Upswing Poker Level-Up

The river is when the pot is at its biggest. That means good plays are heavily rewarded and mistakes are magnified. In this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, you'll learn how to improve your strategy on the river so you make better decisions on this extremely consequential street.

Poker pro Gary Blackwood shares his 5 most valuable tips for playing the river alongside Mike Brady. If you want your bluffs to work more often and your strong hands to bring in as many chips as possible, listen closely to tips #3 and 5.

Episode Transcription

Upswing Poker is almost ready to release its game-changing poker tool. Sign up for the waitlist for the upcoming Lucid GTO Trainer at https://upswingpoker.com/lucid-waitlist/

00:00 Introduction to River Strategy

02:26 Example: Value Betting with Pocket Fours

04:11 Tip 2: Bluffing and Vacuuming Small Pots

06:53 Combining Thin Value Bets with Bluffs

08:21 Tip 3: Using Blockers in Big Pots

11:51 Tip 4: Calling the River – When to Overfold or Call Wide

13:44 Tip 5: Splitting Your Range on the River

16:39 Examples of Small and Big Bet Ranges

19:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood break down five essential tips for playing the river, the most crucial street in poker. The river is where the pot size is at its peak, and every decision carries the potential for maximum reward or severe penalty. By mastering these advanced river strategies, you can ensure that your strong hands extract maximum value, your bluffs are executed with precision, and you minimize mistakes that could cost you chips.

The episode begins with a discussion on betting thinner for value, where Gary explains the importance of making light value bets even with hands that might feel too weak in certain scenarios. He emphasizes how many players leave money on the table by not betting hands like second, third, or even fourth pairs when they should be looking for every bit of value. Mike and Gary provide examples that illustrate when and how to bet these hands to get paid by weaker hands.

Next, the hosts delve into the art of bluffing on the river, especially in small pots. They share insights on when to use bigger bet sizes to pressure opponents with weak holdings and how to pick spots for bluffing with hands that have little showdown value. By combining thin value bets with well-timed bluffs, you can create a dynamic and balanced strategy that keeps opponents guessing.

The discussion continues with a focus on blockers in large pots. Gary highlights when to consider blockers in three-bet or four-bet pots to increase the success rate of your bluffs or maximize the value of your strong hands. The hosts then explore the concept of calling the river correctly, advising players to call more often in smaller pots while tightening up in bigger pots to exploit common player tendencies.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a deep dive into range splitting on the river. Mike and Gary explain how to use different bet sizes to achieve balance, ensuring that your river strategy is unpredictable and challenging for opponents to counter. By mixing up small and large bet sizes, you can effectively manage your equity and put pressure on your opponents in various situations.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with advanced tactics for river play, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their game. Tune in to learn how to make better decisions on the river, balance your ranges effectively, and optimize your play for maximum profitability with insights from Mike and Gary.

Let's analyze some poker hands! Upswing Lab members submitted hands to be reviewed on the Level-Up podcast and we chose 3 particularly interesting ones to go over. Hand #1 features analysis from the upcoming Lucid GTO Trainer tool. Hands #2 and #3 are straight-up street poker!

The hands are recapped below (with no spoilers) to help you follow along.

Sign up for the Lucid GTO Trainer waitlist at https://upswingpoker.com/lucid-waitlist/

Episode Transcription

**Hand #1**

$0.50/$1 on GGPoker. $131 stacks.

Simon raises to $2.50 with T♥ 9♥. The Button 3-bets to $9. Simon calls.

Flop: Q♦ 8♦ 6♣ - Simon checks. Button bets $12 into $19. Simon raises to $29. Button calls.

Turn: K♦ - Simon bets $25 into $77. Button calls.

River: 2♣ - Simon all-in for $67 into $125.

**Hand #2**

$2/$5 Live Cash Game. $2,500 Effective Stacks

Note: A King was exposed & mucked preflop.

UTG+1 raises to $15. Button 3-bets to $60. Sam 4-bets to $200 with 8♠ 8♥. Both call

Flop: K♦ K♣ J♠ - Sam bets $100. UTG+1 calls. Button folds.

Turn: 9♥ - Sam bets $550 into $800. UTG+1 calls.

River: 9♣ - Sam all-in for $1,650 into $1,900.

**Hand #3**

$1/$3 Live Cash Game. $290 Effective Stacks

David is in the Hijack with K♥ Q♣

UTG+1 limps. David raises to $20. Button and Big Blind call. UTG+1 folds.

Flop: Q♥ 7♥ 3♥ - Big Blind leads $55 into $60. David calls.

Turn: K♦ - Big Blind bets $145 into $175. David all-in for $225.

00:00 Introduction to Hand Analysis

03:30 Flop Analysis: Queen-Eight-Six with Two Diamonds

05:18 Evaluating Turn Play with Double Gutshot

08:06 River Bluff Decision with Ten High

12:17 Hand 2: Pocket Eights in a Deep Stack Live Game

18:13 Navigating the King-King-Jack Flop

21:52 Analyzing Turn and River Play in Deep Stacks

27:38 Hand 3: King-Queen of Hearts in Live Play

35:38 Results and Lessons Learne

In this special episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood take a deep dive into hand analysis, breaking down some of the most challenging spots submitted by our listeners. The episode kicks off with a detailed review of a hand where a player went all-in with ten high, navigating complex decisions on every street. As Mike and Gary walk through the action, they provide valuable insights into when to bluff, when to call, and how to maximize your edge in similar situations.

Listeners will get a front-row seat to advanced discussions on four-betting ranges, leveraging solvers, and understanding opponent tendencies to gain an advantage. The hosts explore hands involving tricky board textures, tough turn decisions, and river spots where bluffing or folding might be the optimal play. They also touch on psychological aspects of the game, such as how to handle pressure and stay disciplined when making big moves.

Whether you're an online grinder or a live poker enthusiast, this poker strategy podcast will elevate your game by showcasing real-world examples that demonstrate both the art and science of poker. Mike and Gary highlight the importance of balancing aggression with calculated risk, and they discuss why sometimes unconventional plays—like going all-in with ten high—can be the most profitable strategy.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast for an engaging and educational experience. Learn how to refine your decision-making process, develop a deeper understanding of poker theory, and sharpen your skills for your next session at the tables. Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable insights from two seasoned pros as they dissect each hand and reveal the strategies that can make or break your game.

Get in on the biggest sale of the year on UpswingPoker: https://upswingpoker.com/advanced-poker-training/

Playing your strong hands aggressively is usually the best way to maximize profit in poker. Generally speaking, fast playing equals more money, but you are about to discover three situations where you'll actually make more money by slow-playing with Pocket Aces in both tournaments and cash games from Level-Up Host Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood.

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction to Slow Playing Pocket Aces

02:25 Tournament Strategies for Slow Playing Pocket Aces

04:09 Applying Slow Play Tactics to Short Stack Situations

06:14 Slow Playing Pocket Aces: In and Out of Position

09:46 Solver Insights: When to Slow Play Pocket Aces

10:59 Slow Playing on the Flop After Pre-Flop Trapping

13:54 Situations for Slow Playing on Different Board Textures

15:38 Adjusting Strategy in Tournament Settings

17:54 Conclusion and Black Friday Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood explore the art of slow-playing pocket aces, a strategy that can be both highly effective and profitable when used correctly. While most players are taught to play their strongest hands aggressively, there are specific situations where slow-playing aces can maximize your earnings by luring opponents into bigger pots. This episode reveals three key scenarios—applicable to both cash games and tournaments—where slow-playing pocket aces becomes the optimal strategy.

The discussion begins with an overview of the fundamental principles of slow-playing pocket aces, emphasizing the importance of stack-to-pot ratio (SPR). Gary explains that when the SPR is low, such as when you're in position facing a four-bet or a three-bet with pocket aces, slow-playing can allow you to build a larger pot on later streets without scaring away your opponents. Listeners will gain insights into how to apply this tactic in cash games, where maintaining a low SPR ensures you can comfortably commit your stack post-flop without overplaying your hand pre-flop.

Mike and Gary also discuss specific tournament scenarios, including how to slow-play aces when dealing with shorter stacks or against aggressive opponents. They explain why it's often better to trap rather than raise in spots where the SPR allows for easy commitment on future streets. This poker strategy podcast also covers how to navigate different board textures, such as low-connected boards or high paired boards, and when to continue slow-playing aces on the flop versus when to shift to a more aggressive approach.

As the episode progresses, the hosts delve into advanced solver-based strategies, explaining when and why the solver recommends mixing slow plays even when you're out of position or in deeper stacked scenarios. Gary provides real-world examples from his experience, demonstrating how and when to deviate from the standard aggressive play to maximize value against specific opponents.

This poker strategy podcast is an essential listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of slow-playing pocket aces. Tune in to learn how to execute this strategy effectively, gain the maximum value from your premium hands, and elevate your overall game with insights from Mike and Gary.

Poker starting hands that are both suited and connected can be massive money-makers. But they can also cost you your stack if you over-play them. Do you know the proper times to raise, 3-bet, and call a 3-bet with suited connectors? And are you aware of the preference towards lower suited connectors in certain scenarios?

Alongside host Mike Brady, poker pro Gary Blackwood gives you the answers to those key questions and more in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:54 Defending the Big Blind with Suited Connectors

04:56 Playing Suited Connectors When Overcalling

06:31 Responding to Three-Bets with Suited Connectors

08:50 Facing a Four-Bet with Suited Connectors

11:16 Post-Flop Tips for Suited Connectors

15:01 Aggressive Play in Single-Raised Pots

17:28 Adjusting Strategy in Three-Bet Pots

20:35 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 suited connectors—a crucial hand category that can significantly impact your success at the tables. Suited connectors are versatile hands that can hit big draws and strong hands, but they require a deep understanding of how to play them effectively in different situations. Whether you're navigating pre-flop decisions or making post-flop moves, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you make the most of suited connectors.

The podcast kicks off with an exploration of pre-flop strategies for suited connectors, where Gary explains how to adjust your play based on position, stack depth, and your opponent's tendencies. The hosts discuss when to raise, flat, or fold suited connectors, emphasizing the importance of not overvaluing these hands in early positions. They also cover the nuances of defending your big blind with suited connectors, explaining how to balance your three-betting and calling ranges to keep your opponents off balance.

As the discussion progresses, Mike and Gary delve into the challenges of playing suited connectors in multi-way pots and against three-bets. They highlight the dangers of over-calling with low suited connectors, particularly when facing strong opponents who can dominate you post-flop. The episode also explores how to respond to four-bets, offering practical tips on when to continue and when to fold, depending on your read of the situation.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into post-flop play with suited connectors, including how to leverage their potential in single-raised and three-bet pots. Gary provides tips on when to play aggressively with combo draws and made hands, as well as when to slow down and control the pot to avoid getting trapped. The hosts also discuss the importance of playing your range rather than your hand, emphasizing how to use suited connectors as bluffs in spots where your range is strong, even if your specific hand is weak.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their play with suited connectors. Whether you're a cash game grinder or a tournament player, the strategies discussed in this episode will help you make more informed decisions and increase your profitability with these tricky yet powerful hands. Tune in, take notes, and start playing suited connectors like a pro with guidance from Mike and Gary.

Poker success starts before the flop. If you make preflop mistakes, like raising too big or too small, you won't be able to maximize your winnings on the flop, turn and river. But the optimal preflop raise sizes aren't always intuitive. It's only since the advent of solvers that poker pros have truly been able to dial in their preflop sizing.

Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood walk you through the optimal open-raise, 3-bet, and 4-bet sizes in this episode. Plus, sizing adjustments you should make based on stack sizes and opponent tendencies.

Join the early access waitlist for the Lucid GTO Trainer: https://upswingpoker.com/lucid-waitlist

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:45 Three-Bet Sizing Strategy

06:43 Squeezing: In-Position and Out-of-Position

08:16 Four-Bet Sizing Principles

11:48 Adjusting for Stack Sizes: Short Stacks

12:40 Adjusting for Stack Sizes: Deep Stacks

14:23 Adjusting for Different Player Types

18:06 Adjusting Against Limpers

23:02 Quiz and Wrap-Up

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood guide you through the essential tactics for preflop raise sizing to maximize your win rate in any poker game. Whether you're playing online or live, knowing the optimal raise sizes for different situations is crucial to your success at the tables. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you adjust your strategy for various positions, stack sizes, and player types, ensuring that your preflop decisions are always on point.

The episode begins with a breakdown of the "GTO" raise sizes for every preflop spot with 100 big blind stacks, serving as a baseline strategy. Mike and Gary discuss the importance of using smaller raise sizes in early positions to minimize risk and keep the pot manageable, while larger raises are more suitable from late positions like the button or small blind, where you are likely to be in position. They also cover the nuances of three-bet sizing, explaining why the old rule of 3x in position and 4x out of position no longer applies universally and how to adjust based on your opponent's opening size.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts explore squeezing strategies when facing multiple opponents and how to size four-bets to maintain post-flop playability without sacrificing value or fold equity. They delve into the impact of stack sizes on raise sizing, from short stacks where smaller raises allow for more post-flop maneuverability to deep stacks where larger raises help build bigger pots.

Listeners will learn how to adjust their raise sizes based on different player types, such as when facing loose players or adapting to passive tables in live games. Gary emphasizes the importance of not overcomplicating your strategy against weak players while maintaining a balanced approach against stronger opponents. The episode wraps up with a practical quiz to test your knowledge, ensuring you can apply these concepts effectively in your own games.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for players looking to refine their preflop raise sizes and enhance their overall strategy. Whether you're grinding online cash games or competing in live tournaments, the insights shared in this episode will help you make more profitable decisions preflop and beyond. Tune in, take notes, and start mastering the art of preflop raise sizing with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

Do you know how to respond when you get check-raised after betting? In theory (and if you're facing tough players), you have to continue with many more hands than you might expect on certain flops. But on other flops, you should actually play quite "A-B-C" versus check-raises by only calling or re-raising with strong, equity driven hands.

Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood walk you through how to battle back against check-raises on 4 different flop types in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up

Join the early access waitlist for the Lucid GTO Trainer: https://upswingpoker.com/lucid-waitlist

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction to Facing Check Raises

02:53 Exploitative Adjustments for Different Opponent Types

04:18 Strategy for Dry and Uncoordinated Flops

09:03 Responding to Check Raises on Draw-Heavy Flops

11:15 Adjusting to Lockdown Boards with Strong Equity

13:03 Playing Against Check Raises on Paired Flops

15:24 Key Takeaways for Adjusting to Check Raises

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive deep into the crucial topic of playing against check raises. When your opponent check raises, it can put you in a challenging position, and understanding how to respond effectively can make or break your game. This episode equips you with the knowledge you need to navigate these situations with confidence, whether you're up against a tricky opponent or facing a straightforward player.

The episode begins by discussing the fundamental factors to consider when facing a check raise, including how the size of your initial c-bet and your opponent's raise size should influence your decision-making. Gary emphasizes the importance of adjusting your defense frequency based on these factors, helping you make more informed choices that align with your overall strategy.

Listeners will learn about the different types of boards and how they impact your response to a check raise. From dry and uncoordinated flops to draw-heavy boards and lockdown situations, Mike and Gary break down the specific strategies you should employ in each scenario. They explain how to identify whether your opponent's range is wide and full of air or more equity-driven, allowing you to adjust your calling range accordingly.

The discussion also covers exploitative strategies for playing against less experienced opponents. Mike shares tips on how to exploit common tendencies in soft games, such as when to tighten up against a strong check-raising range or when to fight back with a wide calling range against a looser player.

As the episode progresses, the hosts explore the nuances of playing against check raises on paired flops, emphasizing the need to adapt your strategy based on the specific dynamics of the board and your opponent's tendencies. Whether you're facing a creative player who loves to bluff or a nitty opponent who only raises with the nuts, this episode provides the tools you need to respond effectively.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their ability to handle check raises and enhance their overall game. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to elevate your poker skills with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

Heads-up poker is fast and action-packed. You have to play loose and aggressive to maximize your win-rate. But you also have to be precise with your aggression to avoid spewing money to your opponent.

Whether you play heads-up or not, you can benefit a lot from learning heads-up strategy. Case in point: Doug Polk has had a ton of success in non-heads-up games throughout his career, and he owes a lot of that success to the skills he gained playing heads-up.

Mike Brady is joined by Doug to run through the fundamentals of heads-up No Limit Hold'em strategy in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up

Doug's new course The End Boss System is available now. Learn more at https://upswingpoker.com/the-end-boss-system/

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction to Heads-Up Poker Strategy

03:10 Pre-Flop Strategy from the Big Blind

06:23 Adjusting Bet Sizes Based on Stack Depth

12:42 Optimal Three-Bet and Four-Bet Ranges

17:25 Post-Flop Play Tips and Sizing Strategy

20:40 Non-Equity Bluffs in Heads-Up Play

25:02 Value Betting and Balancing Your Range

28:34 Training Your Bluff Muscle

30:36 Final Thoughts and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Doug Polk dive into the essentials of heads-up poker—a format where mastering aggression and precision can make or break your game. Doug Polk, a three-time WSOP bracelet winner and one of the most accomplished heads-up players in the world, shares his expert insights into how to dominate in heads-up no-limit hold'em. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting to explore heads-up poker, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that can elevate your overall poker game.

The discussion begins with a breakdown of pre-flop strategy from both the button and the big blind. Doug explains the optimal ranges for open-raising, three-betting, and how to adjust your bet sizing based on stack depth. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how deeper stacks influence your strategy, particularly when it comes to juicing the pot in position and playing more cautiously out of position.

As the conversation moves to post-flop play, Doug offers three crucial tips that will help you navigate the complexities of heads-up scenarios. From choosing the right bet sizes to knowing when to barrel off with non-equity bluffs, these tips are designed to make your post-flop decisions more precise and profitable. Doug also highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced range and why it's essential to mix up your strategies to avoid becoming predictable to your opponent.

Listeners will also learn about the psychological aspects of heads-up play, including how to train your "bluff muscle" and develop the confidence needed to make big moves when the situation calls for it. Doug's advice is not just about heads-up poker; it's about instilling a mindset that can be applied across all forms of poker, helping you become a more resilient and adaptive player.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone serious about improving their heads-up game or looking to add new weapons to their poker arsenal. Tune in, take notes, and start mastering the art of heads-up poker with insights from one of the best in the game, Doug Polk. Whether you're preparing for a heads-up challenge or just want to sharpen your skills, this episode provides the tools you need to succeed.

Multiway pots are incredibly common in live poker cash games and they warrant a completely different strategy than heads-up pots. You need to adjust your preflop hand selection, your postflop bet sizing, how you play as the aggressor, and how you play as the caller.

Do you know the money-making adjustments to make in multiway pots? No worries if not, because Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood are about to walk you through the fundmentals of playing hands with 3+ players in the mix.

Join the waitlist for Doug Polk's new course The End Boss System here!

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:53 Hands to Avoid in Multi-Way Pots

05:27 Adjusting Strategy for Passive Tables

07:01 Playing from the Big Blind in Multi-Way Pots

10:00 Post-Flop Strategy as the Pre-Flop Aggressor

15:06 Adjusting Bet Sizing in Multi-Way Pots

18:33 Differences Between Single Raised and Three-Bet Pots

21:45 Post-Flop Strategy as a Caller in Multi-Way Pots

23:23 Understanding Inelastic Ranges

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood explore the intricacies of winning money in multi-way pots—a situation that often trips up even experienced players. Multi-way pots are common in live games, especially at the lower stakes, and mastering the strategies for these complex scenarios can significantly boost your win rate. Whether you're struggling with hand selection or unsure how to adjust your post-flop play, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate multi-way pots like a pro.

The episode kicks off with a discussion on pre-flop hand selection, where Gary emphasizes the importance of choosing hands that can dominate in multi-way scenarios. The hosts delve into which hands perform best and which ones to avoid, particularly in games where you're likely to face multiple opponents post-flop. They also highlight the dangers of overvaluing hands like low suited connectors and unsuited gappers, which can often lead to costly mistakes in multi-way pots

As the conversation progresses, Mike and Gary provide detailed strategies for adjusting your play based on the dynamics of the table. They discuss how to tighten your opening ranges, especially in loose and passive games where you're more likely to see a flop with multiple players. The episode also covers key adjustments for playing from the big blind, emphasizing the need to avoid completing with weak hands that can easily get dominated.

Listeners will gain valuable tips on post-flop play as both the pre-flop aggressor and as one of the callers in multi-way pots. Gary explains how to adjust your bet sizing and why it's crucial to play more passively with marginal hands when facing multiple opponents. The hosts also discuss the importance of understanding inelastic ranges and how to exploit opponents who are unlikely to adjust their calling tendencies based on bet size.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their performance in multi-way pots. Whether you're playing live or online, the insights shared in this episode will help you make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Tune in, take notes, and start winning more money in multi-way pots with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

Paired flops like A-A-5 or 7-7-4 are fairly common in No Limit Hold'em. As a result, the way you play them will have a pretty big impact on your overall win-rate. Do you know how often to c-bet on these flops as the preflop aggressor? And are you familiar with the (very aggressive) response you should use as the player in the big blind facing a bet?

Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood cover the fundamentals of paired flops in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, including some tips for multiway pots.

Join the waitlist for Doug Polk's new course The End Boss System: https://upswingpoker.com/hu2023/

Written Version of This Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:12 Responding to C-Bets on High Paired Flops

05:03 Strategy for Middling Paired Flops

07:23 Importance of Trips in Strategy

08:40 Big Blind's Response on Middling Paired Flops

11:45 Low Paired Flops Strategy

14:34 Big Blind's Response on Low Paired Flops

17:35 Playing Paired Flops in Multi-Way Pots

21:22 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 paired flops in No-Limit Hold'em. Paired flops are a common and often misunderstood part of poker, and mastering the strategies for these boards can significantly improve your game. Whether you're facing high paired boards like AAx or low paired flops like 22x, this episode provides essential insights to help you navigate these tricky situations with confidence.

The podcast begins with an exploration of high paired flops, where Gary explains why these boards are generally favorable for the pre-flop aggressor. He discusses the importance of range betting on boards like AAx, KKx, and QQx, and how to adjust your strategy based on your position and the texture of the board. Listeners will learn how to effectively leverage their range advantage, ensuring they maximize value while minimizing risk.

As the episode progresses, Mike and Gary shift their focus to middling paired flops, such as TTx and 99x, where the dynamics change slightly. They discuss how the presence of trips in your range—and your opponent's range—should influence your betting frequency and sizing. The conversation also covers low paired flops like 66x and 44x, where the Big Blind's range often includes more trip combinations, making it essential to play more cautiously and selectively.

Listeners will gain valuable tips on how to respond to c-bets from the Big Blind, with Gary emphasizing the importance of aggressive check-raising, particularly on boards where you can represent trips or strong hands. The episode wraps up with a discussion on multi-way pots, offering practical advice on how to adjust your strategy when multiple players are involved, especially in live poker settings where these situations are more common.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice for handling paired flops, ensuring you're well-equipped to make profitable decisions no matter the situation. Whether you're playing online or live, the insights shared in this episode will help you refine your approach and gain an edge over your opponents. Tune in, take notes, and start dominating paired flops with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

Playing out of position as the preflop raiser is one of the most misplayed situations among poker players. A lot of people think that just because they raised preflop, they should follow through with a bet on the flop at a high frequency.

That's largely true when you're in position, but playing out of position calls for a much more passive and defensive strategy. If you're continuation betting too often in these spots, you're likely leaving a lot of money on the table.

Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood are going to help you plug that leak in this episode. First, we'll help you understand the "why" behind out of position c-betting strategy. From there, we'll go over a bunch of example situations to help you with these tricky spots.

Master c-betting out of position with Gary's incredible module inside the Upswing Lab and use coupon code LEVELUP to save $50: https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching/

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:52 Examples of Flops to Check Entire Range

06:28 Adjusting Strategy Against Loose Players

07:02 Check-Raising on Poor Flops

09:37 Flops that Warrant Some C-Betting

11:20 Building C-Betting and Check-Raising Ranges

12:54 Best Flops for C-Betting Out of Position

15:23 Final Thoughts and Lab Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood tackle one of the most common and costly mistakes in poker: c-betting out of position. While many players instinctively continue betting after raising pre-flop, this episode reveals why a more passive and defensive approach is often the better choice when you're out of position. Gary and Mike break down the reasoning behind this strategy, helping you understand when to check, when to bet, and how to avoid spewing chips in these tricky spots.

The podcast begins by discussing why c-betting too frequently out of position can lead to significant losses. Gary explains how your range as the pre-flop raiser often fares worse against your opponent's tighter, more condensed range, especially on certain board textures. By opting for a passive strategy and checking more often, you can keep the pot under control and avoid putting yourself in difficult situations on later streets.

Listeners will gain insights into which flops are the worst for c-betting out of position, with examples like low-connected and disconnected boards where your opponent's range tends to perform better. The episode also covers how to adjust your strategy when facing loose players who might call or stab too frequently when checked to, offering tips on when to implement a check-raising strategy to exploit their tendencies.

As the discussion progresses, Mike and Gary explore scenarios where c-betting is still appropriate, particularly on boards that are better for your range or when you have strong equity. They emphasize the importance of building a balanced c-betting and check-raising range to keep your opponents guessing and to protect your overall strategy.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with practical advice and real-world examples that will help you refine your out-of-position play and minimize costly mistakes. Whether you're a cash game regular or a tournament grinder, the insights shared in this episode will help you level up your game and start making more profitable decisions at the table. Tune in, take notes, and learn how to stop spewing chips with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.