How to Beat the Rake

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You may be surprised to learn that these different rake structures should impact the way you play. Put simply, when money is being taken out of the pot, your pot odds and strategic incentives change. If you’re playing the same regardless of the rake structure, you’re likely leaving money on the table. But you won’t make that mistake after finishing this episode.

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Rake Strategy

02:16 Global Perspectives on High Rake

03:55 Adjustments for High Rake Games

05:11 Tight Aggressive Play in High Rake Environments

06:52 Defending Big Blind in High Rake Scenarios

08:30 Exploiting Low Rake and No Rake Games

11:20 Multi-Way Pot Adjustments in High Rake Games

13:13 Big Blind Defense in Multi-Way Pots

16:36 No Rake Strategies and Conclusion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood tackle a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the game: the rake. Understanding how to adjust your strategy based on the rake structure is essential for any serious poker player, whether you’re grinding low-stakes cash games or playing in high-stakes tournaments. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that will help you adapt to different rake environments, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.

The podcast begins with an overview of various rake structures, from high-rake environments where four or more big blinds are taken from the pot, to low-rake games where two big blinds or less are deducted. Gary shares his experiences from different poker scenes worldwide, highlighting how rake impacts the profitability of various games. He explains that understanding the specifics of the rake in your game is crucial, as it directly affects your pot odds and strategic decisions.

Listeners will learn how to adjust their play in high-rake games, where adopting a tight-aggressive style can help mitigate the impact of the rake. Mike and Gary discuss why it’s often necessary to three-bet more frequently rather than calling, especially when facing raises. They also cover strategies for defending the big blind and the importance of trimming marginal hands from your defending range to avoid bleeding chips in high-rake settings.

The episode also explores how to exploit low-rake or no-rake games, where you can afford to play a much looser style and take advantage of the extra equity available. Gary provides insights into adjusting your pre-flop ranges, defending more hands, and how to take full advantage of soft games with favorable rake conditions.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their game based on rake conditions. Whether you’re battling it out in a high-rake environment or enjoying the benefits of a low-rake home game, the insights shared in this episode will help you make smarter decisions and maximize your winnings. Tune in to learn how to beat the rake and level up your poker strategy with Mike and Gary.