The Official Red Chip Poker Podcast

What goes on behind the scenes from a poker dealer's perspective? Doug Hull interviews his friend Nathan on this week's podcast bring you insights from the lifestyle of top dealer in Las Vegas. Nathan isn't just an in-demand dealer, he's also a semi-pro player. He shares an unfiltered view of the ups and downs of life dealing the biggest games in Vegas all the way down to $1/$2. Join us to get a view poker players rarely get, and are sure to appreciate.

Is your understanding of position in poker costing you EV? In this season 7 finale of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, you’ll learn why thinking in terms of position alone is no longer enough—and how the concept of formational awareness can bring serious clarity to your strategy. Coach W34z3l takes you deep into the subtle yet critical differences between various formations—like Button vs. Big Blind or Cutoff vs. Hijack—and how each one impacts everything from c-bet frequency to overbetting strategies to exploitative bluff-catching. You’ll see how GTO solvers treat the same flop very differently based on the exact formation, and how many players make costly mistakes by ignoring these nuances. Whether you’re playing single-raised pots or 3-bet pots, in position or out, this episode will help you move beyond generic poker strategy and toward more precise, formation-aware decision making. If you're serious about improving your game, this discussion offers a powerful new lens for thinking about positional dynamics. 🧠 Want to go deeper into advanced concepts like this? Pick up our new book The Exploitative Edge—available at www.redchippoker.com/edge or on Amazon.

In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, Coach W34z3l dives into one of the trickiest spots in no-limit hold'em: facing a double barrel out of position and deciding whether to check-raise the turn. If you've ever second-guessed a check-raise with a gutshot, flush draw, or even second pair, this deep strategy breakdown is for you. Using a K98 flop with a blank turn as the foundation, you'll explore how solvers approach turn check-raising frequencies, which hands qualify as profitable semi-bluffs, and where most players go wrong—particularly by bluffing too much with zero-equity hands. You’ll also gain clarity on when to fold draws, when to turn equity into aggression, and why certain board textures severely cap your value range. This is an essential listen if you're serious about improving your poker strategy, particularly in cash games and single-raised pots. Whether you're already working with solvers or just want to make fewer costly mistakes out of position, the insights in this episode will help you sharpen your turn decisions and build a stronger overall game plan.

Online #poker has changed—and not always for the better. While you're battling regs and fish, there’s a whole new opponent sitting quietly at the tables: poker bots. In this eye-opening episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, Coach W34z3l breaks down the current state of bots in online poker and gives you the tools to protect your winrate—and maybe even boost it—by identifying and exploiting these digital opponents. From profile bots to pool exploit bots, bot rings to RTA bots, and even house bots operated by the poker sites themselves, we explore what these bots are, how they work, and how you can beat them. You’ll learn: · How to detect suspicious non-human play · What to do if you uncover a bot ring · When it’s better to avoid, report, or exploit bots · How strategy “buckets” make bots vulnerable · Real-world examples of exploits that print money—fast If you’ve ever wondered whether your opponent is too consistent, too persistent, or too good to be human… this episode is for you.

Were old school poker players better than today's GTO-inspired up-and-comers? In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, Coach w34z3l explores the dramatic evolution of poker strategy—from the gritty, intuition-fueled grind of old school poker to today’s GTO-obsessed solver era. Whether you started playing poker in the last year or two decades ago, this conversation sheds light on what skills are truly essential to succeed in today’s games. You’ll examine how the modern training environment has shifted player development. HUDs, note-taking, combo counting, and live opponent profiling were once standard tools in every serious player’s kit. Now, many new players bypass these fundamentals, leaning heavily on solver output and pre-solved ranges—sometimes at the cost of building real-world intuition and adaptability. If you’ve ever wondered whether relying on solvers is enough… or if old-school strategy still has a place in today’s games, this episode is for you. You'll leave with a clear picture of the five key abilities every well-rounded poker player needs—and why combining the best of both eras may be your edge. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book · CORE Poker Course: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

If you’ve ever heard someone say “I’m raising a polarized range on the flop” and thought wait, that doesn’t quite make sense — you’re not alone. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, Coach W34z3l introduces a new term you’ll want to add to your poker vocabulary: pseudo polarization. While traditional polarized ranges make perfect sense on the river—where you’re typically betting either your strongest value hands or your weakest bluffs—the same logic falls apart when you try to apply it to early street play. That’s where pseudo polarization comes in. It describes the kind of range composition you see in flop and turn solver outputs: some strong draws, some mid-strength hands, and a mix of weak bluffs that don’t quite fit the classic definition of polarization. This is a deeper, theory-focused episode that will challenge the way you think about bluff combos, equity distribution, and the limits of GTO shortcut terms like “polarized.” You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of: Why solvers raise mid-strength hands that wouldn’t be in a true polarized range The dangers of blindly following bluff/value combo ratios like 70/30 How to build flop-raising ranges that can’t be exploited—even if they don’t look “polarized” in the traditional sense Whether you're studying solver output or just trying to speak more precisely about your strategy, this episode will help you move beyond vague buzzwords and into real conceptual clarity. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book · CORE Poker Course: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

If you’ve ever struggled with poker math mid-hand—fumbling with ratios, converting to percentages, and second-guessing your decisions—this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. In “Bad Poker Math”, Coach Weasel breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion at the tables: relying on outdated ratio-based math. Whether it's calculating pot odds, implied odds, or bluff-to-value frequencies, traditional approaches often overcomplicate simple decisions and slow you down when it matters most. This episode lays out a smoother path: think in percentages, eliminate conversions, and streamline your thought process with easy-to-remember math shortcuts. You'll learn not only how to make sharper calls and folds faster, but also why simplifying doesn’t mean dumbing down—it means cutting through tradition to get to the core of better poker decisions. **LINKS** · Preflop & Math Poker Workbook: https://www.splitsuit.com/poker-preflop-math-workbook · CORE Poker Course: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core · Why Poker Math Is STILL Important: https://www.splitsuit.com/why-poker-math-approach-is-best **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

If you’ve ever struggled to know when to check-raise the flop—or felt unsure whether your current strategy is leaking EV—this episode is for you. We break down one of the most common and instructive spots in poker: big blind vs. button on a dry flop. Using solver-informed analysis, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of which types of hands check-raise profitably, where these hands fall on the equity spectrum, and how the modern approach differs from traditional polarized thinking. This isn't just a theory dump—it's a guided look at how to interpret solver output in a practical, actionable way. You’ll explore how check-raises are distributed across strong value hands, semi-bluffs like gutshots and open-enders, and even some surprisingly middling pairs. Along the way, you'll learn why the classic idea of a polarized range doesn’t fully apply and how mixing strategies help achieve balance in this spot. Whether you play live or online poker, this strategic cross-section will sharpen your intuition and help you develop a more nuanced postflop approach. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2 (Book): https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book · Understanding Equity Distribution: https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution · Poker Strategy vs. Tactics: https://youtu.be/2_Q3ZbwfKB4 **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Can we discuss “equity retention” and why it’s not an optional concept to learn for every poker player? In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we break down one of the most overlooked yet essential postflop concepts: equity retention. You’ll learn what it is, how it impacts your decisions postflop, and how to use it to build stronger bluffing lines and value strategies. Whether you're new to the term or just need a refresher, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for. Perfect for cash game players and tournament grinders alike. 💡 Takeaways from this episode: Learn why some hands drop off sharply as villain’s range narrows Discover the types of hands that thrive in high-pressure spots Understand when top pair is vulnerable—and how to respond See why draws and backdoor equity give you profitable bluffing opportunities Use equity retention to guide bet sizing, barreling, and board coverage **LINKS** · CORE Poker Membership: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core · Understanding Equity Distribution: https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution · Poker Strategy vs. Tactics: https://youtu.be/2_Q3ZbwfKB4 **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Poker is already a complex game—but many players try to make it easier by using simplified poker strategies. Whether it’s range c-betting 1/3 pot, 3-bet-only from the small blind, or avoiding donk bets entirely, the goal is always the same: reduce decisions & reduce errors. But is simplifying your strategy actually helping your win rate? Or is it quietly costing you chips? In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we explore the real trade-offs behind simplified poker strategies, their relationship to GTO solver output, and the critical distinction between playing GTO and playing exploitatively. This is a must-listen for serious players diving into solvers and anyone questioning whether "just keeping it simple" is the right approach. 🔍 You’ll learn: What simplified poker strategies really are (and what they’re not) How EV loss in solvers is often misunderstood Why simplified strategies may shift complexity to later streets The #1 mistake players make when comparing GTO models When simplification actually makes sense—especially from an exploitative lens. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2 Poker Book: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book · Crushing GTO Poker: https://youtu.be/j8cFt86B8To · EV Poker Formula: https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

In this episode, you’ll sharpen your understanding of poker strategy and tactical execution — two sides of the same coin that every winning player needs to master. Whether you’ve ever wondered "am I making the best decision here?" or "do I even know the EV of this play?" — this discussion gives you the tools to confidently find the answer. Coach w34z3l breaks down the critical difference between strategy and tactics, using real-world examples from chess, warfare, and poker itself. You’ll discover why knowing your EV on the river is often possible (and expected), but why trying to perfectly map it out preflop is usually a losing battle. This episode teaches you how strong strategic play on early streets naturally leads to clearer, simpler tactical opportunities on later streets — allowing you to pick better spots, make cleaner bets, and avoid costly mistakes. If you’re serious about improving your poker thought process, you’ll learn why building principled, high-level strategic habits matters just as much as finding those sharp tactical lines. Plus, get introduced to tools like EV modeling, simplified tree building, and how solvers fit (or don't fit) into the real-world game. **LINKS** · Poker Workbooks (& More): https://redchippoker.com/poker-books/ · Why Strategy & Tactics Are NOT The Same: https://redchippoker.com/poker-strategy-and-tactics-are-not-the-same/ · EV Poker Formula: https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

GTO poker isn’t unbeatable — in fact, it’s full of cracks. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we reveal exactly how to generate an edge against solver output, challenge GTO dogma, and outmaneuver “optimal” opponents. Whether you're battling bots or facing players trying to perfectly mimic solvers, this deep dive breaks down why GTO isn’t the end-all strategy — and how to beat it. We explore: Solver weaknesses like finite sizings, rigid stack depths, and limited trees How unorthodox sizing, lines, and timing force exploitable mistakes Why out-of-band data like tells and timing are still king How to think laterally about GTO and poker strategy This episode also previews our brand-new PRO course “Myths of Poker” — uncovering common misconceptions even winning players still believe. **LINKS** · GTO Poker Gems 2: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book · Join PRO Today: https://redchippoker.com/pro-membership · GTO vs Equity Distribution: https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

You've heard the claims—poker is dead. The rise of GTO solvers, real-time assistance (RTA), cheating scandals, and unbeatable rake structures have all fueled the conversation. But how much of it is hype, and how much is reality? In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we take a serious, fact-driven look at whether poker is truly in decline—or if it's simply evolving. You’ll explore the current landscape of online and live poker, including the influence of poker AI, the misconception that the game has been fully solved, and how technology has shaped both the risks and opportunities available to today’s players. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s still possible to profit at the tables, this episode breaks down what you actually need to know—and how to stay one step ahead. From discussing the difference between strong and weak GTO solutions to dissecting the challenges of RTA-based cheating, this video gives you the tools to make informed decisions about your own poker journey. We also touch on which formats might be safer or more lucrative in the coming years, and what trends could shape the next chapter of the game. Whether you're a recreational player or someone taking poker seriously, this episode aims to replace fear with clarity. The game isn’t dead—but it is different. And understanding those differences could be the key to finding long-term success. **LINKS** · GTO Poker Gems 2 (The book): https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book · What About Live Poker?: https://www.splitsuit.com/live-poker-cash-game-truths · More RCP Poker Books: https://redchippoker.com/poker-books/ **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Have you ever called a big bet, lost the hand, and immediately thought, I knew I should’ve folded!? Or maybe you made a hero call, won, and convinced yourself it was pure genius? This poker mental trap—what we call the hindsight reflex—is one of the biggest leaks in poker. It skews your perception, making you judge decisions based on results rather than sound strategy. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we break down why this happens, how it warps your thought process, and most importantly, how to fix it. Coach w34z3l dives deep into a hand where Hero faces a tough 5-bet all-in decision with Ace-King and explores how players misinterpret the quality of their play based on what their opponent turns over. Are you making logical, EV-positive decisions, or are you falling into results-oriented thinking? What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ Why results-oriented thinking leads to poor long-term play ✔️ How to separate strategic errors from mindset leaks ✔️ The key questions to ask yourself after every big decision ✔️ How to make better, more objective hand reviews If you want to level up your poker strategy and stop second-guessing yourself based on the last hand you played, this episode is a must-study. **LINKS** · PRO Membership: https://redchippoker.com/pro-membership · Poker Intuition Explained: https://redchippoker.com/poker-intuition-explained/ · Learning Poker In 2025: https://www.splitsuit.com/learning-poker-6-things-to-learn-first **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Poker isn’t always black and white, but too many players treat it that way. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we dive deep into one of the biggest mindset shifts that separates winning players from the rest: understanding which decisions actually impact your win rate and which ones you can stop overanalyzing. You’ve probably heard debates at the table: Should you always c-bet second pair? Should you always call in a given spot? The truth is, many hands are played with mixed strategies, meaning there’s no single correct line—and getting lost in solver outputs won’t make you a better player. Instead, the biggest leaks in most players' games come from clear, black-and-white mistakes—things like failing to defend the big blind, missing profitable river value bets, or calling without the right odds. In this episode, Coach Weasel breaks down real poker examples to show you: ✔ When small strategic choices don’t matter as much as you think. ✔ Why focusing on high-frequency mistakes will improve your game faster. ✔ How to identify clear-cut EV errors and stop making them. If you want to stop second-guessing every hand and start playing confident, +EV poker, this episode is for you. **LINKS** · The Advanced Poker Workbook: https://www.splitsuit.com/advanced-poker-workbook · Positional Plays Every Pro Knows: https://redchippoker.com/position-preflop-postflop/ **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord  

The button is the most profitable position in poker, yet many players fail to fully capitalize on it. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we take a deep dive into button strategy, covering everything from preflop adjustments to postflop decision making. Understanding how to play effectively from the button can significantly improve your overall winrate. While button leaks can absolutely cripple any chance of success. This episode explores: What a strong button winrate looks like and how to identify leaks in your game Optimal raise first in (RFI) frequencies and when to expand your opening range Defending against 3-bets—when to call, fold, or 4-bet for maximum profitability Postflop adjustments in single-raised and 3-bet pots, including c-betting, barreling, and exploitative play Common mistakes players make on the button and how to correct them Whether you’re an online player reviewing your database or a live cash game player looking to refine your approach, this episode provides practical insights to help you play more effectively from the button. **LINKS** · The GTO Ranges App: https://redchippoker.com/gto-ranges-app · The SB Playbook: https://youtu.be/ikvDv_LUm5o · The BB Playbook: https://youtu.be/bIQpgu8rg7s **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Is poker really gambling? 🤔 It’s a question that sparks debate among players, casual fans, and even lawmakers. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we break down the real meaning of gambling and whether #poker should be considered a game of chance, skill, or something in between. We start by examining the dictionary definitions of gambling and why they don’t always capture the nuances of poker. While poker involves risk and money—like traditional gambling games such as blackjack or roulette—there are key differences that separate it from pure chance-based betting. We explore the role of skill, probability, and sample size in determining whether a poker player is truly gambling or making a calculated investment. You'll also learn about the three key factors that separate gambling from investing, including expectation, repetition, and risk management. Whether you're a professional poker player or just starting out, understanding these concepts can help you play smarter and avoid costly mistakes. Additionally, we discuss the ethics of gambling, the difference between poker and casino games, and even how governments classify poker in tax law. Plus, if you've ever been told that playing poker is "just gambling," this episode gives you the perfect response! **LINKS** · CORE Membership: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core · Another Take On Poker vs. Gambling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viS9EYf_-Kw **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord  

In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we delve into the world of expensive poker training content. They scrutinize whether high-priced poker courses and boot camps, such as a $3,000 course or a $14,000 boot camp, are genuinely worth their price tags.  The discussion covers the psychology behind perceived value, the ethics of marketing, and the motivations behind inflated pricing. They also examine the historical context by reflecting on the infamous “Let There Be Range” ebook, its hefty price tag, and its polarizing reception.  This episode aims to provide listeners with practical advice on evaluating poker training content, identifying red flags in sales pitches, and making informed decisions about investment in poker education. We emphasize caution and encourage skepticism toward promises of guaranteed success and revolutionary secrets in the high-stakes poker training industry. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 1 Audiobook: https://gtogems.com/audio1 · Red Chip Poker: https://redchippoker.com/   **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

In the season premiere of season 7, w34z3l shares valuable strategies for gaining a competitive edge in online #poker. He emphasizes the importance of tools like HUDs for informational advantage, discusses the role of table selection, and explains how high-volume play impacts hourly rates. We also examine how poker rooms may counteract players’ edges with restrictions like HUD limits and hand history access, stressing the need for players to be selective in choosing poker rooms that align with their strategies.   00:00 Welcome To Season 7 00:51 Introduction to Poker Edge 01:12 Key Areas to Gain an Edge 01:24 Importance of HUD and Table Selection 02:19 Volume and Hand Histories 03:54 Use of Scripts and Game Softness 05:10 Poker Rooms Counteracting Your Edge 06:52 Fast Format Games and HUD Limitations 08:26 Hand History and Table Cap Restrictions 10:17 Variance Increases and Player Value Index 12:02 High Rake and Graphics Overkill 14:16 Criteria for Choosing a Poker Room 20:51 Coaching and Training Sites 24:42 Final Thoughts on Maintaining Your Edge   **LINKS** · Upgrade To PRO Now: https://redchippoker.com/pro-membership · Protect Yourself Against Online Cheating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtzT2OtiiQ · Understanding Your Winrate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb5Yc_scPQs   **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join our free poker Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord

Blockers are an intermediate concept that tends to be used incorrectly by many players. While they can be important in making close decisions, there are some situations in which using blockers will actually diminish your results. Find out when and how to use blockers by listening to the final podcast episode of Season 6. RELATED LINKS GTO Poker Gems (Book Site): https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-book Poker Combos And Blockers 101: https://www.splitsuit.com/poker-combos-blockers How To 3-Bet With Blockers: https://www.splitsuit.com/how-to-3-bet-with-blockers The Advanced Poker Workbook: https://www.splitsuit.com/advanced-poker-workbook Join us on Discord: https://redchippoker.com/discord