What separates a great poker player from a good poker player is often bet sizing. Knowing how to size your bets like a studied pro allows you to make more money with your strong hands and run more effective bluffs. 

This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up will help you improve your bet sizing skills with 3 example situations posed as quiz questions. In all of these spots, you will play as the in position player who 3-bet before the flop.

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Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:53 Strategies for Betting in Position vs. Out of Position

06:52 Hypothetical Hand #2: Playing Ace-Queen Offsuit on an Ace-King-Three Board

09:44 Optimal Bet Sizes on Dynamic Flops

12:22 Dealing with Overpairs and Top Pairs on Draw-Heavy Boards

13:42 Adjusting Strategy for Different Textures and Opponents

15:25 Use of Tools for Board Analysis

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood present a unique bet-sizing quiz designed to test your decision-making skills in various cash game scenarios. This interactive episode features three hypothetical hands, each set in three-bet pots where you are in position, allowing listeners to explore different strategies and refine their approach to post-flop play

The podcast begins with an analysis of the first hypothetical hand: playing pocket queens on a 7-2-2 board. Gary explains why betting big with strong hands like overpairs is crucial in these spots, especially in position, and highlights the common mistakes players make when choosing their bet sizes. Listeners will learn the importance of adjusting bet sizes based on their opponent’s range and the board's texture, ensuring they maximize value and control the pot

The discussion then moves to the second hypothetical hand, where the hosts break down playing Ace-Queen offsuit on an Ace-King-Three board. This scenario illustrates when to bet small to maintain a balanced strategy and capitalize on opponents' frequent folds. Gary provides insights into how bet sizing should change when you're out of position and why it’s critical to consider the effectiveness of your bets when your opponent's range is wide or narrow.

In the final hand, the hosts tackle a ten-seven-four board with pocket queens, emphasizing the need to balance checkbacks and betting ranges effectively. This poker strategy podcast covers why overpairs should not always be bet, explaining how to protect your checking range and keep opponents from exploiting your weaknesses.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Gary utilize tools like the Lucid GTO Trainer to provide a deeper understanding of board textures, bet sizing, and positional dynamics. This poker strategy podcast is perfect for players looking to elevate their cash game skills by learning how to optimize bet sizing and improve their decision-making process in various post-flop situations.

Tune in, participate in the quiz, and see if you can match wits with the pros while enhancing your overall poker strategy.