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Thinking Poker

242 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 304 ratings

Weekly poker podcast featuring interviews with both famous and behind-the-scenes figures from the poker world, as well as a poker strategy segment.

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Episodes

Episode 304: Straight Flush

August 21, 2019 13:45 - 45 minutes - 52.5 MB

Nate and Andrew discuss the Commerce Casino, the new Encore Boston Harbor, and when to sit in the biggest game in the room. In the strategy segment, Hero rivers a straight flush, but is it strong enough to raise? Timestamps ... Read more...

Episode 84: Alex Fitzgerald (Re-Broadcast)

August 12, 2019 23:38 - 1 hour - 69.4 MB

Alex “Assassinato” Fitzgerald joins Nate and Andrew to talk about his childhood in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, winning and losing a fortune, abusing drugs and getting clean, and his new life in Costa Rica. Alex Fitzgerald Alex Fitzgerald is ... Read more...

Episode 303: Foxwoods Circa 2003 with Matt Glassman

July 31, 2019 04:21 - 1 hour - 112 MB

MATT GLASSMAN Matt Glassman is an avid card player and a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute who frequently frames political discussions in terms of game theory and card strategy. Twitter Link Matt Glassman reminisces about the early ... Read more...

Episode 83: WSOP Update with Leo Wolpert (Re-Broadcast)

July 22, 2019 12:09 - 1 hour - 85 MB

This interview first aired in 2014 on the Poker News podcast stream. It was never available on the Thinking Poker stream, which is why we’re re-releasing it now. Leo Wolpert joins Nate and Andrew from Las Vegas to discuss safety ... Read more...

Episode 302: The Main Event

July 15, 2019 17:57 - 1 hour - 107 MB

Andrew and Nate discuss Andrew’s 125th place finish in the WSOP Main Event. Timestamps 0:30 – hello and welcome 5:36 – bustout hand 71:32 – pocket fours Strategy Hand 1 30K/60K HJ (9M) opens to 120K, Hero (5.5M) calls from ... Read more...

Episode 301: Matt Matros

July 02, 2019 16:33 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Matt Matros is a professional poker player and writer whose works include both fiction and poker books. He and Andrew discuss poker, writing, and writing about poker. In the strategy segment, Andrew discusses floating a flop check-raise deep in a ... Read more...

Episode 300: David Sklansky

June 24, 2019 20:25 - 2 hours - 192 MB

Legendary poker author David Sklansky is our guest for Episode 300. We discuss his long career in gambling and writing about gambling, his new book The Theory of Poker Applied to No-Limit, and more. Plus real-time strategy from the WSOP ... Read more...

Episode 299: Berk’s Back

June 18, 2019 02:28 - 1 hour - 80.1 MB

Berk Brown sits down with Andrew in Las Vegas to discuss flying around the world to deal nosebleed games, the short lifespan of delusional pros, and the state of Las Vegas poker in 2019. Andrew’s new book, Play Optimal Poker, ... Read more...

Episode 82: Ari Engel (Re-broadcast)

June 10, 2019 23:10 - 1 hour - 83.2 MB

This interview first aired in 2014 on the Poker News podcast stream. It was never available on the Thinking Poker stream, which is why we’re re-releasing it now. Ari is a perfect #nitcast guest, sharing tips on how to travel ... Read more...

Correction to Episode 298

June 03, 2019 17:47 - 51 seconds - 798 KB

When I first released Episode 298, I made an offer to give free e-books to people who bought a paper book wrote a review. Unfortunately, I think that’s not consistent with Amazon’s policy on reviews, and I don’t want to ... Read more...

Episode 298: Play Optimal Poker

June 03, 2019 15:52 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

Andrew’s book, Play Optimal Poker, comes out on Tuesday, June 4. He and Nate discuss writing, editing, publishing, and the book’s contents. The e-book is available to pre-order now, but be sure to listen to the episode first if you ... Read more...

Episode 297: Quick Strategy

May 27, 2019 21:23 - 37 minutes - 43.2 MB

Andrew’s working furiously to finish his book, so there’s no guest this week, just a quick strategy segment where he and Nate discuss whether to slowplay top set. Timestamps 0:30 Hello8:07 Strategy Strategy $2/$5 at Turning Stone in upstate NY. ... Read more...

Episode 296: Top Pair, Multi-Way

May 14, 2019 14:51 - 55 minutes - 63.8 MB

Nate and Andrew discuss the new premium podcasts, Andrew’s forthcoming book, and a tricky hand where the Hero makes top pair, top kicker in a four-way pot. Timestamps 0:30 hello & welcome14:17 strategy Strategy 5/5 NLHE, $1500 effective Hero raises ... Read more...

Episode 295: Carlos Welch, Single Table Satellites, and More

May 07, 2019 18:04 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

CARLOs WELCH Carlos Welch is a “professional poker student” and long-time friend of the show. He plays, coaches, and studies poker, lives in a van, and substitute teaches. He first appeared on Episode 39. Twitter Link Carlos and Andrew have ... Read more...

Episode 294: Steven van Zadelhoff

April 29, 2019 18:35 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Steven van Zadelhoff Steven van Zadelhoff is a Dutch poker player residing in Malta. Among his many accolades is a victory in the Main Event of the 2017 World Championship of Online Poker. Twitter Long-time poker pro Steven van Zadelhoff ... Read more...

Episode 293: Thomas Pinnock

April 23, 2019 14:56 - 78 MB

Thomas Pinnock Thomas Pinnock is a poker player and coach, a contributor to Upswing Poker, and a medical student at the University of Western Australia. He is the founder of Zenith Poker. Link Thomas Pinnock is a master of balance. ... Read more...

Episode 292: Tommy Angelo Waits for Straighters

April 16, 2019 14:35 - 100 MB

Tommy Angelo discusses the concept of Waiting for Straighters as well as his collaboration with Lee Jones and his thoughts on collaboration more generally. Tommy previously appeared on Episode 2, Episode 29, and Episode 192, Episode 211, and Episode 220. ... Read more...

Episode 291: Mark Thompson

April 08, 2019 21:01 - 85.1 MB

Software developer Mark Thompson joins us to discuss the common pitfalls and important “Aha!” moments for new players, as well as how a desire to create software to assist with his own development led to a commercial project. In the ... Read more...

Episode 290: Brad Willis

April 02, 2019 16:21 - 109 MB

This wide-ranging interview explores not only Brad Willis’s new project Murder Etc but also creativity, journalism, the podcasting medium, and what it means to know a place. Timestamps 0:30 – Hello & welcome3:11 – Strategy35:40 – Brad Willis Links Tyler ChildersBilly StringsMarcus ... Read more...

Episode 289: Barry Carter

March 25, 2019 14:27 - 110 MB

Timestamps 0:30 – Hello7:18 – Strategy34:21 – Barry Carter Strategy Hand Details 100 BB effective stacks Dealt to Hero: Ks Ts UTG folds, Hero (MP) raises to 3BB, Villain (CO) calls, BTN folds, SB folds, BB folds. Flop: Qh 6s 4s (7.5BB) Hero bets ... Read more...

Episode 288: Phil Galfond Runs It Once

March 12, 2019 15:55 - 101 MB

Phil Galfond, who first appeared on Episode 229, returns to the show to discuss the launch of his real-money poker site Run It Once and how it differs from the traditional online poker experience. Follow Phil on Twitter for more ... Read more...

Episode 287: Rough River

March 04, 2019 18:38 - 47.8 MB

Thanks to a last-minute cancellation, Nate and Andrew put together a quick all-strategy episode. What do you do when you flop the nuts but the river pairs the board? How should you transition from tournaments to online cash games? Strategy ... Read more...

Episode 286: Luke Vrabel

February 25, 2019 16:45 - 103 MB

Luke Vrabel (@SlayAbides) began his career as bdbeatslayer, one of the top “female” MTT players online, eventually winning a bundle of cash and a Lamborghini in the 5th Anniversary PokerStars Sunday Million. Since Black Friday, though, he’s had a rocky ... Read more...

Episode 285: GirafGanger7

February 18, 2019 16:07 - 96.4 MB

GirafGanger7 consistently cracks Pocket Fives’ list of the top ten online MTT players, and between games, he helps his girlfriend care for rescue animals from cats to chickens to goats. We talk to him about his unique life, his approach ... Read more...

Episode 284: Poker and Pop Culture with Martin Harris

February 04, 2019 14:40 - 111 MB

Martin Harris, perhaps better known in the poker world as Short-Stacked Shamus, is the author of the forthcoming book Poker and Pop Culture (available for pre-order now!) as well as the Hard-Boiled Poker blog. He is a freelance writer, and ... Read more...

Episode 283: Richard Herbert

January 29, 2019 00:59 - 116 MB

Richard is a long-time poker player, dealer, floorperson, and tournament director in the Baltimore area. He started out playing Magic: The Gathering with some other poker players you’ve probably heard of. We geek out on dealer training and procedure but ... Read more...

Episode 282: F*** You, Give Me Candy and Toys

January 14, 2019 21:47 - 85.8 MB

Carlos Welch is over live poker. He’s currently teaching special education in Portland and grinding mid-stakes MTTs on Ignition. In addition to his recent exploits, he and Andrew discuss tells and bluff-catching. Timestamps 0:30 Hello & Welcome 42:21 Strategy Links ... Read more...

Episode 281: Ben Saxton

January 07, 2019 19:08 - 95.5 MB

Ben Saxton teaches literature and writing classes at Tulane Medical School and Bard Early College. He’s also a poker writer whose interviews for Two Plus Two Magazine have a lot in common with those you’d hear on the Thinking Poker ... Read more...

Episode 280: Tony Neuman

December 31, 2018 22:08 - 72.1 MB

Long-time listener Tony Neuman wrote to us about a hand that he played in a home game against a brother, and we discussed it on Episode 267. Now he’s on the air to follow up with a discussion of straddling, ... Read more...

Episode 279: KL “HighHands89” Cleeton

December 20, 2018 15:08 - 109 MB

KL Cleeton returns to the show to discuss what makes poker fun and what makes it interesting. Plus, he’s got some Twitch news to announce, and he and Andrew discuss how to do focused hand history reviews when you don’t ... Read more...

Episode 278: A Game Theory Primer

December 10, 2018 22:32 - 57.3 MB

Andrew explains fundamental game theory concepts in terms that even a beginner can understand and addresses some common myths and misunderstandings. Contribute to Andrew’s BAUDL Fundraising Campaign or learn more about itShop with our Amazon affiliate linksGet 25% Off Custom ... Read more...

Episode 277: Mixing It Up

December 03, 2018 14:01 - 70.2 MB

Nate and Andrew put out an hour of pure strategy, brought to you by our friends at Tournament Poker Edge. Topics include limp-raising, thin value three-betting, donk betting, overbetting, and mixing up your play (or not). Links Contribute to Andrew’s ... Read more...

Episode 276: Canvassing with Andrew Therriault

November 19, 2018 21:45 - 83.2 MB

Andrew Therriault is an enthusiastic poker player and the former Director of Data Science for the Democratic National Committee. We discuss how data is changing political campaigns and [host] Andrew’s recent experience canvassing for Beto O’Rourke in Austin, TX. Andrew’s ... Read more...

Episode 275: John the Once and Future Lawyer

November 06, 2018 00:24 - 97.9 MB

John “the Lawyer” makes a third appearance on the podcast to talk about why he’s dipping a few toes back into lawyering. We talk about Stud, the New England poker scene, why the games are getting less good, why prosecutors ... Read more...

Episode 274: John Doe, Retired CEO

October 30, 2018 00:20 - 79.7 MB

This week’s guest asked us not to use his name, but he’s got quite a resume. The octogenarian has served as an executive and a Board member for several major US corporations, and now that he’s finally retired, he’s a ... Read more...

Episode 273: Paul Runge

October 23, 2018 01:56 - 91.2 MB

Paul Runge and his wife LeAnn own and operate the Bend Poker Club. We talk to him about the politics and particulars of Oregon’s social gaming regulations and the business of running a poker club. Timestamps 0:30 hello & welcome ... Read more...

Episode 272: Bill Chen

October 15, 2018 23:43 - 99.4 MB

Bill Chen (@BillChenPoker) is a quantitative researcher at the Susquehanna International Group and the co-author, with Jarred Ankenman, of The Mathematics of Poker. We talk to him about the connections between poker and trading, and Nate dares to make a ... Read more...

Episode 271: Danny Sprung From the WBF Championships

October 08, 2018 14:19 - 81.1 MB

Danny Sprung, whom you may recall from Episode 194, joins us from the World Bridge Federation Championships. We compare this event to the World Series of Poker and discuss some key hands from Danny’s very deep run in the Monster ... Read more...

Episode 270: Killingbird

October 01, 2018 23:39 - 81.3 MB

Derek “Killingbird” Tenbusch is a co-founder and -owner of Tournament Poker Edge. He’s also a poker streamer and a beagle rescuer. We discuss all three, plus house hunting in Las Vegas and leaving Las Vegas. Derek’s first appearance on the ... Read more...

Episode 269: Check and Raise with Matt Glassman

September 24, 2018 19:36 - 76.7 MB

Why is the sports book always next to the poker room? Is the Supreme Court a political actor? Should check and raise be permitted? Our wide-ranging conversation with the always-interesting Matt Glassman covers these topics and many more. Matt Glassman ... Read more...

Episode 268: Taking Off

September 18, 2018 16:00 - 79.6 MB

Andrew and Nate share some book and podcast recommendations and, inspired by Dara O’Kearney, discuss the value of taking days off. In the strategy segment, Andrew takes an unconventional line vs Phil Galfond in a Progressive Knock-Out. Timestamps 0:30 hello ... Read more...

Episode 267: A Tale of Two Brothers

September 10, 2018 15:42 - 57.7 MB

Should dealers announce bet sizes if no one asks? Nate and Andrew discuss the arguments for and against this procedure. Plus, they discuss a strategy hand from the perspective of both active players, who happen to be brothers! Timestamps 0:30 ... Read more...

Episode 266: Andy Bloch

August 27, 2018 20:31 - 238 MB

Andy Bloch is a long-time professional poker player and computer programmer who was one of the pioneers at the intersection of these fields. He was also a member of the MIT Blackjack team that was the subject of Bringing Down ... Read more...

Episode 265: Ashley Adams

August 20, 2018 18:29 - 125 MB

Ashley Adams is the host of the House of Cards podcast/radio show (Andrew was a guest in 2010!) and the author of Winning No-Limit Hold ‘Em and Winning Seven Card Stud. We talk to him about his (now complete) quest ... Read more...

Episode 264: Ivey Bluffs It Off

July 31, 2018 02:56 - 54.9 MB

Nate, in a special solo episode, dissects Phil Ivey’s bustout hand from the 2018 WSOP Main Event.

Episode 263: Clayton Fletcher Runs Deeper

July 23, 2018 20:15 - 105 MB

Comedian and professional poker player Clayton Fletcher earned himself a fourth podcast appearance with his 28th place finish in the 2018 WSOP Main Event! I think they gave him some cash for that as well. He and Andrew meet in ... Read more...

Episode 262: Barney Boatman (feat. Josh Miller and Eric Keppler)

July 11, 2018 17:56 - 99.6 MB

Barney Boatman was a professional poker player in London before the poker boom. As a member of the Hendon Mob, he played in “spielers” and in tournaments across Europe. Andrew talks to him about England’s pre-boom poker scene, living in ... Read more...

Episode 261: Andrew Runs Deep

July 02, 2018 18:19 - 75.7 MB

Nate and Andrew discuss key hands from Andrew’s 13th place finish in the $2500 no-limit hold ’em WSOP event. Timestamps 0:30 hello 10:56 strat Strategy Hand 1 On the bubble, CO (16K) opens to 5k. Hero calls T9dd in the ... Read more...

Episode 260: WSOP Live 2018

June 18, 2018 18:19 - 92 MB

Nate got barely 72 hours in Las Vegas this summer, but he was kind enough to spend a few of them recording with Andrew and Carlos in his Gold Coast hotel room. The three talk about their summer plans, the ... Read more...

Episode 259: Christian Holden

June 12, 2018 16:15 - 104 MB

Christian Holden is a professional musician and poker player who lives in an anarchist collective in Worcester, Massachusetts. In this in-person interview, he and Andrew discuss his music, his poker, his politics, and the staking deal he almost had with ... Read more...

Guests

Matt Glassman
6 Episodes
Carlos Welch
3 Episodes
Clayton Fletcher
2 Episodes
David Sklansky
1 Episode
Nate Silver
1 Episode
Tommy Lee
1 Episode

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