Episodes

  • You’re Misusing Polarization In Poker (Here’s The Fix) · S7E14
    Jul 8 2025

    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

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    20 mins
  • The #1 Poker Math Mistake (And The Easy Fix Every Player Needs) · S7E13
    Jun 24 2025

    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    In “Bad Poker Math”, Coach Weasel breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion at the tables: relying on outdated ratio-based math.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

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    24 mins
  • Check-Raise Like A Pro: Solver Insights For Human Players · S7E12
    Jun 10 2025

    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

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    22 mins
  • What Is Equity Retention? (And Why It Wins Postflop) · S7E11
    May 27 2025

    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

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    21 mins
  • This “Simple” Poker Strategy Is Making You a Fish · S7E10
    May 13 2025

    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

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    24 mins
  • Poker Strategy vs. Tactics EXPLAINED · S7E9
    Apr 29 2025

    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

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    22 mins
  • Outsmarting The Solver: Real Strategies vs. GTO Play · S7E8
    Apr 15 2025

    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

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    25 mins
  • Why Everyone Thinks Poker Is Dead (But They're Wrong) · S7E7
    Apr 1 2025

    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

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    25 mins