Upswing Poker Level-Up

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.