “PLO has so much untapped potential.”
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