If you are a player who rarely bets big at the poker table, you are leaving a lot of money on the table. Betting big in the right spots allows you to build pots with strong hands when you have them, but it only makes sense to do when the rest of your range can support it.

Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood help you understand exactly when to shovel big bets into the pot in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

Pre-register for the upcoming Road to Victory tournament course by Darren Elias and Nick Petrangelo: https://upswingpoker.com/road-to-victory-pre-reg/

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Big Bet Strategies

01:32 Defining Big Bets and Their Importance

04:25 Factors That Drive Big Bet Decisions

05:54 Single Raised Pots and Overbetting

10:28 Exploitative Adjustments with Big Bets

12:38 Unintuitive Bluffs and Blocking

15:07 Using Bottom Pair as a Bluff

17:30 Big Betting in Three-Bet Pots

21:02 Defensive Strategies on Connected Boards

24:21 Closing Thoughts and Lab Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood explore the powerful and often misunderstood concept of big bet strategies in poker. If you’ve ever wondered when and how to use large bets effectively to maximize your profits, this episode is a must-listen. Mike and Gary break down the nuances of when to deploy big bets on the flop, turn, and river, explaining how this strategy can dramatically impact your game by putting your opponents in tough spots and extracting maximum value from your strong hands.

The episode starts with a deep dive into the psychology and mathematics behind big bets, highlighting the importance of understanding nut advantage and board texture. Mike and Gary explain why certain board types, like ace-high or low disconnected flops, are prime opportunities for big bets, particularly when you hold a significant range advantage. They also discuss the pitfalls of betting too small in situations that actually warrant a larger bet, showing how these missed opportunities can leave money on the table.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to apply big bets in both single-raised and three-bet pots. The discussion includes specific examples, such as overbetting on ace-king-six boards, and why this approach works so effectively against opponents’ ranges. Gary also shares tips on identifying and executing unintuitive bluffs, such as turning bottom pair into a bluff when the board and opponent dynamics suggest it’s the right move.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of adjusting your strategy based on your opponent’s tendencies. They discuss scenarios where you might deviate from standard equilibrium play to exploit opponents who are overly tight or who struggle to call down with marginal hands. These advanced strategies are essential for players looking to elevate their game and dominate in both live and online environments.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice and expert insights that will help you refine your big bet tactics and make more informed decisions at the table. Whether you’re playing in low stakes games or high roller tournaments, understanding when and how to bet big can be the difference between winning a small pot and stacking your opponent. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your poker strategy with Mike and Gary.