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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.

Sneak peek from Lab 2.0, coming to Upswing Poker on September 8th. Register for early access here.

The world's best poker coach, Uri Peleg, walks you through numerous hand examples and shares key insights for playing Pocket Kings. He positions the question "how should you play pocket kings" as a philosophical one that touches deep into something beautiful about the game of poker.

View the written version of this episode here.

00:00 The Philosophy of Playing Pocket Kings

02:56 Reevaluating Hand Strength Post-Flop

05:46 Overview of Lab 2.0 and Learning Path

06:13 Pot Control with Marginal Boards

08:50 Maximizing Value Against Loose Opponents

09:50 Playing Strong Hands on Dynamic Boards

In this poker strategy podcast, world-class coach Uri Peleg takes you deep into the art of playing Pocket Kings — one of the most exciting yet misunderstood hands in No-Limit Hold’em. Pulled from Upswing Poker’s Lab 2.0 course, this episode blends philosophy, strategy, and real hand breakdowns to show why Kings, while a preflop powerhouse, require constant reevaluation once the flop hits. Uri explores scenarios against skilled opponents, revealing how the board texture, betting patterns, and player tendencies can transform a monster hand into a marginal bluff-catcher — or the nuts into a value-shoving machine.

Listeners will follow along as Uri navigates dream flops, dangerous turns, and tricky rivers, explaining when to push for big pots, when to pot-control, and when to get out of the way. You’ll hear hands where Kings crush opponents for massive stacks, as well as spots where restraint saves your tournament life or bankroll. Along the way, Uri drops mindset gems, reminding players to shed emotional attachment to “premium” hands and focus on situational value instead.

This poker strategy podcast also introduces you to the Lab 2.0 learning path, designed to meet players at their current skill level and guide them toward mastery through tailored lessons. Whether you’re a beginner hoping to avoid common pitfalls or an experienced grinder looking to sharpen your decision-making, this poker strategy podcast will arm you with both the technical skills and mental discipline to handle Kings — and countless other hands — with confidence. If you’re serious about improving your game, this poker strategy podcast is your ticket to turning knowledge into profit.

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.

Every hand begins with preflop play, so making correct decisions is critically important. Upswing Poker VP Mike Brady and Scottish poker pro Gary Blackwood share five actionable tips that you can use to elevate your game and take advantage of your opponent's mistakes!

Join the Upswing Poker Lab and check out the Low Stakes Launch Pad course. Make sure to use promo code LEVELUP when you sign up and you'll receive $50 off!

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View the episode transcription

00:00 Tip 1: Tighten Your Big Blind Defense

01:57 Tip 2: Big Blind Three-Bet Strategy

06:30 Tip 3: Adjusting Ranges Based on Opponents

10:35 Tip 4: Tighten Up in High Rake Environments

12:43 Tip 5: Aggression Over Passivity

15:11 Announcement: Low Stakes Launch Pad

Ready to take your poker game to the next level? In this week’s poker strategy podcast, Upswing Poker VP Mike Brady teams up with Scottish poker pro Gary Blackwood to deliver five essential tips for mastering preflop play. Whether you're an aspiring pro or a recreational player, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to plug leaks in your game and exploit your opponent's weaknesses.

The duo begins by addressing one of the most common leaks in poker: over-defending the big blind. With practical advice on hand selection and leveraging position, they help you save valuable big blinds in the long run.

Next, they dive into the art of the big blind three-bet, showcasing how an aggressive and calculated approach can dominate opponents in both theory-based and exploitative scenarios.

As the podcast progresses, you’ll learn the importance of adjusting your ranges based on the players at your table. Whether you're up against loose-passive recreational players or aggressive pros, adaptability is key to staying ahead of the competition.

Gary and Mike also explore the impact of high rake environments, emphasizing tighter ranges and smarter calls to maximize profitability.

Closing out the episode, the hosts discuss the benefits of aggressive play and how erring on the side of aggression can turn the tide in your favor, especially in low stakes games. As they say, the best players are the ones who keep their opponents uncomfortable, and this poker strategy podcast teaches you exactly how to do that.

They also announce the Low Stakes Launch Pad course, designed to provide foundational strategies for beating low stakes games. Available now in the Upswing Poker Lab, this course is a must-have for serious players.

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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.

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You might be tempted to slow play the next time you have a monster hand, but that could be a huge mistake!

Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood discuss how carefully choosing when to take your foot off the gas is the best strategy to ensure maximum profitability. Don't play another hand until you've listened to this episode!

Audio version available on all major podcast platforms.

View the episode transcription here.

00:00 Welcome to the Upswing Poker Level-Up

01:04 Preflop Slow Playing Strategies

03:59 Distinguishing Slow Playing from Pot Control

06:23 Avoiding Slow Playing Strong Hands in Position

07:49 Slow Playing from the Big Blind: Specific Scenarios

09:50 Fast Playing Monsters Out of Position

12:14 Adjusting to Opponent Bet Sizes When Slow Playing

14:06 Slow Playing in Three-Bet Pots: In Position vs. Out of Position

17:25 Trapping as the Preflop Aggressor

19:01 Adapting Strategies for Low Stakes and Passive Players

21:02 Black Friday Sale Reminder

Welcome to another poker strategy podcast episode, where hosts Mike Brady and Scottish poker pro Gary Blackwood break down everything you need to know about slow playing. If you’ve ever wondered when to trap your opponents with monster hands—or when to avoid it altogether—this is the episode for you.

Dive into advanced poker strategies starting with preflop slow playing, such as why you should sometimes call a four-bet with pocket aces or kings to maximize value. The discussion also covers the delicate balance between slow playing and pot control, helping you recognize when playing passively protects your stack and when it costs you money.

This poker strategy podcast also examines the risks and rewards of slow playing on different board textures. Gary and Mike explain why betting three streets with strong hands is often the best move, but also reveal rare exceptions—like checking back top set on ace-high boards in single-raised pots.

As the episode progresses, you’ll uncover key tactics for fast playing out of position, the importance of reacting to opponent bet sizes, and how to adjust your strategies for three-bet pots. The duo even shares practical advice for adapting these solver-approved techniques to real-world games, including low-stakes live poker.

Whether you’re a beginner learning to recognize profitable traps or an experienced player refining your edge, this podcast delivers actionable insights on every aspect of slow playing. From appreciating your opponent’s range to identifying key moments for aggression, you’ll leave this episode with a stronger grasp of the nuances that separate amateurs from pros.

Plus, don’t miss the Black Friday sale at Upswing Poker, where you can get 25% off courses and tools designed by the game’s top players. Level up your poker IQ today and join us as we explore the art—and science—of slow playing in this exciting episode!

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/

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 Guerrilla Poker 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/uri-what-poker-training-gets-wrong/.

00:00 The Problems With Modern Poker Training

02:05 Balancing Study and Play

03:02 The Limits of Theoretical Approaches

04:11 Simplification and the Value of Flexibility

05:04 Adapting to Imperfect Opponents

06:06 First Principles Thinking

07:01 The Poker Blueprint

In this poker strategy video, we dive into the current state of poker training and why many traditional approaches may not be delivering the results you expect. Does focusing too much on solvers and math help you in real-life poker games? This video highlights the drawbacks of hyper-theoretical strategies, showing that poker is a multidimensional game, far more complex than the charts and solvers suggest.

The balance between study and play is essential for poker improvement. This poker strategy video explores why spending too much time on theoretical concepts can drain your motivation and energy, especially for players who enjoy playing the game more than studying it. Real-world poker decisions are often not about nailing the 0.01% differences, but about understanding broad concepts like opponent tendencies and adapting to dynamic in-game situations.

You'll learn how modern poker training has become overly focused on tiny mathematical edges that don’t translate well to real play. For instance, obsessing over making the perfect 0.01% move might cause you to overlook much bigger mistakes your opponents are making, losing sight of the larger picture. In this poker strategy video, we introduce a more intuitive approach—first principles thinking. This method allows you to understand poker on a deeper level, using logic and intuition without relying on solvers or math.

The Poker Blueprint course is designed to simplify your approach to poker by focusing on overarching principles, giving you the tools you need to make solid, reliable decisions at the table. The goal is to help you understand the fundamental reasons behind every move without getting bogged down in solver-based analysis. You’ll also learn how to integrate deception into your gameplay, balancing your range with your opponent’s tendencies to ensure you’re not too predictable.

If you’re interested in taking your poker game to the next level, check out the Poker Blueprint: https://upswingpoker.com/poker-blueprint-pre-registration/. This course distills years of experience from coaching top players into a concise framework that allows you to retain your mental bandwidth and make smart decisions in real-time. Plus, if you purchase the course in the first week, you'll receive a bonus: the Tournament Blueprint course, which applies these same principles to tournament play. Whether you're new to poker or a seasoned player, this course will enhance how you think about the game. Click the link above to learn more and start improving your poker strategy today!