Hi friends, thanks for checking in again. This week, I’ve put together a few strategy tips you can apply to your game, some updates from the Poker world, and a look at what’s been going on in my own schedule lately. Whether you’re here to learn, stay sharp, or just keep up with the game, I appreciate you being part of this community. Let’s dive in.
This Week’s Insights
- What’s New in Poker?
- Poker Tips of the Week
- Interesting Hands
- Health and Nutrition
- Lexy’s Latest
What’s New in Poker?
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Poker Tips for the Week
Your Ego Might Be the Biggest Leak in Your Game
As I said in my book: ego is a silent killer at the Poker table. If you’re not checking it at the door, it’s probably already costing you money. Long-term success in Poker hinges on your ability to stay humble, open-minded, and focused—not on feeding your pride.
One of the sneakiest ways ego creeps in? Thinking you’re too good to ask for help. Some players would rather stay stuck than admit they don’t know something. That mindset will hold you back fast. The best players I know constantly surround themselves with stronger competition and aren’t afraid to ask questions—even about hands as basic as a pre-flop spot. Growth starts when you get honest about your weaknesses.
And ego doesn’t just show up when you’re losing. It can hit even harder when you’re winning. Imagine going on a heater—final tables, consistent cashes, maybe even some media buzz. Trust me, I’ve been there. During the 2019 WSOP Main Event, I was featured on the ESPN broadcast. The lights, cameras, attention—it got in my head. I played loose and flashy, trying to “put on a show” when I should’ve been playing tight. I busted way earlier than I should have. I still think about that mistake. It was all ego, and it derailed me.
So if you’re in a tournament and someone pulls out a camera or a blogger starts taking notes—block it out. You’re there to play Poker, not to perform.
Ego also shows up in the form of “ego wars” at the table—trying to go toe-to-toe with strong pros just to prove a point. Here’s the thing: there’s no shame in steering clear of high-level battles if you can target softer spots instead. Think Rounders—the sharks don’t go after each other. They wait for the tourists and take their money.
That’s the game. Be strategic. Avoid unnecessary risks. Save the hero calls and high-level battles for when they actually matter.
One more ego trap? Moving up in stakes too quickly. Just because you’re on a heater doesn’t mean you’re ready for higher buy-ins. Stay disciplined. Stick to what your bankroll allows, and don’t let pride talk you into decisions that your bankroll can’t handle.
At the end of the day, Poker is as much a mental game as it is a technical one. Stay grounded. Stay curious. The more humble you are, the further you’ll go.
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Interesting Hands
Hand Breakdown – A♦K♦: The Perfect Squeeze Spot… That Goes Sideways
In my latest vlog from Casino Club, we find ourselves in a textbook squeeze situation. There’s a limp from middle position, then the hijack—with only $300 behind—raises to $20, and the cutoff flat-calls.
Now I’m sitting in the small blind with A♦K♦. I mean… come on. This is chef’s kiss for a squeeze. It’s a great time to look like I’m squeezing wide and polar, when in reality I just happen to have the goods.
So I bump it to $80, looking to isolate the hijack and hopefully get his whole stack in. And he calls, which is exactly what I wanted.
Flop: A♣ J♠ 5♥
This is the type of flop where you want to do a happy dance—but internally, of course. I’ve got top-top on a super dry board. But instead of leading out, I decide to get a little tricky and check.
Hijack doesn’t waste time—he rips it in, and I snap.
Here at Casino Club, we get the option to run it twice, which I love—less variance, smoother bankroll swings, and you get to the long-run faster. I’ll talk more about that in another video if you’re curious, but here’s how it went down:
Board One: Turn – 7♠, River – 2♣
Board Two: Turn – 6♥, River – 10♣
And would you believe it? He turns over J♠7♣—middle pair that somehow holds both times.
Yeah, we lost the pot, but I love my line. I found a great spot to squeeze, picked the right sizing, slow-played top pair, and got it in good. That’s all you can do.
Also—can we just note for the record that this player showed up with jack-seven offsuit in this spot? That’s Casino Club for you!
Health and Nutrition
According to Live Music Blog, the type of music you listen to during online Poker sessions can significantly influence your focus, patience, and risk tolerance. Different genres have varying effects on your mental state, which can, in turn, impact your decision-making at the table.
For instance, instrumental and classical music are often favored for their calming effects, helping players maintain a relaxed yet alert state. These genres typically have a tempo between 60 to 80 beats per minute, which can aid in sustaining mental relaxation without causing drowsiness. On the other hand, fast-paced music might lead to quicker decisions, potentially increasing the likelihood of impulsive plays.
Moreover, ambient sounds like rainfall or ocean waves have gained popularity among players for promoting mindfulness and filtering out distractions, especially in noisy environments. Electronic genres such as trance or house music, known for their consistent patterns and minimal lyrics, can provide background energy without overwhelming the brain, thus helping maintain momentum during long sessions.
Key Takeaways:
Enhance Focus: Opt for instrumental or ambient music to maintain concentration during sessions.
Manage Emotions: Use calming sounds to regulate your emotional state, reducing the risk of tilt.
Avoid Distractions: Steer clear of music with lyrics that might compete for your cognitive attention.
Personalize Your Playlist: Experiment with different genres to find what best supports your gameplay.
Conclusion:
Incorporating the right kind of music into your Poker sessions can be a strategic tool to enhance focus, manage emotions, and improve overall performance. By understanding how different sounds affect your mental state, you can curate a playlist that supports your gameplay and helps you stay in control at the table.
Lexy’s Latest
Bobby and I have been golfing a ton and I’m really enjoying it even though I’m not that good! I will be taking it very easy for the next couple of weeks and really getting my game and mindset ready for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). I will be playing almost everyday and blogging every tournament. So if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for all the hand breakdowns and lessons learned throughout the WSOP!
Thank you for reading and see you at the tables!
Lexy Gavin-Mather
