This “Simple” Poker Strategy Is Making You a Fish · S7E10

05/13/25 • 23 min

Poker is already a complex game—but many players try to make it easier by using simplified poker strategies. Whether it’s range c-betting 1/3 pot, 3-bet-only from the small blind, or avoiding donk bets entirely, the goal is always the same: reduce decisions & reduce errors. But is simplifying your strategy actually helping your win rate? Or is it quietly costing you chips?

In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we explore the real trade-offs behind simplified poker strategies, their relationship to GTO solver output, and the critical distinction between playing GTO and playing exploitatively. This is a must-listen for serious players diving into solvers and anyone questioning whether "just keeping it simple" is the right approach.

🔍 You’ll learn:

What simplified poker strategies really are (and what they’re not)
How EV loss in solvers is often misunderstood
Why simplified strategies may shift complexity to later streets
The #1 mistake players make when comparing GTO models

When simplification actually makes sense—especially from an exploitative lens.

**LINKS**

· GTO Gems 2 Poker Book: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book

· Crushing GTO Poker: https://youtu.be/j8cFt86B8To

· EV Poker Formula: https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula

**JOIN US ON DISCORD**

Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

🔍 You’ll learn:

What simplified poker strategies really are (and what they’re not)
How EV loss in solvers is often misunderstood
Why simplified strategies may shift complexity to later streets
The #1 mistake players make when comparing GTO models

When simplification actually makes sense—especially from an exploitative lens.

**LINKS**

· GTO Gems 2 Poker Book: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book

· Crushing GTO Poker: https://youtu.be/j8cFt86B8To

· EV Poker Formula: https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula

**JOIN US ON DISCORD**

Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Previous Episode

Poker Strategy vs. Tactics EXPLAINED · S7E9

In this episode, you’ll sharpen your understanding of poker strategy and tactical execution — two sides of the same coin that every winning player needs to master. Whether you’ve ever wondered "am I making the best decision here?" or "do I even know the EV of this play?" — this discussion gives you the tools to confidently find the answer.

Coach w34z3l breaks down the critical difference between strategy and tactics, using real-world examples from chess, warfare, and poker itself. You’ll discover why knowing your EV on the river is often possible (and expected), but why trying to perfectly map it out preflop is usually a losing battle. This episode teaches you how strong strategic play on early streets naturally leads to clearer, simpler tactical opportunities on later streets — allowing you to pick better spots, make cleaner bets, and avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re serious about improving your poker thought process, you’ll learn why building principled, high-level strategic habits matters just as much as finding those sharp tactical lines. Plus, get introduced to tools like EV modeling, simplified tree building, and how solvers fit (or don't fit) into the real-world game.

**LINKS**

· Poker Workbooks (& More): https://redchippoker.com/poker-books/

· Why Strategy & Tactics Are NOT The Same: https://redchippoker.com/poker-strategy-and-tactics-are-not-the-same/

· EV Poker Formula: https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula

**JOIN US ON DISCORD**

Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Next Episode

What Is Equity Retention? (And Why It Wins Postflop) · S7E11

Can we discuss “equity retention” and why it’s not an optional concept to learn for every poker player?

In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we break down one of the most overlooked yet essential postflop concepts: equity retention. You’ll learn what it is, how it impacts your decisions postflop, and how to use it to build stronger bluffing lines and value strategies.

Whether you're new to the term or just need a refresher, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for. Perfect for cash game players and tournament grinders alike.

💡 Takeaways from this episode: