HAND RECAP (6 handed, final table, 125K/250K blinds - 250K BB ante)

Ausmus (4.5M chips) raises to 500K from the Cutoff with A♥ Q♥. Only Reichard (3.2M chips) calls from the Big Blind with J♥ 8♣.

(Stack size notes: Reichard is the shortest stack. Ausmus is one of the shorter stacks, but everyone besides the chip leader has fewer than 30 big blinds. The chip leader has around 18M.)

Flop T♣ 3♣ 2♣. Reichard checks. Ausmus bets 300K. Reichard calls.

Turn 7♠. Both players check.

River 2♠. Reichard bets 2.1M into 2M. Ausmus calls with just Ace-high.

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Written Version of This Episode

00:00 Introduction to Tournament Tips

04:23 Tip 2: Defend Your Big Blind Often

08:42 Tip 3: Be Cautious with Three-Bet Bluffing

11:02 Tip 4: Adjust Your Three-Betting with Deep Stacks

13:21 Tip 5: Smart Continuation Betting

18:08 Tip 6: Plan for Future Streets

21:06 Tip 7: Learn Basic Heads-Up Play

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, host Mike Brady presents seven critical tips to elevate your tournament poker game. Drawing from the expertise of Miikka Anttonen, a renowned Finnish poker player, this episode provides actionable insights to help you run deeper and play more confidently in poker tournaments.

The podcast begins with Tip 1, focusing on raising frequently when the action folds to you. Mike explains why small raises, particularly with antes in play, can be highly profitable even with marginal hands, and how to adjust your raising range based on the tendencies of the players in the blinds. Listeners will learn the importance of understanding the math behind these moves and how to exploit different player types effectively.

In Tip 2, the emphasis shifts to defending your big blind more often. Mike breaks down the pot odds calculations and explains why you should call more frequently, especially against smaller raises. He also discusses how to adjust your defense strategy in multi-way pots and why you should avoid over-defending against stronger opponents.

Tip 3 highlights the dangers of three-bet bluffing with middling stacks, where Mike outlines which hands to choose for three-bet bluffs and why understanding stack size dynamics is crucial in these spots. Tip 4 continues with adjustments for deep stack play, where Mike recommends adopting a cash game-like approach to three-betting, focusing on a linear range to maintain balance and avoid predictability.

The podcast also delves into smart continuation betting in Tip 5, where Mike offers guidance on when to bet, check, or fold based on the board texture and the ranges of both you and your opponent. Tip 6 emphasizes the importance of planning for future streets, advising players to think ahead about possible turn and river scenarios to avoid tricky spots and make better decisions

Finally, Tip 7 encourages players to learn basic heads-up strategies, even if heads-up play is rare. Mike explains why being prepared for the final showdown is vital to securing the top prize in tournaments, underscoring the significance of understanding heads-up dynamics.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with valuable tips for tournament players at all levels, offering practical advice on how to refine your strategy, exploit your opponents, and make smarter decisions to maximize your success. Tune in to learn how to level up your game and navigate the complexities of tournament poker with confidence.