Upswing Poker Level-Up

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.

Learn the strategies for playing Ace High boards in poker, including the impact of raising on opponent's range. Discover how to approach check raising and calling ranges against varying seabed sizes. Find out effective check raising strategies and hear about a poker simulation and potential future Q&A episode.

If you are a player who rarely bets big at the poker table, you are leaving a lot of money on the table. Betting big in the right spots allows you to build pots with strong hands when you have them, but it only makes sense to do when the rest of your range can support it. Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood help you understand exactly when to shovel big bets into the pot in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up. Pre-register for the upcoming Road to Victory tournament course by Darren Elias and Nick Petrangelo: https://upswingpoker.com/road-to-victory-pre-reg/ Written Version of this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Big Bet Strategies 01:32 Defining Big Bets and Their Importance 04:25 Factors That Drive Big Bet Decisions 05:54 Single Raised Pots and Overbetting 10:28 Exploitative Adjustments with Big Bets 12:38 Unintuitive Bluffs and Blocking 15:07 Using Bottom Pair as a Bluff 17:30 Big Betting in Three-Bet Pots 21:02 Defensive Strategies on Connected Boards 24:21 Closing Thoughts and Lab Promotion In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood explore the powerful and often misunderstood concept of big bet strategies in poker. If you've ever wondered when and how to use large bets effectively to maximize your profits, this episode is a must-listen. Mike and Gary break down the nuances of when to deploy big bets on the flop, turn, and river, explaining how this strategy can dramatically impact your game by putting your opponents in tough spots and extracting maximum value from your strong hands. The episode starts with a deep dive into the psychology and mathematics behind big bets, highlighting the importance of understanding nut advantage and board texture. Mike and Gary explain why certain board types, like ace-high or low disconnected flops, are prime opportunities for big bets, particularly when you hold a significant range advantage. They also discuss the pitfalls of betting too small in situations that actually warrant a larger bet, showing how these missed opportunities can leave money on the table. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to apply big bets in both single-raised and three-bet pots. The discussion includes specific examples, such as overbetting on ace-king-six boards, and why this approach works so effectively against opponents' ranges. Gary also shares tips on identifying and executing unintuitive bluffs, such as turning bottom pair into a bluff when the board and opponent dynamics suggest it's the right move. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of adjusting your strategy based on your opponent's tendencies. They discuss scenarios where you might deviate from standard equilibrium play to exploit opponents who are overly tight or who struggle to call down with marginal hands. These advanced strategies are essential for players looking to elevate their game and dominate in both live and online environments. This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice and expert insights that will help you refine your big bet tactics and make more informed decisions at the table. Whether you're playing in low stakes games or high roller tournaments, understanding when and how to bet big can be the difference between winning a small pot and stacking your opponent. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your poker strategy with Mike and Gary.

15 or so years ago small bets were used quite rarely by great poker players. But since then, the usage of small bets has grown as players realized how much expected value they can add to their overall strategy. Using small bets at the right time will allow you to win more pots and put your opponents in tough spots, so this is a vital topic. Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood cover the factors that should push you towards betting small and cover specific hand examples 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 Small Bet Strategies 03:13 When to Use Smaller Bet Sizes 04:17 Defining Small Bet Sizes 06:17 Factors That Make You Want to Bet Small 10:37 Specific Examples of Small Bet Situations 13:13 Betting Strategy on Paired Boards 16:42 Disconnected Boards and Small Bets 21:01 Small Bets in Three-Bet Pots 24:30 Upcoming Episode and Course Promotion In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood break down the essential strategies for using small bets in various poker situations. As they explore when and why to bet small, they provide insights that can help you enhance your overall game and make more informed decisions at the table. Whether you're navigating single-raised pots or tackling tricky three-bet scenarios, this episode offers practical advice on how to optimize your betting strategy with smaller sizes. The discussion kicks off with a comparison between small and big bet sizes, emphasizing the different scenarios where each is most effective. Mike and Gary dive into the key concepts of range advantage and nut advantage, explaining how these factors should influence your decision to bet small. They also discuss the importance of understanding pot odds, the frequency of bluffs, and how to maintain balance in your betting strategy. Listeners will gain valuable insights into specific situations where small bets are most effective. For example, Mike and Gary cover single-raised pots on paired boards, disconnected boards, and monotone flops, explaining why small bet sizes often make sense in these contexts. They also delve into three-bet pots, highlighting how to adjust your strategy based on the board texture and your overall range. The episode also touches on advanced concepts, such as when to use even smaller bet sizes, like 10% or 25%, in certain spots. Mike and Gary provide practical examples to help you understand when these tiny bets can add expected value to your strategy, offering tips on how to implement them effectively without sacrificing equity. As the episode concludes, the hosts preview their next discussion on when to bet big, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of betting strategies. This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice that can help you refine your approach to small bets and take your game to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this episode provides the tools you need to make more profitable decisions at the poker table. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your poker strategy with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

Flops with three cards of the same suit can be very confusing to play. They're unlike any other flop texture type in poker, so they warrant a unique approach. Do you know what bet size to use on monotone flops as the preflop raiser? What about which hands to check-raise against a bet as the preflop caller? Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood help you understand the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up. If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to http://upswingpoker.com. Upswing has hundreds of free articles, free quizzes, affordable crash courses, and advanced training courses that will help you get better at poker. Learn poker strategy from the world's top players at http://www.upswingpoker.com/ Written Version of this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Monotone Boards 01:19 General Rules for Monotone Flops 03:12 Comparing High vs. Low Monotone Boards 08:50 Playing as the Big Blind on Monotone Flops 11:30 Monotone Boards in Three-Bet Pots 14:42 Raising Strategy vs. C-Bets in Three-Bet Pots 18:20 Adjusting Strategy When Out of Position 20:19 Wrapping Up Monotone Board Strategies In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive deep into the complex world of monotone boards—those tricky flops where all three cards are of the same suit. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting to refine your strategy, this episode offers essential insights into constructing your range and making optimal decisions in both single-raised and three-bet pots on these challenging boards. The discussion begins by addressing the general rules for playing monotone flops. Gary emphasizes the importance of using smaller bet sizes when c-betting on monotone boards due to the potential for drastic changes on subsequent streets. The podcast explores how the texture of the board and your position influence your strategy, whether you're playing against an opponent's continuation bet or deciding on your own c-bet strategy. Listeners will learn how to adjust their approach based on the strength of their hand and the board's specific texture. For example, high boards like Ace-King-Nine all of one suit are discussed in contrast to lower boards like Seven-Four-Deuce, highlighting the concept of "nut advantage" and how it impacts your c-betting frequency. Mike and Gary explain why it's crucial to understand the equity distribution in these situations and how it should influence your decision-making process. The podcast also covers how to build your check-raising and check-calling ranges when you're playing from the big blind on monotone flops. The hosts delve into the nuances of playing out of position, emphasizing the need for a tight and cautious strategy due to the volatility of these boards. Gary provides actionable advice on when to be more aggressive and when to play more passively, depending on the board's characteristics and your opponent's tendencies. As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to three-bet pots, where the dynamics of monotone boards change significantly. The discussion includes how to adjust your c-bet strategy based on your opponent's range and the strength of your hand, with a particular emphasis on the importance of the nut advantage in these scenarios. This poker strategy podcast is packed with valuable insights and practical advice that will help you stop bleeding cash on monotone flops. Whether you're struggling with understanding these tricky spots or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, take notes, and level up your game with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

You might know when and how to check-raise in poker, but do you know how to proceed on the turn when your check-raise gets called? How should you decide which hands to continue betting for value? And when should you keep up the aggression with a bluff? Gary Blackwood and Mike Brady help you understand the answers to these questions and more so you're equipped to handle these tricky post-check-raise situations. 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. Written Version of this Episode 00:00 Introduction to the Turn Play 03:02 Straight Completing Turns 04:49 Flush Completing Turns 06:26 Over card Bricks on the Turn 09:36 Board Pairing Turns 12:20 Adjusting for Position 13:35 High Frequency Check Raise Boards 16:31 Disconnected Board Strategy 19:15 Final Thoughts and Lab Promotion In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood tackle one of the most challenging spots in poker: what to do on the turn after you've check-raised from the big blind. Focusing on a specific scenario—a flop of Jack-Six-Four with two spades—they break down the strategic considerations you need to master in order to maximize your profits in this common yet tricky situation. The episode begins with a refresher on check-raising strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding how different turn cards affect your range. Whether you're dealing with straight-completing low cards, flush-completing spades, or over card bricks, Mike and Gary guide you through the optimal plays to keep your opponents on their toes. They also delve into the nuances of board-pairing turns, explaining why these are often the worst cards for your range and how to adjust accordingly. Listeners will learn when to bet big and aggressive, particularly on straight-completing turns, and when to slow down, especially on turns that are less favorable. Gary discusses how to use over betting effectively on certain turns to capitalize on your range advantage, and when to adopt a more conservative approach with smaller bet sizes. The discussion also covers how to adjust your strategy based on your opponent's position, highlighting the differences in play against middle position or under the gun openers compared to the button. As the episode progresses, Mike and Gary explore other board textures and how to handle them after a check-raise, including paired boards and disconnected boards like King-Eight-Deuce. They offer practical advice on when to continue barreling with equity-driven bluffs and when it's better to check and give up, ensuring that you make the most profitable decisions possible This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable insights and advanced strategies to help you navigate one of the trickiest spots in poker. Whether you're looking to refine your turn play or just want to improve your overall game, this episode offers valuable lessons that can give you a significant edge at the tables. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your poker strategy with the expert guidance from Mike and Gary.

Splashy live poker games with lots of action are incredibly profitable. But they can be incredibly frustrating too, especially if you don't know how to adjust your strategy for maximum profit. In this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood cover the most critical adjustments that you must make when playing in loose, splashy live poker games If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to http://upswingpoker.com. Upswing has hundreds of free articles, free quizzes, affordable crash courses, and advanced training courses that will help you get better at poker. Learn poker strategy from the world's top players at http://www.upswingpoker.com/ Written Version of this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 01:24 Adjusting Pre-Flop Raise Sizes in Splashy Live Games 04:16 Tightening Opening Ranges in Loose Games 09:33 Exploiting Bad Players with Limping Strategies 13:02 Facing Large Raises and Multi-Way Pots 15:01 Key Post-Flop Adjustments for Splashy Games 20:58 Effective Bluffing in Loose Games 25:16 Multi-Way Pot Strategy Adjustments 30:14 Avoiding Bluffs with No Equity 33:23 Overcalling Wider in Post-Flop Scenarios 34:21 Final Thoughts and Season Two Preview In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood take a deep dive into the intricacies of live poker, especially in splashy games that are common in lower stakes like 1/2, 1/3, or 2/5. If you've ever found yourself at a table where players are loose pre-flop and sticky post-flop, committing chips with marginal hands and chasing draws relentlessly, then this episode is for you. The discussion begins with pre-flop adjustments, where Gary emphasizes the importance of tweaking your raise sizes in splashy games. He suggests making slightly bigger raises with strong hands but warns against going too large and scaring off potential action. Mike and Gary also explore how to adjust your hand selection in these games, advocating for tighter opening ranges in early positions and more aggressive strategies in late positions, especially when facing opponents who are less likely to adjust to your tactics. As the episode progresses, the hosts discuss how to exploit bad players through limping strategies and isolating raises. They also cover the adjustments needed when facing large raises in multi-way pots, emphasizing the importance of avoiding speculative hands that don't perform well in these situations. Post-flop play takes center stage in the latter part of the podcast, where Gary offers four key adjustments for splashy live games. From disregarding balance and betting big with strong hands to bluffing smarter by using blockers, the episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating these often chaotic scenarios. The discussion also highlights the importance of fast-playing nutted hands and betting thinly for value, particularly when your opponents are unlikely to fold. The episode wraps up with insights into multi-way pots, a common occurrence in splashy live games. Mike and Gary stress the importance of being selective with your bluffs and understanding how wide pre-flop ranges affect post-flop play. Whether you're up against multiple opponents or dealing with unpredictable board textures, the advice in this poker strategy podcast will help you adjust your game and capitalize on the loose tendencies of your opponents Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to refine your approach to live games, learn how to exploit the weaknesses of your opponents, and elevate your overall strategy at the tables.

You've bet on the flop and your opponent called. The turn comes and you're mulling over whether or not to bet again. This episode will help you arrive at the right decision regardless of the specific board and your specific hand. This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up is meant to help you get better at double barreling, aka c-betting on the turn, aka betting on the turn after raising preflop and betting on the flop. If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to UpswingPoker.com. Upswing has hundreds of free articles, free quizzes, affordable crash courses, and advanced training courses that will help you get better at poker. Written Version of this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Double Barreling 03:36 Double Barreling on Connected Boards 06:22 Optimal Bet Sizing Strategies 09:12 The Power of Overbets 11:09 Double Barreling on Paired Boards 13:12 Blockers vs. Unblockers 15:19 Managing Double Barreling with Low Equity Hands 17:45 Bet Sizing on Uncoordinated Boards 21:00 Tips for Effective Double Barreling In this insightful episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the nuances of double barreling—firing that crucial second bet on the turn. Whether you're unsure when to follow through after a continuation bet on the flop or curious about how to best bluff on various board textures, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to mastering turn play. The podcast begins by breaking down the two main types of turn bluffs: equity-driven bluffs and blocker-driven bluffs. Mike and Gary discuss how to identify the best hands to bluff with on the turn, explaining why some hands with minimal equity but strong blockers are still excellent candidates for bluffing. They also explore how to choose the right bluffs depending on the board texture, emphasizing the importance of understanding your opponent's range and how it interacts with your own. Listeners will learn the strategic differences in approaching double barreling on connected versus uncoordinated boards. The hosts highlight the power of overbets, explaining when and why to use larger bet sizes to apply maximum pressure on your opponent. By leveraging equity and range advantages, players can force difficult decisions and extract more value from their strong hands while maximizing the effectiveness of their bluffs. As the episode progresses, the discussion shifts to boards with few or no natural bluffs, such as paired boards. Gary offers insights into how to use blockers and unblockers to select the right hands for double barreling in these spots, providing a deeper understanding of how solvers guide these decisions. This segment is particularly valuable for players looking to refine their turn strategy and avoid common pitfalls. The episode wraps up with practical tips for determining your betting strategy on the turn, stressing the importance of aligning your bet sizing with your overall range. Whether you're dealing with a middling hand or complete air, the key is to think critically about how your hand fits into your broader game plan. Tune in to this poker strategy podcast for an in-depth look at double barreling, complete with actionable advice that can help you enhance your turn play and gain an edge over your opponents. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will elevate your poker game.

Poker has been changed forever. The best players in the world spend countless hours studying with tools like PioSOLVER, and that's enabled the discovery of crucial strategies that allow smart players to win more money at faster rates. In this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up, Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood list 7 of the most valuable strategic discoveries of the solver era. Whether or not you study with solvers yourself, you'll get a lot of value from this discussion. Get the new PioSOLVER Crash Course when you join the Upswing Lab at https://upswingpoker.com/piosolver-crash-course/ Written Version of this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Solver Strategies 01:28 The Myth of Betting Initiative 04:28 Small Bets Weren't Small Enough 06:54 Equity and Nut Advantage 09:36 Playing Out of Position as Pre-Flop Raiser 15:41 Unintuitive Removal Effects 18:56 The Power of Block Betting 21:49 Building a Balanced Betting Range 23:03 The Aggressiveness of Solver Strategies 24:20 Using Solvers Effectively In this compelling episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive into the game-changing insights delivered by poker solvers. As they unpack seven key strategies that have revolutionized modern No Limit Hold'em, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these advanced tools have reshaped the way poker is played at every level. The episode begins by debunking the myth of the betting initiative, revealing how solvers have shown that equity and nut advantage are the true drivers of optimal play. From there, Mike and Gary discuss the importance of correctly sizing bets, with solvers teaching us that small bets weren't small enough, and big bets weren't big enough in the pre-solver era. These revelations highlight why understanding equity dynamics is crucial to mastering poker strategy. Listeners will also learn about the radical shifts in out-of-position play, particularly for pre-flop raisers. The podcast explores how solvers have emphasized the need for more check-raising and trapping, a stark contrast to the overly aggressive strategies of the past. This discussion is especially valuable for players looking to refine their defensive tactics and incorporate advanced solver-driven techniques Another highlight is the exploration of unintuitive removal effects, where the hosts break down how solvers have changed the approach to bluffing, particularly when holding missed draws. Gary delves into the nuances of blockers and unblockers, explaining how these concepts influence decision-making in ways that were previously overlooked by many players. The episode also covers the power of block betting, a strategy that solvers have shown to be incredibly effective for controlling pot size and maximizing value. Gary shares his extensive knowledge on the subject, providing actionable insights for listeners who want to integrate this tactic into their own game. Finally, the podcast wraps up by discussing just how aggressive and "gangster" the solver-approved equilibrium strategy can be. From massive over-bets to relentless check-raises, solvers have demonstrated that the optimal strategy is far more aggressive than most players realize, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in poker. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting to explore solver-based strategies, this poker strategy podcast is packed with essential takeaways that will help you elevate your game. Tune in to discover the solver secrets that can transform your approach and give you a competitive edge at the tables.