HAND #1 (8 handed, in the money, blinds 10K/25K - 25K BB ante)

Reard (740K stack) raises to 50K with Q♣ J♠ from middle position. Kornuth (2.2M stack) folds A♣ 9♥ from Small Blind. Deeb (990K stack) calls 6♠ 3♠ from Big Blind.

Flop T♠ 9♣ 3♣. Deeb checks. Reard bets 45K. Deeb calls.

Turn A♠. Deeb checks. Reard bets 135K. Deeb all-in for 645K effective. Reard folds.

HAND #2 (7 handed, in the money, blinds 15K/30K - 30K BB ante)

Bleznick (1.9M stack) calls in the Small Blind with A♣ Q♠. Schulman (1.6M stack) checks with 6♥ 2♣.

Flop 9♥ 9♣ 4♣. Bleznick checks. Schulman bets 30K into 90K. Bleznick calls.

Turn 7♥. Bleznick checks. Schulman bets 150K. Bleznick calls.

River 5♥. Bleznick checks. Schulman bets 350K. Bleznick folds.

Get access to Aaron Barone's exclusive training content in the Upswing Lab: https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching

Written Version of This Episode

Watch the full final table at https://www.pokergo.com/

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:36 Evaluating Ace-Jack in the Big Blind

03:33 Analyzing Check Raise Decisions

04:56 Turn Play Strategy with Bluff Catchers

06:38 River Decisions and Stack Management

11:22 Hand 2: Ace-Ten Hand Analysis

19:11 Adjusting for Different Stack Sizes

25:36 Strategies for Final Table ICM Pressure

30:08 Conclusion and Future Episodes

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Aaron Barone, a tournament poker pro and Upswing Poker coach, analyze two pivotal hands from a $1,500 buy-in six-max final table event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). With over $400,000 up for grabs, they break down each street of these high-stakes hands, providing valuable insights on how to navigate critical decisions in a final table setting.

The podcast begins with an in-depth analysis of the first hand, where a strong player raises under the gun with King-Queen offsuit. Aaron discusses why three-betting or folding is preferable over calling in this scenario, especially given the Independent Chip Model (ICM) pressure. The hosts debate the merits of different actions, from folding to calling and raising, while considering the pay jumps and stack dynamics at play.

Next, the focus shifts to a hand involving Ace-Jack in the big blind, where the player faces a continuation bet on a tough board. Mike and Aaron explore whether check-raising or flatting is the optimal move, considering both the ICM dynamics and the overall strength of the hand in the context of the final table. They discuss the merits of disguise and balancing ranges, especially in situations where opponent behavior is unpredictable.

As the episode continues, the hosts dive into advanced concepts such as leading with bluff catchers, stack management, and adjusting for different board textures. This poker strategy podcast offers a detailed breakdown of how to handle turn and river play, including when to slow play and when to induce bluffs, all while considering the high-pressure environment of a final table.

The episode wraps up with a second hand analysis, featuring an Ace-Ten hand and a series of tough decisions regarding stack sizes and final table ICM pressure. Aaron provides insights into how to navigate these complex scenarios, offering listeners practical advice on adjusting their strategies for various tournament situations.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to learn how to make the right moves under pressure and refine your approach to critical final table decisions. Whether you're a seasoned tournament pro or an aspiring grinder, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to help you elevate your game.