10 Poker Infographics That Will Help Your Game

Infographics are a fun and effective way to learn, which is why we’ve created numerous infographics throughout the years. Today’s article is an aggregate of 10 of the most bookmark-worthy poker infographics graphics that we have created. Starting with beginner-friendly topics, the infographics get more advanced as you scroll. Be sure to download the ones […]

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How to Play Ace-Queen Offsuit in Cash Games (Preflop Advice & 6 Postflop Tips)

Some hate it, some love it. Ace-Queen offsuit is one of the most polarizing hands in poker. While it is one of the best starting hands in the deck, it can also be relatively difficult to play compared to strong starting hands. In this article, we will be covering: How to Play Ace-Queen in Common […]

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How I Won €151 From Fedor Holz (Hand Analysis)

Fedor Holz, at the age of 27, is already one of the biggest legends of the game.  The German native ranks eighth on the all-time money list with $32,556,377 in career live tournament earnings in addition to two World Series of Poker bracelets. But not many do know that his early career was propelled by […]

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4 Valuable Pieces of Poker Tournament Advice for Beginners

You’ve played your A-game for hours and you made some hands when you needed to. Now, it has finally happened: you’re at the final table eyeing the biggest score of your life. In order to make more moments like this happen for you, I dug through Upswing Poker’s library of tournament articles to pull out […]

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[QUIZ] Can You Play These 10 Flush Draws Optimally?

Your skills with flush draws are about to be put to the test with ten example scenarios. You will play as the aggressor in the first six hands, then as the defender in the final four hands. Keep in mind that in close situations, the correct answer is the action PioSolver chooses most often. Take […]

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Single-Raised Pots vs 3-Bet Pots: How Should Your Strategy Differ?

If you want to make as much money in poker as possible, you need to be well versed in the most common spots. In this article, we are going to take a look at the differences between the two most common types of pots in poker: single raised pots and 3-bet pots. Based on the […]

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The Ultimate Guide to Squeezing in No Limit Hold’em

The “squeeze” play — 3-betting preflop versus a raise and one or more callers — was once a staple of TV poker. Players used to be much more likely to just call raises before the flop, which presented many squeezing opportunities for aggressive players. Squeezing is a less frequent part of the game nowadays, especially […]

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Can You Ace Our 10 Toughest Quiz Questions?

There are dozens of poker quizzes here on Upswing Poker. Over the past few days, my team and I sifted through each of them to find the 10 questions that were answered incorrectly at the highest frequency. In other words, these are the most challenging Upswing Poker quiz questions ever. All were answered correctly by less […]

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3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Facing a Bet

Learning poker in 2020 can feel overwhelming. The poker community is always buzzing about solvers and theoretically optimal play — and for good reason. In order to reach the highest levels of the game, you need to be familiar with these things. But for most people, especially those who are newer to the game, mastering […]

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3 Crucial Types of Poker Software for Serious Players in 2020

If you’re serious about poker, there are a few must-have types of poker software / poker tools. Whether you play online or live, these tools can also help take your game to the next level so you can maximize your winnings and rise up in stakes. In this article, I am going to review the […]

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[QUIZ] Do You Bluff (& Semi-Bluff) Like A Pro?

As Doug Polk likes to say, bluffing is life in poker. 10 years ago you could be a wimpy bluffer and still win in most games. These days, however, you need to have a good handle on this foundation of the game. In this quiz you will be presented with 10 hand scenarios. Your goal […]

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7 Must-Read Articles That Will Help Your Poker Game

I’ve been running the Upswing Poker blog for over four years. In that time I have commissioned, read, and published nearly 1,000 articles to help you, my dear reader, improve your poker skills. Today I’ve gathered seven of the most valuable/fundamental Upswing Poker articles ever published. These articles will help you improve your strategy, mental […]

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How to Destroy Your Opponent After Seeing One Showdown (Part 2)

Sometimes it takes just one showdown for a great poker player to change their game plan and start crushing opponents. If you want to maximize your win-rate, you need to be able to identify and exploit the leaks in your opponents’ games. One of the best ways to do this is by paying attention to […]

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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Pocket Aces

After hours of looking down at hands like T♠ 5♣, it finally happens. You get dealt the beautiful pocket aces. But getting dealt the best hand in poker doesn’t entitle you to win a big pot — or even a small pot. To extract max value with your pocket aces, you have to avoid the […]

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3 Situations to Value Your Overcard Hands in Texas Hold’em

You look down at your cards. You see a nice high card hand, like KQ, QJ or even AK. Your raise picks up a caller or two. Then, you completely whiff on the flop, which is pretty sad. But wait, it might not be over yet! As you will see in this article, there are […]

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7 Poker Tells You Should Look Out For

Poker tells are a tricky topic. Most beginners put way too much credence into tells early in their poker journey. Eating an Oreo cookie could mean someone has a strong hand in the movies, but in real life…not so much. But many experienced pros focus solely on playing a good strategy, completely ignoring live poker […]

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Patrick Leonard’s 4-Part Recipe for Poker Success

Patrick Leonard certainly knows a few things about success. The English poker pro and partypoker ambassador boasts a poker resume that speaks for itself, with nearly $14 million in career earnings. Leonard recently authored a blog post on Medium, detailing what he calls his “Four Underrated Ingredients to Success”. Inspired by his recent career-high tournament […]

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Phil Hellmuth Loses It Over Liv Boeree’s Very Standard Play (Analysis)

Few things in poker are more entertaining than a Phil Hellmuth rant. The ‘Poker Brat’ is an old school legend of the game. He has over $23,000,000 in live tournament winnings and leads all-time with 15 WSOP bracelets. But despite his success on the felt, many people know him better for his tirades after losing […]

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[QUIZ] Poker 101 Quiz for Beginners

Ready to test yourself on some of the most fundamental skills in poker? Today’s quiz will take you through 11 questions that cover some basic poker concepts, including pot odds, ranges, c-betting, and bet sizing. Good luck! (Note: If you are unfamiliar with the 9 positions at a poker table, click here to review them. […]

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The Great Poker Reopening: San Diego

The Great Poker Reopening is a miniseries dedicated to chronicling the reemergence of live poker across the United States after a months-long lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The third installment of this miniseries covers the San Diego region.

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5 Tips to Stop Bleeding Chips from the Small Blind

The small blind is arguably the most difficult position to master in No Limit Hold’em. This position is particularly challenging for two main reasons: You are forced to pay half of a big blind without looking at your cards You play every single postflop situation with a positional disadvantage If you take this 5-step professional […]

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The Great Poker Reopening: North Florida

The Great Poker Reopening is a miniseries dedicated to chronicling the reemergence of live poker across the United States after a months-long lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second installment of this miniseries covers the North Florida region.

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[QUIZ] Can You Play Famous Poker Hands Like a Top Pro?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play as one of the world’s most famous poker players?  Today you get that chance. This quiz will take you through 10 real hands that were played by world-class players at some of the world’s highest stakes. Get ready and good luck! If the quiz […]

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The Great Poker Reopening: New Hampshire

The Great Poker Reopening is a miniseries dedicated to chronicling the reemergence of live poker across the United States after a months-long lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first installment of this miniseries covers the New Hampshire region.

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10 Poker Mindset Mistakes to Avoid

Are mental game mistakes costing you money? In this article I’m going to discuss the most common poker mindset mistakes I see being made by online and live poker players. Whether you’re a high stakes, mid stakes, or low stakes player, you will surely recognize some of these mistakes. 1. Neglecting Your Game When Running […]

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Do Online Poker Players Make Good Live Poker Players?

Online poker and live poker might feature the same game, but there are certainly big differences between the two and success in one doesn’t guarantee success in the other.

In this article we examine some of the differences between live and online poker and what’s required of players to make a smooth transition from one to the other.

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Amir Vahedi’s 3 Bluffing Tips from 2009 Stand the Test of Time

The evolution of poker strategy is fascinating. When I first started my journey into poker a few years ago, I began by reading every old book I could find. As I got more serious about poker, however, I realized that a lot of the strategy taught in these books is outdated. So when I recently […]

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Bluff-Raising to $302,000 vs Patrik Antonius (Analysis)

Let’s take a look at what is perhaps the most interesting TV poker hand Doug Polk ever played. The blinds are $1,000/$2,000 with $2,000 in total antes. Both Doug and his opponent, the famous Patrik Antonius, are very deep, with an effective stack depth of $470,000 (235 big blinds). Let’s dig into the action! Preflop […]

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An Ode to Live Poker

When you love live poker and play it as much as Calum Grant, you can develop withdrawal after not having it be part of your life for a couple months.

In this article, Calum shares how badly he misses live poker, while also telling the story of a friend whose long-awaited Las Vegas poker trip was also put on indefinite hiatus.

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3 Worthwhile Gaming Alternatives to Returning to Live Poker

Brick and mortar poker rooms are slowly reopening around the world in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. That doesn’t necessarily mean some people are ready to return to playing live poker.

If you’re one of those people there are plenty of worthwhile gaming alternatives you can engage in until the time comes that you’re comfortable returning to poker.

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[QUIZ] Can You Exploit This Hypothetical Poker Table?

Time to test you exploitative prowess!  The following quiz will challenge you with 10 hand scenarios at a live $2/$5 table. Before diving into the hands, click “See Player Reads” below to get valuable information about each of the other players at the table.  Your goal is to figure out the best play given the […]

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Why Coffee is Hurting Your Poker Results

Hey there, Upswing fam! Today we’re mixing things up with a guest article by “Coach” Bahman Zarghami that will help you with your mental game. Even if you don’t want to give up your daily coffee, this short article is worth a read so you can better understand stress and anxiety as they relate to […]

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BONKERS Bluff With $992,500 On The Line (Analysis of PokerGO’s Record-Breaking Pot)

Let’s take a look at the biggest pot in PokerGO history. This hand comes from Rob Yong’s Home Game streamed on PokerGO and features Rick Salomon and Lazaro Hernandez colliding in a $993,000 pot. The game is played at nosebleed stakes, with blinds set at $1,000/$2,000 with a $4,000 straddle. Hernandez is $580,000 deep (~145 […]

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Why Teddy KGB is Actually Bad at Poker

Teddy KGB is a feared character in Rounders, the most iconic poker movie of all time. Teddy’s scary traits include his status as a Russian mob boss and deep ties into the New York City underworld. Those traits do not include his skill at the poker table, which (spoiler alert) lead to Mike McDermott taking […]

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Your $1/$2 Hands Analyzed By A Live Cash Crusher

Featured Photo: Joe Giron & PokerNews (Edited from Original) You posted the hands. Now, we break ‘em down. With the help of live poker specialist (and crusher) Mike Finstein, I am going to analyze two $1/$2 live hands that were played by members of the Upswing Lab. Each member posted their hand in the private […]

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Set vs Set vs Flush for (At Least) a $224,000 Pot (Analysis)

After playing for hours, it finally happens: you flop a set. But as you are busy counting all of the money you are about to win, the turn brings a possible flush and multiple opponents start to pile money into the pot. Naturally, the scary board and heavy action make you start to question whether […]

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[QUIZ] Can You Beat the People of Instagram at Poker, Again?

We love quizzing our Instagram audience with head-scratching poker scenarios. (If you took the first Instagram quiz last week, you already know this.) The quiz you’re about to take includes 10 hand scenarios we’ve posted on the social platform in the past year or so. Let’s see how your skills stack up versus the scrollers […]

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How to Adjust Your Strategy in Splashy Live Games

My local $1/$2 game is crazy. People call raises with all sorts of garbage hands and they never seem to fold a pair postflop, but I can’t seem to win! How should I adjust my strategy in this game? We see questions like this all the time in the Upswing Poker Facebook groups. It seems like […]

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[QUIZ] Can You Beat the People of Instagram at Poker?

We love quizzing our Instagram audience with head-scratching poker scenarios. Their responses are usually a mixed bag. The top comment is almost always the hilarious joke “all-in” (makes me laugh every time), but reading the earnest responses gives you an interesting look into how players of different levels approach poker. The quiz below includes 10 […]

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How to Avoid the Unhealthy Mindset That Tortures Poker Players

If you want longevity in poker, you need to have a strong mental game. Among other things, that means you have to find be able to self-criticize (so you can grow as a player) while not self-shaming. Way too many poker players are extremely harsh and critical of themselves. Such a mindset may help in […]

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Leveling: How Thinking Too Much Costs You Money at the Poker Table

In 1999 (and then later in 2006) David Sklansky in his celebrated book The Theory of Poker introduced the world to the various levels of thinking in poker. For those unfamiliar with the concept, they can be summarized as follows (slightly renumbered from their original version to include purely irrational actions): Level 0: I do not […]

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8 Rules to Help You Choose the Perfect Bet Size

Choosing the best bet size is a tricky task in No Limit Hold’em. There is no one ‘perfect’ bet size that can be used in all spots. The optimal bet size will depend on a number of factors, including: Preflop action Board texture Stack depth Who has the range advantage …and many more! In this […]

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10 Fundamental Tips for The Most Common Types of Flops

You’re about to learn about one of the most important factors in poker. Board texture is one of the most important pieces of information in any given hand. The optimal bet sizing, bet frequency, and overall postflop strategy hinges on the specific three cards that come on the flop. In this article, I will shed […]

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The Starting Hands That Make the Most Money in Multiway Pots

If you play in games with a lot of loose, passive opponents, read on. You’re about to get some valuable advice for playing preflop in multiway pots. After finishing this article, you will understand the answer to two important questions: Which hands perform best multiway pots? When should you enter a multiway pot? Let’s dive […]

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[QUIZ] What is Your Poker IQ Score?

How knowledgeable are you when it comes to the most popular “big bet” poker games? This 8-question quiz includes questions about No Limit Hold’em (cash games and tournaments), Pot Limit Omaha, and “big bet” poker theory […]

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Fast Playing Vs Slow Playing Revealed

Home Ryan Fee|Poker Strategy|Feb 18, 2020 Fast Playing Vs Slow Playing Revealed Fast Playing Vs Slow Playing Revealed Ryan Fee|Poker Strategy|Feb 18, 2020 Home You flop a set… Your opponent bets into you and you have a decision to make. Will you fast-play with a raise, hoping to get all-in as soon as possible? Or […]

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Want Your Bluffs to Work More Often? Try “Delaying” Them

You’re about to learn a tactic that will help you steal pots from right under you opponent’s nose…and they won’t even know it happened. The tactic involves checking back on the flop as the preflop aggressor, only to bet on the turn. This is referred to as a delayed […]

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[QUIZ] Are You a Shark or a Fish at Live Poker Tables?

Ready to put your live poker skills to the test? The following quiz will take you through a variety of both preflop and postflop situations that are specific to live poker. The correct answer is considered either the highest expected value (EV) action or the action that should be taken most frequently. In other words, […]

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[QUIZ] Are You a Shark or a Fish at Live Poker Tables?

Ready to put your live poker skills to the test? The following quiz will take you through a variety of both preflop and postflop situations that are specific to live poker. The correct answer is considered either the highest expected value (EV) action or the action that should be taken most frequently. In other words, […]

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3 Ways You Might Be Bleeding Money in Cash Games

Home Dan B.|Poker Strategy|Jan 7, 2020 3 Ways You Might Be Bleeding Money in Cash Games 3 Ways You Might Be Bleeding Money in Cash Games Dan B.|Poker Strategy|Jan 7, 2020 Home There are so many ways to lose money in poker, but there are only a few ways to win. This is why when […]

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Jason Koon: “It’s the same game, but it isn’t”

I’ve been playing poker professionally since 2008. Over the last decade, no-limit hold ’em has transformed from a game of feel, moves, and tricks to one of scientific precision and robotic execution. Some players miss the “good ‘ol days,” but I believe the game of poker is more beautiful than ever. I’m writing this to […]

The post Jason Koon: “It’s the same game, but it isn’t” appeared first on Online poker news and updates | partypoker blog.

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How to Handle Downswings Like a Poker Pro

What’s the only thing worse than losing money in one session of poker? Going on a poker downswing that causes you to lose money an extended period of time. Bad beats can seriously test your mental game. Downswings are an inevitable part of poker. It doesn’t matter whether you are brand new to the game […]

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How to Handle Downswings Like a Poker Pro

What’s the only thing worse than losing money in one session of poker? Going on a poker downswing that causes you to lose money an extended period of time. Bad beats can seriously test your mental game. Downswings are an inevitable part of poker. It doesn’t matter whether you are brand new to the game […]

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Flopping Top Set in a $1,000,000 Tournament (Analysis)

Humans are results oriented creatures. When we lose a hand we’ll go over it in our heads numerous times. Yet when we win a hand we often don’t give it a second thought. However, when analyzing your play, it’s extremely important to look back at all of your hands with an analytical eye, regardless of […]

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Flopping Top Set in a $1,000,000 Tournament (Analysis)

Humans are results oriented creatures. When we lose a hand we’ll go over it in our heads numerous times. Yet when we win a hand we often don’t give it a second thought. However, when analyzing your play, it’s extremely important to look back at all of your hands with an analytical eye, regardless of […]

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8 Live Poker Tips That Will Put More Cash in Your Pocket

Home George Mathias|Poker Strategy|Nov 15, 2019 8 Live Poker Tips That Will Put More Cash in Your Pocket 8 Live Poker Tips That Will Put More Cash in Your Pocket George Mathias|Poker Strategy|Nov 15, 2019 Home Despite sharing the same rules, live poker games are quite a bit different than their online counterparts. Whether it […]

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8 Live Poker Tips That Will Put More Cash in Your Pocket

Home George Mathias|Poker Strategy|Nov 15, 2019 8 Live Poker Tips That Will Put More Cash in Your Pocket 8 Live Poker Tips That Will Put More Cash in Your Pocket George Mathias|Poker Strategy|Nov 15, 2019 Home Despite sharing the same rules, live poker games are quite a bit different than their online counterparts. Whether it […]

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How to Win More Pots with Delayed C-Bets

Every skilled poker player has the c-bet (short for “continuation bet”) in their arsenal. C-betting capitalizes on two crucial facts: The preflop aggressor usually has the strongest range of any player in the hand. It’s hard to connect with the flop. (The chance of flopping a pair with any non-paired hand in Texas Hold’em is […]

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Beat Calling Stations with These 3 Stupid-Simple Tricks

Home George Mathias|Poker Strategy|Oct 15, 2019 Beat Calling Stations with These 3 Stupid-Simple Tricks Beat Calling Stations with These 3 Stupid-Simple Tricks George Mathias|Poker Strategy|Oct 15, 2019 A “calling station” is a player who calls often regardless of their hand strength. These fold-averse players are most commonly found in live and low stakes online games. […]

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4 Lessons from an Elite Pro’s First Coaching Session

Home Dan B.|Poker Strategy|Oct 4, 2019 4 Lessons from an Elite Pro’s First Coaching Session 4 Lessons from an Elite Pro’s First Coaching Session Dan B.|Poker Strategy|Oct 4, 2019 Feel like improving your poker strategy? You’re about to learn 4 lessons from a live mid-high stakes cash game session that online beast and Upswing Lab […]

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Phil Hellmuth BLOWS UP (Analysis)

Home Ernest Gorham|Poker Strategy|Oct 1, 2019 Phil Hellmuth BLOWS UP (Analysis) Phil Hellmuth BLOWS UP (Analysis) Ernest Gorham|Poker Strategy|Oct 1, 2019 There’s no doubt that Phil Hellmuth has had a very successful poker career. He tops the all-time WSOP bracelet list with fifteen, a whopping five more than those tied for second (Doyle Brunson, Phil […]

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How to Choose Between Small vs Big Bet Sizes

[breadcrumbs] Dan B.|Poker Strategy|Sep 27, 2019 How to Choose Between Small vs Big Bet Sizes How to Choose Between Small vs Big Bet Sizes Dan B.|Poker Strategy|Sep 27, 2019 Imagine you’re playing $1/$2. You raise preflop with 8♥ 7♥ and get called by the player in the big blind. The flop comes… …and your opponent […]

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5 Lucrative Check-Raising Strategies You Should Try Today

You’re about to get schooled on check-raising strategy. A member of the Upswing Lab posted this hand history in our private group and asked how he should play his range: Online $1/$2. 6-Handed. Effective Stacks $200. Hero is dealt two cards in the big blind 3 folds. Button raises to $5. sb folds. Hero calls. […]

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5 Lucrative Check-Raising Strategies You Should Try Today

You’re about to get schooled on check-raising strategy. A member of the Upswing Lab posted this hand history in our private group and asked how he should play his range: Online $1/$2. 6-Handed. Effective Stacks $200. Hero is dealt two cards in the big blind 3 folds. Button raises to $5. sb folds. Hero calls. […]

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7 Multiway Tactics You Should Know Going Into 2020

If you want to improve your results in pots with three or more players, keep reading. You’re about to learn seven tactical adjustments that will help you play better in multiway pots. This one is going to be especially helpful for the live players out there! Each section below covers a different multiway spot. If […]

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5 Tips for Playing Backdoor Flush & Straight Draws

Backdoor draws play a significant role in the range construction process. If you aren’t don’t regularly consider backdoor draws when making decisions at the table, this short list of tips is for you. As you’re about to learn, backdoor draws aren’t valuable just because of their additional equity to hit a strong hand. Backdoor draws […]

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Tom Dwan’s Aces Up vs a Chinese Billionaire (Analysis)

Perhaps the most infamous young poker player of the modern era, Tom Dwan blew away casual poker fans with his loose-aggressive strategy on televised high stakes cash games from 2008-2011. Then he went from hero to villain in the eyes of many as he has neglected to finish his 50,000 hand “durrrr challenge” — which […]

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Win More Money vs Limpers NOW!

It’s fish frying time! You are about to learn how absolutely crush a recreational player who frequently limps. This article covers both preflop and postflop play versus a single limper, focusing mainly on flop strategy. Preflop Strategy Every player approaches limping differently — limping a wider or narrower ranges of hands. Shifting your strategy to counter […]

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(QUIZ) Can You Dominate Live Poker Games?

If you frequent live poker games with a $2, $3, or $5 big blind, this quiz is for you. Your goal is to choose the most profitable play based on the situation and reads provided. At the end of the quiz, you’ll get assigned with a live poker player based on your score. Good luck! […]

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(QUIZ) Can You Dominate Live Poker Games?

If you frequent live poker games with a $2, $3, or $5 big blind, this quiz is for you. Your goal is to choose the most profitable play based on the situation and reads provided. At the end of the quiz, you’ll get assigned with a live poker player based on your score. Good luck! […]

The post (QUIZ) Can You Dominate Live Poker Games? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What is Expected Value (EV) in Poker? This Basketball Analogy Will Make it Clear

Today we’re going to discuss expected value — what it means, why it’s important, and how to apply it. It’s one of the most basic concepts in poker, and one of the most important to understand. Table of Contents: What is Expected Value (EV)? Real World Example: The Steph Curry Bet How to Calculate Expected […]

The post What is Expected Value (EV) in Poker? This Basketball Analogy Will Make it Clear appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What is Expected Value (EV) in Poker? This Basketball Analogy Will Make it Clear

Today we’re going to discuss expected value — what it means, why it’s important, and how to apply it. It’s one of the most basic concepts in poker, and one of the most important to understand. Table of Contents: What is Expected Value (EV)? Real World Example: The Steph Curry Bet How to Calculate Expected […]

The post What is Expected Value (EV) in Poker? This Basketball Analogy Will Make it Clear appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Maximize Your Winnings Versus Multiple Limpers

You are playing in a darn good game if you’re often facing multiple limps. To help you maximize your winnings in these juicy games, I am going to shed light on how you should adjust your preflop strategy when more than one player has limped in front of you. Table of Contents: Raising Over Multiple […]

The post How to Maximize Your Winnings Versus Multiple Limpers appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to React to a Check-Raise on the Turn: Theory vs Practice

If facing a turn check-raise has ever made you hate life, this is the article for you. We are about to go over both the theoretical and practical aspects of this situation so you can quickly identify the winningest strategy for your given hand. Table of Contents: General Advice for Playing vs Turn Check-Raise Practice […]

The post How to React to a Check-Raise on the Turn: Theory vs Practice appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to React to a Check-Raise on the Turn: Theory vs Practice

If facing a turn check-raise has ever made you hate life, this is the article for you. We are about to go over both the theoretical and practical aspects of this situation so you can quickly identify the winningest strategy for your given hand. Table of Contents: General Advice for Playing vs Turn Check-Raise Practice […]

The post How to React to a Check-Raise on the Turn: Theory vs Practice appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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A 3.7 Million Dollar River Card at the WSOP (Hand Analysis)

It’s the 2017 WSOP One Drop final table and just two players remain. The $3,686,865 up top is going to either Upswing Poker’s own Doug Polk or high stakes pro Bertrand ‘ElkY’ Grospellier.  Doug is sitting on a stack of 37.6 million chips (47bb) while Elky has 27.4 million chips (34bb). Doug is on the […]

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(Quiz) Are You a Double Barrelin’ Cowboy at the Poker Table?

Are you a double barrelin’ cowboy or a city slicker when it comes to c-betting on the turn? We’re about to find out! You’re about to “play” 10 hands that reach the turn after you’ve c-bet on the flop. You’ll have two simple options in each hand: bet or check. Keep in mind that a […]

The post (Quiz) Are You a Double Barrelin’ Cowboy at the Poker Table? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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(Quiz) Are You a Double Barrelin’ Cowboy at the Poker Table?

Are you a double barrelin’ cowboy or a city slicker when it comes to c-betting on the turn? We’re about to find out! You’re about to “play” 10 hands that reach the turn after you’ve c-bet on the flop. You’ll have two simple options in each hand: bet or check. Keep in mind that a […]

The post (Quiz) Are You a Double Barrelin’ Cowboy at the Poker Table? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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$1,000 Cash Game Insights from a High Stakes Veteran

Ready to improve your live cash game skills? Today we are going to look at three hands that Doug Polk played during a $5/$10 cash game session at the Aria. (This session was documented in a vlog on Doug’s YouTube channel — watch it here.) Let’s get started. Hand #1 9-Handed. Effective Stack $1,000. Doug […]

The post $1,000 Cash Game Insights from a High Stakes Veteran appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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$1,000 Cash Game Insights from a High Stakes Veteran

Ready to improve your live cash game skills? Today we are going to look at three hands that Doug Polk played during a $5/$10 cash game session at the Aria. (This session was documented in a vlog on Doug’s YouTube channel — watch it here.) Let’s get started. Hand #1 9-Handed. Effective Stack $1,000. Doug […]

The post $1,000 Cash Game Insights from a High Stakes Veteran appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Win When Your Opponent Straddles (3 Crucial Tips)

Adding a straddle into the game creates a whole new set of dynamics which are not so easy to figure out on the fly. However, learning how to play well with a straddle in play is important for your bottom line since pots will be much bigger and stacks will be flying back and forth. […]

The post How to Win When Your Opponent Straddles (3 Crucial Tips) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Blind vs Blind Play Explained by a Super High Roller

As promised, Nick Petrangelo is back to help you improve your poker skills. The focus of this hand review video is blind versus blind strategy, but some money bubble-related concepts come up as well. Enjoy! [This post contains video, click to play] Check back for video #3 next Friday! It will cover a big spot […]

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If You Can’t Ace This Cash Game Quiz, You Need to Join the Lab

The Upswing Lab training course has helped poker players of all levels exceed their goals. The Lab’s greatest success story is probably high stakes regular Ali Imsirovic, but many more have seen dramatic improvements as well. If you can’t get all 10 questions correct on this quiz, you really need to get the Lab (unless […]

The post If You Can’t Ace This Cash Game Quiz, You Need to Join the Lab appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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If You Can’t Ace This Cash Game Quiz, You Need to Join the Lab

The Upswing Lab training course has helped poker players of all levels exceed their goals. The Lab’s greatest success story is probably high stakes regular Ali Imsirovic, but many more have seen dramatic improvements as well. If you can’t get all 10 questions correct on this quiz, you really need to get the Lab (unless […]

The post If You Can’t Ace This Cash Game Quiz, You Need to Join the Lab appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Did Jason Koon Make a Million Dollar Mistake vs Kane Kalas? (Analysis)

Did this super high roller make a million dollar mistake? We are about to analyze one of the biggest televised No Limit Hold’em cash game hands of all time, which took place on the Triton Poker Million Euro Cash Game in Montenegro. There were 8 poker players at the table with €2,000/€4,000 blinds and a […]

The post Did Jason Koon Make a Million Dollar Mistake vs Kane Kalas? (Analysis) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Crush Live Poker Games With These 8 Battle-Tested Tactics

It is no secret that live poker games are far softer than online games. Most successful online players could switch to live poker and win at a solid rate from the get-go. The same can not be said for successful live players who hop online. Yet the players who have the highest hourly win-rates in […]

The post Crush Live Poker Games With These 8 Battle-Tested Tactics appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What Top Poker Pros Already Know About 4-Betting

You’re about to learn how professional poker players approach 4-betting. You’ll find the answers to these key questions in this article: Why do we 4-bet? With which hands should we 4-bet? What 4-bet size should we use? How should we adjust our 4-bet sizes in tournaments? The answers are actually quite simple and you can […]

The post What Top Poker Pros Already Know About 4-Betting appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What Top Poker Pros Already Know About 4-Betting

You’re about to learn how professional poker players approach 4-betting. You’ll find the answers to these key questions in this article: Why do we 4-bet? With which hands should we 4-bet? What 4-bet size should we use? How should we adjust our 4-bet sizes in tournaments? The answers are actually quite simple and you can […]

The post What Top Poker Pros Already Know About 4-Betting appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Record-Breaking $438,900 Pot on Live at the Bike (Analysis)

You’re about to read analysis of a hand played just last week between Live at the Bike staple Andy and a recreational player named Jacky. The pot settled just under $439,000 and, spoiler alert, it was not a chop — only one of the players took home the 2.2 Lamborghini pot (a new Live at […]

The post Record-Breaking $438,900 Pot on Live at the Bike (Analysis) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Big Blind Defense Strategy 101: Tournaments vs Cash Games

Did you know that it is basically impossible to win money from the big blind in the long run? The big blind has to pay a full blind without looking at their cards (a massive disadvantage) and will be out of position against most opponents postflop. It’s an unforgiving position with many opportunities for mistakes. […]

The post Big Blind Defense Strategy 101: Tournaments vs Cash Games appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Playing with Deep Stacks: Tips, Tricks, & Adjustments to Help You Win

If playing with deep stacks (150bb+) makes you feel anxious or confused, this article will make your life easier. You’re about to learn how to: Adjust your preflop bet sizing when deep stacked. Choose the correct hands to 3-bet and 4-bet when deep stacked. Adjust your postflop game plan when deep stacked. Let’s dive in! […]

The post Playing with Deep Stacks: Tips, Tricks, & Adjustments to Help You Win appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Find a Live Poker Tournament

Poker tournaments are still the most popular way to play poker. You have many tools at your disposal when you’re looking for information on live poker tournaments in your area. Whether you’re looking for a local tournament, on vacation, or searching for opportunity to travel and live the poker dream, here are some of the […]

The post How to Find a Live Poker Tournament appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Win on Low Flops When You’re Out of Position

If you’ve ever looked down at a low flop and been unsure how to proceed, this is the article for you. Today we’re going to focus on how to play on low boards out of position after raising before the flop. This can be an intimidating spot because the stack-to-pot ratio is high (making it […]

The post How to Win on Low Flops When You’re Out of Position appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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(QUIZ) Can You Face Down a Double Barrel on the Turn?

Do you know when to fold, call, and raise against a double barrel on the turn? Let’s find out! Answer the following 10 questions in which you are the big blind versus a player who raised on the button, bet on the flop, and bet again on the turn, then you’ll get an online poker […]

The post (QUIZ) Can You Face Down a Double Barrel on the Turn? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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When a WSOP Champ Called All-in with Ten-High (Analysis)

With 5 players left in the 2019 EPT Monte Carlo Main Event, Ryan Riess and Manig Loeser played a hand that shocked poker fans around the world. Here’s what the stacks looked like before the hand was dealt: And the prize structure: Riess started the hand as by far the shortest stack — even shorter […]

The post When a WSOP Champ Called All-in with Ten-High (Analysis) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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When a WSOP Champ Called All-in with Ten-High (Analysis)

With 5 players left in the 2019 EPT Monte Carlo Main Event, Ryan Riess and Manig Loeser played a hand that shocked poker fans around the world. Here’s what the stacks looked like before the hand was dealt: And the prize structure: Riess started the hand as by far the shortest stack — even shorter […]

The post When a WSOP Champ Called All-in with Ten-High (Analysis) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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7 Poker Tournament Tips for Running Deep More Often

Poker tournament tips is, apparently, a pretty common search term on Google. I assume the searchers are looking for a quick checklist to go over before playing a tournament, and not advice on how much to tip the dealers after a big win. When I searched “poker tournament tips” for myself, none of the results […]

The post 7 Poker Tournament Tips for Running Deep More Often appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Why Are Most Poker Players Wimpy Bluffers?

(Photo: PartyPoker) In part 1 of this article series, I told you about the Honesty Principle. The Honesty Principle: As a whole, the poker community bluffs much less than it should. In part 2, you read about the poker artificial intelligence Libratus and its uncanny ability to bluff at balanced frequencies. It should be fairly […]

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When a Poker A.I. Went Crazy with Five-Three Suited (Analysis)

In part 1 of this article series, we talked about the fact that the vast majority of poker players do not bluff often enough. As a result, their betting actions generally represent “honesty” (value hands) rather than “dishonesty” (bluffs). This led me to introduce what I call the Honesty Principle. The Honesty Principle: As a […]

The post When a Poker A.I. Went Crazy with Five-Three Suited (Analysis) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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When to Avoid Playing Theoretically Sound

I was just listening to a podcast with Doug Polk and Andres “Educa-p0ker” Artinano. This quote from Andres stood out (paraphrased): Solvers are very good for studying the preflop and flop strategy, but not so useful for studying the turn and the river. Andres is basically saying that it’s less important to play theoretically sound […]

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Why Do Random & Silly Bluffs Work?

Have you ever wondered why pure bluffs work when they do? By pure, I mean situations where the player who is betting has absolutely nothing (not even a draw) while the player who ends up folding has something decent, say at least a pair. Let’s consider the following situation in a live $5/$10 cash game […]

The post Why Do Random & Silly Bluffs Work? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Why Do Random & Silly Bluffs Work?

Have you ever wondered why pure bluffs work when they do? By pure, I mean situations where the player who is betting has absolutely nothing (not even a draw) while the player who ends up folding has something decent, say at least a pair. Let’s consider the following situation in a live $5/$10 cash game […]

The post Why Do Random & Silly Bluffs Work? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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3 Hands That Will Help You Bluff-Catch with More Success

Is there a more satisfying feeling in poker than calling a bluff? I really don’t think there is. I’m sure you want to experience feeling as much as possible, so you’re about to see 3 hand breakdowns that will help you sniff out more bluffs and fold at the right time. Each hand will include […]

The post 3 Hands That Will Help You Bluff-Catch with More Success appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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3 Tips for Winning with Gutshot Straight Draws

If you’ve ever been unsure of what to do with a gutshot straight draw, you’ve found the right article. Today you’ll learn 3 tips that will help you decide when to bet and when to check so that you start earning more money when you hold this type of draw. But first… What is a […]

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Introduction to Pot Odds | How and When to Use Pot Odds in Poker

If you aren’t familiar with pot odds in poker or if you just want a refresher, you’re reading the right article. You are about to learn what pot odds are and how to calculate them step-by-step. After that, we will go over 3 examples of using pot odds in different situations (preflop and postflop). Finally, […]

The post Introduction to Pot Odds | How and When to Use Pot Odds in Poker appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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The Only Two Valid Reasons to Bet in Poker (Every Other Reason is Wrong)

Why do we bet? This question has fascinated the best poker players for decades now. The legendary David Sklansky probably had the biggest contribution to the unraveling of the reasons behind fundamentally sound betting. Until recent years, the consensus was that there are two reasons to bet: To get value with our strong hands from […]

The post The Only Two Valid Reasons to Bet in Poker (Every Other Reason is Wrong) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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This Proven Method Will Boost Your Live Poker Winnings

You want to increase your live poker earnings, right?  Today you will learn a battle-tested method for doing just that. And all you need to pull it off is an online poker account, a small deposit, and a little bit of free time. The idea is to use online poker as a tool to improve […]

The post This Proven Method Will Boost Your Live Poker Winnings appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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This Proven Method Will Boost Your Live Poker Winnings

You want to increase your live poker earnings, right?  Today you will learn a battle-tested method for doing just that. And all you need to pull it off is an online poker account, a small deposit, and a little bit of free time. The idea is to use online poker as a tool to improve […]

The post This Proven Method Will Boost Your Live Poker Winnings appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Hand Reading 101: How to Read Hands Better Than a TV Pro

Hand reading is one of the most misunderstood concepts among casual poker players. The mistake these casual players make is trying to put their opponent on one specific hand. That may make for good TV, but it’s not a practical or effective way to approach hand reading. You’re about to learn the right way to […]

The post Hand Reading 101: How to Read Hands Better Than a TV Pro appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Hand Reading 101: How to Read Hands Better Than a TV Pro

Hand reading is one of the most misunderstood concepts among casual poker players. The mistake these casual players make is trying to put their opponent on one specific hand. That may make for good TV, but it’s not a practical or effective way to approach hand reading. You’re about to learn the right way to […]

The post Hand Reading 101: How to Read Hands Better Than a TV Pro appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Win More Chips When Out of Position in 3-Bet Pots

Like I said in part 1 of this series, a quick way to increase your win-rate is to improve your c-betting strategy in 3-bet pots. Last time you learned about c-betting in position (IP) as the 3-bettor on two different types of flops (coordinated and uncoordinated). Today you’ll learn about c-betting out of position (OOP) as the […]

The post How to Win More Chips When Out of Position in 3-Bet Pots appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What the Best Poker Pros Already Know About Playing vs. Double Barrels

I know something about you without having met you: you love strategy games. (If you didn’t, you probably wouldn’t have clicked on an article about poker strategy.) Whether its chess, Magic: The Gathering, or League of Legends, you’ve probably spent a lot of time playing these games. So, you must already know that there are […]

The post What the Best Poker Pros Already Know About Playing vs. Double Barrels appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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When Should You Bet on the Flop After 3-Betting?

A quick way to increase your win-rate is to improve your c-betting strategy in 3-bet pots. This article series will help you get ahead of your competition by improving your understanding of these crucial spots. In this first part, we’ll take a look at c-betting in position (IP) as the 3-bettor on two different types of […]

The post When Should You Bet on the Flop After 3-Betting? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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5 Strategic Mistakes Poker Players Make (And How to Exploit Them)

Exploiting your opponents’ leaks is how you really take your win-rate to the next level.  What is a Leak in Poker? A leak is a consistent strategic mistake made by a poker player. This article is written so you don’t need to understand poker game theory to use these specific tactics to crush your opposition. That […]

The post 5 Strategic Mistakes Poker Players Make (And How to Exploit Them) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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These 4 Poker Cheat Sheets Will Make Your Life Easier

Poker cheat sheets can be great tools for improving your skills. To help you crush your competition this year, we’re giving you 3 sheets that will help you avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes at the table. The sheets we’re giving you today include (click to jump to that sheet): Poker Hand Rankings Cheat Sheet Table […]

The post These 4 Poker Cheat Sheets Will Make Your Life Easier appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Why Bad Beats are a Poker Player’s Greatest Gift

A smart friend once suggested to me that perhaps poker would be better if every time players were all-in, the dealer split the pot according to their equity, instead of running it out and pushing everything to the winner of the hand. For instance, if Alice had AA and Bob had KK and both went […]

The post Why Bad Beats are a Poker Player’s Greatest Gift appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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5 Quick Guidelines for Playing Versus C-Bets on the Flop

Poker is a bit like American football. It’s important to have a solid offense (playing as the aggressor), but if your defense (playing vs. the aggressor) sucks, you’re going to have a tough time winning. Perhaps the most crucial defensive situation in poker is playing vs. a flop c-bet after defending your big blind. This […]

The post 5 Quick Guidelines for Playing Versus C-Bets on the Flop appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Stop Bleeding Money in 3-Bet Pots (Playing Vs Missed Turn C-Bet)

The fastest way to improve at poker is to study the most consequential and frequent spots, such as 3-bet pots. In this article, you will find some tips and tactics for 3-bet pots that will help you win more consistently. More specifically, we are going to analyze 3 hands which have the following in common: […]

The post Stop Bleeding Money in 3-Bet Pots (Playing Vs Missed Turn C-Bet) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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3 Concepts That Should Shape Your Postflop Strategy in 2019 (Positional, Range, and Nut Advantage)

Are you familiar with positional, range, and nut advantages in poker? Using these concepts to shape your postflop strategy will help you make more money in advantageous situations and limit your losses in disadvantageous ones. In this article, you will learn about each of these concepts and how exactly they should impact your strategy. Let’s […]

The post 3 Concepts That Should Shape Your Postflop Strategy in 2019 (Positional, Range, and Nut Advantage) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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3 Theoretically Winning Calls That Lose in Practice

Should you favor a theoretically sound strategy or play exploitative poker? This question has been a hot debate in the poker world for the past several years. Some are fierce supporters of theory (sometimes to their stack’s detriment), while others insist that theoretically sound poker has no value and should be disregarded (an absurd proposition). […]

The post 3 Theoretically Winning Calls That Lose in Practice appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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3 Theoretically Winning Calls That Lose in Practice

Should you favor a theoretically sound strategy or play exploitative poker? This question has been a hot debate in the poker world for the past several years. Some are fierce supporters of theory (sometimes to their stack’s detriment), while others insist that theoretically sound poker has no value and should be disregarded (an absurd proposition). […]

The post 3 Theoretically Winning Calls That Lose in Practice appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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When Should You Slow-Play a Strong Hand?

It’s generally not a good idea to slow-play strong hands — you’ll usually win more money by fast-playing — but there is a time and a place for every move in poker. In this article, you’ll learn how to identify spots in which a tricky slow-play is more profitable than playing straightforward, and spots where […]

The post When Should You Slow-Play a Strong Hand? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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When Should You Slow-Play a Strong Hand?

It’s generally not a good idea to slow-play strong hands — you’ll usually win more money by fast-playing — but there is a time and a place for every move in poker. In this article, you’ll learn how to identify spots in which a tricky slow-play is more profitable than playing straightforward, and spots where […]

The post When Should You Slow-Play a Strong Hand? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What is a Capped Range? How to Take Advantage of (And Protect Your Own) Capped Ranges

You probably already know that a range is the totality of hands that a player can have in a situation. You also probably know that focusing on ranges, not specific hands, is the professional way to approach poker. But are you familiar with the concept of capped ranges? Learning what a capped range is and […]

The post What is a Capped Range? How to Take Advantage of (And Protect Your Own) Capped Ranges appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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2 Strategies You Need to Crush Passive Tables

Playing against passive opposition might be easier than you think. It’s very easy to realize equity against these players, and that incentivizes you to use more aggressive strategies both preflop and postflop. In this article, we’ll discuss those aggressive strategies, and how to play against one move in particular that is characteristic of most live […]

The post 2 Strategies You Need to Crush Passive Tables appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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2 Strategies You Need to Crush Passive Tables

Playing against passive opposition might be easier than you think. It’s very easy to realize equity against these players, and that incentivizes you to use more aggressive strategies both preflop and postflop. In this article, we’ll discuss those aggressive strategies, and how to play against one move in particular that is characteristic of most live […]

The post 2 Strategies You Need to Crush Passive Tables appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What Are Implied Odds? How to Use Implied Odds Like a Veteran Pro

Implied odds aren’t difficult to understand, but many players misapply them while playing. This leads to easily avoidable but costly mistakes. To help you avoid such mistakes, you’re about to learn what implied odds are, how they work, and how they should help shape your strategy. We will cover: What are implied odds? How do […]

The post What Are Implied Odds? How to Use Implied Odds Like a Veteran Pro appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What Flop C-Bet Size Should You Use in Cash Games? (The Ultimate Guide, Part 1)

Here’s a situation you’ve probably faced many times. You are playing a $0.50/$1.00 cash game. The action folds to you on the button, and after raising to $2.50, the big blind calls and you see a flop that looks like this: Q♠ T♦ 5♥ The big blind checks. You have a hand to continuation bet […]

The post What Flop C-Bet Size Should You Use in Cash Games? (The Ultimate Guide, Part 1) appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Play Limped Pots Perfectly

A game with a lot limped pots is a game you want to be playing. These games are often full of weak players because strong players rarely limp. (You may remember this from our How to Destroy Limpers article.)  These small pots will have a big impact on your bottom line. If you want that impact […]

The post How to Play Limped Pots Perfectly appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Play Limped Pots Perfectly

A game with a lot limped pots is a game you want to be playing. These games are often full of weak players because strong players rarely limp. (You may remember this from our How to Destroy Limpers article.)  These small pots will have a big impact on your bottom line. If you want that impact […]

The post How to Play Limped Pots Perfectly appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Suited Connectors: 5 Strategic Mistakes Poker Players Should Avoid

It can be tough to know when (and how) to play a suited connector in Texas Hold’em. If you neglect to consider important factors — such as stack sizes and your opponent’s tendencies — you will likely make a costly mistake with these hands. You’re about to read 5 tips that will help you understand […]

The post Suited Connectors: 5 Strategic Mistakes Poker Players Should Avoid appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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Suited Connectors: 5 Strategic Mistakes Poker Players Should Avoid

It can be tough to know when (and how) to play a suited connector in Texas Hold’em. If you neglect to consider important factors — such as stack sizes and your opponent’s tendencies — you will likely make a costly mistake with these hands. You’re about to read 5 tips that will help you understand […]

The post Suited Connectors: 5 Strategic Mistakes Poker Players Should Avoid appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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[QUIZ] Phil Hellmuth Sees Poker Players as Animals. Which One Are You?

When Phil Hellmuth sees a poker player, he sees an animal (according to his book Play Poker Like the Pros). The specific animal he sees — whether it be a mouse, an eagle, or something else — is based on that player’s style. Ready to find out which animal Phil thinks you are? Take this […]

The post [QUIZ] Phil Hellmuth Sees Poker Players as Animals. Which One Are You? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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What is Rake in Poker? And Should Rake Impact Your Poker Strategy?

What is Rake? Rake is the fee taken by the operators of a poker game. If you’ve ever played cash game poker in a casino, you’ve probably seen the dealer taking chips out of the pot during most hands — those chips are the casino’s rake. Just to state the obvious: more rake is NOT […]

The post What is Rake in Poker? And Should Rake Impact Your Poker Strategy? appeared first on Upswing Poker.

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How to Thin Value Bet Like a Veteran Pro (3 Tips for Thin Value Betting in Poker)

Value betting is how you’ll make most of your money at the tables. This is especially true against recreational players, who tend to be on the over-calling side of the spectrum. Today I am going to share 3 tips for thin value bets that will help you squeeze every last drop of cash from your opponents. […]

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The Smart Approach to Losing Poker Sessions (3 Questions to Ask Before Quitting)

It’s tough to know when to walk away from the poker table, but sometimes it’s the most valuable skill you can have. A few days ago, I was sitting at my home in Las Vegas and suddenly felt the itch to hit the live felt. This is a rare feeling for me. But when you […]

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10 Cash Game Poker Tips for Dominating the Table

Do you plan on playing a cash game anytime soon? You’re in luck! Today we’ll cover 10 fundamental tips that will help you dominate your cash game competition. You’ll learn when to bluff on the flop, how to play versus limps, and more. And make sure you stay tuned until the end for 2 bonus […]

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Stop Tanking: 5 Reasons Why Playing Faster Will Make You Richer & Happier

Trends in live poker seem to come and go overnight. One that hasn’t gone away yet, unfortunately, is slow play and excessive tanking. The following updated article, originally published in 2016, is a good reminder to slow players why they need play faster. — I’m angry. There was a time when No Limit Hold’em tournaments […]

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How to Crush Nits (10 Tactics to Maximize Profit Against Tight Players)

A “nit” is a player with a noticeably weak playing style, and they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. With so many nits out there, learning how to exploit them is very important for your long term win-rate. And beyond that, it’s actually pretty darn fun to exploit these players. Today we’ll discuss how to […]

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How to Make the Most Profitable Decision Against Any Bet Size [2nd Edition]

Faced with a bet, you can react in one of three ways: call, fold, or raise. It’s usually pretty apparent when raising is the correct decision–with super strong hands that want to extract value and with bluffs that want to steal the pot. Whether to call or fold, on the other hand, is often not […]

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How to Play Poker in a Casino: 5 Valuable Tips for Live Poker Games

The average live poker game is softer than its online counterpart. The barrier for entry is much lower and many recreational players overvalue their home game experience. Improving live casino poker play can be difficult but not impossible. Take a look at these 5 tips and learn how to play poker in a casino better. […]

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How to Beat the Guy Who Is Always Betting — Countering an Aggressive Poker Strategy

Geez, this guy just won’t stop betting. I just need to be patient, wait for a strong hand, and then I’ll win a fat pot from him! You’ve probably thought something similar to this while facing an ultra-aggressive player. But while this line of thinking seems to make sense, a patient approach is not always […]

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How to Destroy an Open Limper Like a High Stakes Pro

Think of limpers as your most valuable customers. Every time you see a player limping you should see an opportunity to take their stack–or at least a big chunk of it–in a rather short span of time. You’re about to learn how to absolutely destroy these players. Here’s what you will find in this article […]

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Limps in Poker: The Ultimate Guide to Crushing Open Limpers

Think of limpers as your most valuable customers. Every time you see a player limping you should see an opportunity to take their stack — or at least a big chunk of it — in a rather short span of time. You’re about to learn how to absolutely destroy these players. Here’s what you will […]

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Playing Blind vs Blind — 5 Tips to Help You Stack More Chips

Sub-optimal blind vs blind play is a common leak among amateurs and professionals alike. Players often neglect this part of their game because blind versus blind situations seem relatively infrequent, but they probably happen a lot more often than you think. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 tips for improving your blind versus blind strategy. […]

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10 Quick Poker Tips That Will Help Your Game In 5 Minutes

If you’re looking for easy to remember and quick poker tips that will help you win, you’re in luck! Today we’ve compiled 10 tactics and strategies that will make you a more confident and profitable poker player. Now, this list won’t teach you how to win every time – not even the greatest poker players […]

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Which Draws Should You Semi-Bluff With?

Bluffing is an indispensable part of the game—as Doug likes to say, “Bluffing is life in poker.” In this article, we’ll discuss how to go about choosing hands to semi-bluff, and we’ll break down the process that every elite player uses to fine-tune this aspect of their game. What makes a good semi-bluffing hand? There […]

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What is a Good Poker Winning Percentage?

People often ask me what is a good poker winning percentage. This refers to the percentage of the time you play poker where you can expect to walk away from the tables with a profit.

Or to "book a win" as some might say.

Because as you probably know, losing sometimes is inevitable in poker. No matter how good you are at poker, some days there just isn’t anything you can do to win.

They have

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If You Get 8/10 On This 3-Bet Pot Quiz, You’re a Shark

How competent are you at playing 3-bet pots as the defender? Take your time and think carefully, because these 10 questions are tough. For each question, assume that you have no information about your opponent. And be sure to share your results at the end. Best of luck!  Note: Everything on upswingpoker.com is 25% off […]

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Copag signs partnership deal with partypoker LIVE

World’s leading playing cards brand becomes the official supplier for world’s largest live poker tour. partypoker LIVE and Copag, the world’s leading playing card manufacturer, have signed a deal that makes the cutting edge card brand an official live event partner. Copag’s highest quality playing cards will now be in play at all future partypoker […]

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5 Easy Ways to Use Position to Triple Your Poker Winnings

One of the easiest ways to start drastically improving your poker winnings is to simply play more hands in position where you get to act last. More specifically this means playing more hands from seats like the button, the cutoff and the hijack.

The cutoff by the way is the seat directly to the right of the button and the hijack is two seats to the right of the button.

But you don’t even have

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