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.

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 ha...

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 ...

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 ho...

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.

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 ...

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.

How does your ego impact your play? Regardless of your experience, ego can prevent you playing your best.

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 ...