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 ...

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.

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 episo...

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 pl...

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?

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?

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.

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.

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 bankrol...