Upswing Poker Level-Up

Let's analyze WSOP final table hands with over $400K on the line! Want to fast-track your tournament poker skills? Get in the Upswing Lab to get access to Aaron Barone's exclusive training content: https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching/

Written Version of This Episode

Event #12 $1,500 6-Max Payouts: 1st - $439K | 2nd - $293K | 3rd - $210K | 4th - $153K | 5th - $112K | 6th - $83K | 7th - 63K

HAND #1 (7 players left 100K/200K blinds - 200K BB ante)

Spasov raises to 400K from UTG w/ T♦ T♣. Dube folds K♦ Q♥ from UTG+1. Only Fan calls from BB with A♠ J♥.

(Stack size notes: Spasov has 8M chips and is in 5th. Dube has 9M chips and is in 3rd. Fan has 11.5M chips and is in 2nd. There is a very short stack with 1.3M chips.)

Flop J♣ T♠ 3♦. Fan checks. Spasov bets 350K. Fan calls.

Turn 3♥. Fan leads for 500K. Spasov calls.

River 2♦. Fan bets 850K. Spasov raises all-in for 4.45M. Fan calls.

HAND #2 (5 players left 150K/300K blinds - 300K BB ante)

Fan raises to 650K from the Button w/ A♣ 6♣. Spasov calls from the SB w/ 9♥ 8♥. Dube calls from the BB w/ 4♦ 2♦.

(Stack size notes: Fan has 8M chips and is in 3rd. Spasov has 21M in chips and is in 2nd. Dube has 6M in chips and is in 4th. The shortest stack has 3M chips.

Flop A♠ T♦ 5♠. Checks around.

Turn J♦. Spasov bets 1.1M. Dube folds his straight+flush draw. Fan calls.

River 8♣. Spasov bets 5.7M all-in (1.3x pot). Fan folds.

Watch the full final table at https://www.pokergo.com/

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:52 Evaluating Ace-Jack in the Big Blind

04:54 Turn Play Strategy with Bluff Catchers

06:38 River Decisions and Stack Management

11:23 Hand 2: Ace-Ten Hand Analysis

19:12 Adjusting for Different Stack Sizes

25:36 Strategies for Final Table ICM Pressure

30:08 Conclusion and Future Episodes

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and special guest Aaron Barone, a tournament poker pro and Upswing Poker coach, analyze two pivotal hands from a $1,500 buy-in six-max final table event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). With over $400,000 on the line for the winner, they break down each street of these critical hands, providing insights on how to navigate high-pressure situations at the final table.

The podcast begins with a detailed examination of the first hand, featuring a tough decision by a player holding King-Queen offsuit under the gun. Aaron explains why three-betting or folding is generally preferable to flatting in this scenario, especially given the ICM (Independent Chip Model) pressure at the final table. The hosts also discuss the importance of understanding your opponent's range and the strategic implications of different betting decisions, such as how to disguise the strength of your hand and induce bluffs from opponents.

Next, Mike and Aaron move on to analyze a hand involving Ace-Jack in the big blind, facing a continuation bet on a tricky board. They debate the merits of flatting versus check-raising, considering the potential benefits of slow-playing top pair in a final table environment. Aaron emphasizes how ICM considerations drastically alter the optimal play compared to a Chip EV (Expected Value) scenario, guiding players to a more conservative approach to maximize their chance of winning significant pay jumps.

As they move through the analysis, the hosts explore advanced concepts such as leading with bluff catchers on certain turn cards, how board textures can impact betting strategy, and why sometimes small leads can induce bluffs or extract value from weaker hands. This poker strategy podcast episode is filled with practical takeaways on adjusting your play style based on stack sizes, opponent tendencies, and final table dynamics.

Tune in to this episode to learn from the pros as they break down these high-stakes WSOP hands and provide actionable insights to help elevate your poker game. Whether you're an experienced tournament grinder or just getting started, this poker strategy podcast offers valuable lessons on how to make the right moves under pressure.

[REBROADCAST] Poker tournaments are a grind and you have to have a lot of different skills to succeed in them. Four time WPT champion Darren Elias joins Mike Brady in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up to share some tips for your tournament strategy.

Darren's tournament master class Road to Victory is 30% off on UpswingPoker.com until the end of this week! Save even more by opting for a course bundle. Upgrade your skills now at https://upswingpoker.com/wsot-sale/ Darren created his advanced 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 Road to Victory course. Written Version of this Episode | Video Version of this Episode

Subscribe to Upswing Poker on YouTube for Video Versions of These Episodes

This podcast reveals the truth about blockers in poker. Upgrade your tournament skills and save up to 51% during the World Series of Tournaments sale at Upswing Poker https://upswingpoker.com/wsot-sale/

Blockers are a fundamental part of poker strategy, but they're also one of the most misunderstood parts of poker strategy. Many players disregard blockers and leave money on the table. Other players over-value blockers in certain situations and flush money down the toilet as a result.

***CORRECTION 11:36***

Gary meant to say "where your opponent's FOLDING range is Jacks and Tens" (he mistakenly said calling)

Article Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Rake Strategy

02:14 Rake Structures Around the World

03:55 Adjusting Strategies for High Rake Games

05:14 Tightening Big Blind Defense in High Rake

08:31 Adjusting for Multi-Way Pots and Rake

13:14 Additional Tips for Playing in Raked Games

16:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

20:29 Importance of Chopping the Blinds

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood discuss the impact of rake on your game and how to adjust your strategy to beat it. Rake, the fee taken by the house from each pot, can significantly affect your profitability, especially in low-stakes games where the percentage of the pot taken can be quite high. Understanding how to adjust your play based on the rake structure is crucial for any serious poker player, whether you're playing live or online.

The episode begins with an overview of different rake structures, from high-rake environments, where more than four big blinds are taken out of the pot, to low-rake games and even no-rake games, like home games or those with time-based seat fees. Mike and Gary explain how these different environments impact your pot odds and strategic incentives, emphasizing the need to adjust your strategy accordingly to avoid leaving money on the table.

Listeners will learn how to tighten their ranges and adopt a more aggressive approach in high-rake games. Gary shares his tips for three-betting more frequently and trimming marginal hands from your defending range to counteract the impact of rake. The hosts also explore how to adjust when playing in low or no-rake games, allowing for a looser style and taking advantage of the extra equity available in these more favorable settings.

This poker strategy podcast also covers the importance of understanding your opponents' tendencies and using this information to make more profitable decisions. Mike and Gary highlight the benefits of playing tighter in multi-way pots and discuss when to fold or adjust your strategies based on the rake and your opponents' actions.

Finally, the hosts provide insights into additional adjustments you should make in different rake environments, such as chopping the blinds in high-rake games to minimize the money lost to the house. Whether you're grinding micro stakes online or playing in a home game with no rake, this episode provides practical advice to help you navigate any poker environment.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to learn how to beat the rake and maximize your win rate with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

They're taking your money. Here's what you can do about it. Upgrade your tournament skills and save up to 51% during the World Series of Tournaments sale at Upswing Poker https://upswingpoker.com/wsot-sale/

You may be surprised to learn that these different rake structures should impact the way you play. Put simply, when money is being taken out of the pot, your pot odds and strategic incentives change. If you're playing the same regardless of the rake structure, you're likely leaving money on the table. But you won't make that mistake after finishing this episode.

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Rake Strategy

02:16 Global Perspectives on High Rake

03:55 Adjustments for High Rake Games

05:11 Tight Aggressive Play in High Rake Environments

06:52 Defending Big Blind in High Rake Scenarios

08:30 Exploiting Low Rake and No Rake Games

11:20 Multi-Way Pot Adjustments in High Rake Games

13:13 Big Blind Defense in Multi-Way Pots

16:36 No Rake Strategies and Conclusion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood tackle a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the game: the rake. Understanding how to adjust your strategy based on the rake structure is essential for any serious poker player, whether you're grinding low-stakes cash games or playing in high-stakes tournaments. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that will help you adapt to different rake environments, ensuring you don't leave money on the table.

The podcast begins with an overview of various rake structures, from high-rake environments where four or more big blinds are taken from the pot, to low-rake games where two big blinds or less are deducted. Gary shares his experiences from different poker scenes worldwide, highlighting how rake impacts the profitability of various games. He explains that understanding the specifics of the rake in your game is crucial, as it directly affects your pot odds and strategic decisions.

Listeners will learn how to adjust their play in high-rake games, where adopting a tight-aggressive style can help mitigate the impact of the rake. Mike and Gary discuss why it's often necessary to three-bet more frequently rather than calling, especially when facing raises. They also cover strategies for defending the big blind and the importance of trimming marginal hands from your defending range to avoid bleeding chips in high-rake settings.

The episode also explores how to exploit low-rake or no-rake games, where you can afford to play a much looser style and take advantage of the extra equity available. Gary provides insights into adjusting your pre-flop ranges, defending more hands, and how to take full advantage of soft games with favorable rake conditions.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their game based on rake conditions. Whether you're battling it out in a high-rake environment or enjoying the benefits of a low-rake home game, the insights shared in this episode will help you make smarter decisions and maximize your winnings. Tune in to learn how to beat the rake and level up your poker strategy with Mike and Gary.

This episode reveals 7 fundamental tips for poker tournaments that will help you run deep more often and play more confidently. The advice ranges from preflop tactics to postflop strategies. Pay close attention if you want to build bigger stacks and win tournaments!

Want to upgrade your tournament skills with elite coaching? Save up to 51% on best-selling courses made by millionaire tournament pros during the World Series of Tournaments sale at UpswingPoker.com.

Article Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Tournament Tips

04:23 Tip 2: Defend Your Big Blind Often

08:41 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

21:07 Tip 7: Learn Basic Heads-Up Play

23:24 Conclusion and Promotions

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, host Mike Brady shares seven essential tournament tips to help you make deeper runs and boost your confidence in competitive settings. Drawing insights from the teachings of Miikka Anttonen, a respected Finnish poker pro, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for every stage of the tournament, from early positioning to heads-up play.

The episode starts with Tip 1: raising frequently when the action folds to you. Mike discusses the importance of leveraging small raises, especially when antes are in play, to build your stack efficiently. He explains why raising often can be profitable, even with marginal hands, and how to adjust based on the tendencies of opponents in the blinds. Listeners will learn the balance between aggression and caution, ensuring they remain unpredictable while maintaining a solid strategy.

Moving on to Tip 2, Mike emphasizes the significance of defending your big blind more frequently. He breaks down the math behind pot odds and the value of calling with a wide range, especially against small raises. However, he cautions against over-defending, especially in multi-way pots, where hand strength can be deceiving.

In Tip 3, the focus shifts to three-bet bluffing with middling stacks, where Mike outlines the types of hands that work best in this context and how to avoid costly mistakes when facing a four-bet shove. Tip 4 continues the theme of three-betting but adapts it to deep stack play, advocating a more cash-game-like approach with a merged range to maintain a balanced and unpredictable strategy.

The podcast further explores continuation betting in Tip 5, where Mike advises against betting every hand on every board. Instead, he encourages players to consider factors like range advantage and opponent tendencies to craft more effective continuation bet strategies. Tip 6 highlights the importance of planning for future streets, emphasizing the need for a solid game plan to avoid tricky spots and capitalize on favorable scenarios.

Finally, Tip 7 dives into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of heads-up play. Mike explains why even a basic understanding of heads-up strategy can lead to significant pay jumps in tournaments, underscoring the importance of preparation

This poker strategy podcast provides a comprehensive guide to mastering tournament play, helping you refine your strategy, stay ahead of the competition, and ultimately aim for those top prizes. Tune in, learn, and level up your poker game with these proven tournament tactics.

You must make strategic adjustments, both before and after the flop, when there's a straddle in play. Otherwise, you're simply leaving money on the table. Pots are much bigger and stacks will be flying back and forth, so it's critical you get this close to right in-game.

Want to improve your tournament skills? Save up to 51% on best-selling courses made by millionaire tournament pros during the World Series of Tournaments sale at UpswingPoker.com

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Straddle Strategy

01:19 Adjusting Pre-Flop Raise Sizes with a Straddle

02:31 Playing in Games with Variable Straddles

03:18 Tightening Pre-Flop Ranges in Straddled Pots

04:22 Example Pre-Flop Ranges for Straddle Situations

06:31 Post-Flop Strategy Adjustments with a Straddle

07:49 Short Stack Adjustments in Straddle Games

09:15 Final Thoughts and Promotions

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive deep into the art of playing effectively when there's a straddle in play. The straddle is a common but often misunderstood move in both live and online poker games, where a player voluntarily puts in a blind bet, effectively doubling the stakes and creating unique dynamics that can significantly impact your strategy. Mike and Gary explore the key adjustments you need to make pre-flop and post-flop to maximize your profits when facing a straddle, offering insights that apply to both cash games and tournaments.

The episode begins by explaining the different types of straddles and their impact on gameplay. Gary highlights the importance of adjusting your pre-flop raise sizes when a straddle is in play. He recommends reducing your open size, much like you would in a deep-stack tournament, to compensate for the effective reduction in stack depth caused by the straddle. This poker strategy podcast also covers the need to tighten your opening ranges, particularly when you have more players to worry about behind you who are more likely to defend their blinds or three-bet aggressively.

Listeners will gain practical advice on how to adjust their strategy based on the specific type of straddle they are facing, whether it's a standard under-the-gun straddle, a Mississippi straddle, or other variations. The hosts discuss the importance of playing tighter and stronger ranges, particularly in high-stakes games where stacks are deep, and the straddle has a more pronounced effect on effective stack size. They also explore the differences between playing in games with static and variable straddles, offering tips on how to navigate these dynamic environments.

As the conversation progresses, Mike and Gary delve into post-flop strategy adjustments. They discuss why continuation bet sizes should generally be smaller when a straddle is in play and how to make the most of your positional advantage. This poker strategy podcast also addresses the challenges of playing with shorter stacks due to the straddle, offering tips for maneuvering in these situations and maximizing your skill edge over less experienced opponents.

Tune in to this episode to learn how to effectively adjust your game when a straddle is in play, capitalize on opponents' mistakes, and enhance your overall poker strategy. Whether you're a cash game regular or a tournament grinder, this poker strategy podcast provides valuable insights to help you dominate in straddle situations.

This podcast will help you win more money with hands like pocket aces, kings and queens! Poker pro Gary Blackwood shares his top 5 tips for playing overpairs in No Limit Hold'em. These tips will help you get better results with your strong overpairs like Aces on a King-high flop, as well as your vulnerable overpairs like Pocket Eights on a Seven-high flop.

Get Gary Blackwood's master class on making money with overpairs inside the Upswing Lab training course. Use coupon code LEVELUP to get $50 off at: https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Overpairs Strategy

03:08 Tip 2: Adjusting Strategy Based on Position

04:55 Tip 3: The Ladder Effect in Bet Frequency

07:55 Tip 4: Responding to Check Raises with Overpairs

09:25 Tip 5: Overpair Strategy in Four-Bet Pots

12:24 Advanced Play: Small Raise in Four-Bet Pots

14:42 Tangent: Differentiating Between Rainbow and Flush Draw Boards

16:19 Final Thoughts and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the intricacies of playing overpairs in No-Limit Hold'em cash games. Overpairs like pocket aces, kings, and queens can be incredibly profitable, but only if you know how to navigate the various scenarios that arise during gameplay. Gary, a seasoned poker pro, shares his top five tips to help you maximize your earnings and minimize your losses with overpairs in single-raised pots, three-bet pots, and even four-bet pots.

The podcast begins with a discussion on playing overpairs in single-raised pots, where the stack-to-pot ratio is high, and board texture plays a crucial role. Gary explains why you should often check your strongest overpairs on unfavorable boards to avoid overcommitting in tricky situations. He introduces the concept of the "ladder effect," explaining why lower overpairs, such as eights or nines, should be bet more frequently than higher ones like aces, which require less protection from overcards.

Next, the hosts explore how your position—whether you're in or out—affects your betting strategy with overpairs. Mike uses the Lucid GTO trainer to demonstrate how bet sizes and frequencies should change based on your position, showing that checking more frequently out of position helps build a balanced and unexploitable strategy.

Listeners will also learn how to play overpairs effectively in three-bet pots by adopting a robust check-raising strategy, especially when out of position. Gary discusses why it's often correct to play aggressively with hands like queens and jacks in tighter three-bet scenarios but to avoid doing so in looser, single-raised pots where the ranges are wider.

The episode then moves into four-bet pot strategies, where the stack-to-pot ratio is much smaller, and players are generally more willing to get all the money in with their overpairs. Gary outlines when to shove and when to use smaller raises, depending on the board texture and the strength of your hand.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable insights, perfect for anyone looking to refine their approach to playing overpairs. Tune in, learn from the experts, and take your cash game strategy to the next level with tips that are sure to improve your performance at the table.

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.

Upgrade your poker game by practicing against a "perfect" opponent who gives you instant feedback with the Lucid GTO Trainer. Get it now at: https://upswingpoker.com/lucid-gto-trainer/

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.

[REBROADCAST] Splashy live poker games with lots of action are incredibly profitable. But they can be incredibly frustrating too, especially if you don't know how to adjust your strategy for maximum profit. In this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood cover the most critical adjustments that you must make when playing in loose, splashy live poker games. Sign up for the new Lucid GTO Cash Game Trainer to upgrade your poker game by practicing against a perfect opponent! https://upswingpoker.com/lucid-waitlist/ Written Version of this Episode | Video Version of this Episode

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You're about to level-up your poker game with money making counter-strategies from a high stakes pro. WSOP bracelet winner Alex Vuilleumier joins the podcast to share his top 3 exploits that you can use against weaker players.

Alex just released two courses on Upswing Poker. The first is called Precision Poker and its Alex's master class on how to study poker. He teaches how to build your own game using modern tools and train your skills with mental exercises.

If you get Precision Poker during by this Friday (Feb. 16), you'll also get his second course Exploit & Conquer ($299) for free.

The lion's share of Exploit & Conquer is all about how to exploit the 62 most common mistakes players make at the table. Sneak a peek inside both courses at https://upswingpoker.com/precision-poker-mastering-methodology/

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:23 Adjusting Bet Sizes for Maximum Value

05:25 Exploiting Inelastic Ranges Post-Flop

07:48 Creative Overbets and Check-Raise Tactics

09:07 Insights on Poker Soft Skills

10:40 Course Overview: Precision Poker and Exploit and Conquer

12:19 Enhancing Productivity and Study Efficiency

13:20 Folding Versus Creativity: Recognizing Genuine Strength

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and guest Alex Vuilleumier, a Chess International Master turned high-stakes poker pro, dive deep into three powerful money-making tactics that can help you dominate at the tables. Alex, with his impressive accomplishments, including a WSOP bracelet and over $2.2 million in live tournament earnings, shares his unique insights into exploiting common leaks and maximizing your edge against weaker players.

The discussion begins with pre-flop strategies, where Alex reveals effective exploits to use against recreational players. He emphasizes the importance of isolating these weaker opponents to maximize post-flop play. Alex explains how to three-bet strategically and even suggests over-limping marginal hands to keep recreational players in the pot. This approach helps create scenarios where the most significant mistakes are made, allowing you to capitalize on their inelastic tendencies.

Next, Alex dives into post-flop tactics, focusing on how to attack recreational players' inelastic ranges. He shares his strategy of using exaggerated bet sizes with strong hands and very small bets with weaker hands to exploit players who don't adjust their ranges based on bet size. This poker strategy podcast highlights the importance of reading opponents' tendencies and leveraging that information to maximize value.

As the conversation continues, Mike and Alex discuss the balance between exploiting weaker players and avoiding leaving yourself open to counter-exploitation by regulars. Alex provides tips on adjusting your game when faced with more challenging opponents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining flexibility and readiness to adapt to various scenarios.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their skills, learn effective exploits, and elevate their game to the next level. Whether you're playing live or online, Alex's insights will provide the tools needed to exploit your opponents and increase your winnings. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of advanced poker strategies and hear about Alex's exciting new courses, "Precision Poker" and "Exploit and Conquer," designed to help you master the game.