The Official Red Chip Poker Podcast

If you’ve ever heard someone say “I’m raising a polarized range on the flop” and thought wait, that doesn’t quite make sense — you’re not alone. In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, Coach W34z3l introduces a new term you’ll want to add to your poker vocabulary: pseudo polarization. While traditional polarized ranges make perfect sense on the river—where you’re typically betting either your strongest value hands or your weakest bluffs—the same logic falls apart when you try to apply it to early street play. That’s where pseudo polarization comes in. It describes the kind of range composition you see in flop and turn solver outputs: some strong draws, some mid-strength hands, and a mix of weak bluffs that don’t quite fit the classic definition of polarization. This is a deeper, theory-focused episode that will challenge the way you think about bluff combos, equity distribution, and the limits of GTO shortcut terms like “polarized.” You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of: * Why solvers raise mid-strength hands that wouldn’t be in a true polarized range * The dangers of blindly following bluff/value combo ratios like 70/30 * How to build flop-raising ranges that can’t be exploited—even if they don’t look “polarized” in the traditional sense Whether you're studying solver output or just trying to speak more precisely about your strategy, this episode will help you move beyond vague buzzwords and into real conceptual clarity. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book [https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book] · CORE Poker Course: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core [https://redchippoker.com/launch-core] **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord [https://redchippoker.com/discord]

If you’ve ever struggled with poker math mid-hand—fumbling with ratios, converting to percentages, and second-guessing your decisions—this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. In “Bad Poker Math”, Coach Weasel breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion at the tables: relying on outdated ratio-based math. Whether it's calculating pot odds, implied odds, or bluff-to-value frequencies, traditional approaches often overcomplicate simple decisions and slow you down when it matters most. This episode lays out a smoother path: think in percentages, eliminate conversions, and streamline your thought process with easy-to-remember math shortcuts. You'll learn not only how to make sharper calls and folds faster, but also why simplifying doesn’t mean dumbing down—it means cutting through tradition to get to the core of better poker decisions. **LINKS** · Preflop & Math Poker Workbook: https://www.splitsuit.com/poker-preflop-math-workbook [https://www.splitsuit.com/poker-preflop-math-workbook] · CORE Poker Course: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core [https://redchippoker.com/launch-core] · Why Poker Math Is STILL Important: https://www.splitsuit.com/why-poker-math-approach-is-best [https://www.splitsuit.com/why-poker-math-approach-is-best] **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord [https://redchippoker.com/discord]

If you’ve ever struggled to know when to check-raise the flop—or felt unsure whether your current strategy is leaking EV—this episode is for you. We break down one of the most common and instructive spots in poker: big blind vs. button on a dry flop. Using solver-informed analysis, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of which types of hands check-raise profitably, where these hands fall on the equity spectrum, and how the modern approach differs from traditional polarized thinking. This isn't just a theory dump—it's a guided look at how to interpret solver output in a practical, actionable way. You’ll explore how check-raises are distributed across strong value hands, semi-bluffs like gutshots and open-enders, and even some surprisingly middling pairs. Along the way, you'll learn why the classic idea of a polarized range doesn’t fully apply and how mixing strategies help achieve balance in this spot. Whether you play live or online poker, this strategic cross-section will sharpen your intuition and help you develop a more nuanced postflop approach. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2 (Book): https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book [https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book] · Understanding Equity Distribution: https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution [https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution] · Poker Strategy vs. Tactics: https://youtu.be/2_Q3ZbwfKB4 [https://youtu.be/2_Q3ZbwfKB4] **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord [https://redchippoker.com/discord]

Can we discuss “equity retention” and why it’s not an optional concept to learn for every poker player? In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we break down one of the most overlooked yet essential postflop concepts: equity retention. You’ll learn what it is, how it impacts your decisions postflop, and how to use it to build stronger bluffing lines and value strategies. Whether you're new to the term or just need a refresher, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for. Perfect for cash game players and tournament grinders alike. 💡 Takeaways from this episode: * Learn why some hands drop off sharply as villain’s range narrows * Discover the types of hands that thrive in high-pressure spots * Understand when top pair is vulnerable—and how to respond * See why draws and backdoor equity give you profitable bluffing opportunities * Use equity retention to guide bet sizing, barreling, and board coverage **LINKS** · CORE Poker Membership: https://redchippoker.com/launch-core [https://redchippoker.com/launch-core] · Understanding Equity Distribution: https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution [https://www.splitsuit.com/gto-poker-equity-distribution] · Poker Strategy vs. Tactics: https://youtu.be/2_Q3ZbwfKB4 [https://youtu.be/2_Q3ZbwfKB4] **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord [https://redchippoker.com/discord]

Poker is already a complex game—but many players try to make it easier by using simplified poker strategies. Whether it’s range c-betting 1/3 pot, 3-bet-only from the small blind, or avoiding donk bets entirely, the goal is always the same: reduce decisions & reduce errors. But is simplifying your strategy actually helping your win rate? Or is it quietly costing you chips? In this episode of the Red Chip Poker Podcast, we explore the real trade-offs behind simplified poker strategies, their relationship to GTO solver output, and the critical distinction between playing GTO and playing exploitatively. This is a must-listen for serious players diving into solvers and anyone questioning whether "just keeping it simple" is the right approach. 🔍 You’ll learn: * What simplified poker strategies really are (and what they’re not) * How EV loss in solvers is often misunderstood * Why simplified strategies may shift complexity to later streets * The #1 mistake players make when comparing GTO models When simplification actually makes sense—especially from an exploitative lens. **LINKS** · GTO Gems 2 Poker Book: https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book [https://redchippoker.com/gto-gems-2-book] · Crushing GTO Poker: https://youtu.be/j8cFt86B8To [https://youtu.be/j8cFt86B8To] · EV Poker Formula: https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula [https://www.splitsuit.com/simple-poker-expected-value-formula] **JOIN US ON DISCORD** Join us on Discord today: https://redchippoker.com/discord [https://redchippoker.com/discord]