Christian Kring | 2026 I.S. Symposium

Name: Christian Kring
Title: Calculated Risk: A Game-Theoretic and Probabilistic Analysis of Texas Hold ’em Poker
Major: Mathematics
Advisor: Cynthia Lester

This paper applies the fields of mathematics and game theory to the classic game ofTexas Hold ’em Poker, through topics such as combinatorics, probability theory, signaling theory, and Nash Equilibrium. It first addresses a background for both poker and game theory which introduces areas in which connections can be made. This allows for the consideration of incomplete information to be looked at through the lens of both set theory and combinatorics to simplify the player’s view of their opponents. Both Nash and Bayesian Equilibirum are then used to express the player’s set of strategies through a theoretical based perspective. Finally, the preflop section of the game is looked at further, which provides consideration for what many consider to be the most important section of the game. The findings are then applied through looking at the games played by real professionals, in order to demonstrate their meaning and significance.

Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.