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 ...

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.

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 oth...

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...

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.

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.

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 i...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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 ...

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.

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, th...

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.

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 th...

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 graceful...

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.

Increase your win rate by betting and raising early in the hand. Valerio and Ray discuss ways to achieve this in your home game.

Occasionally your home game can be less exciting than usual. Valerio and Ray discuss ways of stirring things up.

Valerio and Ray welcome special guest Chris and discuss poker's life lessons, game theory and playing styles.