Flops with three cards of the same suit can be very confusing to play. They're unlike any other flop texture type in poker, so they warrant a unique approach. Do you know what bet size to use on monotone flops as the preflop raiser? What about which hands to check-raise against a bet as the preflop caller?

Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood help you understand the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

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Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Monotone Boards

01:19 General Rules for Monotone Flops

03:12 Comparing High vs. Low Monotone Boards

08:50 Playing as the Big Blind on Monotone Flops

11:30 Monotone Boards in Three-Bet Pots

14:42 Raising Strategy vs. C-Bets in Three-Bet Pots

18:20 Adjusting Strategy When Out of Position

20:19 Wrapping Up Monotone Board Strategies

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive deep into the complex world of monotone boards—those tricky flops where all three cards are of the same suit. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting to refine your strategy, this episode offers essential insights into constructing your range and making optimal decisions in both single-raised and three-bet pots on these challenging boards.

The discussion begins by addressing the general rules for playing monotone flops. Gary emphasizes the importance of using smaller bet sizes when c-betting on monotone boards due to the potential for drastic changes on subsequent streets. The podcast explores how the texture of the board and your position influence your strategy, whether you're playing against an opponent's continuation bet or deciding on your own c-bet strategy.

Listeners will learn how to adjust their approach based on the strength of their hand and the board's specific texture. For example, high boards like Ace-King-Nine all of one suit are discussed in contrast to lower boards like Seven-Four-Deuce, highlighting the concept of "nut advantage" and how it impacts your c-betting frequency. Mike and Gary explain why it's crucial to understand the equity distribution in these situations and how it should influence your decision-making process.

The podcast also covers how to build your check-raising and check-calling ranges when you're playing from the big blind on monotone flops. The hosts delve into the nuances of playing out of position, emphasizing the need for a tight and cautious strategy due to the volatility of these boards. Gary provides actionable advice on when to be more aggressive and when to play more passively, depending on the board's characteristics and your opponent's tendencies.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to three-bet pots, where the dynamics of monotone boards change significantly. The discussion includes how to adjust your c-bet strategy based on your opponent's range and the strength of your hand, with a particular emphasis on the importance of the nut advantage in these scenarios.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with valuable insights and practical advice that will help you stop bleeding cash on monotone flops. Whether you're struggling with understanding these tricky spots or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, take notes, and level up your game with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.