Poker tournaments are a grind and you have to have a lot of different skills to succeed in them. Do you know how to play with deep stacks in the early stages? Does your strategy thrive (and/or survive) in key bubble situations? Can you set yourself up for the final table once you're in the money? Do you have what it takes to play your A-game at the final table and eventually close the deal heads-up?

Darren Elias is an elite player who could answer yes to all of these questions, and he joins Mike Brady in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up to help you improve your tournament strategy.

Darren just released an advanced training course in collaboration with his longtime friend Nick Petrangelo. Darren and Nick have combined for over $65 million in tournament earnings and they reveal the tactics that got them there in the new Road to Victory course.

Get Road to Victory: The Ultimate Tournament Course on UpswingPoker.com.

Sign up here: https://upswingpoker.com/road-to-victory/

Written Version of this Episode 

00:00 Guest Introduction

02:40 Early-Stage Strategy: Observation and Data Collection

05:12 Intermediate Stage: Focus on Button Play

10:44 Bubble Stage: Soft vs. Hard Bubble Strategies

15:22 Initial in the Money Stage: Adjusting Pre-Flop Ranges

17:46 Deep in the Money Stage: Zooming Out and Assessing the Table

21:42 Final Table Strategy: Opponent Assessment and ICM

27:02 Heads Up Play: Adapting to Different Opponents

33:50 Conclusion and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Darren Elias guide you through the intricate journey of crushing poker tournaments from start to finish. With Darren's expertise as a four-time World Poker Tour champion, listeners are treated to a masterclass in tournament strategy, tailored to both online and live play. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring player, this episode offers practical advice that can elevate your game in every stage of a tournament.

The podcast kicks off with insights into early-stage strategy, where Darren emphasizes the importance of observation and data collection. He explains how building player profiles and identifying betting patterns early on can set the foundation for success. As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts to intermediate-stage strategies, particularly the critical importance of button play and adapting your tactics based on opponent types and stack sizes.

Listeners will find invaluable tips on navigating the bubble stage, where Darren discusses the differences between soft and hard bubbles, and how to adjust your ranges to maximize your stack potential. Moving into the money, Darren shares strategies for maintaining momentum while avoiding costly ICM mistakes, especially when the stakes begin to rise.

As the episode moves into the deep in-the-money and final table stages, Darren and Mike delve into the nuances of opponent assessment, emotional control, and table dynamics. They provide detailed advice on how to handle high-pressure situations, emphasizing the importance of zooming out and reassessing both the table and the overall tournament landscape.

Finally, the podcast concludes with a focus on heads-up play, where Darren outlines the key adjustments needed to secure victory when facing the final opponent. He discusses the importance of adapting to different player types, leveraging stack depth, and understanding the specific dynamics of big blind ante structures.

Whether you're preparing for a major live event or honing your online skills, this episode is your ultimate guide to tournament success. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to dominate the tables with expert strategies from Mike and Darren.