Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Smallest Poker Game In Town
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Breakeven to Beast | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:24:50 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about the different levels of winning at poker — from breaking even to crushing games. How many hands do you need to track your real win rate? How fast can you move up? And why reaching breakeven is already a big deal. Most players are losing — staying grounded and improving takes time. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| From Control to Collapse | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:26:45 | |
Valerio and Ray explore how strong positions can fall apart when emotion takes over. From a historical military blunder to slipping up in sport or poker, they unpack what happens when you lose focus — and how to stay grounded when it matters most. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Tilt Starts Earlier Than You Think | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:28:24 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about the early signs of tilt — the subtle mental shifts that happen before the big mistake. It’s not just about losing a hand — tilt starts with tension, distraction, impatience, or ego. Spot it early, save your stack. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Too Tired to Think | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:29:05 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about what to do when you’re tired, not playing your best, and can’t leave the game. From tightening up to simplifying decisions, here’s how to survive a session without making it worse. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| The New Player Toolkit | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:27:27 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray break down what every new player should know before joining a home poker game — from formats and etiquette to mindset and how to enjoy yourself without feeling lost. A friendly guide for your first seat at the table. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Changing Gears | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:25:19 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about changing gears at the poker table — when to do it, why it matters, and how to disguise it behind a run of good (or bad) cards. It’s not just what you play — it’s how and when you shift. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| You've Got Better, Mate | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:28:27 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray share what they’ve seen improve in each other’s game over the past year. From confidence to creativity, the key takeaway is clear: if you don’t try new things, you’ll never grow. Change starts with risk. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Spotting a Good Player | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:28:49 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about how to recognise strong players at the table. Aggression, emotional control, and creative thinking — these are the signs you’re up against someone who knows what they’re doing. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Stop Chasing the Win | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:23:43 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray ask: Do you always have to win? They talk about the danger of chasing wins at all costs, and why sticking to your strategy — even when you lose — is key to long-term success. Play well, stay calm, and let go of the outcome. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Old Mistakes, New Sessions | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:25:41 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about the mistakes from the past that still creep into their game. Even when you know better, old habits can resurface — unless you catch them in time. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Alone at the Table | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:31:01 | |
In this episode, Valerio shares what happened when Ray couldn’t make it to their regular Friday game — leaving him as the only aggressive player at the table. Ray asks questions, and together they break down how the game changed and how the others could have pushed back. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Pace Yourself | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:24:02 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about energy management at the table. You can’t be at 100% for three hours straight — so when do you slow down, and when do you lock in fully? Playing well isn’t just about strategy — it’s about timing your focus. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| 3-Bet with Position | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:22:26 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray dive into 3-betting in position — especially from the button. Why it’s powerful, when to pull the trigger, and how your hand range and opponent type shape the move. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Track or Trick Yourself | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:27:48 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about tracking your poker results — why it matters, especially in live games where there’s no software to help. If you don’t know your numbers, you might just be fooling yourself. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Don’t Kill the Game | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:22:26 | |
Valerio and Ray talk about the importance of being kind to weaker players — even when the cards go against you. If you insult them, they won’t come back. And without them, the game dies. Poker isn’t just one hand — it’s the long game. Protect it. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| When the Flop Loves You | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:28:36 | |
You hit the dream flop — now how do you get paid? In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about how to extract max value when you're ahead, especially against calling stations, tricky draws, or players who just can’t fold their big pairs. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Ray Goes to Manchester | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:21:41 | |
In this episode, Ray tells the story of qualifying online and traveling to Manchester for a live tournament. Seven hours of play, ups and downs — and what it’s like chasing Day 2 on the road. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Advice to Our Younger Poker Selves | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:25:08 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray look back at their early poker days. Ray wishes he’d moved to No Limit sooner. Valerio shares why finding a low-pressure game is key to learning the right strategy. What would you tell your younger self? Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| When the Table Gets Full | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:24:00 | |
Valerio and Ray dive into the shift from short-handed to 8-handed play — fewer hands, slower pace, tighter ranges. How do you adjust when the table fills up? Let’s talk about it. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| How to Host a Poker Night That Lasts | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:24:12 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray share what makes a home game thrive for years — from fairness and clear rules to social vibes, no egos, and counting chips right. Want people to come back? Start here. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| What Are You Drinking? | 29 May 2025 | 00:20:35 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about alcohol, coffee, water, and how what you drink before and during the game can shape your play — for better or worse. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Big Blinds & Big Plans | 22 May 2025 | 00:21:26 | |
Two mini-episodes in one: First, Valerio and Ray talk about thinking in big blinds vs. money. Then, it’s all about online tournaments — why planning ahead (food, water, social life) can save your stack. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| The 4-Handed Shift | 15 May 2025 | 00:28:15 | |
In this episode of The Smallest Poker Game in Town, Valerio and Ray talk about how everything changes when the table shrinks. From wider ranges to faster blinds and aggressive dynamics, short-handed play demands sharper decisions — and a looser style. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| When Bluffs Get Silly | 08 May 2025 | 00:22:10 | |
In this episode of The Smallest Poker Game in Town, Valerio and Ray dive into the world of goofy bluffs — the wild, weird, and sometimes wonderful bluffs that make you ask: “What was I thinking?” From accidental genius to total disaster, we’ve all been there. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| The C-Bet Evolution | 01 May 2025 | 00:23:32 | |
Valerio and Ray break down how continuation betting has evolved in their own game — from early basics to facing opponents who don’t fold so easily. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| From Tourneys to Cash: Skill Crossover | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:19:59 | |
In this episode, Valerio and Ray explore how playing tournaments can level up your live cash game. From short stack survival to deep stack dynamics, the skill transfer is real — and powerful. Whether you’re a cash grinder or tourney regular, there’s something here for you. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Sharpen Your Game: The One-Hour-a-Week Study Loop | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:24:49 | |
You don’t need hours a day to improve — just one focused hour a week. In this episode, we break down a simple 4-step loop: Play → Analyze → Study → Plan. Sharpen your game, spot your leaks, and level up — one hour at a time. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Gambling Mindset: When the Game Stops Being Fun | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:19:48 | |
This episode’s all about the gambling mindset—why chasing losses, riding highs, and thinking like a gambler can mess with your poker game (and your life). We break down the mental traps players fall into and how to keep your head straight at the tables. And yeah, towards the end, we get a bit serious with a quick reminder about the real dangers of gambling. If the fun starts to fade, it might be time to take a step back. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Fold Gracefully | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:20:34 | |
In this episode, we explore the underrated art of folding in poker — why knowing when to let go is just as powerful as making a big play. From reading the table to managing emotions, we dive into the strategy and mindset behind folding gracefully. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| From Hoodie to Hero: Building Your Table Image | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:22:25 | |
At the poker table, you're more than just your cards — you're your image. In this episode, we dive into the power of perception, the value of crafting a table persona, and whether adopting an alter ego can give you the edge you need to win. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Early Aggression Pays Off | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:26:30 | |
Increase your win rate by betting and raising early in the hand. Valerio and Ray discuss ways to achieve this in your home game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Stir It Up | 13 Mar 2025 | 00:24:05 | |
Occasionally your home game can be less exciting than usual. Valerio and Ray discuss ways of stirring things up. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Home Game with Chris | 06 Mar 2025 | 00:31:02 | |
Valerio and Ray welcome special guest Chris and discuss poker's life lessons, game theory and playing styles. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| 5 Tips to Win More | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:25:25 | |
These tips do not rely on fancy techniques and they will benefit beginners and more experienced players. If you are already applying all five tips then we expect you are a winner in your home game, but if you are not, listen to hear what you have been missing. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Poker and Some Chess with Chris | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:26:01 | |
After a two year pause while he became a dad, Chris returned to our game last year. Since then he has been a regular in our game. In the first part of our chat with Chris we discuss how he started playing poker, the comparison with chess and advice he would give a new player. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Controlling the Money | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:23:24 | |
Here at the Smallest Poker Game in Town we have a procedure for controlling the money. From collecting initial buy-ins to paying out the final amounts to players we make sure that everything is recorded and transparent. This episode explains how we do it. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Consistency | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:21:19 | |
How can you be consistent in a game where chance plays a role? Valerio and Ray discuss this in relation to their home cash game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Going Deep in a Tournament | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:27:20 | |
Following our recent episodes about online tournaments (“Grow your Bankroll at No Risk” and “Tournament Strategy”) we put what we had learned into practice. Both of us ran deep in tournaments earning big boosts to our bankrolls. Listen to what happened and celebrate our 100th episode with us. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Dealer in a Home Game | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
The dealer does not just deal the cards, they control the play of the hand. Valerio and Ray discuss how the dealer ensures your home game runs smoothly. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Ego | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:15:27 | |
How does your ego impact your play? Regardless of your experience, ego can prevent you playing your best. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Tournament Strategy | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:26:19 | |
How should you play when you win a free entry in a big online tournament? In this episode Valerio and Ray discuss the lessons they have learned from playing in these tournaments. From the early rounds to the final table, the best strategy will vary at each stage. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Grow your Bankroll at No Risk | 02 Jan 2025 | 00:23:36 | |
With discipline and some luck you can use the incentives offered by online poker sites to increase your bankroll. Tournaments can make a big difference and in this episode Valerio and Ray explain how. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| A Chat with Emma - Part 2 | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:33:42 | |
In this concluding part of our chat with Emma we discuss how lessons learnt at the poker table can be translate to life in general. Emma has been a regular player in The Smallest Poker Game in Town for the last two years and in this episode she talks candidly about how poker has helped her enhance and learn new skills that prove useful outside the game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| A Chat with Emma - Part 1 | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:26:18 | |
Emma has been a regular player in The Smallest Poker Game in Town for the last two years. In the first part of our chat with Emma we discuss how she started playing poker, the challenges facing a new player and what she has learnt from playing a low stakes home game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| What’s Wrong with You? | 12 Dec 2024 | 00:27:29 | |
In this episode we discuss situations when you have a feeling to be targeted from another player. Is it just a feeling? Is it real? How should you react? Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| You Don't Have to Do Anything! | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:21:21 | |
In this episode Valerio and Ray discuss situations where you feel compelled to take a specific action. Why does this happen and how can you consider the other options? Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Keep it Simple | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:21:04 | |
Regardless of the level you play, poker can be a confusing, complex game. Valerio and Ray discuss ways to simplify your play in your low stakes home game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Three Pillars of Aggressive Poker | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:21:54 | |
How do you play more aggressively without becoming a maniac? In this episode we explore simple ways you can inject more aggression in your game. Your opponents may not like it but your bankroll will. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| Be Aware of Your Fears | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:25:00 | |
Fear can stop us playing our best poker. In this episode we discuss four fears - the fear of looking stupid, the fear of your opponent drawing out on you, the fear of not getting paid off and finally, the fear of losing your bankroll. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||
| How Should You Study Poker? | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:21:39 | |
In this episode Valerio and Ray discuss how they have improved their game by taking the time to study. Whether it be reading books, watching videos or chatting with your poker friends, studying poker can be fun and profitable. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: | |||