Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 169: Three Ways Again

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 223: Finding Mistakes Even When Winning Big

Jun 5, 202615 minSummary

In this episode of the Free Crush Live Poker Podcast, host Bart Hansen breaks down a highly successful super session at Encore Boston Harbor, where he walked away with significant profits from both 2-5 no-limit hold’em and 5-5 PLO games. Despite the winning outcome, Hansen emphasizes the importance of reviewing hands to identify minor mistakes and improve one’s overall decision-making process. The discussion centers on the nuances of image management and situational strategy. Hansen shares his perspective on why he occasionally adopts a more passive approach when he has been playing a high volume of hands, noting that this can help manage his perceived image at the table. He also analyzes specific key hands from his session, illustrating concepts like the "semi-bluff back-raise." By examining a complex multi-way pot, he explains how players can leverage a back-raise—re-raising after calling an initial bet and facing a subsequent raise—to maximize fold equity. Additionally, the episode covers pre-flop threshold strategies, specifically when it is appropriate to jam versus making a smaller raise with premium hands like pocket kings.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 222: Donk Leads, Slowplays and Big Pairs on Ace High Boards

May 29, 2026Summary

In this episode of the Crush Live Poker Podcast, the host explores the strategic nuances of playing big hands from out of position, specifically focusing on the decision-making process behind donk leads, slow playing, and handling overcards. Through detailed hand analysis, the discussion centers on when to prioritize fast-playing a hand versus trapping an opponent. The host examines a situation where flopping a set on a paired board led to a decision to slow play, emphasizing the importance of board texture and opponent tendencies when choosing to check-call rather than raise immediately. A key takeaway is the tactical advantage of check-raising on the river when an overcard potentially shifts the range of the pre-flop raiser. Additionally, the episode covers the effectiveness of donk leading on monotone boards when holding a flopped flush. The host argues that in multi-way, low-stakes games, fast-playing a monster hand often extracts more value than trying to slow play, as passive lines frequently lead to opponents checking back or going into a defensive shell later in the hand. The episode provides practical advice for maximizing profit while maintaining the composure required for live poker.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 221: Mental Game; Working Through Frustrating Sessions

May 22, 202617 minSummary

In this episode, the host explores the mental challenges of navigating frustrating poker sessions by dissecting two specific hands that illustrate the importance of situational awareness and player profiling. The discussion begins with an aggressive hand where the host holds Ace-King in a multi-way straddled pot. Through a detailed breakdown, the host emphasizes the concept of configuration—analyzing how positional dynamics and the way an opponent closes the action influence the strength of their range. He explains why understanding these subtle factors allows for more confident value-betting and decision-making against aggressive opponents. The second part of the episode shifts to a more difficult scenario involving pocket tens in a crowded, limped pot. The host shares his thought process on whether to fold, call, or three-bet, highlighting the tension between pot odds and the challenge of realizing equity in multi-way fields. By reflecting on these experiences, the host provides listeners with a framework for maintaining composure during sessions that don't go as planned, reminding players that evaluating hand ranges against specific opponent archetypes is essential for long-term success at the tables.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 220: Straddling and Wild Preflop Situations

May 15, 202617 minSummary

In this episode of the Crush Live Poker Podcast, host Bart Hansen recounts a highly successful session at a two-five no-limit game held at Encore Boston Harbor. The discussion centers on the strategic nuances of managing a table in flux and the importance of maintaining an advantageous game environment. Hansen details how he navigated a session that nearly lost its momentum when a short-stacked player refused to participate in a mandatory straddle. He explains his decision to isolate and eliminate that player to preserve the profitable straddled dynamics of the game, highlighting a long-term approach to table selection and game flow over short-term risk. Beyond game management, Hansen breaks down specific high-stakes hand histories, including a three-bet pot against a frequent opponent where he analyzes the impact of flop sizing on later streets. He shares insights on stack-to-pot ratios (SPR) and reflects on the variance-reducing nature of running cards multiple times, particularly in the context of professional poker play. Throughout the episode, Hansen provides listeners with actionable advice on how to remain disciplined during wild, high-variance situations while maximizing profit against various player archetypes.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 219: Finding a Gauge for Table Selection

May 8, 202615 minSummary

In this episode of the Crush Live Poker Podcast, host Bart Hansen explores the evolving state of live poker games and the critical importance of effective table selection. He emphasizes that for professional players, diversifying beyond No Limit Hold’em into Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) is essential for maximizing potential profit. Hansen details his own recent experiences, noting that while No Limit games can be highly profitable, their longevity is often limited as aggressive winning players quickly replace weaker opponents. A key insight shared in the episode is the concept of the gauge player. Hansen describes this as a regular who constantly monitors multiple games to ensure they are always seated in the most profitable environment. By observing these individuals, players can better navigate room dynamics. Additionally, the episode addresses the importance of maintaining composure regarding table etiquette, specifically when inexperienced players inadvertently reveal information during a hand. Hansen encourages listeners to practice and gain experience in varied game formats, highlighting how consistent, high-volume play—even at lower stakes—can significantly sharpen one’s skills and improve long-term win rates.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 218: Too Thin for Stacks?

May 1, 202614 minSummary

In this episode of the Crush Live Poker Podcast, host Bart Hansen explores the strategic complexities of live poker by contrasting it with high-volume online training. Hansen reflects on his recent sessions at the Encore, discussing the slower pace of live Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) compared to the rapid, invaluable experience gained from playing multiple tables online. He argues that online platforms, particularly those with secure, verified environments, offer players the chance to gain immense practice, helping them sharpen their decision-making skills to better handle various live game scenarios. The episode also breaks down specific hand analyses from a 2-5 no-limit session. Hansen highlights a tactical hand involving Ace-Queen offsuit in a four-bet pot. He explores the discomfort of facing a small continuation bet on a King-high, spade-heavy board, explaining why folding without a spade is technically the correct play against a competent opponent. Through these examples, Hansen emphasizes the importance of avoiding complacency and maintaining an objective mindset, even when faced with spots that feel marginal or frustrating. He concludes by stressing how analytical discipline and consistent, high-volume practice are essential for long-term improvement.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 217: Versus Short Term Steam

Apr 24, 202619 minSummary

In this episode of the Crush Live Poker Podcast, host Bart Hansen explores the complexities of managing game dynamics against opponents experiencing short-term tilt. Hansen shares his recent success in Pot Limit Omaha tournaments and discusses the utility of pre-flop training tools for mastering complex situations. He highlights how maintaining awareness of an opponent's emotional state—specifically recognizing when a player has been set off by a bad beat—can significantly influence strategic decision-making. Hansen breaks down two specific hands from a recent session at a 2-5 no-limit game to illustrate these concepts. In the first hand, he identifies a tilted opponent and uses an aggressive post-flop line to force a fold. In the second hand, he demonstrates the importance of "bluff catching" and patience, explaining why understanding an opponent’s betting patterns allows him to make a successful hero call with just ace-high. Throughout the episode, the discussion emphasizes that identifying tilts and applying small-stakes exploits are critical skills for navigating live poker, allowing players to capitalize on their opponents' irrational play and turn potentially difficult spots into profitable results.

Free Crush Live Poker Podcast No. 168: Fold Top Pair and OMC Discussion

Apr 4, 202519 minSummary

In episode 168 of the Crush Live Poker Podcast, host Bart Hansen provides a deep dive into live no-limit hold'em strategy, focusing on the challenges of playing in capped games and the difficult decision-making process involving top pair. Reflecting on a recent session at the Encore, Hansen discusses the nuances of adjusting pre-flop raise sizing based on table dynamics, noting that while he typically prefers a larger open, he is willing to scale down to maintain desired action. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the discipline required to fold top pair in unfavorable spots. Hansen breaks down specific hand examples, illustrating why players must be prepared to relinquish holdings like weak suited aces when the board texture shifts or when facing significant aggression in three-bet pots. Additionally, he shares insights on how to approach "Old Man Coffee" (OMC) types—passive, nitty players—explaining the importance of identifying whether they are playing defensively or trapping with strong hands. By analyzing his own decision-making against winning players versus passive opponents, Hansen offers listeners a framework for evaluating equity and determining when to fold, call, or exploit tendencies at the table.