Preflop Raise Sizes That Win

Upswing Poker Level-Up

Poker success starts before the flop. If you make preflop mistakes, like raising too big or too small, you won't be able to maximize your winnings on the flop, turn and river. But the optimal preflop raise sizes aren't always intuitive. It's only since the advent of solvers that poker pros have truly been able to dial in their preflop sizing.

Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood walk you through the optimal open-raise, 3-bet, and 4-bet sizes in this episode. Plus, sizing adjustments you should make based on stack sizes and opponent tendencies.

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Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:45 Three-Bet Sizing Strategy

06:43 Squeezing: In-Position and Out-of-Position

08:16 Four-Bet Sizing Principles

11:48 Adjusting for Stack Sizes: Short Stacks

12:40 Adjusting for Stack Sizes: Deep Stacks

14:23 Adjusting for Different Player Types

18:06 Adjusting Against Limpers

23:02 Quiz and Wrap-Up

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood guide you through the essential tactics for preflop raise sizing to maximize your win rate in any poker game. Whether you’re playing online or live, knowing the optimal raise sizes for different situations is crucial to your success at the tables. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you adjust your strategy for various positions, stack sizes, and player types, ensuring that your preflop decisions are always on point.

The episode begins with a breakdown of the "GTO" raise sizes for every preflop spot with 100 big blind stacks, serving as a baseline strategy. Mike and Gary discuss the importance of using smaller raise sizes in early positions to minimize risk and keep the pot manageable, while larger raises are more suitable from late positions like the button or small blind, where you are likely to be in position. They also cover the nuances of three-bet sizing, explaining why the old rule of 3x in position and 4x out of position no longer applies universally and how to adjust based on your opponent's opening size.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts explore squeezing strategies when facing multiple opponents and how to size four-bets to maintain post-flop playability without sacrificing value or fold equity. They delve into the impact of stack sizes on raise sizing, from short stacks where smaller raises allow for more post-flop maneuverability to deep stacks where larger raises help build bigger pots.

Listeners will learn how to adjust their raise sizes based on different player types, such as when facing loose players or adapting to passive tables in live games. Gary emphasizes the importance of not overcomplicating your strategy against weak players while maintaining a balanced approach against stronger opponents. The episode wraps up with a practical quiz to test your knowledge, ensuring you can apply these concepts effectively in your own games.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for players looking to refine their preflop raise sizes and enhance their overall strategy. Whether you're grinding online cash games or competing in live tournaments, the insights shared in this episode will help you make more profitable decisions preflop and beyond. Tune in, take notes, and start mastering the art of preflop raise sizing with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.