Upswing Poker Level-Up

Every time you have a suited hand, there is an 11% chance that you will flop a flush draw. How well you play those flush draws will have a pretty big impact on your bottom line. The Upswing Poker Level-Up boys walk you through playing flush draws as the preflop raiser and the preflop caller, both in and out of position. You'll learn which specific flush draw combinations perform best as bets, which flush draws you should check, and key adjustments to make in multiway pots. 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 Flush Draws 01:23 Global Frequency and Flush Draws 03:00 Betting and Checking Flush Draws 07:58 Playing Out of Position with Flush Draws 11:19 Playing as the Pre-Flop Caller with Flush Draws 14:15 Simplifying Your Flush Draw Strategy 15:41 Playing Flush Draws in Position 17:00 Flush Draws in Multi-Way Pots 18:30 Tournament Considerations for Flush Draws In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Scottish Poker Pro Gary Blackwood delve into the nuances of playing flush draws in single raised pots. Whether you're wondering when to raise, call, or check your flush draws, this episode covers it all. We explore key heuristics that can guide your decisions as both the pre-flop raiser and caller, addressing play in and out of position. You'll learn which specific flush draw combinations perform best as bets, which flush draws are better suited for checking, and how to adjust your strategy in multi-way pots. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding global frequencies and how they influence your decision-making with flush draws. Gary and Mike discuss how solvers have changed the approach to flush draws, especially when considering factors like showdown value and the impact of blockers. They also dive into the intricacies of playing out of position as the pre-flop raiser and how your strategy should change when you're in this more challenging spot. Additionally, the episode examines playing flush draws as the pre-flop caller, both out of position and in position, offering insights into when to employ check-raises and how to handle various board textures. Gary also provides tips for simplifying your strategy if you're playing lower stakes or live games, with a focus on execution and minimizing errors. For tournament players, the episode wraps up with essential considerations, such as being mindful of stack sizes and the risk of facing all-in raises that could force you off your equity. This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice to help you improve your game and make more informed decisions when playing flush draws. Whether you're playing cash games or tournaments, this episode of our poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their approach to flush draws and add more depth to their overall poker strategy. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your poker skills!

Most poker players don't 4-bet often enough, and that's a huge mistake. 4-betting allows you to drive the action and build pots with your big hands while punishing aggressive 3-bettors. But in order to be a tough opponent, you have to 4-bet with some bluffs as well. This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up covers how to build an optimal 4-betting range that includes the proper value hands and well-chosen bluffs. Mike and Gary also go over 4-bet sizing and how different factors should impact your 4-bet strategy. 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 Four Betting 02:10 Adjusting for Opponent's Three Bet Size and Style 03:26 Best Hands for Four Bet Bluffs 05:46 Adjusting Four Bet Strategy for Unusual Bet Sizes 07:02 Optimal Four Bet Sizing 09:57 Stack Size Considerations in Four Betting 13:41 Cold Four Betting Explained 16:34 Conclusion and Further Resources In this engaging episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood dive deep into the intricacies of four-betting—a critical aspect of advanced poker strategy. Whether you're looking to refine your value betting tactics or seeking to master the art of balancing bluffs, this episode is packed with insights designed to elevate your game to the next level. The discussion kicks off with an in-depth exploration of how to build a strong four-bet range, guiding you through the essential considerations like position and opponent tendencies. The podcast covers everything from understanding when to four-bet wider or tighter, depending on your position at the table, to how the size of your opponent's three-bet should directly influence your strategy. Mike and Gary provide actionable advice on how to construct your four-bet range by balancing value hands with carefully selected bluffs, ensuring that you become a more formidable and unpredictable opponent. As the conversation progresses, our hosts delve into the finer points of adjusting your four-betting strategy based on the specific size of your opponent's three-bet—whether it's unusually large or small. They emphasize the importance of optimal four-bet sizing to maintain a strong post-flop edge, ensuring that you maximize your potential in every hand. Listeners will also learn how to tailor their four-betting tactics as stack sizes fluctuate, with detailed advice on handling deep stack play, short stack scenarios, and knowing when to incorporate four-bet jams into your playbook. The episode doesn't stop there; it wraps up with a focused discussion on cold four-betting. Mike and Gary highlight how cold four-betting differs from standard four-betting and provide expert guidance on developing a tight, effective cold four-bet range. This segment is especially valuable for players looking to add new dimensions to their game and make strategic decisions that can turn the tide in their favor. Whether you're a seasoned player with years of experience or someone eager to step up your game, this poker strategy podcast offers valuable takeaways that will help you dominate four-bet pots. Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to sharpen your skills, challenge your assumptions, and learn how to become a tougher, more unpredictable opponent at the tables. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights that could significantly impact your performance in high-stakes situations.

You're about to learn how to make more money with your c-bet strategy on the flop, specifically as the in position preflop raiser. This is one of the most common situations in poker so it's critical you avoid the big mistakes discussed throughout this show. This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up starts by covering flops on which you should c-bet every single time (or close to it). Then the fellas work their way down until they reach flops on which you should almost never c-bet. Important factors to consider such as bet sizing and position are discussed along the way. 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 C-Betting 01:45 Importance of Board Texture 03:40 When Not to C-Bet 05:55 C-Betting on Different Streets 08:20 Adjusting C-Bet Strategy Against Different Opponents 10:40 Optimal C-Bet Sizing 12:45 Multi-Way Pot Considerations 15:11 Balancing Your Range 17:45 Common C-Betting Mistakes 19:00 Advanced C-Betting Concepts Welcome to another deep dive on our poker strategy podcast, where we break down the nuances of poker strategy to elevate your game to the next level. In this episode, we explore one of the most debated aspects of post-flop play: the continuation bet, or "c-bet." A c-bet occurs when the pre-flop aggressor follows up with a bet on the flop. While it's a common move, knowing when and how often to deploy a c-bet can be the difference between a profitable session and a costly one. This poker strategy podcast delves into the fine details of c-betting frequency, examining whether you should be c-betting as much as 100% of the time, or if a more selective approach is the key to long-term success. We discuss the latest trends in poker theory that challenge the traditional mindset of automatic c-betting and explore why many pros have moved away from blanket strategies in favor of a more nuanced, situation-dependent approach. Listen as we dissect scenarios where c-betting is crucial, such as when holding a strong hand or when the board texture is highly favorable. We also analyze situations where it's better to check, preserving your stack and keeping your opponent guessing. This poker strategy podcast isn't just about the basics; we dive deep into the mathematics and psychology behind c-betting, giving you actionable insights that can be immediately implemented into your game. In addition to core strategies, we tackle advanced concepts such as range balancing and bluffing frequency, helping you understand how to construct a solid betting strategy that maximizes your expected value (EV). Whether you're facing a single opponent in a heads-up match or navigating a multi-way pot, this poker strategy podcast provides you with the tools to make smarter, more informed decisions at the table. Join us as we unpack the complexities of c-betting, including how to adapt your strategy based on your position, stack size, and opponent tendencies. With real-world examples and expert analysis, we provide a comprehensive guide to mastering the c-bet, a fundamental skill for any serious poker player. Don't miss this episode of our poker strategy podcast, where we equip you with the knowledge to refine your game and consistently outmaneuver your opponents.

Your big blind strategy will make a huge difference in how much money you win or lose at the poker table. To avoid bleeding cash, you need to defend your big blind with profitable hands, fold unprofitable hands, and implement an iron-clad 3-bet strategy. This short episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up Podcast will help you do all three of those things and more. You're about to learn: How to adjust your big blind defense strategy versus different positions, raise sizes, and stack sizes A winning big blind 3-bet strategy Crucial multiway adjustments 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 01:13 Adjusting Big Blind Defense to Raise Sizes 02:00 Position Impact on Big Blind Defense 03:33 The Role of Rake in Big Blind Defense 05:13 Specific Situations: Button vs. Hijack Raises 07:51 Stack Size Considerations in Big Blind Defense 08:58 Three Betting from the Big Blind 11:44 Multi-Way Big Blind Defense 14:15 Tournament-Specific Big Blind Defense Adjustments In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood dive deep into the nuances of defending your big blind, a critical aspect often mishandled by poker players. They kick off by emphasizing how pivotal it is to adjust your big blind defense strategy based on the raise size, position, and the effective stack size of your opponents. By fine-tuning these elements, you can plug common leaks in your game, such as playing too tight, too loose, or too passively. The duo explores how different factors like raise sizes and the position of the raiser can drastically alter your defense range. For instance, defending against a small raise from the button should be wider than defending against a larger raise from early position. They also touch on how rake, particularly in live games and micro stakes online, should tighten your defending range due to the decreased pot odds after the rake is taken. Mike and Gary offer practical examples and discuss how your range should adjust when playing deeper stacks versus shallow stacks. Surprisingly, they suggest that deeper stacks don't necessarily mean a wider defense range due to increased reverse implied odds. They also delve into three-betting from the big blind, advocating for a strategic mix of suited and offsuit hands to exploit opponents effectively, especially when facing raises from the small blind. In multi-way pots, the podcast emphasizes the need for a much tighter defense range, focusing on hands that can easily make strong post-flop hands. They caution against calling with marginal hands that may seem profitable due to good pot odds but fail to realize equity effectively. As the episode wraps up, they offer insights specifically for tournament players, noting how the presence of an ante and smaller stack sizes can justify a looser defense strategy. This poker strategy podcast provides listeners with actionable advice to improve their big blind defense, crucial for maximizing profitability in both cash games and tournaments. Tune in to refine your skills and stay ahead of the competition!

You just got dealt your starting hand a player raises in front of you. Before you even look at your cards, you should have a good idea of which hands you will 3-bet (aka re-raise) and what size 3-bet to use. That's what this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up covers. You will learn: When to 3-bet Which hands to 3-bet for value How to choose 3-bet bluffs What sizing to use The critical factors that should impact your 3-bet strategy in-game 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 Importance of a Three Bet Strategy 01:35 Deciding Value Three Bet Hands 02:06 Impact of Open Size on Three Bet 03:07 Balancing Value with Bluff Three Bets 04:08 Best Hands for Bluff Three Bets 06:17 Special Adjustments for Three Bet Sizing 07:20 Adjusting Three Bet Size by Stack Depth 08:54 In Position vs Out of Position Three Bet 09:39 Three Bet Ranges from the Small Blind 11:00 Three Bet or Fold Strategy Benefits 12:35 Three-Betting Mini-Quiz Welcome to another insightful episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up Podcast, your go-to poker strategy podcast for improving your game quickly and effectively. Hosted by Mike Brady, this episode features expert insights from Scottish cash game pro and coach Gary Blackwood. Together, they delve into the crucial aspects of three-betting, or reraising before the flop, an essential skill for any serious poker player. Gary emphasizes the importance of a well-thought-out three-bet strategy, noting that the game has evolved, and three-betting is now more common and sophisticated. Players must be up to date with these changes to stay competitive. Position and open size play significant roles in determining your three-bet strategy. For example, a tight range is necessary when an early position player opens, but you can widen your range against a late position opener. Gary also explains the need to adjust your three-bet sizing based on whether you are in position or out of position and the stack depths involved. Bluffs are crucial for a balanced strategy, and Gary highlights the best hands to use as three-bet bluffs, including suited ace-x and double broadway hands. He also discusses the unique considerations when three-betting from the big blind, particularly against small blind opens. This episode of our poker strategy podcast also covers the advantages of a three-bet or fold strategy, especially in positions like the cutoff and middle position, where flatting can cap your range and expose you to squeezes from players behind you. To wrap up, Mike and Gary provide a practical example, quizzing listeners on what hands to three-bet in a specific scenario, reinforcing the episode's key lessons. Tune in to this episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up Podcast to enhance your three-betting strategy and elevate your poker game. For more in-depth content, including advanced solver ranges and strategic lessons, visit UpswingPoker.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for video versions of these insightful episodes.

Imagine a player raises before the flop and you defend your Big Blind. You check on the flop, your opponent bets, and now it's back on you. Your check-raising strategy in situations like this will have a major impact on your overall poker results. This episode covers: Which hands to check-raise How often you should check-raise The critical factors to consider when considering a check-raise 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 Overview of Check Raising 00:46 Opponent's Bet Size Impact 01:36 Flop Texture Considerations 03:30 High Frequency Check Raise Flops and Hand Selection 06:23 Backdoor Equity and Natural Bluffs 07:58 Specific High Frequency Check Raise Boards 10:28 Check Raising with Bottom Pairs and Unnatural Bluffs 13:57 Low Frequency Check Raise Boards and Hand Selection 16:16 Raise Sizing Strategy 19:39 Opponent Tendencies and Exploiting Over C Bettors Welcome to Upswing Poker Level Up, the poker strategy podcast designed to sharpen your skills and boost your bankroll in under 30 minutes. Hosted by Mike Brady and cash game pro Gary Blackwood, this episode dives into the art of the check-raise. In this poker strategy podcast, Mike and Gary break down check-raising essentials, starting with a common scenario: a player raises pre-flop, you call from the big blind, and face a bet after the flop. They discuss key factors like opponent's bet size, flop texture, and player tendencies. Gary emphasizes adjusting your raises based on opponent's bet size. Smaller C bets invite more frequent check-raises, while larger C bets call for selective aggression. They use solver data to show how check-raising percentages vary with different bet sizes and flops. The podcast highlights the importance of flop texture. Gary explains that some flops favor your range, leading to higher frequency check-raises. They explore boards where check-raises are common, like connected, middling flops, versus ace-king-seven, where check-raises are less frequent. On hand selection, they dispel the myth that raising strong hands scares off opponents. Balancing your range with strong draws like nut flush and open-ended straight draws is crucial. They discuss prioritizing draws based on equity, using examples to illustrate optimal check-raise hands. Gary and Mike also delve into less intuitive aspects, like raising bottom pairs and unconventional bluffs. They stress exploiting opponents who over C bet and under float, revealing how strategic check-raising capitalizes on these mistakes. Lastly, they address raise sizing and opponent tendencies. Gary advises adjusting raise size based on opponent's C bet size and flop characteristics, ensuring you apply the right pressure. They discuss leveraging opponents' tendencies, like over C betting on certain boards. Tune in to this poker strategy podcast episode to master the check-raise and elevate your game. Don't miss this chance to refine your skills and dominate the tables with Upswing Poker Level Up.

Level-Up is a new show from the team of poker pros at UpswingPoker.com. If you want to improve your poker skills and bolster your bottom line, this is the show for you. The first episode will cover check-raising and comes out on Wednesday, January 4th. Subscribe to get notified when episodes come out! Subscribe to Upswing Poker on YouTube for Video Versions of These Episodes