Upswing Poker Level-Up

Bounty tournaments have taken over the online poker world (especially Progressive Knockouts) and live bounties are far from uncommon. This unique format requires a unique strategic approach. If you're playing bounty tournaments the same as non-bounty tournaments, you are absolutely torching money every time you play.

Aussie tournament pro Hristivoje "ALLinPAV" Pavlovic joins the Upswing Level-Up Podcast to share some bounty tournament wisdom and help you capture more EV in this popular format.

If you want to dive deep into Bounty Tournament Strategy, check out Pav's epic 3-hour lesson in the Upswing Lab.

Not a Lab member? Save $50 on the Lab by using coupon code LEVELUP at https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching

Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:15 Fundamentals of Bounty Tournaments

03:29 Early Stage Strategy and Calculating Bounties

05:28 Key Adjustments for Progressive Knockout Tournaments

09:11 Adjusting for Stack Sizes and Risk

12:15 Strategic Adjustments and Flatting

17:47 Understanding Static Bounty Tournaments

20:41 Common Pitfalls and Overvaluing Bounties

22:50 Final Table Strategy in Bounty Tournaments

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Pav offer a deep dive into the intricate world of bounty tournament strategy. With bounty tournaments becoming increasingly popular, both online and live, understanding the nuances of these unique events is crucial for any serious player. Pav, a seasoned pro and Upswing Poker coach, shares his expertise on how to optimize your play in these tournaments, where you're essentially competing for two prize pools: the standard tournament payout and the additional bounty rewards for knocking out opponents.

The discussion kicks off with an overview of the fundamentals of bounty tournaments, emphasizing the importance of calculating the value of bounties at different stages of the tournament. Pav breaks down how to determine whether a bounty is worth chasing, especially in the early stages when the bounty can add significant value to the pot. This poker strategy podcast also covers the critical differences between static and progressive knockout (PKO) tournaments, with Pav explaining how these variations impact your overall strategy.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the adjustments needed for playing in bounty tournaments, such as how to alter your calling ranges when you cover opponents with bounties or when you're the one with a target on your back. The episode also explores common pitfalls, such as overvaluing bounties, and provides actionable advice on how to avoid these mistakes. Pav highlights the importance of playing solid and tight in the later stages of the tournament, where the bounty's value diminishes compared to the main prize pool.

As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts to final table strategies, where the pressure of big payouts and accumulating bounties can lead to complex decision-making scenarios. Pav and Mike discuss how to navigate these situations effectively, ensuring that you maximize your chances of winning the tournament while still taking advantage of the bounty opportunities.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in bounty tournaments. Whether you're playing online or live, the insights shared in this episode will help you make better decisions and increase your ROI in these increasingly popular events. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to dominate your next bounty tournament with expert guidance from Mike and Pav.

There's no doubt that Ace-King is one of the best starting hands in No Limit Hold'em. But "Big Slick" also gives some poker players a lot of trouble. If you want to avoid mistakes and maximize your profit when you're dealt Ace-King, this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up is for you.

First, you'll how to play Ace-King in every common preflop scenario. Then, get tips for playing it after the flop (3 tips for when you hit, 3 tips for when you miss) from poker pro Gary Blackwood alongside Mike Brady.

Written Version

00:00 Introduction to Ace King Strategy

02:50 Adjusting Ace King Play in Tournaments

04:16 Facing a Three-Bet with Ace King

06:31 Handling Multi-Way Pots with Ace King

08:45 Playing Ace King Post-Flop When You Hit

11:11 Tips for Playing Ace King When You Miss

13:20 Adjusting Based on Opponent Types

15:35 Navigating Turn Play with Ace King

18:51 Final Thoughts and Podcast Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood break down the nuances of playing Ace-King, one of the most powerful yet challenging hands in poker. Whether you find yourself struggling to extract maximum value when you hit or unsure how to proceed when you miss, this episode offers comprehensive strategies to help you navigate every situation with Ace-King, both pre-flop and post-flop.

The podcast begins by exploring pre-flop scenarios, where Mike and Gary discuss the optimal strategies for raising, three-betting, and flatting with Ace-King. They emphasize the importance of adapting your approach based on factors like position, opponent tendencies, and the specific dynamics of cash games versus tournaments. Listeners will gain insights into when to be aggressive with Ace-King and when it's more profitable to take a more cautious line, particularly in deep-stack situations or against tighter opponents.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts delve into post-flop play, offering three key tips for playing Ace-King when you connect with an ace or king on the flop. They also address the common pitfalls players face when they miss the flop, providing actionable advice on when to continue betting, when to check, and how to make the most of Ace-King's potential, even in challenging spots. By understanding how to leverage your position and assess the board texture, you'll be able to avoid costly mistakes and keep your opponent's guessing.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Gary emphasize the importance of flexibility and adjustment, tailoring your strategy to the specific game and opponents you're facing. This poker strategy podcast is packed with valuable insights that will help you play Ace-King like a pro, turning this formidable hand into a consistent winner in your arsenal.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to elevate your understanding of Ace-King and master the techniques that will make you more confident and successful at the tables. Whether you're grinding cash games or competing in tournaments, this episode provides the tools you need to maximize your edge with Ace-King.

The aggressive betting strategy known as "range betting" can be a big money-maker in poker...but it can also be incredibly costly if you try it at the wrong time. Do you know the flops and situations that warrant a range bet? And perhaps even more importantly, do you know which boards you should slow down and check at least sometimes?

This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up will help you answer those key questions. Mike Brady and poker Gary Blackwood teach you the fundamentals of range betting that you can use in your next poker session.

Become a range bettin' boss with the in-depth "Range Betting Strategy" module in the Upswing Lab training course. Join here: https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching/

Written Version

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:08 Reasons for Betting the Entire Range

02:16 Benefits of Range Betting Against Different Defenses

05:37 Range Betting in Three-Bet Pots

07:01 Understanding Adjustments Based on Opponent Behavior

09:14 Common Mistakes with Range Betting

12:17 Advanced Tips for Turn Play After Range Betting

17:35 Turn Play Strategies and Range Equity

21:41 Course Promotion and Closing Remarks

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the powerful concept of range betting—a strategy that, when used correctly, can dramatically increase your win rate. If you've ever struggled with when to bet your entire range on the flop or how to adjust your strategy in different scenarios, this episode is packed with the insights you need to refine your approach and start winning more consistently.

The discussion kicks off with an introduction to the basics of range betting, where Mike and Gary explain why betting your entire range can be so effective, particularly in positions where you hold a significant range advantage over your opponents. The hosts discuss how this strategy forces opponents into tough spots, making them defend with marginal hands or risk folding too often, both of which work to your advantage.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the specific flops and situations where range betting is most effective. Gary highlights the importance of understanding board textures, such as disconnected boards and high pair boards, where range betting can be particularly profitable. The episode also explores how to adjust your range betting strategy in three-bet pots, offering detailed examples and tips on when to continue applying pressure with your entire range.

As the episode progresses, Mike and Gary dive into more advanced aspects of range betting, including how to adjust your strategy based on opponent tendencies and specific scenarios that might require deviation from the standard approach. They also cover common mistakes players make when range betting and offer practical advice on how to avoid them, ensuring that you can implement this strategy with confidence.

The podcast wraps up with a discussion on post-flop play after range betting, focusing on how to navigate the turn and river when you've bet your entire range on the flop. This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their skills and add a powerful new tool to their poker arsenal. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to elevate your game with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

If you ever play poker tournaments that start with deep stacks, this video is for you. You're about to get a lesson on early stage deep stack strategy from one of the best tournament players of all time: Nick Petrangelo. He's got over $30 million in live cashes and many millions more online, so you know you're in good hands.

Nick reveals 3 crucial takeaways for early stage tournaments. This lesson was taken directly from his Deep Stack Dominance course on UpswingPoker.com, which helps tournament players master deep stack tournament strategy.

Get $200 off Nick Petrangelo's course Deep Stack Dominance with the coupon code DEEPSTACK200 right here: https://upswingpoker.com/deep-stack-dominance/

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:37 Reentry Tournaments: Playing for Chip EV

03:24 Adjusting Strategies for Deep Stacks

07:47 Passive Lines and Small Bets in Deep Stack Play

08:37 Critical Deep Stack Scenarios: Three-Bet, Squeeze, and Four-Bet Pots

10:57 Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Deep Stack Play

12:07 Deep Stack Dominance Course Overview

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Nick Petrangelo dive into the intricacies of deep stack tournament play, focusing on how to optimize your strategy when starting with 200 or more big blinds. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who regularly plays in tournaments or cash games with deep stacks, as Nick shares expert insights drawn from his extensive experience in high-stakes tournaments.

The episode begins by highlighting the similarities between cash games and deep stack tournaments, emphasizing that the strategies you use in these scenarios should often overlap. Nick discusses how the advent of reentry tournaments has blurred the lines between the two formats, making it essential for tournament players to master deep stack strategies. Listeners will learn why, in reentry tournaments, your focus should be on maximizing chip EV rather than worrying about survival, a mindset shift that can significantly impact your success in the early stages of a tournament.

As the conversation progresses, Nick breaks down key adjustments that players need to make when transitioning from short to deep stack play. He explains why certain strategies, like aggressive bluffing and big bet sizing, which work well with 40 or 50 big blinds, can lead to costly mistakes when applied to deep stack scenarios. Instead, Nick advocates for a more defensive approach, particularly when playing out of position, and provides practical advice on when to use small bets and passive lines to maintain control of the pot.

One of the central takeaways from this poker strategy podcast is the importance of precision in deep stack play. Nick emphasizes that in deep stack scenarios, small mistakes can lead to massive losses, especially in three-bet, squeeze, and four-bet pots where the pot sizes can balloon quickly. By playing solid starting hands and avoiding unnecessary aggression, you can let your opponents make the big mistakes, ultimately allowing you to chip up steadily without putting your stack at undue risk.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice designed to help you navigate the challenges of deep stack tournament play. Whether you're preparing for a major live event or looking to improve your deep stack strategy in online tournaments, this episode provides the tools you need to make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to refine your approach with expert guidance from Mike and Nick.

The great game of Pot Limit Omaha is arguably the most profitable poker game to play in the modern era. The average PLO player tends to be much less studied than the average No Limit Hold'em player, so you can gain a big edge by learning the fundamentals. Those fundamentals are what this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up is here to teach you as high stakes PLO specialist Dylan Weisman joins Mike Brady.

Get a winning PLO strategy fast with Dylan's PLO Launch Pad course and save 25% with coupon code PLO25. Join the course here: https://upswingpoker.com/plo-launch-pad/

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:27 Pre-Flop Strategy Components

03:27 The Importance of Position in PLO

06:08 Hand Selection for Different Positions

11:18 Navigating Post-Flop Play in PLO

17:51 Five Key Tips for Playing Post-Flop

20:09 C-Betting Strategies in PLO

24:09 Multi-Way Pot Strategies

29:24 Conclusion and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Dylan Weisman delve into the exciting and complex world of Pot Limit Omaha (PLO). With Dylan's impressive credentials as a high-stakes pro and WSOP bracelet winner, this episode offers listeners an invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game. Whether you're new to PLO or looking to refine your strategy, this episode covers everything you need to know to dominate at the tables.

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the fundamentals of PLO, where Dylan emphasizes the importance of understanding the four key components of a strong pre-flop hand: nuttiness, connectedness, suitedness, and high pair power. Listeners will gain insights into how to evaluate these components to make better pre-flop decisions, particularly when navigating the unique challenges of multi-way pots that are common in PLO.

As the conversation progresses, Dylan and Mike explore the significance of position in PLO, offering practical advice on adjusting your strategy based on your seat at the table. They discuss how to build a solid pre-flop range for different positions, from the tight under-the-gun plays to the more aggressive button strategies. The hosts also delve into post-flop play, where Dylan shares five key tips for success, including how to evaluate the robustness of your hand's equity and the importance of adjusting your c-bet sizing based on board texture.

One of the highlights of this poker strategy podcast is the detailed exploration of pocket aces in PLO—a hand that, unlike in No-Limit Hold'em, requires a nuanced approach. Dylan explains why not all aces are created equal and provides actionable advice on how to play these hands based on stack depth, position, and board texture.

The episode wraps up with advanced strategies for multi-way pots and turn play, where Dylan explains how to adjust your betting strategy when facing multiple opponents and how to leverage small bet sizes effectively. Whether you're a cash game grinder or a tournament player, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you crush PLO games.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to elevate your PLO skills, learn how to exploit common player tendencies, and gain a deeper understanding of one of the most dynamic and exciting poker variants.

Imagine this. The flop has checked through after you defended your Big Blind against a player who raised preflop. Now, you're considering whether or not to probe bet (the term for a bet in this situation) on the turn. Do you know which hands to probe bet? And what about the size you should bet?

That's exactly what you're about to learn in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up. Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood will cover the basics of probe betting to help you extract value and bluff effectively in this common spot.

Written Version of this Episode

If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, join the Upswing Lab. Use coupon code LEVELUP to get $50 off your Lab membership and start upgrading your game today.

There's an incredible module in the Lab all about probing (and delay c-betting) on the turn that will help you master this spot.

Learn more about the Lab at https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching

00:00 Introduction to Probe Betting

02:19 Probe Bet Sizing Based on Board Texture

04:59 Building a Probe Betting Range

07:48 Examples of Probe Betting Scenarios

11:38 Balancing Your Range with Strong Hands

13:03 Adjusting Probe Strategy on Overcards

17:30 When to Avoid Probe Betting

19:49 Summary and Key Takeaways

20:24 Upswing Lab Promotion and Closing Remarks

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive into the intricacies of probe betting—a critical but often misunderstood tactic in poker. If you've ever wondered when and how to use probe bets effectively, this episode is packed with insights that will help you refine this crucial aspect of your game. By focusing on the turn, where probe betting is most commonly applied, Mike and Gary provide a comprehensive guide to understanding when and why to employ this strategy to maximize your winnings.

The episode kicks off with an introduction to probe betting, explaining its role in situations where your opponent had the opportunity to continuation bet on the previous street but chose not to. Mike and Gary discuss why this can be a prime opportunity to take control of the hand, particularly when your opponent's range is weakened by their decision to check. They explore how different board textures and your opponent's tendencies should influence your decision to probe bet, emphasizing the importance of adjusting your bet size based on the board and your hand strength.

Listeners will learn how to construct their probe betting range, with examples illustrating when to bet aggressively and when to exercise caution. The hosts break down several common scenarios, such as betting on low-connected boards versus avoiding probe bets on boards that are likely to favor your opponent. They also discuss the nuances of using small versus large bet sizes, depending on the situation, and how to balance your range to prevent being exploited by savvy opponents.

As the episode progresses, the discussion turns to more advanced concepts, including how to adjust your strategy when overcards hit the turn and when it might be better to check and give up on the hand. Gary offers practical advice on identifying the right spots to probe and how to recognize when your opponent's range is most vulnerable.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of probe betting and enhance their overall strategy. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, the insights shared in this episode will give you the tools you need to make more informed and profitable decisions at the table. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your poker game with Mike and Gary's expert guidance.

The $10,000 buy-in World Series of Poker Main Event is a special tournament. Even poker business people like Mike Brady and cash game pros like Gary Blackwood dust off their hoodies to register the big one and take a shot at glory.

In this special episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, Mike and Gary recap their respective runs (or lack thereof) in the 2023 WSOP Main Event.

If you really want to take your tournament poker skills to the next level, join the Upswing Lab and watch the "How to Win the WSOP Main Event" module. It is a valuable and entertaining lesson on tournament strategy.

Use coupon code LEVELUP to get $50 off the Lab and start upgrading your game today.

Learn more about the Lab at https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching/

Written Version

00:00 Introduction and Overview of WSOP Main Event

07:12 Gary's Early Hands in the Main Event

16:30 Day Two Strategy and Key Hands

22:20 Deep Run Discussion: Navigating Day Three

29:18 Evaluating Post-Flop Play and Big Decisions

35:49 The Bubble and Early Day Four Strategy

40:28 Playing for Maximum Value Near the Bubble

45:37 Critical Hand Analysis and Final Thoughts

55:09 Upswing Lab Promotion and Closing Remarks

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood take you inside the high-stakes world of the WSOP Main Event. Both Mike and Gary share their firsthand experiences from the tournament floor, offering a unique look at the strategies, key hands, and intense decisions that define poker's most prestigious event. Whether you're an aspiring WSOP contender or a seasoned player looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your game.

The episode begins with Mike recounting his journey through the early levels of the Main Event, including a pivotal hand that tested his bluffing skills. Despite his early exit, Mike's analysis of the hand provides valuable lessons on reading opponents and executing well-timed bluffs. Gary, who made a deeper run, offers a detailed breakdown of several key hands that highlight the nuances of tournament play, from navigating tough spots against aggressive opponents to making disciplined folds that preserve your stack.

Listeners will also gain insights into mid-stage strategies as Gary discusses his approach to building a stack while avoiding the common pitfalls that can derail even the best players. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of playing in the Main Event, where the stakes are high and the pressure is relentless. Gary's hand-by-hand analysis provides a window into the thought processes that guide top players through the minefield of a major tournament.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the late stages of the Main Event, where every decision is magnified by the proximity to the money and the looming final table. Mike and Gary explore the intricacies of bubble play, stack management, and exploiting opponents who are tightening up as the pressure mounts. They also discuss the importance of adapting your strategy based on the changing dynamics of the tournament and the specific tendencies of your opponents.

This poker strategy podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone serious about improving their tournament game. Whether you're dreaming of a deep run in the WSOP or just looking to sharpen your skills in local tournaments, the insights shared in this episode will help you develop a winning mindset and approach. Tune in, take notes, and prepare to take your tournament play to the next level with expert advice from Mike and Gary.

The Small Blind is a unique position because you already have half a blind invested, which improves your pot odds, but you're also out of position against every player at the table. What's more, you've still got the Big Blind to worry about behind you.

This unique position requires a unique strategy before the flop. Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood walk you through the optimal approach from the Small Blind in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to UpswingPoker.com and join the Upswing Lab. Use coupon code LEVELUP to get $50 off and start upgrading your game today.

Note from Mike: I made a mistake in this one at 15:09, when I'm talking about a SB call spot vs a raise + caller at 15-25bb stacks.

I spoke off the cuff here and while I stand by my general point about some hands being nice flats in this spot, the specific hands I listed were misleading/wrong.

So we're talking about a spot where a player raises, another player calls, and then the action gets to you in the Small Blind with a 15-25bb stack.

Calling with QJo is gonna be too loose vs almost any position pair. KJo only starts to play heavy call vs CO/BTN.

The solver plays a linear squeeze in this spot. In other words, you just shove with the top X% of hands because you want to push equity with most of your range. You can then just call a bunch of playable hands below this range.

Sorry about that mistake -- it's what I get for not confirming details before that segment like we usually do!

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Small Blind Strategy

01:19 Common Strategy: Three-Bet or Fold

02:57 Optimal Three-Bet Sizing

06:09 Situations for Flatting from the Small Blind

09:11 Strategy Adjustments Based on Opponent Types

12:41 Small Blind Strategy in Tournaments

16:36 Playing Against Limpers

20:50 Adjustments for Multiple Limpers

22:41 Small Blind Open Strategy When Action Folds to You

27:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the often overlooked but crucial topic of small blind strategy. As the final episode of season two, this discussion is packed with insights that can help you refine your approach from the small blind, a position that presents unique challenges due to its combination of better pot odds and the disadvantage of being out of position against the entire table.

The episode starts by addressing the common "three-bet or fold" strategy, which many players default to when facing a raise from the small blind. Gary explains the rationale behind this approach, emphasizing the dangers of capping your range by flatting and the potential pitfalls of allowing the big blind to exploit you with squeezes. He also covers the optimal three-bet sizing, offering practical advice on how to adjust your bet sizes depending on stack depth and opponent tendencies.

Listeners will learn about specific situations where flatting from the small blind might be justified, particularly when targeting specific types of weaker opponents. Mike and Gary discuss the nuances of building a flatting range, focusing on hands that can capitalize on post-flop play against loose or passive players. They also explore how this strategy shifts in tournament play, where antes and varying stack sizes introduce additional complexity.

As the episode progresses, the hosts move on to playing from the small blind against limpers. Gary shares his approach to constructing a wide range in these scenarios, while also cautioning against overextending with hands that don't perform well in multi-way pots. The discussion includes detailed advice on adjusting your strategy when facing multiple limpers and the importance of recognizing when to exercise caution post-flop.

The podcast wraps up with an examination of small blind play when the action folds to you. Mike and Gary discuss the theoretically correct approach versus practical adjustments, emphasizing the complexities of implementing a limping strategy and why a raise-or-fold approach might be more effective for most players.

This poker strategy podcast is filled with actionable advice designed to help you master the small blind and improve your overall game. Whether you're navigating cash games or tournaments, this episode offers valuable strategies that can give you a competitive edge at the tables. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your poker skills with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

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.

Ace-high flops are the most common type of flop in the game, but they certainly aren't the easiest to play correctly. Many poker players use an over-simplified strategy on these flops, playing all Ace-high flops very similarly, but that is far from the best way to play them. Instead, you must consider the subtle factors that separate one Ace-high flop from the next and how those factors should impact your strategy.

Learn those subtle factors and the strategies you should use on Ace-high boards from Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood 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 Ace-High Boards

01:22 Nut Advantage and Big Betting on Ace-High Flops

03:37 Adjusting Bet Sizes Based on Position

05:28 Constructing Betting Ranges on Ace-High Flops

08:27 Using Middling Bet Sizes on Connected Boards

11:55 When to Bet Small on Disconnected Ace-High Boards

16:33 Adjusting Strategy Based on Position

18:28 Big Blind Strategy vs. C-Bets on Ace-High Boards

21:10 Exploitative Adjustments and Q&A

25:04 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood focus on a critical and often misunderstood aspect of poker: playing ace-high flops. As one of the most common flop types, ace-high boards can be deceptively tricky to navigate. This episode is designed to help you avoid common mistakes and optimize your strategy on these flops, ensuring you don't fall into the trap of treating all ace-high boards the same.

The podcast begins by exploring the concept of nut advantage on ace-high boards and how it should influence your betting strategy. Mike and Gary explain why it's essential to differentiate between various ace-high boards—such as those where you hold a significant nut advantage versus those where your opponent's range could be equally strong. They break down when to use larger bet sizes to press your advantage and when to opt for smaller or middling bet sizes to avoid overcommitting in less favorable situations.

Listeners will learn how to construct their betting ranges on ace-high flops, with specific examples illustrating when to bet aggressively and when to protect your checking range. The hosts emphasize the importance of adjusting your strategy based on position and the specific board texture, offering insights into how different factors should influence your decision-making process. For instance, Mike and Gary discuss when to use smaller bets on disconnected boards and when a larger bet is warranted due to the strength of your hand and the opponent's likely range.

As the episode progresses, the discussion shifts to how to play from the big blind when facing a continuation bet on an ace-high board. Gary provides actionable advice on constructing a robust check-raising strategy, particularly when dealing with different bet sizes from your opponent. The hosts also address a listener's question about how solvers approach betting on ace-high boards, shedding light on the deeper strategic principles that drive these decisions.

This poker strategy podcast is packed with advanced strategies and practical tips to help you master ace-high flops. Whether you're looking to refine your overall approach or gain an edge in specific situations, this episode offers valuable lessons that will elevate your game. Tune in, take notes, and enhance your poker strategy with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.