Upswing Poker Level-Up

Check out Garrett's Destroy Live Cash course and use code LEVELUP for $50 off 👉 https://upswingpoker.com/destroy-live-cash/ Watch this episode on YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRc2eWcffqM Watch this video and learn how Garrett was tricked by a double reverse tell 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS3mKkvqDsE View the written version of this episode 👉 https://upswingpoker.com/podcast/5-live-poker-tips/ Get access to free preflop charts 👉 https://upswingpoker.com/preflop/ Get the Lucid Poker Trainer app for free 👉 https://lucidpoker.com/ Talk with Upswing Coaches & members 👉 https://discord.gg/TX765Y3FPa Garrett Adelstein shares five practical live cash game tips for improving game selection, reading opponents, exploiting weaker players, and balancing theory with real-world adjustments. 00:00 Garrett Adelstein's 5 Live Cash Tips 01:19 Tip 1: Game Selection Is Everything 06:08 Tip 2: Pay Attention 12:15 Tip 3: Target the Biggest VIPs 26:03 Tip 4: Know the Theory 29:46 Tip 5: Exploit, Exploit, Exploit 32:24 Garrett's $600K Pot vs. Rick Salomon 46:25 Poker, Luck & Gratitude

Gain instant access to the new Lab 2.0 now. Discover when playing tight is profitable and when it actually costs you money with elite coach Uri Peleg. You'll gain practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world examples that will help you balance your ranges, stay unpredictable, and maximize long-term profits at the poker table. View the written version of this episode here. 00:00 Expected Value of Strong vs. Marginal Hands 03:42 Why Play Weaker Hands 05:56 Reasons Not to Play Like a Nit 06:53 Importance of Balance and Unpredictability 08:40 Lab 2.0 Overview 11:12 When to Tighten Up Strategically 13:21 Real-World Examples of Adjusting Ranges 16:13 Flexibility with Bet Sizing 19:16 Managing Stack-to-Pot Ratios In this poker strategy podcast, Mike Brady teams up with elite coach Uri Peleg to answer a classic question: should you play like a nit preflop? While it may seem logical to stick to only the very best hands, the discussion reveals why doing so actually limits your profits. Uri explains that although hands like Aces, Kings, and Queens generate the majority of your expected value, marginal hands such as suited connectors and weaker offsuit holdings still contribute small but meaningful gains. More importantly, including these hands keeps your range balanced and makes it harder for opponents to exploit you when you pick up a monster. This poker strategy podcast emphasizes that poker is a game of small edges. Even fractions of a big blind add up over time, and being overly tight allows opponents to quickly read your strategy and deny you action. By mixing in more hands, not only do you capture additional value, but you also make your strong hands far more profitable because they become tougher to spot. At the same time, Uri and Mike point out that there are situations where playing tighter is the smart adjustment. Facing aggressive pros to your left, for example, might call for dropping marginal opens, while softer tables with weak opponents reward a looser approach. Flexibility and awareness of table conditions are key — rigidly sticking to "nit" play leaves money on the table. This poker strategy podcast ultimately delivers a balanced view: don't be a rock, but don't be reckless either. Learn when to widen your ranges, when to tighten up, and how to think critically about the dynamics at your table. Whether you're a beginner trying to avoid common pitfalls or an experienced player looking to refine your game, this poker strategy podcast gives you actionable insights to stay unpredictable, capture hidden value, and maximize long-term profits.

Want a sneak peek at the Lab 2.0, coming to Upswing Poker on September 8th? Register here for early access. The world's best poker coach, Uri Peleg, shares his five best strategies for dominating soft games. Alongside co-host Mike Brady, he breaks down how to exploit common mistakes without falling into the same traps. Whether you play live or low-stakes online, these tips will help you maximize value and boost your win rate. View the written version of this episode here. 00:00 Tip #1: Categorize Players 08:46 Tip #2: Adjust for Multiway Pots 15:20 Tip #3: Check Your Ego 19:55 Tip #4: Bad Play Doesn't Always Benefit You 23:04 Tip #5: Overplay the Top of Your Range 28:29 Bonus Tip: Don't Copy Bad Habits In this episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up, host Mike Brady is joined by world-class poker coach Uri Peleg to share five powerful tips for dominating soft games, whether live or low-stakes online. Uri, who has coached some of the best players in the game and won millions himself, opens by stressing the importance of categorizing opponents to quickly identify calling stations, over-aggressors, and passive players. From there, the discussion moves to one of the most common features of soft games—multiway pots—and how to adapt by tightening up, folding more marginal hands, and resisting the urge to chase every pot. Uri's next tip tip focuses on controlling ego and avoiding tilt. In soft games, variance can mask skill in the short term, and chasing losses often leads to disastrous results. He emphasizes patience, discipline, and judging your play based on decision quality rather than short-term outcomes. Next up he flips a common assumption on its head—just because an opponent makes a bad play doesn't mean it benefits you. Some mistakes, like over-raising or over-calling, can actually hurt your win rate if you don't adjust strategically. The final and most important tip is to overplay the top of your range against unpredictable opponents. In soft games, players often act randomly or inconsistently, so hands like overpairs or top pair/top kicker should be pushed aggressively for maximum value instead of overthinking and making cautious folds. As a bonus, Uri warns against copying the bad habits of weaker players. Just because others limp or splash around with subpar hands doesn't mean you should follow suit—it erodes your edge and invites unnecessary losses. Throughout the episode, Uri ties these lessons to the upcoming Lab 2.0 training platform (available soon), which focuses on practical, real-world strategies for crushing live and soft games. Whether you're a seasoned player looking to refine your approach or a low-stakes grinder aiming to boost your win rate, these insights will help you exploit weaker competition while avoiding common pitfalls.

Learn how to turn a single showdown into a strategic advantage at the poker table. In this episode, Mike and Gary break down five real-world hand scenarios and reveal powerful counter-strategies to exploit common player types—ranging from over-bluffers to under-value bettors. If you're ready to level up your poker reads and punish your opponents' mistakes, this one's for you. Sign up for the Upswing Lab to follow a clear, structured path to poker improvement. Sharpen your solver fundamentals by joining the Lucid Poker GTO Trainer. View the written version of this episode here. 00:00 Introduction to Opponent Exploitation 01:16 Sizing Up with Strong Hands 02:39 Loose Preflop Calls 03:40 Donking with One Pair 06:29 Facing an Overbluffer 11:36 Passive Players and Missed Value 12:30 Wrap-Up and Lab 2.0 Tease In this episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up poker strategy podcast, Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood dive into one of the most underrated tools in your poker arsenal: the power of a single showdown. They explore how observing just one hand at showdown can give you a massive edge against your opponents—if you know how to interpret it correctly. Through five detailed hand examples, the duo breaks down how to spot key player tendencies and then exploit them ruthlessly in future hands. The show kicks off with a reminder that player behavior often has patterns—but not always—so while one showdown can reveal a lot, multiple showdowns are even better. That said, even one hand can provide enough insight to expose a player's habits. Hand #1 features a player who sizes up their preflop raise with strong hands, signaling a predictable pattern you can punish by tightening up against large raises and ramping up aggression against standard sizes. In Hand #2, Mike and Gary analyze a loose caller who shows down junky hands like K7 offsuit and J9 offsuit in spots where tighter ranges are mandatory. The adjustment? Raise bigger preflop and exploit their bloated, weak ranges postflop with aggressive continuation betting and double barreling. Hand #3 covers the infamous "donk bettor"—players who lead out inappropriately from the big blind on dry boards. These players are easy to read: when they check, they're often weak, giving you permission to go into bluff mode. Hand #4 introduces the "serial bluffer"—the kind of player who can't resist betting flop, turn, and river with air. The key exploit? Out of position check-raise your strong hands early to build the pot. In position, trap with hands that can take heat. Mike even references a complementary video on Lucid Poker's YouTube channel that expands on this exact concept, reinforcing the episode's focus on applying theory to real-world opponents. Finally, Hand #5 wraps things up with a look at passive players who fail to value bet thinly enough. These opponents can often be overfolded against when they show aggression and should be treated cautiously when you're considering a thin value bet. Packed with practical advice and counter-strategies, this poker strategy podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond generic advice and start making razor-sharp adjustments based on real player behavior. If you're serious about becoming more exploitative and maximizing EV, this is the poker strategy podcast episode that will help you get there.

We've extended our biggest sale of the year to run all the way through Cyber Week! Buy now and get 25% off elite poker courses & tools! The math behind poker might not seem glamorous, but few skills will affect your bottom line more than a correct understanding of pot odds! Upswing Poker VP Mike Brady previews the new Low Stakes Launch Pad course by sharing everything you need to build a solid foundation for understand this critical topic. You can join the Upswing Lab to access that course: https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching Audio version available on all major podcast platforms. View the episode transcription here. 00:00 Definition and Importance of Pot Odds 02:04 Converting Pot Odds to Percentages 02:56 Three-Step Process for Calculating Pot Odds 03:56 Practical Applications of Pot Odds 06:17 Using Pot Odds with Draws 09:29 Analyzing Pot Odds for River Bets 12:50 Limitations of Pot Odds 15:19 Recognizing Situations to Avoid with Pot Odds 16:48 Additional Factors to Consider with Pot Odds Dive into the intricacies of poker in this insightful poker strategy podcast episode focused on pot odds—a cornerstone of making profitable decisions at the table. Taken from the Low Stakes Launchpad course offered by Upswing Poker, this episode is a goldmine for players looking to sharpen their skills with actionable knowledge. The episode begins with a clear explanation of what pot odds are and their significance in poker strategy. Through a simple three-step process, you'll learn how to calculate pot odds, convert them into percentages, and use them to assess whether your hand is worth the call. From calculating the final pot size to understanding your "price to call," every step is broken down into digestible insights perfect for application during live games. This poker strategy podcast delves into practical examples, including preflop raises, facing all-ins with draws, and evaluating bets on the river. With concepts like the Rule of Two and Four for calculating draw equity and analyzing your opponent's range, listeners are guided through real-world scenarios to master pot odds in action. But the discussion doesn't stop at the basics. The episode highlights limitations of pot odds, such as multi-way pots and hands with poor playability on future streets. You'll also learn about critical concepts like equity realization, implied odds, and maintaining a competitive range, ensuring you avoid common traps that even seasoned players fall into. Perfect for poker enthusiasts and those new to the game, this poker strategy podcast is your gateway to understanding and leveraging the math behind poker for better results. If you're ready to level up your game, tune in now, and don't forget to explore the Low Stakes Launchpad course in the Upswing Poker Lab for a deeper dive into elite strategies.

You look down at your cards and see pocket aces. It's the best starting hand in poker, but how do you extract maximum value from your opponents? On this episode, Mike Brady talks with poker pro Gary Blackwood about the best practices for navigating pocket aces across a wide range of scenarios. If you like winning more money at the poker table, then you need to listen now! Want to dominate every situation at the poker table? Take advantage of Upswing Poker's upcoming Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal! Everything site-wide is 25% off starting on November 25th and running through the end of the month! If you haven't already please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and a review! View the episode transcription here. 00:00 Introduction to Playing Pocket Aces 01:04 Optimal Preflop Strategies 04:11 Flop Tactics: Adjusting Based on Board Texture 07:05 Turn Play: When to Stay Aggressive or Slow Down 09:18 Closing Remarks and Black Friday Sale Information Dive into this episode of the premier poker strategy podcast with host Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood, where they unravel the secrets of mastering pocket aces—the best starting hand in Texas Hold'em. Whether you call them "bullets," "rockets," or "American Airlines," this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you extract maximum value and avoid costly mistakes. Starting with preflop play, Gary emphasizes the importance of aggressive strategies like raising and three-betting to build bigger pots. Learn why fast-playing aces is almost always the better option and when slow-playing can be a profitable exception, especially in deep-stack cash games and tournament settings. Moving to postflop play, the discussion covers key adjustments based on board textures, such as when to bet on favorable flops and when to play more passively on dynamic or connected boards that favor your opponent's range. On the turn, Gary offers guidance on knowing when to keep your foot on the gas and when to slow down, ensuring you maximize value without overcommitting in tricky spots. With real-world examples and solver-based insights, this episode equips you with the tools to play pocket aces like a pro. Looking to elevate your game even further? This poker strategy podcast highlights Upswing Poker's Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, where you can access top-tier courses, tools, and training materials at 25% off. Whether you're a beginner looking for foundational strategies or an advanced player seeking cutting-edge solver insights, this is your chance to invest in your poker future. Don't miss this comprehensive episode packed with expert advice, practical tips, and insider knowledge. Tune in now to this poker strategy podcast and start dominating the tables with confidence. Subscribe for more episodes that dive deep into every aspect of the game, helping you become the best player you can be.

Winning poker, made simple. Pre-register for the Poker Blueprint here: https://upswingpoker.com/poker-blueprint-pre-registration/ It's a high stakes cash game at The Lodge studio featuring two players who are no strangers to playing $50,000+ pots, Doug Polk and Mariano. Poker coach Uri Peleg breaks down the hand using the strategic framework taught in his new course the Poker Blueprint. One of the players makes a big mistake on the river in this one. Uri Peleg has spent thousands of hours studying poker. He's done more digging through solvers and tested more strategies than most players ever will. He's put his findings into practice and come out on top in high stakes games – and he's coached numerous players (through his stable) to do the same. Uri has distilled his strategic approach into a simplified blueprint built on five core principles. Once you understand these principles, you'll be well-equipped to win money at the table. The Poker Blueprint is a 10+ hour course that teaches you these principles and shows you how to put them into practice. You don't have to know all the software and jargon to win the game. Check out the written version of this video: https://upswingpoker.com/doug-vs-mariano-blueprint/ 00:00 Intro, Overview, Poker Blueprint Ad 02:32 Analysis of the Hand: Flop and Turn Strategy 04:52 Turn Changes and Pot Size Considerations 06:04 River Analysis and Decision-Making 08:05 Evaluating Mistakes and Optimal Play 09:21 Conclusion and Upcoming Content Join Uri Peleg as he breaks down a thrilling poker hand between Doug Polk and Mariano in this intense high-stakes game! In this video, you'll dive deep into the intricate details of poker strategy, focusing on a critical mistake that could cost big at the table. Uri Peleg, a seasoned poker pro, shares his expert insights on how to avoid such mistakes, using this hand as a teaching tool. He highlights the significance of understanding the ranges and decision-making at each stage of the game, offering viewers practical tips to enhance their skills. Uri Peleg analyzes this action-packed hand, starting with a squeeze from Doug with King-Queen suited and a cold four-bet from Mariano holding pocket Kings. The flop reveals Queen-Six-Four rainbow, a board that heavily favors the pre-flop aggressor, Mariano. Uri explains how Doug's decision to check aligns with the optimal strategy and how Mariano's small bet serves to disguise his hand strength. Uri Peleg poker strategy emphasizes the importance of understanding the ranges and adjusting pot sizes accordingly. As the turn card, Jack of Hearts, appears, the dynamics of the hand change significantly. Mariano now has to adjust his strategy, valuing his Kings differently due to potential hands that could beat him. Uri highlights that Doug, with a flush draw, needs to reassess his approach, aiming for a modestly-sized pot rather than pushing aggressively. The river brings the Five of Diamonds, and Uri explains why this seemingly innocuous card still has implications for both players' ranges. Uri Peleg's poker strategy comes to life as he discusses how Doug's decision to bet 15k might have been too aggressive given the range of hands that Mariano could have. Uri then focuses on Mariano's quick decision to call, analyzing why this could be considered a mistake. He points out that while Mariano's Kings are strong, a snap call might not be the best move without thoroughly considering all the possible scenarios. If you want to dive deeper into the nuances of advanced poker strategy, Uri has a new Upswing course coming out, which is perfect for players of all levels. Stay tuned for more videos, and don't forget to check out "The Poker Blueprint" for a comprehensive guide to mastering the game.