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A
Take your seat. The cards are flying high. Shuffle up and deal at the Aces Lie Longest running show. Yeah, we've seen it all. From the river to the rail, we answer the call.
B
Hello, a team, and welcome back to another episode of the Antiette Poker Podcast, where every hand has an opportunity and every player is a friend, and every episode is a winning experience. I'm your host, Joe Scales, and I know we've mentioned this before, but I want to make sure we get as many of you signed up over at Bluffers Poker as possible. We've got that satellite coming up for the Antioch Poker Cruise to Alaska, and I know you're going to want to have your seat locked up before we get there. Plus, even outside of the satellite, there are just some really great games running over there. So if you're not signed up yet, here's how easy it is. We have a banner on the homepage@anyupmagazine.com click on that and you'll get all the information to get you signed up over at Club GG Poker. I also want to touch on something real quick about submissions. There's definitely an ebb and flow to what comes in. Some weeks, I'll get a flood of hand of the week and call the floor submissions, and other weeks, I'll have just a few here and there. Right now, I'm actually running about a month ahead, so if you've sent something in and haven't heard it yet, don't worry. It is coming, I promise. And more importantly, don't let that slow you down. Keep those submissions coming in, because that's what keeps this show going, that's what makes it fun, and that's what makes it yours. One more thing. I had someone ask about swag. If you're looking for a little piece of Antioch to take with you at the tables, just head over to annieupmagazine.com and in that top menu, click on store and you can grab whatever catches your eye. All right, that's all I've got for now, so let's get on with the show.
A
Welcome to the show. You're on the A team. Stack your chips and chase the dream. Joe's got the booth. His mic's on fire.
B
Elle and I are back around the poker table.
C
How are you, Sneezy? Sniffly. And, yeah.
B
Allergies?
C
Springy.
B
Not great right now.
C
My eyes are droopy. This, like, you know, being visible thing adds a whole nother element. I say that a lot, and I'm sure it's just being female. But I don't know. Yeah, there's a lot of pollen in southwest Virginia.
B
Yeah, it is, it is that time of year. This, this is the two week period where it really hits you. I think I had my time before we went to Arizona.
C
Right.
B
And now it's your turn.
C
And then we had nothing. And then we came back to everything. Yeah.
B
So that is true. Yeah.
C
Lots of things in bloom. It's beautiful. But I, I suffer for a couple of weeks, so if I'm a little nasally or sniffly, that's why. Yes.
B
Well, speaking of, of this travel stuff, it feels like we're seeing more couples in poker when we're out traveling and like, for instance, the Foxens. Yeah, the Foxens. Kristen Foxen just won the, the $10,000 event at the U.S. poker Open. I think it was event number four or number six. And then you always see Alex Foxen always running deep in those points as well.
C
Yeah.
B
But Cherish Andrews and Brock Wilson, they're a, a poker couple. They both won events in the US Poker Open as well. We enjoy watching Ari Engel and Joe Kim.
C
Yeah. They're having fun. They're having so much fun.
B
Yeah. And then, of course, we had Lexi and Bob Mather.
C
Yeah. And they. They're in Prague right now.
B
Yeah. There's so many couples in poker, it seems like, right now. And is it that there's more of them or are we just seeing them more now because of, like, social media or.
C
Maybe. I don't know. But I also think there's a lot of opportunity for people to meet around poker or, you know, cross paths in poker as they pursue it themselves. I mean, I think Joe and Ari are a big example of that, you know, and we consistently meet poker couples in every stop we go to.
B
That's true.
C
I can think of distinctively a couple that we met in Schenectady and then, you know, Sandy and her husband out at Lone Butte this last week.
B
Right.
C
And. And it's like a fine dance that you do if one person's running hot and one is not, or how to encourage one another, or pointing out things that you don't recognize in your own game but your partner can that. You help me a lot.
B
Yeah.
C
I actually rely on you a lot sometimes. I don't like playing the same table as you live. But then again, after a session, you always bring up really good points that I can't see outside of myself. So, I mean, it's, it's been cool to meet some of these couples. And I think you Know, with social media and all the things, they could be seen as those power couples. Right, right. But they're still just regular people doing what they love. Right.
B
So the biggest advantage is the travel. We get to travel together.
C
Sure.
B
And they get to travel together. That's one of the things that Lexi and Bob.
C
Yes.
B
Talked a lot about was being able to use poker for travel. But they get to do that together.
C
Right, exactly. And I mean, you, you see this. I can think of pickleball. Good lord. How many couples do you see in pickleball traveling together? But the, the thing I'd like to just point out is it's really neat to watch people enjoying something together.
B
Yeah. That is true.
C
Like, my, my stepmom's not gonna be out cutting trees with my dad.
B
Fair.
C
She's not going to the motorcycle rally.
B
Right.
C
You know, I mean, like, it's, it's, it's, it's a, a special thing to have something that you both enjoy enough together or that you have an interest in on your own and come together. Right. Like, I don't know that I would have naturally gone to playing poker if I hadn't met you. But it's been really nice that it works out that I'm interested in it as well. And I'm learning so much from it.
B
Right. But it can be a double edged sword sometimes, I think, because there's the good sides where you're traveling together and you can be there as support for each other when one of you are in a downswing.
C
Sure.
B
But when you're both in a downswing, that's tough. Or if one's doing really well and the other's not. That's kind of a tricky road too. Like it can be.
C
But then I think you're there to encourage each other.
B
Right.
C
Point things out.
B
Yeah.
C
Right.
B
Yeah. But you have to make sure that, that you're not letting ego get in the way of that either. Right. Otherwise it could be a long car ride or something, you know? And one of the things that we have made a point not to do is talking poker all the time.
C
Oh, yeah. Because it can be real easy.
B
Yeah.
C
Real fast.
B
Yeah.
C
And conscious decisions.
B
Yeah. So we, we had to draw. Draw that line pretty early because we're also, we're not just playing poker together, we're running a poker business together.
C
Yeah. Yeah. That's a whole nother layer.
B
But, you know, it's, it's kind of cool because we used to get questions all the time. Like my significant other, my girlfriend, my boyfriend. They don't play poker. How can I make them see that it's not a crazy game that people are shady in or whatever, but when we first started doing this, people were surprised that you played. Sometimes they still are.
C
Yeah. However, I'll say, you know, poker couples, I think, have an advantage of iron, sharpening iron and knowing each other well enough. And if you have the common respect and common courtesy with one another, it's, it's kind of an advantage, I would say, because they know you, they know how you think.
B
Yeah.
C
They know what affects you emotionally, they know what affects you psychologically. They know you very well, if that makes any sense. So, I mean, I know I've really enjoyed getting poker coaching and going to courses or I'm, you know, would love to be able to be doing more than I am right now in my study. But the things that you point out, I think you're seeing from a perspective of also knowing me personally.
B
Right.
C
And how I think. And that makes a huge difference.
B
Yeah. I think you also have to be kind of careful though too, because if the two of you are, are the ones always talking hands and reviewing mindset and things like that, then, you know, you have to not also develop the same leaks or the same issues with your game. So if, if I, if we're talking poker and we both make the same mistake at the table, then we're not helping each other.
C
That's fair. But I mean it, it's the same as like you would go to hopefully like an expert if you're dealing with something that you need their advice from. I'm not only going to solely rely on you, but I'm going to respect what you bring to the table.
B
Absolutely.
C
So. And hear it differently than maybe somebody I've only worked a couple of sessions with, you know.
B
Yeah.
C
Or picking up at a, at a conference. But anyhow, poker couples are out there and fun to watch and it's encouraging
B
to see how it became more of a social game. And it's, it's becoming, it's not just guys night out anymore. It's. It's the two of you able to go and socialize together and enjoy poker night. It's not just guys night, it's. It's poker night.
C
Right? Anybody?
B
Yeah. Speaking of social poker, we had a Patreon game last night.
C
No, I missed it. I've really been having to watch. I've really had to just do some self care, as they call it, really taking care of myself and stepping away out of certain things for the time being. But Congratulations.
B
Yeah.
C
Dustin.
B
Dustin did a great job. Not only did he knock me out, he got the bounty right, and he took the whole thing down.
C
Yeah. So he's getting a brand new sweatshirt delivered next week.
B
Yeah.
C
Love it.
B
And everybody will be glad to know Patrick is back to true form as he was out of the game pretty quickly before his seat even got warm, I think.
C
Oh, man.
B
And so he's back to. Back to his old ways.
C
You never miss an opportunity to rib him.
B
Oh, absolutely not. And that is why I love this game so much.
C
Patrick, prove him wrong next month. Okay. Would you be great.
B
Well, he's talking about maybe joining us for Badoogie. We'll see.
C
Oh, is that this month?
B
Yeah.
C
Oh, my gosh.
B
Yeah, we. We were talking about it in next week. Yeah, yeah, we were talking about that in the chat on Discord during the game. Yeah, Dustin was going to be fine tuning his skills there.
C
I love that game.
B
We'll see. But yeah, like I said, I, you know, I finished in sixth. It was good to see. We also had our good karma seat player, Hippie Bob. 420. He. He had what he liked. Yeah. He had a great run, though. He busted out in ninth and so he would those. He made the final table.
C
Those good karma seats are going for long haul.
B
Yeah. And then it was good to see Chicago Joe do well. He got the heads up against Dustin last night.
C
Nice.
B
Yep.
C
Glad to have him back in the game.
B
Yeah. Yeah, he. He battled for a while, but came up a little short. Bob Popper was not there last night.
C
Yeah. Because he was a huge bounty in a massive charity event which we've mentioned a couple of times over the last month. Camp One Step charity poker event was last night and he actually, I think he. He went out third to last. Or second to last, you would say, of the bounties. Yeah, he was in the top three left.
B
Yeah.
C
Which is not an easy feat in charity poker.
B
Right, that's true.
C
Because there's lots of people willing and ready to fire lots of bullets. Hannah, we're looking forward to hearing from you all of the numbers. And I think we've heard There were about 160 players last night. I think 20 high roller players and awesome, phenomenal prizes per usual.
B
And an awesome spin that $10,000 seat to the WSOP main event.
C
We'd love to announce the winner of that.
B
I know. It was. It was. It's always a late night for those things, so hopefully we'll get those soon. And I. If I know Hannah well enough, they're already working on their next gig, which is the golf tournament coming up on June 8th. It's actually going to be in Wisconsin.
C
Yeah. Because it's a quick skip hop and a jump from Illinois.
B
Yeah.
D
But they never.
B
They never stop doing good work over
C
there, which is why we love to support them.
B
Yeah. And then we got a message. You're going to know this better than me, but we got a message from Lupe about the.
C
Oh, yeah. The Lips Women and Poker Spring Festival starts next week. It's April 20th through the 26th at South Point Casino and it's being hosted by Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher.
B
Yeah.
C
True legends who we loved having on the COVID of the magazine this month. Really enjoy the fact that they are partnering with Poker Player Cruises as well. But they are legendary. They're going to go down in the history books of the game of poker. And what an awesome opportunity for. For ladies who are headed to the Spring Festival. There's an event that I really want to highlight and I'm disappointed that I can't go, but I know several people that are going. I've actually been chatting with people this week about it. On Tuesday, they are going to have an event which is called Star Stories and a slice. And it's 25 bucks if you're there in person, $20 if you want to live stream it. And basically it's stories, storytelling, qa, and a panel of the Women in Poker hall of Fame.
B
So it's all like hall of Famers telling stories about their time in. Oh, my God, that'll be fast.
C
Which is like, perfect for a women's event. Anyway, a panel discussion is always fun because I think things come up that no one ever expects.
B
So we can watch this without having to be. Obviously we can't go there, but we can still watch it.
C
Yes, it's $20. All of the information can be found@thelipstour.com on their Facebook page if you want to look that up. It's blasted everywhere, but check it out. If you're not able to make it to South Point this week, definitely go to their website. I can't wait to watch it. Just because I'm curious to see all the gift of gab that comes out of these, you know, these panel discussions. But it also supports the Women in Poker hall of Fame. So all of the 25 entry ticket in person or $20 live stream ticket, all of those funds are going to go back to supporting the Women in Poker hall of Fame, which I personally find very important.
B
Well, and these Stories are going to be hilarious. Yeah. But, you know, it's a whole different world now than it was when a lot of these women were coming up into the ranks.
C
Yeah, but I mean, historically, storytelling is so important. I mean, think of just in your own family, hearing about the life of those in generations prior to you, and the laughter and joy that brings, but also the learning and having a realization of, like you said, just how far women in poker have come.
D
Right.
C
And I can't even imagine if Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher are spearheading that. I. I gut giggle if I can say that. I laugh so hard every time I'm even just on a phone call with them. So I appreciate their perspective, but also their hard work and dedication. And so I know it's going to be a spectacular event if they're involved.
B
100%. Yeah. And then that's what poker is all about, too. This is coming to you from, like, a historical perspective. But these stories are what we love about the game, too. You know, the people also trying to get a little bit better each time we sit down. Yeah.
C
The hardships.
B
Yeah.
C
How you overcome the battle.
B
Which makes this a perfect segue into octopi poker, which. I'm wearing their gear.
D
I didn't.
B
There's a new course coming out from Occupy Poker. It's Thomas Boyvin's course, and it's called beyond the Solver.
C
Yeah. He just joined them as, like, one of their lead educators.
B
Yeah, yeah. And incredibly smart. From all the videos I've seen. Incredibly smart person. I've never met him in person, but this, this course is 15 blueprints to exploit common population mistakes.
C
So it's going to be using solvers, right?
B
Kind of. But it's. It's more than that. It's like, it's solvers, but it's in the way that the people are doing things at our tables. So when we sit down. When we sit down at the table, you know, there's. There's the person that won't fold a pair.
C
Ever. Yeah, ever.
B
There's that guy that just plays nothing but premiums and. Right. You know, those are common people, and the solvers can't account for that.
C
So how to spot that and how to play defensively against it.
B
Yeah. A solver can tell you how to play against a perfect robot.
C
Yeah, yeah.
B
And this tells you how to take that information from a solver and equate that to the people at your table. And so I'm fascinated by it. I really want to. To learn more about the topics that he has there. It's. It's like 15 different segments. So each one is. Is anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. So it's pretty long, but it's not a bajillion different hours of. I think just 15 times. You're going to sit down and look at this and go over some of the topics that they said they're going to talk about. A single raised pots, blind versus blind battles, three bet pots and one that I know so many people that struggle with ICM spots. When you're near the double. When you're near the bubble.
C
Yeah.
B
That is the final table. So if you have ever wanted to get better at those spots, I would recommend you go to. Go to our website, scroll down and go to where you'll see the Octopi Poker banner. Click on that, sign up for this course and use the code ante up. It's all one word.
C
And we're really particular about the things that we like to spotlight. So if we didn't believe in it, we wouldn't mention it. That's just who we are. So we really hope that you'll take advantage of that if you're. If that's of interest. It is pricey. It's not something that comes without a price tag, but I think that's the value that you're getting out of it. And the content that. And you know, It's. It is 15 sessions. And something I'm just going to say flat out is that's basically if you were taking a college course. If you look at the price tag, equate it to how much it would cost for credit in a college course, because that is the amount of knowledge that you're going to be able to receive from it. So to me, if you look at it that way, it makes sense. The price tag.
B
Yeah, 100%. It's an investment in your game, just like college is an investment in your future.
C
Right. So, yeah, but these are practical, directly applicable to your game.
B
Right.
C
So, you know, I think it's worth it.
B
Yeah.
C
But that's just me. Cannot think everyone enough who has been sending just your love and support the last three weeks. Going through a difficult time with a parent is not easy and I just wanted to give a quick update before we head into the weekend.
D
Yeah.
C
My stepmom is improving slowly but surely day by day. We hope to have her back home out of the hospital next week, which will present all sorts of new.
B
It'll be new. Yeah. Out of the hospital. It's almost like out of the frying pan into the fire.
C
But yes, yes, but she is improving. And if you're curious, just like what the heck am I talking about? My stepmom fell and broke her femur three weeks ago today. And yeah, it. Gosh, yeah. And I've been looking like a lunatic trying to do things around the house without a right leg just to see what her world is like. But thank you is really all I can say for those of you. To those of you who have been reaching out and your notes and your text messages and your emails and people
B
were asking about you on the discord last night when we were playing. So lots of love, lots of love out there.
C
It means a lot to know we have a community behind us. So thank you again very much. Positive note. We have a Barbie birthday party tomorrow. So I'm looking forward to that too.
B
I have a little break to wear. I've got to find something pink.
C
Yes.
B
And I. We're gonna play it up. We're gonna have fun.
C
Yeah, I think so. Why not?
B
Exactly.
C
We're gonna do it. Do it right.
B
Exactly.
C
So.
B
But as always, it's a pleasure being around this table. We with you.
C
Likewise.
B
Elliot Sheer joins us each week to say how he would rule on situations that come up in your games. And he's with us again this week. Elliot, how's it going?
E
Things are going pretty nicely, thanks. How are you doing today?
B
I'm doing well. Doing well. Appreciate you wearing the ante up gear as always. Of course I've got the octopi poker stuff because they've got a great program. Elle's actually going through one of their programs right now.
E
Oh great.
B
We do have a call to floor this week. It's sent in by Teo from Vancouver, British Columbia. And Teo was one of the old time listeners. Has been one of the old time listeners from back when Scott and Chris did this. I always appreciate seeing those that carry over because you know, I was one of those people, you know, I was listening and I was a listener and that's why I wanted to see it continue. So I'm glad that they. To see when they stick around and. And send in hands.
D
Yes.
B
But this call the floor happened in his home tournament game and he says it caused quite a dramatic situation because there was at least one player that had some confusion here. Basically three people went to the flop out of six. So three people folded pre flop. Player one was first to act and went all in. Player two who had about double what Player one's chips were announced call and Then player three announced all in with close to the same amount of chips remaining as player two. But he didn't push put any chips in over the line. He just gestured, I guess, doing this motion with his hand, you know, all in. And the dealer check. It's fair. The dealer, a player not in the hand, began to count Player 3's chips and told Player 2 to flip their cards over, not realizing that Player 2 had not announced call, put any chips over the line, or indicated in any way that Player 2 was going to call. So Player 2 did flip over their cards regardless. The dealer then proceeded to deal the turn and the river cards. Player three ended up showing the best hand. But immediately player two announced that she hadn't called the all in of player three. But they only said this after the turn and river cards had been dealt. Both the dealer and player two began arguing at some point. Player two protested that she didn't hear the all in and was only following the dealer's directions to turn over her cards despite it only being the flop at that point. Also, player two protested that because player three didn't actually physically move chips across the line, that he didn't actually go all in. Yet everyone, including the dealer, heard player three's verbal all in and saw him gesture as well. He says he's interested in seeing how you would rule this, Elliot, and how not only would you rule the situation, but also how would you deal with the player and dealer when the situation had escalated to loud voices and arguing. Ends up Player 2 actually left the game upset, forfeiting their chips despite having player three covered. And he did say how he ruled it was that Player 2 had accepted action by tabling her cards. With two streets still to go,
E
there
B
was pending action which was accepted by tabling her cards. Basically, even though she wasn't aware that Player 3 had more chips behind, it was her responsibility by tabling her hand. And he says also that yes, the dealer made a mistake by assuming Player 2 went all in. It's still Player 2's responsibility. Stop before she acts. If there's any doubt, she got confused by the situation, rightfully so, but still must accept the consequences that her action binds her to a call of player three. So a lot going on here, but I'll let you dive into this one.
E
Well, there is a lot to look at here. Player two did fail to protect their hand. This is true. They were instructed to turn it over in a spot where the action was not complete, and they turned it over. That doesn't mean they completely Accept any action facing them. Let's change the situation slightly so that there is no third player who is all in for a lesser amount, say player two, who is now player one checked. Player three moves all in by actually putting chips in the pot as opposed to whatever this was and then knowing its heads up. And let's say it's the end of a tournament, it's the last two players in a tournament or it's a cash game and they just turn their hand up trying to get a read on their opponent. They're turning their hand up. Facing an all in bet doesn't obligate them to call that all in bet. So why, why does that change in a spot where a dealer's not paying attention? That doesn't seem fair to me. Not at all. Player two was acting upon the instruction of the dealer who was certainly obligated to be paying attention, especially in a deal your own game. So while player two did not protect their hand because they should have disobeyed the request to turn their hand over, that's really turning things in a knot and making them a little more unfair for player two, but more fair for everybody else. I'm not sure I like where that heads and player two obviously didn't. They left. Turning your hand over does not obligate you to call a bet, even if more cards are being put down. And it seems though, the dealer was very intent on getting those cards out and very intent on finding out how many chips Player 3 had. Even though you could have waited till after the hand to find out about the chips, but was not really intent on informing player two that it was this much to call or are you in for this bet? Didn't cross their mind at all about that. Why? I don't know. This could have been alleviated by all in buttons. It's pretty standard practice in casinos and card rooms for the dealer to have a few or several all in and call buttons. So the all on button is placed by obviously a player moving all in in a no limit game or pod limit game. And the call button is used for a player making a call that closes the action. So you don't want to put a call button for every person putting a call in. If there's still more action, that call is going to confuse people. So a call button is used to close the action and make sure that the all in player and everybody else and the camera and the. The tournament director and tournament supervisors know that we're good to go if we have to hold up or. Or Wait for other tables to finish their action before they can proceed. They know exactly what's going on from a distance without having to actually walk to every single table every single time to see what's happened. In deal your own situations, which are pretty common, let's face it, everybody still has their own tournaments at home and and is running their own games. It is becoming more common and should become standard practice for every player in an event to be issued their own all in and call buttons. This way there is no confusion as to what they are doing if they are moving all in. Obviously this is not the case here, and it is compounded by the fact that this player for some reason did not want to move a chip. I don't get that. It's not right. It makes no sense. In a situation where there is no paid professional dealer dealing your game, you should be moving your chips forward when you're moving all in. Visual is better for everybody. Announcing something is great. You should announce your bet when it is your turn. But when you're moving all in or when you're making a bet, your announcement should be accompanied by the actual moving of chips into the pot. Yeah, there were many things that occurred that led to this outcome. Yet player two was imbued and held to all the responsibility and consequence of the situation. That doesn't make sense. It's completely unfair. Player three, who made the all in bed couldn't have spoken. Hey, wait a minute. They didn't call. What are they doing? They didn't stop, hold up. They didn't say a word. But why are they allowed to be silent when the person who hadn't been notified that they have to complete their bet, why are they the ones only responsible for what happened even though the dealer made the error also, and a pretty big one, not a small one. So rerunning the hand is not a viable option. Taking the cards back is also not viable. Making player two liable for the entire bet is also not fair. It's not a good thing. It's player two, right? Rightfully protested by leaving. I would imagine that you probably lost this player for the indefinite future, if not permanently. Not only should she not have to accept the consequences of her action or inaction, she should probably be apologized to. So yeah, that's how I would have handled it. I'm not sure I make her call all of the chips. There are too many other intervening factors that would prevent me from making her put more money in the pot. If player three had tried to stop the action and say, wait a minute, hold up. Don't put the cards out. She hasn't called yet. And player two sat there and said nothing until all of the cards were out. I might be more inclined to have player two call the bet at that point because now they were accepting what was going on, but they weren't giving it. Given a chance to truly accept all of this. And player three did not put a chip in the pot and did not speak up when. When the action was not complete yet. Player 3's got to get some of the responsibility and therefore should not benefit from the. The assumed call and should not get the extra chips placed into a pot that they're about to win. That's how I would have ruled it. For better or worse, I think that's the most fair outcome.
B
So you're saying only the. The only chips that are in the pot are calling player ones all in?
E
Precisely.
B
From player twos. Only calling player ones. And player three is only calling player ones all in and settling it from there. Yeah. Okay.
E
Absolutely.
B
Yeah. The. The only part that bothers me is, is player two not speaking up as the turn and river are being dealt.
E
You know, I just.3 didn't speak up either. Player 3 is the one who made the all in bet.
B
Yeah.
E
And the dealer kind of rushed things. And the dealer. I don't know how aggressive the dealer was in trying to get player two or all the players to turn their hands up, but nobody else at the table spoke up. And at some point everybody's. Especially in a deal your own game, everybody was responsible for paying attention and nobody spoke up. Wait a minute. This person didn't call. Everybody was sitting there. So why is player two the only one who has to accept the consequence? Tough. Sometimes everybody else has to absorb the consequences too. And the collective consequence is that their money doesn't go in the pot. That's a penalty to everybody at the table, not just player three, because it does change the nature of the tournament.
B
That is true. Let's talk about the other part of this, which is the escalation to the arguing.
E
Sure.
B
I know that. Most of the time anyway, Floors in a casino get some. Some training on how to de escalate and handle things like this. So how do you. How do you de escalate a situation when people are yelling at each other like that?
E
Well, first of all, you impose upon the table and you pretty much let them know that we are going to be quiet right now or else we're going to start giving out pretty severe penalties. And then we get the arguing players Away from the table. We certainly don't want a melee to continue, whether it's verbal or otherwise. And we, we got to get them away from the table to actually recenter themselves, calm themselves down and, and, and in a better spot where they can actually discuss what happened, as opposed to fight or flight and aggression. That's just not going to work. And you can't just let it fester and you can't just let it continue. You have to separate them and give them a chance to regain their composure. Generally, that's all it takes. Most people don't want to make things worse or antagonize. Well, some people do, but most people don't. And giving them a chance to regain their composure and maintain some dignity is generally all you need to do. It goes a long way. Yeah, but yeah, I mean, if we have to have security on hold and stand by, we will, we certainly don't want to get things worse. And if they refuse and are obstinate and are making a point of trying to make things worse, we'll respond with stronger measures, including ejection and expulsion. So yeah, we do what we have to do to protect the group in total and the game. So yeah, we can't allow these things to continue and to happen. People are human and emotions run pretty close to the surface when playing poker for a lot of people. So yeah, we've seen it before and we'll see it again and we have to deal with it, but we try to deal with it as obviously as diplomatically and as correctly and as efficiently as, as possible. This is one of those times where, yeah, a series of errors led to an argument and people are, people are going to be people. And this argument was fairly justified. There was a dispute over mistakes that happened and who's responsible. So some players made mistakes, others larger than others, and apparently the person making the smaller mistake is the one who's supposed to not only bear all the consequences, supposed to acknowledge that they bear all the consequences and all the responsibility. And I'd be arguing too. I've had to argue with dealers and I've had to argue with supervisors. I've had to argue with other players in certain spots. It's just the way it is. I mean, when people are making mistakes or refuse to act correctly or interpret things correctly, you've got to keep protesting all the way until you get to somebody who will actually listen to all the facts and making an informed decision. It may not go your way, but at least you had your point of discussion. I mean, this is A spot where in a deal your own game, the dealer was not paying attention. Well, that's where you're supposed to pay more attention, not less attention. This argument was bound to happen. This was not Player 2's fault completely. They did not protect their hand. I once again will acknowledge that most of the errors were on everybody else's fault and this was unfair to them.
B
Tao, I, I think that covers the mess that was this situation and turned into a mess because of a multitude of errors. But I think we, we sorted it all out and, and I love the, the side note there about how to, to handle the, the escalation because in a home game, you know, it's, it's tough, you know, those kinds of. I don't think it happens as often because people are there having a good time, but it, they do happen in a home game and you have to know how to de. Escalate those as well. So that's a good side note discussion there as well. So I appreciate that in a home
E
game situation, players are obviously somewhat more familiar with each other most of the time and would therefore know how to push each other's buttons that much more easily. So being prepared for this kind of thing is better for everyone.
B
Yeah. Oh, absolutely. Well, thanks for sending that in. If anyone has a call the floor that they would like to know how Elliot would roll, send it to podcast magazine.com Elliot keep them coming. We'll see you next week.
E
Looking forward to it. Thanks.
A
Patrick's a fish, but he's learning. This hand might be his last.
B
Welcome to Hand of the Week where Patrick, our resident fish and I dive into listener submitted hands each week. We tackle everything from questionable bluffs to hero calls and the hands that make you scratch your head. Whether you're looking for strategy tips or you just want to see if you would have played it any better, we've got you covered. Patrick, how's it going, man?
D
We are back, my friends. I'm pretty good. You know, we're coming off masters week, so it's a little bit of a letdown. But for all our, our Boston fans and, and you know, Boston haters, playoff hockey is here. We're back in the playoffs the right where the Boston Bruins, you know, are expected to be. So, you know, from one sport to the other and all the while we get to play some poker. So you know what? Life's pretty good, my friend. I love the other sports team in Boston right now, the one, you know, little, you know, a white ball, laces. Well, we'll get Back to that here in a few weeks as we make our comeback because the start of the season was. Have you ever seen the inside of a porta Potty? Because it's about what it looks like.
B
Well, I'm not even going to say too much. My Royals are not doing too great either. But as soon as the offense kicks in, then we might be okay. But I do want to go back to the other white ball.
D
Little white ball nipples on it.
B
Yeah, that one. That's the one.
D
Yeah.
B
Usually when I play golf, it's with those, it's either orange or blue or green balls that you. The miniature golf course. But my four year old mentioned. Yeah, we, we mentioned the golf last week and you had thrown out the invite for me to come out and, and play a scramble or what do you call it? Captain's choice.
D
Yep.
B
So that stirred up quite a few emails and I'm just going to read a few of them here because first of all, I didn't give, I didn't ask permission from anybody to use these, so I'm just going to use first names. But Mike set down a challenge. He said, I'm officially challenging the two of you to a two man scramble. Name the course, name the date, loser has to spin my wheel of punishment. He's very confident. I did get also a little bit of a compliment from Chris in Ohio who said, hold on, you had a baseball background and you're telling me you're terrible golfer? That doesn't add up. He says you might spray it a little, but I refuse to believe you're out there looking like Charles Barkley in his prime.
D
First off, Chris, what a great reference. And second off, as a guy who was pretty decent at baseball growing up and you know, good at golf, it's, it's a totally different swing. Chris will get a good kick out of this and anybody else that played baseball. Baseball bats you hold with 10 fingers if you're watching here on YouTube. So you just have all 10 fingers on the baseball. It's called a baseball grip. The golf grip is there's interlock and then there's overlap and there's all kinds of different ones. My, my high school coach figured out the summer before my junior year of, no, excuse me, before my sophomore year that I was still using the ten finger grip and chewed me out. And I looked at him and I was like, listen coach, you are also my pitching and baseball coach. As long as the golf coach, you should have fixed this a long time ago. So anyway, bas being a good baseball player. And having a baseball background does not relate necessarily to a good golf swing. I will tell you. So there somewhat premise.
B
I get it. He does say this. He does say this. And this confused me a little bit because he says, patrick, get this man on a course. I think we're about to uncover a hidden 90 shooter. And 90 is not good, is it?
D
Sure it is. If you go to the USGA United States Golf association, you look at the Gin app, which is the handicap system. I think it's like 85% of people, if they played by the rules, couldn't break a hundred on a regular golf course. Again, playing by the rules. Because your Saturday morning groups, you know, we got a Saturday morning group here at the club, and there's. Out of the 25 of them that play, half of them drink more beers than they play golf holes by the end of the day. I mean, it just is nuts. It's like a beer a hole. So, you know, those guys are, you know, it's. They got five feet for bogey, and they're like, oh, that's good, Jimmy.
B
Pick it up.
D
Well, if you had been to play by the rules, I mean, that's not. That's not good. Or, you know, you've got the. The infamous breakfast ball. You know, you hit one off the first tee, left of left into pine trees, you're never going to be able to find it. And, you know, someone in your group's like, oh, just get a breakfast ball. Just tee another one up. Well, that's, that's, you know, that's. That's stroke. So, yeah, 90s. And if you're playing by the rules, any. Even with like one mulligan. Yeah. The far majority of golfers in the United States of America, both male and female, cannot break a hundred playing by the rules. So listen, I'm gonna get them out for everyone. Everyone listening. You know, the. The club out here is not far from either one of us. I'm gonna get him out. I'm. I'm really. I kind of want to take him to a charity event first because it's a. It's a nice starting point because he can play on a team with me and a couple buddies. And, you know, we may need him for like one or two putts or a chip or something like that, but. Well, we'll throw some video on this. Maybe we'll bring Elle out and she can just ride a cart and just video us for nine holes and we'll see how it goes.
B
Yeah, well, you may actually get your opportunity because we did get another one here that says, hey, Joe, we're hosting a charity golf scramble next month, and after hearing you guys talk about it, I've got two spots saved for you. 2. And then he says, no pressure, Joe. If you're really terrible, you'll fit right in with the rest of us. Let me know if you're in. So do we have a date in location? He did.
C
He.
B
He. I know he's. He's from Florida, but that's all I really know. So.
D
Okay. The last day that I show up in Florida is, like, June 15th. Because from June 15th until September 15th, the only, there's nothing. Unless I'm literally sitting on the beach, there's nothing good out of Florida. It's hot as hell.
B
Well, you know, we. We had even more than that, but those were. Those were a few I wanted to throw out there on. On the air that, you know, one guy said it's a terrible idea, and he fully supports it, but please record it. So. Yeah, we can do that.
D
We can definitely do that.
B
In the meantime, though, let's get into this hand of the week. It's sent in by Chris Mora, and he says, hey, Joe and Patrick, got a fun one for you. That turned into a mix of confusion and laughter. Hey, those are the ones that are the best. It's a one, two home game. Pretty friendly, lots of chatter and a couple of drinks flowing. He says, the kind that I've heard you and l talk about from time to time.
D
Like last night.
B
Stacks are around $250. Effective. I'm in the small blind with the queen of diamonds. Jack of diamonds. It folds around to the cutoff. Who makes it $8. The button calls and knits to us.
D
All right, $8. I don't like the position.
B
Right.
D
But I like the hand.
B
Yes. So what does that mean? What are you going to do with that? If you don't like your position, then you like the hand.
D
You're not going to like it.
B
You're probably right.
D
I'm checking.
B
You mean you're calling.
D
I'm calling. Yes. That's. Yes. Listen, for all you haters out there, whatever. I'm thinking about my next move. This is chess. Poker today. Yeah, I'm just calling.
B
Yep. That's a terrible idea. You're right.
D
Yep. Couldn't agree more. I pan. I panicked. It happens a lot. No, I mean, I. Listen, POC control. There's. Did I get this right from what you said? There would only be three of us to the flop?
B
Well, I mean, we've got, we've got the big bloods after us.
D
Yeah, yeah, that's true.
B
So we don't want them in there. We've got strong suited Broadway. We've got huge potential post flop.
D
Yeah, yeah.
B
We're going to be out of position the rest of the hand. Unless, you know, except against the, the big blind. And if we just call, the big blind could decide to do what I'm wanting to do, which is to squeeze, which is to raise, to try and get some of this, get a heads up. So I want to be the one doing that. So I want to be 25.
D
Oh, I was gonna say 30. All right, 25. I'm. I'm in. Yeah, I'm in with that. That was. I had 30 in my head and then I was like, no, that's too much factor. Sacks only 250. This is a friendly game, like just waiting to see, you know, I. There was, there was a pretzel in my brain, so I, I chose wrong.
B
Chris says I decide to complete in the big blindfolds. All right, so first of all, before we get a bunch of emails after you already said that you were going to check, and now Chris is saying he completes a little on the terminology they didn't complete, because that would be what you do if there wasn't a raise and you put in enough to complete the whole big blind, but you called the raise. So, um, so Chris, just terminology wise, you call not complete.
D
Okay, Definitely not check. Can't. Can't check.
B
And definitely did not check. And so now we go three handed to the flop with $26 in the pot. The flop is the jack of spades, nine of clubs, four of diamonds, and we're gonna be first to act.
D
All right, so top pair, good kicker. Now it's time to put on the pressure.
B
Okay. I cannot wait to. You know, we got some. We got a thing. So a couple weeks ago, we weren't able to put the video up on YouTube and it was the hand of the week where you said you were going to raise big and then you did not, and everybody wanted to see what my face was when you did it. So I'm really interested in hearing what it means to you to put pressure on here.
D
Going. Going 20 into 20 into a 26 pot.
B
Okay.
D
Is that better?
B
Okay, yeah, I think that's, that's, that's better. That is better. I was actually going to go less, so that's good. That is putting pressure for sure. I feel like this is a loose chatty game. The board Is relatively dry and not. Not really connected. The fact that we have top pair and a good kicker, like you said, we also have some backdoor possibilities. Yeah, I think we can donk bet here, we can lead out, and then we get to control the action if we're the one betting here. Right. Yeah, but I was thinking more in like the $15 range. Chris, however, checks and the cutoff is the one that obliges and he bets 15 and the button calls.
D
Well then. Well, neither one of us would have played it that way. But if you did, do I. I'm assuming I know the answer, but do you come over the top there?
B
Well, what do you think? What do you think that answer is?
D
I think it's yes. I think, I think you. I don't. I mean, clearly at least double it. Maybe. I mean, so 15. I, you know, probably 40.
B
Okay. I feel like we're in a whole different kind of situation now than.
D
Yeah.
B
If we would have been the one leading out. Right. It's a three way pot. If we raise, the worst hands that we want to stay in there are going to fold. We still have top pair. I think I'm just going to call now. So my mindset changed when we weren't the one coming out. First come Chris calls though, and he says, I've got top pair, decent kicker, and it feels like a pretty standard spot. So now there is $71 in the pot. And the turn is the queen of clubs. So the board now is jack of spades, nine of clubs, four of diamonds, queen of clubs. And we're first.
D
We are. I can just see. I can. I can feel you laughing at what may or may not be said next. Well, I was going to put pressure after the flop, so I'm definitely putting pressure now. I think I'm going like at least a half a pot. 30, maybe 40. 35. I mean, 40.
B
Okay. The pots. 71.
D
Yeah.
B
It's interesting now, right, because we improved to top two pair.
D
A straight draw came out now, but
B
I want to know straight 10, eight is a straight. Now there's also a club draw. So I'm kind of torn between wanting to keep building the pot and not wanting to get raised.
D
Yeah.
B
So if I bet, if I bet, I want to make it like 50 or maybe even more. Just go full pot maybe. Because if I make a smaller bet, I feel like I'm inviting more raises. Right. Cab the cutoff, put money in on the flop. So. I'm just gonna check and see if they put money in again and if they do. I'd want to see how they did it. Like what their. What their sizing is, how comfortable they look. Maybe I check Raise. If it seems weak,
D
I'm good with the check raise for sure.
B
Chris says, I check again. Cutoff checks this time. And the button, who has been Pretty quiet, bets $25.
D
Is it weak because they're baiting us, or is it weak because they're thinking
B
we're going to run away? Yeah, this is a tough one because they haven't done anything beyond call until now. Everybody checks and they're like, huh, I'll put in some money.
D
Yeah, I think I'm just calling.
B
Yeah, I. I think I am, too. I'm not raising just because I don't know where he is.
D
Yeah.
B
After being quiet this whole time, Chris also decides to call. The cutoff folded. So now we're heads up with $121 in the pot. And the river is the 10 of spades. So the board is jack of spades, nine of clubs, four of diamonds, queen of clubs, 10 of spades. And Chris says, I'm sitting there thinking, well, that's not ideal.
D
Joe, have you ever heard the song Hit the Road Jack?
B
Yeah,
D
that's all I got playing in my head. Check.
B
Yeah, I guess. Yeah, The. The. The hope is that it just goes check, check. I guess so. I guess my question is, are you thinking, check, fold? Is that why you're saying hit the roadjack? Yeah.
D
Yes.
B
Yeah, I, I would agree with you there. Chris checks also, and the button immediately says, I guess I have to, and bets $40. But he says, now here's where it gets a little bit weird. As I'm thinking the button kind of half laughs and says, man, if you've got it, you've got it, and shrugs. So now he says, I could deepen the tank. That little speech, it felt weak, like he didn't want action.
D
So maybe he doesn't have it straight.
B
That's. I think that's kind of where Chris is thinking, too, or he.
D
Or he missed his clubs. Well, I mean, Joe, you and I like to, you know, pounce on people that run their mouth or talk or, you know, do weird, funny things. Yeah, I still think I folded.
B
Yeah, I mean, I think if you. If you are taking that speech to show some kind of weakness, then you can make the call and hope that they don't have any king. That's the problem that I have is it all it takes is some weak king. I think I still want to lay it down, but I don't have a problem with a call and getting that information that you can use for later.
D
Yeah.
B
Chris says, I decide to turn my hand into a bluff and raise to 125. That, I think is a mistake.
D
I think that's got Jim, Jack, or Jose written on it, whatever Chris and his boys are drinking. You know what, though?
E
I don't.
D
I mean, I don't like it, but I see what he's getting at. The.
B
Yeah, but I think if you think that that shows weakness, then you just make the call. Right?
D
Yeah. Don't. Don't waste a bunch of extra chips being baited.
B
Yeah. He says, now the button looks completely confused. He rechecks his cards and then says, wait. What? After about a minute, he sighs and folds.
D
Oh.
B
He said, whoa. The. As he's folding, he says, I had two pair, but I don't think I can beat anything now. He says, I scooped the pot and show because it's a home game and I couldn't help myself. He just starts laughing and says, you turned that into a bluff. So his question. So is this just a fun, creative play that worked, or is this the kind of thing that's lighting money on fire long term?
D
The latter. Well, I think actually both of the same. I think they. I think they're kind of both the same question, because it's. Did that. Is this just a fun play that worked? Yes. Is this lighting money on fire for the long term? Yes. Does it still feel good that you took it down at a home game with your buddies? Absolutely freaking lutely. So hats off to you, Chris.
B
Yeah. Yeah. That's the most important part. You. You. Not only did you win the pot, but you got bragging rights with your friends. So I think he didn't say what to pair he had, so I guess at best we got them off of a chop. If they had. If they really did have the two pair.
D
Yeah.
B
They could have had the worst hand anyway. If we just. If we just call, we don't risk the. The. That money. Right. If they possibly have a king, we're not throwing money down the drain. However, I will say that speech did feel weird.
D
Yeah, it did. It absolutely did. It definitely fits for what they ended up. What ended up happening.
B
We definitely can represent the king there as well. I guess it's just tough to sit to think that they're not representing the king. And obviously, you know, it's. It's Chris's home game. He's played with these people before, so probably can decipher what that speech means a little bit better than we can.
D
Sure.
B
I've played with people numerous times that are like, well, if you've got it, you've got it. And they're saying things like that because they actually have it.
D
Yeah.
B
So you just have to be able to, I guess, filter the bs. And if you can do that, great, then it was a great move and you possibly got them off of half of the pot.
D
There you go, Chris.
B
That's a fun one. And I want to come play in that home game. That sounds like a fun one. Not because I think I'm going to take anybody's money, but that just sounds like a fun game.
D
Yeah, I agree. I like that.
B
And hey, if anyone has a hand of the week, that they would like to know how Patrick and I would play it, send it to podcast@anyup magazine.com Patrick we will get on a course at some point soon.
D
I'm making this happen. I got plenty of charity tournaments coming up.
B
We've all run into that player at our table before. The one who complains about every hand and they celebrate a little too loud when they win. The one who questions every call, every bet, every decision. And it doesn't take long before we start to feel it. You know, your focus starts to shift, your mood starts to change. You're not thinking about your game anymore. You're thinking about them. And that's when things can go off the rails. Because the moment someone else controls your attention, they're not just affecting your mood, they're affecting your game. And like I said, we've all been there. We've all let one player get under our skin at some point. We've all taken a situation that had nothing to do with us, and somehow we made it part of our decision making. Maybe we played a hand differently just to prove a point. Maybe we stayed in the game a little longer than we should or just stopped enjoying the night altogether, all because of one person. But poker teaches us if we're paying attention, you don't get to choose who sits at your table, but you do get to choose how you respond to them. And that lesson, like so many others in poker, carries over into real life more than we probably realize. Because away from the tables, we've all got that person too. The difficult co worker or negative voice in the room. The person who always seems to bring a little chaos with them wherever they go. If you let them take up too much space in your mind, they start to affect everything. Your attitude, decisions, your own energy. And. And before you know it. One person has changed your entire day or week, but there's still just one player at the table. They don't get to decide how you play your hand, they don't get to decide how you show up, and they definitely don't get to decide whether or not you enjoy the game. That part is still yours. And the best players understand this, too. They stay locked in and focused. They let the noise exist without letting it take control. It's the same skill in life, too. Not ignoring reality, not pretending people aren't difficult, but choosing not to hand over your mindset just because someone else hasn't figured theirs out. So if you find yourself dealing with that person, take a step back and ask yourself, am I letting one player ruin my table? Because at the end of the day, you've still got your seat, you still got your stack, and you've still got a game to play. Don't let someone else play it for you. That's today's one outer and that's today's show. I'll see you next week, a team. And until then, I'll see you at the tables.
D
The Ante Up Podcast is a production
E
of antioppmagazine.com contact the show at podcastsyupmagazine.com
D
or call the show at 540-339-7741.
E
And if you'd like to advertise, send an email to editor@anyupmagazine.com.
Ante Up Poker Magazine Podcast
Chapter 4, Episode 14: Couples, Cards, and Keeping It Together
April 17, 2026
Host: Joe Scales
This episode explores the dynamics of couples in the poker world, blending humor and personal stories with strategic insights. Joe is joined by Elle for an honest, often witty discussion on balancing poker, relationships, and real life—whether at the tables together, dealing with travel and downswings, or supporting community events. The episode also features staple segments: Table Talk, Call the Floor (with floor expert Elliot Sheer), Hand of the Week (with Patrick), and Joe’s One Outer, offering practical strategy, community updates, and life lessons inspired by poker.
[03:32–10:43]
Visibility of Poker Couples
The Shared Experience
The "fine dance" of traveling and competing as a couple—supporting one another through upswings, downswings, and the unique stresses of playing the same game.
The advantage of having a partner who can point out leaks in your game and offer honest, direct feedback.
Caution: The risk of echoing each other’s poker leaks if couples only review hands with each other.
Quote (Elle, 05:21):
"It's like a fine dance that you do if one person's running hot and one is not... you help me a lot. I actually rely on you a lot sometimes... But then again, after a session, you always bring up really good points that I can't see outside of myself."
Setting Boundaries
Social Aspects
Poker is increasingly becoming an activity couples can share, analogous to hobbies like pickleball.
It’s significant for the game’s growth: poker is "not just guys night anymore."
Quote (Joe, 10:25):
"It's not just guys night out anymore. It's... poker night. Anybody."
[10:44–14:16]
Patreon Game
Upcoming Charity Events
Notable Quote (Elle, 13:15):
[14:24–16:47]
Hosted by legends Linda Johnson & Jan Fisher, who also feature in the current magazine issue.
Notable event: "Star Stories and a Slice"—a storytelling Q&A with Women in Poker Hall of Fame panelists, available in-person ($25) or livestream ($20).
All proceeds support the Women in Poker Hall of Fame.
Quote (Elle, 15:30):
[17:53–21:34]
New course: 15 blueprints to exploit common population mistakes.
Focus: Practical strategies for real-world players, translating solver knowledge into actionable plays vs. typical player types.
Covers single-raised pots, blind vs. blind, 3-bet pots, ICM spots.
Candid discussion on cost vs. value—"like a college course for your poker game."
Quote (Joe, 21:19):
[21:34–23:26]
[23:43–41:21]
Situation Recap:
Listener Teo recounts a home tournament with a confusing all-in situation involving unclear gestures, a mistaken dealer, premature card exposure, and a dispute escalating into an argument.
Elliot Sheer’s Ruling:
Player 2 should NOT be penalized with a forced call simply for tabling her hand; mistakes by both the dealer and Player 3 (not moving chips, staying silent) contributed to confusion.
Instructs on best practices (all-in/call buttons), importance of both visual and verbal bets, and highlights everyone’s shared responsibility at the table.
Suggests only the chips already in the pot should play; Player 2 should be apologized to, not penalized.
Quote (Elliot Sheer, 28:14):
De-Escalation Advice:
[41:34–65:20]
Players: Joe & Patrick
Hand: Submitted by listener Chris Mora
(1/2 home game, stacks $250, Queen♥️ Jack♦️ in the small blind)
Scenario:
Strategy Discussion:
Joe and Patrick debate the merits of the final river bluff: both recognize it as a "lighting money on fire long-term" move, but admire the creative play for fun home games—especially considering the table talk.
Quote (Patrick, 63:03):
[66:13–69:56]
Joe reflects on how one disruptive or negative player can shift your focus and mood at the poker table, and how similar challenges happen in life.
The real skill is not letting others dictate your mindset or enjoyment—at the table or beyond.
On Poker Couples:
"Poker couples, I think, have an advantage of iron, sharpening iron... because they know you, they know how you think." (Elle, 08:30)
On Handling Home Game Chaos:
"In deal your own games... it is becoming more common and should become standard practice for every player in an event to be issued their own all in and call buttons." (Elliot, 29:52)
This episode delivers a heartfelt, entertaining blend of poker culture, practical advice, and community stories, all anchored by Joe Scales' approachable style and frequent banter with his co-hosts. The main takeaway: Poker isn't just a game—it’s a shared journey, whether with your partner, your friends, or your wider poker family. Just remember—set your boundaries, protect your mindset, and don't be afraid to get creative (at least sometimes) at the home game table.
For hand, ruling, or story submissions: Podcast@anteupmagazine.com
Discussion, swag, links, and more:
anteupmagazine.com