

Upswing Poker Level-Up
Upswing Poker
Improve your poker skills fast with short, hyper-focused episodes covering crucial poker topics. Hosted by VP of Upswing Poker Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 15, 2023 • 23min
How to Play Suited Connectors
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.

Nov 8, 2023 • 29min
Preflop Raise Sizes That Win
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.

Oct 18, 2023 • 18min
How to Play vs Check-Raises
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.

Oct 11, 2023 • 31min
Doug Polk's 30 Min Guide to Heads-Up Poker
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.

Oct 4, 2023 • 26min
Winning Money in Multiway Pots
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.

Sep 27, 2023 • 23min
How to Play Paired Flops in No Limit Hold'em
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.

Sep 20, 2023 • 18min
Stop C-Betting Out of Position (It's Costing You Money)
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.

Sep 13, 2023 • 25min
Bounty Tournament Strategy 101
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.

Sep 6, 2023 • 21min
How To Play Ace-King Like A Pro
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.

Aug 30, 2023 • 23min
Your Opponents Will Hate This Strategy
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.