cardplaying

Today's episode of the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast features two recent hands Coach Thomas played on Ignition with a Queen Deuce and a Queen Trey.

You're going to hear straight from the horses mouth why Coach Thomas opted to put in three-bets with hands that don't really have much business putting extra money into the pot and gain some valuable lessons as it relates to counting combos when bluff catching.

If you love today's episode, the best way you can support the show is to hop on the CPG VIP Newsletter at https://chasingpokergreatness.com/VIP

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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast is the author of A Girl’s Guide to Poker and Poker Powher teacher Amanda Botfeld.

In just a few moments you’re going to learn how Amanda went from writing political newsletters for 30,000 subscribers to falling into the poker world directly following the 2016 presidential election.

But first if you’re a longtime listener to Chasing Poker Greatness you’ll know that I believe the next “poker boom” will come from one of two sources:

Online poker miraculously becomes legalized and regulated across the entire United States.
Poker becomes more appealing to women.

Number one is way beyond my control and, quite frankly, it feels like our country has some bigger fish to fry. Number tw, though, represents an opportunity.

The organization Amanda collaborates with, Poker Powher, has a very simple mission that in the words of Nick Howard “is doing the noble work”.

Their mission is to teach 1 million women confidence, strategic thinking, and decision making skills through the game of poker.

Now I understand that, seeing as only 5-10% of my audience are females, that you’re most likely a male. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have females in your life who may just fall in love with the beauty of playing cards if given the opportunity.

So I’m going to challenge you to float the idea of poker to some of the females in your life, whether they be your girlfriend, spouse, mom, or sister.

Tell them about Amanda’s book “A Girl’s Guide to Poker”, Poker Powher, and also Maria Konnikova’s “The Biggest Bluff”. It may not seem like that big of a deal but you could really make an large impact when it comes to growing and sustaining this amazing game of cards we all love so much.

With that said, in the following episode you’re going to learn:

- The surprising reason Amanda decided to invest her energy into playing cards.
- How she managed to land a coveted book deal with one of the largest poker publishers in the biz.
- And much, MUCH more!

So without any further ado I bring to you the wise, witty, and clever Amanda Botfeld.

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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast is one half of the Postflop Poker podcast hosting duo Merv Harvey.

Merv's an amateur poker player who has now interviewed a who's who of poker players & personalities, including: Tommy Angelo, Alec Torelli, Dara O' Kearney, Sarah Herring, and many more.

I'll leave it for you to learn in the following episode just how Merv got his gig but it's an extremely powerful lesson about taking your shot.

Merv's just a genuinely great dude who LOVES the game of poker and is super easy to talk to. When you hear folks talk about the "good guys of poker" what they're really describing are the folks like Merv.

Today you're going to learn:

- How Merv came about to host the Postflop Poker podcast.
- How Merv got swept up in Australia's poker mania.
- Why you've probably been going about poker study the wrong way and what you can do instead.
- And much, MUCH more!

So without any further ado I present to you the joyful and hilarious Merv Harvey.

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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

One of Nick's on-contract coaching for profits players has a major problem:

He feels like he has no choice but to move back into his unsupportive parent's home where his mental state and online poker results historically suffer.

Listen today as Nick helps his player navigate a particularly dicey and emotionally charged situation by letting him know he isn't making full use of the resources at his disposal.

If you wanna learn more about Poker Detox visit: https://pokerdetox.com

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

In this episode of the Detox Files Nick Howard (Founder of Poker Detox Staking Group) has an optimization session with one of his contracted players who has a big problem:

He's been trained his entire poker career to practice good game selection (The after-hours poker vampire lifestyle) but knows the times he plays poker have a major affect on his relationship with his wife and family.

Listen in and follow along as Nick helps his player navigate what is most certainly a mine field.

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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

This Detox Files episodes features a one hour "optimization consult" with one of Poker Detox's contracted players.

These are guys Nick and his team invest tons of resources into so it's going to be a bit more advanced than the previous Detox Files you all know and love.

To listen to all the Detox Files, visit: https://chasingpokergreatness.com/detox-files


New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on the podcast is MTT wizard and PokerCoaching.com coach Matt Affleck.

Matt has over $4 million in live and online tournament cashes in his career with no plans on slowing down anytime soon.

Just a few of his career highlights include:

- A gold medal victory in a $3,150 SCOOP even for $550k.
- A $264k victory in the $2,500 main event at the Coco Poker Open.
- And a $139k victory in a $1,500 event at the Wynn Fall Classic.

Matt was very easy to talk to and his pure passion for the game shines through bright and clear. It’s easy to see why he’s been able to sustain success such a high level of success for as long as he has.

Also, to give you a little more perspective as to how Matt operates, here’s a little behind-the-scenes tidbit: After we stopped recording Matt wanted to pick my brain on some different coaching techniques and methodologies and we ended up talking shop for maybe another 30 minutes after the recording stopped.

I only mention this because, in my humble opinion, this is the trait of a human being who pursues excellence in whatever venture they dive into. If you truly want to draw from a deeper well in the avenue in which you’re Chasing Greatness, finding folks who are already deeper into the forest than you and asking their opinion is one of the most impactful things you can do to expedite the learning process.

With that said, today you’re going to learn:

- A Greatness Bomb from Matt on efficiently using solvers to improve your MTT game.
- Wise words on how to structure your off-days so that you can maintain your energy levels.
- A hilarious story about the odd place in which Matt was sitting when he won his SCOOP for over $550k (Here’s a hint, there was no celebration).
- And much, MUCH more!

So without any further ado, I bring to you longtime MTT crusher Matt Affleck.

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today my guest on the podcast coming back for a very special Round 2 is my favorite tournament director of all-time Matt Savage.

If you’ve forgotten, Matt’s the executive tour director of the WPT and has seen just about all there is to see at live poker tournaments.

While recorded only a few weeks ago this conversation took place before the passing of longtime voice of the WPT and great personal friend of Matt’s, Mike Sexton. Expect to hear some tales of being on the road with Mike Sexton as well as how the Mike Sexton Champions Cup came to be.

You’ll also want to be prepared for us to close on a somber note with Matt sharing stories about Ethan May, a WPT tournament director who tragically passed away at the way-too-young age of 30.

In this Round 2 conversation with Matt, you’ll also learn:

- How somehow despite there not being any live poker to go around Matt has less free time than ever.
- What’s going on with those WPT final tables that have just been sitting around in purgatory since the beginning of the year.
- Matt’s thoughts on the rise of online MTT’s

So without any further ado, I bring to you the GOAT tournament direct and poker hall-of-famer in my heart Matt Savage.


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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guests on the podcast are dynamic poker-book writing duo Dara ‘O Kearney and Barry Carter.

Their latest book, PKO Poker Strategy, has been a massive hit straight out of the gate. If you’re not familiar with PKO style tournaments or where they came from, don’t worry because Dara and Barry are going to explain it to you in-depth in our conversation.

Since both of these men are veterans of the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast we had a few talking points and spent the other 90% of the conversation just making fun of Barry. I might otherwise feel bad about that, but as I was putting together the #PokerGOAT book tournament on Twitter I realized Barry is the co-author of 3 if not 4 of the most influential poker books of all time:

The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, PKO Poker Strategy, and Poker Satellite Strategy.

Well done sir, well done. When it’s time for me to write a book I know who my first choice for co-author’s going to be.

In today’s conversation, you’ll learn:

- The writing process that Barry and Dara use to ensure their books are great for any level of player.
- Our thoughts on the recent explosion of online MTT poker serieses.
- The one thing you can do that will get under Barry’s skin.
- And much, much more!

So without any further ado I bring to you the authors of Poker Satellite Strategy and PKO Poker Strategy Dara O’ Kearney and Barry Carter.

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest is mediocre poker coach Carlos Welch who is back for a Round 2.

Carlos and I’s first conversation was recorded right before the pandemic went nuclear and I had been wondering to myself how a man who lives out of his car would fare in these strange times. I mean, I can’t even drive my kids one hour away without catastrophe striking: One of them has to go to the bathroom.

So how do you find a place that will let you inside to use the bathroom on a regular basis? How do you shower if your gym is shut down?

Also, let’s be honest, I really just wanted an excuse to talk to Carlos again because he’s such an amazing human being which, if you have not yet been convinced, you will experience for yourself in just a few moments.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

- How trusting your teacher relates directly to their impact.
- Why Mike Caro may be the most under-appreciated all-time poker coaches.
- Why Carlos doesn’t like interacting with strangers.
- And MUCH more!

Without any further ado I bring to you the nomad and “anything but mediocre poker coach” Carlos Welch.


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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today my guest is 3-time WSOP bracelet winner, poker coach, and author of “The Game Plan” Matt Matros.

Matt has racked up over $2.5 million in live tournament cashes over his almost 2 decade long career.

Some highlights include:

- The aforementioned triple WSOP bracelets in $1,500 6-max event, limit hold em, and mixed hold ‘em tourneys.
- Finishing third at the WPT Championship for over $700k
- And three more WSOP final tables.

This conversation was a real joy for me.

It brought back many fond memories of a time in my life when making a WPT final table was the end-all-be-all and it was a mortal sin to miss an episode of the World Poker Tour (Not only because it was exciting but also because it was one of the few real sources of high level poker strategy anyone had access to).

You’ll hear stories about Matt’s good friend the late great Gavin Smith, the only time Matt forgot what hand he had in his entire poker career, and one pivotal AQ Matt wishes he had back.

In our conversation you’ll also learn:

- How Matt ended up at the $25k WPT Championship final table

- A greatness bomb on how MTT players misunderstand ICM.

- Why low expectations are a poker superpower.

- And much, much more!

Without any further ado, I bring to you 3-time WSOP bracelet winner Matt Matros.

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today my guest on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast is cash game crusher and the founder of https://MyPokerCoaching.com Tadas Peckaitis.

Tadas is a man after my own heart.

He started creating regular content for MyPokerCoaching simply because it was a thing he genuinely enjoyed doing.

As we joke about in our conversation the act of creating great poker content is not easily deterred or for the faint of heart ... it’s a true labor of love.

And there are very few people who love creating valuable poker content than Tadas.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

- Why Tadas believes he performed poorly in school yet excelled playing cards.

- What he believes you should tell your opponents when they ask for your opinion on how they played a hand.

- Why nose bleed players sometimes make horrible poker coaches.

- And much, MUCH more!

So without any further ado I bring to you cash game crusher and one of the most tireless and prolific poker coaches in the world Tadas Peckaitis.


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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

My guest today on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast is former Thirst Lounge Host, Twitch Partner, and professional poker player @BetOnDrew Drew Gonzalez.

I think you’re really going to love how open and self-reflective Drew is about his more than decade long poker journey..

He had absolutely no problem opening up about struggles that many of us in the poker world have probably faced at some point or another from relationship issues to unhealthy lifestyle choices and the extremely common curse of the young … believing you are way better at playing cards than you actually are.

In today’s episode you’re going to learn:

- A small change in Drew’s mindset that allowed him to thrive when he had previously been struggling.

- How an unhealthy lifestyle threatened Drew’s online poker career.

- Why his move to the West Coast was the reset he needed.

- And MUCH more!

So, without any further ado, I bring to you Twitch Partner and professional poker player Drew Gonzalez.

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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast is the host of the “Thinking Poker” podcast and author of Play Optimal Poker 1 and 2 Andrew Brokos.

Andrew’s another one of those human beings who makes you consider your personal beliefs.

Recently on Twitter in a thread about the Daniel Negreanu WSOP software meltdown Andrew left me with a this statement, “One last thought for you specifically, very few people have chased poker greatness as successfully as Daniel Negreanu and this is where it got him.”

Which I equated to throwing a grenade and leaving the room.

With that thought in mind I just want to make absolute certain one person’s version of poker greatness does not have to be yours. It’s a personal aspiration that each and every one of us, myself included, should consider deeply.

I genuinely hope that through this podcast, if nothing else, you will gain the necessary tools needed to answer this question for you and you alone.

And it’s my ultimate wish that you take special care on your emotional, physical, and spiritual as you endeavor to chase your version of poker greatness.

With that said, in today’s episode you’re going to learn:

- The surprising “why” behind the beginning of Andrew’s poker career.

- Why Andrew has found poker attracts the kinds of souls he tends to enjoy spending time with.

- An awesome tactic he uses to measure his level of play in live tournaments.

- And much, MUCH more!

So, without any further ado, I bring to you podcaster, author, and thinker Andrew Brokos.

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Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast is cash game destroyer of worlds and Twitch streamer Gillian Epp.

If you aren’t familiar with Gillian’s work, you should probably count your blessings as her format of choice is the one that’s nearest and dearest to my own heart, cash games. And on the felt is probably not where you’d wish to encounter her.

This conversation is especially meaningful to me as it made me reflect and meditate on some of my core beliefs about the world of poker.

The first was my cynical gut response to the Bill Perkins/Jungleman fiasco … really just feeling apathetic about the whole deal. Even though I cannot change what my initial reaction was (and I still find it hard to care more than even a little bit), I genuinely wish I still had the rosey view of online poker (And maybe human beings) that I did when I was a younger man.

That rosey view was that folks were generally honorable and would do the right thing even when other folks weren’t watching. Maybe that was naive and it’s probably unlikely I’ll get back there again, I do wish I would feel more outraged when these stories hit the wire than I currently do.

The second perspective I have meditated on quite a bit since this conversation is whether or not I would want my young girls to be a part of the poker world when they get older.

I’m just going to tell you straight away, I have seen and heard some really, really horrible things said to female dealers and poker players in my poker career … stuff I am ashamed to say I didn’t take a stand against when they happened in real time.

But Gillian’s mostly positive experience navigating the world of live poker made me realize that maybe those moments I feel such shame about aren’t as common as I once thought and, given all of the bs women have to deal with in the corporate world, etc … maybe poker wouldn’t be such a bad landing spot for my girls when it’s all said and done.

Anyway, enough about me.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

- How Gillian grew her bankroll straight away at the beginning of her poker career.

- Why she loves the world of cash games more than tournaments.

- And much, MUCH more.

So, without any further ado, I bring to you the amazing Gillian Epp.


New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on the Chasing Poker Greatness podcast has won a major MTT on every US friendly poker site and is one of the most popular coaches in the game today, Jarred “godsbigtoe” Gabin.

Toe has been in and around the game of poker since the early 2000’s and has been playing off of the same bankroll that began with him with a $5 PokerStars freeroll.

And even though he’s managed to spin hay into gold over the last couple of decades, what he’s most beloved for is giving back to the poker community through his regular coaching and Twitch study streams with former Chasing Poker Greatness guest Shaundle Pruitt.

When it comes to teachers in the world of poker, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more dedicated and passionate guide than godsbigtoe.

One of the regular questions I ask on this show is “What does greatness mean to you?” and I just want to say that I personally believe making an impact on the folks you interact with, helping guide the folks you see an earlier version of yourself in along their path, and being patience and generous with the wisdom you have gained are a MASSIVE part of what makes someone GREAT in this world.

And Jarred has all of these traits in spades.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

- How Jarred spun up his roll from the aforementioned $5.

- Why poker has been such a consistent part of Jarred’s life over the past couple of decades.

- How Jarred still feels when meeting and interacting with the folks who have made an impact in his poker career.

- And much, MUCH more.

So, without any further ado, I bring to you the one and only godsbigtoe … assuming I guess that god only has one big toe … Jarred Gabin.


New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

In today’s episode we have up-and-coming poker star, Twitch streamer, and MTT pro Brian “The Golden Blazer” Frenzel.

Brian’s going to tell his story step-by-step from mascotting in college (true story), to becoming an educator, to discovering the game of poker and heartbreak, and finally putting all of his earthly possessions into his car, moving to vegas, and taking his shot.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

- How Brian’s Twitch community helped him overcome a brutal personal struggle.

- Why full poker immersion helps expedite the growth process.

- How other people’s energy levels can give you an extra boost in the back stretch of your poker sessions.

And much, much more!

So, without any further ado, I bring to you Brian “The Golden Blazer” Frenzel on Chasing Poker Greatness.

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today’s guest on Chasing Poker Greatness is Bryan Paris.

Bryan has over 12 million dollars in online cashes (And was the 2nd human in poker history to crack the 10 million dollar mark) and has been crushing the poker tournament scene for the last 14 years.

Bryan was incredibly easy-going and easy to talk to … It’s quite apparent why he’s racked up 35,000+ followers on Twitch and had hundreds of viewers from day one of streaming.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

- A clever and effective tactic to make sure you have an edge when you’re moving up stakes.
- Why the thought experiment “The Prisoner’s Dilemma” means really bad things for the future of online poker.
- Why the folks in the USA who thrive in this age of online poker are built to last.
- And much, MUCH more.

Without any further ado, I bring to you the great Bryan Paris.

To support Chasing Poker Greatness, join the VIP Newsletter at https://chasingpokergreatness.com/VIP


New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today's episode features three epic hands from my favorite poker show of all-time, High Stakes Poker.

Tom Dwan pulls off one of the best bluffs of all time, Phil Galfond gets GOT by a recreational player, and Brad Booth pounds stacks of cash on the felt with four high vs. the GOAT Phil Ivey.

To support the show visit https://chasingpokergreatness.com

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt

Today's episode of Chasing Poker Greatness features one of the greatest to ever sit down at the green felt, Ike Haxton, getting a disgusting bluff through vs. Ryan Daut.

Hand #2 happened right before the COVID-19 pandemic at WPT Thunder Valley and involves Jake Schwartz and Tony Tran.

To support the show visit https://ChasingPokerGreatness.com

New CPG Cash Game Courses!

Preflop Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/Preflop-Bootcamp
Fish in a Barrel: http://bit.ly/fish-in-a-barrel
Neutralize Flop Leads: https://bit.ly/2OkN8Yt