Episodes

3d ago

(0:00) Intro (0:15) A frustrating day at $5/$5 and $5/$10 (7:12) $5/$5 hand: 88 on 842hxh6ccAx (13:14) Poker as "founder training" (19:17) $5/$5 NLHE/standup game session (19:47) JJ all-in preflop (21:04) AKo all-in preflop (22:33) AA on A33ddx4x (23:32) AQo on A74hhxQhhh2hhhh (25:41) A8cc preflop Your correspondent discusses a frustrating day of poker, responds to Kelly Lucas' reaction to Erik Seidel's potential retirement in the wake of impending changes to taxation of gambling losses, and then finds respite in an out-of-town poker room that allows the standup game. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE Episode Notes Kelly Lucas' tweet Third Man Walking Twitter Crush Live Poker

Dec 3

(0:00) Social media and AI (2:32) Storytelling in poker (17:11) $5/$10 NLHE session (17:36) K9dd on A98ssdTsss2x (20:22) AdKx on 964ddd (22:28) AThh on QT5rAcc9x (24:33) KsJx on JT3sxsAx (26:00) TT (no spade) on J63sss6x9ssss (28:53) AA on QT2rKss4x (30:21) QJo on AT8cxcKhh4ccc Your correspondent thinks about the AI mini-scandal that recently engulfed the WSOP's "No Limit" docuseries. He lists some problems with poker storytelling that are particular to poker and its ecosystem, then discusses what sorts of stories about poker he'd like to hear or watch. Then, he plays a $5/$10 session in which he struggles to be precise against an action player. Links: forum discussion Episode Notes Thomas Keeling on poker storytelling Ben Wilinofsky on the likelihood of another poker boom Third Man Walking on Twitter Crush Live Poker

Nov 19

(0:00) Intro (0:15) "Ballad of a Small Player" (13:06) $5/$5 NLHE session (16:00) JJ preflop spot (17:40) AKdd preflop spot (19:02) AJdd on A54xdx3ss2x (22:18) AQo on AT5hxh6dd9x (24:09) AA on 322r (26:07) J9ss on T75ssx2sss4ssss Your correspondent discusses the new Netflix film “Ballad of a Small Player,” finding it more rewarding upon repeated viewings. He also picks up some big hands in a recent $5/$5 session. LINKS: Episode Notes Reddit thread on “Ballad of a Small Player” Netflix Tudum article Will Sloan review of “Ballad of a Small Player https://twitter.com/thirdwalking https://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 5

(0:00) Private games and the Chauncey Billups scandal (10:52) $5/$10 session (12:14) AKhh all-in preflop (13:00) 99 all-in preflop (15:38) AKo on K54r6ssQx (17:57) QhQx on AJ6hhxQx4hhh (20:01) QTcc on QT4hxhJx7hhh (21:41) JThh on AQ2hxxKx (23:25) AA on AQTr4ccJx Your correspondent discusses the Chauncey Billups scandal and Doug Polk's interview with Philip Wiszowaty and how, again, private games are the problem. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 15

(0:00) Intro (0:37) The Noble Hustle (11:18) $5/$10 session (12:47) TT on T77ddx8x2ddd (16:11) AcQx on 974cxcKxKccc (21:37) A4hh on Q76hxh (22:39) AKhh all-in preflop (26:20) J9cc on Q52ccxAccc8x (29:09) AKhh on 544hxxJhh (31:16) AJo on AJ4r4ccTx Your correspondent reviews Colson Whitehead’s 2014 poker diary “The Noble Hustle,” a beautifully written account of his brief foray into the poker world and his entry into the WSOP Main Event. Then, a review of a messy $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 1

Your correspondent reviews the 2015 Canadian poker thriller “Cold Deck,” then recaps a relatively smooth (but imperfect) session at $5/$10. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:23 “Cold Deck” 11:49 $5/$5 and $5/$10 session 12:03 AJo on K63r4dd 14:08 J9cc preflop spot 15:43 AKo on AJ6ccx7x4x 16:54 KK on T94r9cc5x 19:44 KK (again) on T86hhx 22:27 AQo preflop spot 23:11 JhJx on T76hxhKhhh5x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 17

Your correspondent discusses the potential ban on sweepstakes casinos in California, then reviews a $5/$5/$10 session in which he wonders how frequently he's getting bluffed. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:19 Thoughts on (more) law changes affecting poker players in California and elsewhere 6:06 $5/$5/$10 no-limit hold-em session 6:24 88 preflop 8:47 AQo on QJ3r 11:17 76hh on QJ2hxh4hhh7x 13:11 AdKx K65ddx3ddd8x 15:22 TT on T72ssxQxKx 17:47 K9o on K42rQhh3x 21:34 AKo all-in preflop 22:35 KcKx on A54ccxKdd 25:44 Very old $1/$2 hand history: KK on AK3r http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 3

Your correspondent watches the 2013 poker-adjacent film “Runner Runner,” then gets put in some tough spots at $5/$5/$10, making (at least) one big mistake along the way. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 Making adjustments to online poker with big antes 3:48 Watching “Runner Runner” 7:35 $5/$5/$10 session 7:56 AThh on Q54hxx9cc 10:21 AJo on J42ccxJhhKhhh 16:51 KK (no club) on Q98ccx 18:08 Quads alert! 55 on Q65cxc5ss2x 19:41 AKhh on AQ2xxh4x 20:53 KsKd on Q74dxdJssQx 24:48 Double-board PLO bomb pot! AK54hhxh on ... Board 1: 874hhx8xKx (so on the river I have KK88A) Board 2: A43rA8 (so on the river I have AAA44) http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Aug 20

Your correspondent reflects on how private games cycle through players, and how public games in LA can compete with those of the private-game world, which offer newer side games. He also muses on a recent experiment that seems to point toward privatization even in tournaments in casinos. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 Scattered thoughts on private games and the way poker is changing 0:37 Derek DelGaudio's "Amoralman" 2:00 The creep of privatization in tournaments 6:16 How private games can cause players to go broke faster (and reflections on the ways the cash-game ecosystem is changing) 17:07 $5/$10 and $5/$5/$10 sessions 18:09 KTo on KJ3r6ssJx 20:25 KhKx on 983hxh 22:24 AJcc on J53ddxTx2ddd 25:01 76hh on J76xcc 29:23 $5/$10/$20 hand: All-in preflop with ATo http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Aug 6

Your correspondent plays a $5/$5/$10 session in which he wonders what to do facing a string bet, then navigates a long card-dead stretch. He also muses about the possibility of playing on stream. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 $5/$5/$10 session (with digressions) 1:26 Limit hold-em vs. no-limit hold-em 4:07 Weird string-bet spot: AJo (no clubs) on A95xccJxTccc 10:19 KsQx on JT2sssAxKx 13:00 Struggling with how to maximize winnings against tighter recreational players 13:45 AxQd on 765dddQx8x 16:17 JTss on T54dxd5x6x 20:31 KK on J74rJhh9x 22:12 KK (again) on T77ddxAxJddd 26:11 9c9x on T53cxcQss5ccc 28:15 The HCL controversy/challenge and thoughts on playing on stream 33:49 KK on 443xcc http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jul 16

Your correspondent reviews his recent trip to Las Vegas. Then, he discusses two new developments that are bad for poker: Will Kassouf's performance in the Main Event, and changes to US tax law. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 Being a tourist in Las Vegas 10:50 Will Kassouf in the Main Event 23:59 Big changes to the way poker players are taxed http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jul 2

Your correspondent offers his take on the controversy at the end of the Millionaire Maker last week, then reflects on the worst year of poker he’s ever endured, a year that he thinks (and hopes) is now over. FORUM DISCUSSION : CLICK HERE 0:58 The Millionaire Maker / Club WPT Gold controversy 11:16 Reflections on the past year http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jun 18

Your correspondent starts with a commonly asked question within the poker community (“How do we make poker more popular?”) and argues the more important question is slightly different: “SHOULD poker be more popular?” Then, he reviews a $5/$5/$10 session in an unfamiliar locale. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:19 On (not) growing the game 11:00 $5/$5/$10 session 12:01 AJss on A54r4cc2ccc 13:27 88 on 998rTrK 17:54 JTdd on KT2r8ddQddd 20:57 KK on 872r3r9 24:29 A9ss on T42dxd8ss9ddd 27:29 AxQd on K82ddx9dddTdddd http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jun 4

Your correspondent reviews a boom-era poker film that did not stand the test of time, then gets annoyed with himself after playing badly against an opponent at $5/$5/$10. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:19 “The Grand” 15:16 $5/$5/$10 NLHE session 15:40 A5ss on J85ssx 16:48 QJss on 974ssx8cc3x 19:10 QThh on A54ddxJx4x 22:39 J8hh on J43sxs3cc6ccc 26:01 A7ss on K63xccJss7x 30:46 55 on T95ddxJx9x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

May 21

Your correspondent looks ahead to the World Series of Poker, then watches the excellent but occasionally abrasive Winamax YouTube series "Inside the Mind of a Pro." He then reviews a $5/$5/$10 no-limit hold-em session that ends with a wild double-board PLO bomb pot. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 Tournament season! 6:49 The YouTube series "Inside the Mind of a Pro" 16:35 $5/$5/$10 session 16:46 AQo on T73r6cc 19:14 KJdd on T65ddx 22:03 AsTx on T95sss6xQx 23:53 KTo on J93r8x4 26:45 A6hh on 633rJx2 29:12 KsQx on 853rAss 30:53 KJo on AAQrTssKx 31:44 Double-board PLO bomb pot: T952 with ten-high spades. Top board: 842r5ss2x. Bottom board: J73r8ssAx 36:19 Thoughts on playing double-board PLO bomb pots with a cap The "Inside the Mind of a Pro" series is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@WinamaxEurope http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

May 7

Your correspondent looks back at the 2021 film "The Card Counter," about a gambler struggling with his past as a soldier. He then plays a $5/$10 session in which he tries to shake off the rust of an extended break. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 "The Card Counter" 11:15 $5/$5 and $5/$10 NLHE session 13:29 $5/$5: AKss all-in preflop 14:47 KsKc on 642hhx5ss3hhh 17:19 $5/$10: AdJx on 875rJdd3x 22:08 A4dd on 988ddx 25:46 KThh on T82rQcc 27:51 KdKx on 954ddx3dddQdddd http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Apr 16

Your correspondent compares live no-limit hold-em to online to illustrate why live poker creates a unique kind of confusion that can be hard to resolve. He then reviews a $5/$10 session that featured a tantalizing bluff spot he didn't take. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:19 Why live poker is destined to confuse us 7:31 What I've been up to 8:30 Playing online PLO 11:16 $5/$5 and $5/$10 no-limit hold-em session 11:19 $5/$5 hand: AA on T954r 12:26 At $5/$10: AThh on T82r3dd6ddd 15:05 AKcc on KT5hxh4ss 17:49 77 on T87hhh9hhhhJx 21:57 KsKx on J62ssxJx9x 23:43 A3hh on KQhxhJxTx http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Apr 2

Your correspondent revisits the possibility of diversifying by learning different game types, then plays a wild $5/$10 session in which he reflects on an increasingly rare opportunity to play with a huge action player. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:16 Introduction and adjusting to declining game quality 4:38 $5/$10 NLHE session 5:57 On getting to play with very fun players 10:13 Ad4x on J52ddx3x 11:54 QQ on JT6rAss 14:17 QQ all-in preflop 15:28 AQo on Q75xcc2x2x 18:10 QQ all-in preflop (again) 23:12 A4cc on 763xcx 24:31 99 preflop spot 25:52 AA on K72ssx6x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Mar 19

Today, fellow podcaster David Chen and your correspondent discuss the recent documentary "Matusow," which is available to rent on Amazon Prime. The movie follows poker boom-era star Mike Matusow’s recent attempts to pay off debts, stay relevant, and fight for his legacy. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE You can follow David's work at decodingeverything.com. He also writes about poker at davechenpoker.com. 0:18 Introduction 1:46 David joins to discuss "Matusow" http:/twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Mar 5

Amidst a couple weeks mostly away from poker, your correspondent plays two unusually low-stakes sessions, thinking along the way about the impact of policy upon poker options at public casinos. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:16 What I've been up to 3:14 What is low-stakes poker like in 2025? 7:44 How poker in casinos is affected by changes in laws 11:01 $1/$3 session in Seattle 14:13 AsAx on J87xss3x5x 19:29 AJo on JTTssx6x8x 21:07 AQss on Q73xxsKdd6x 24:10 $2/$3 session at Hustler 27:00 QTo on KJ5ssx 28:08 Double-board PLO bomb pot: T984 on J844Q and 852Kcc2x 31:30 A8cc on K82xxc2dd7x 34:14 AQ on QQ3r2r3 http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Feb 19

Your correspondent revisits the 2009 poker reality show "2 Months 2 Million," then reviews a day of poker that spanned two casinos and over 10 hours. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 2 Months 2 Million 12:47 Recap of a long Friday session and a hand review: 55 on T85rJdd4x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Feb 5

Your correspondent looks back at the 2015 gambling movie "Mississippi Grind," then reviews a $5/$10 session in which he played several all-in pots. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 "Mississippi Grind" 10:43 $5/$10 session 10:55 87dd on AT2ddd2xJx 14:52 AA no diamond on KQ2dxd3ddd 16:50 99 all-in preflop 20:15 76cc on T98ssx 21:14 AKo all-in preflop 22:21 66 on J65rTss6x 25:37 AKcc all-in preflop http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jan 15

Your correspondent revisits the 2007 poker film “Lucky You,” then discusses a $5/$5/$10 session that left him shrugging to himself about the quality of his play. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:20 Brief life/wildfire update 1:45 "Lucky You" 14:05 $5/$5/$10 session 14:13 On the types of "action" players currently playing in public mid-stakes games 18:27 TT on KT6sxs2sss 20:34 Double-board PLO bomb pot with Jh992. First board: 9644. Second board KhQh5x (?) Ahhh 23:01 KsKh on J82ccx5ddTddd 25:11 JJ on A74xssKx2x 29:05 A5hh on T62hhx7hhh7x 31:47 Conclusion http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jan 1

Your correspondent reviews a recent $5/$5/$10 session in which he ran several big bluffs. He also relates a story about a nitty opponent. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:27 $5/$5/$10 session 0:43 QTss on KT5xxsJss6x 6:20 Double board PLO bomb pot: JT22xddx. Top board: AKQr8dd4x. Bottom board: Q93r2ss4x 8:45 JJ on A54r4ddTddd 10:34 JTss on 322ccx4xKx 12:59 KQcc on T84hhh2x3hhhh 15:09 T9dd on KQJxssQccKsss 16:30 Q6ss on 942sxx2ss5x 18:52 Thoughts on dealing with an annoying opponent http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Dec 18, 2024

Your correspondent wins some big pots at $5/$5/$10 but leaves the casino a bit frustrated. Then, he thinks about how poker players think about money. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:19 $5/$5 and $5/$5/$10 session 0:36 AQo all-in preflop 1:46 K7o on 752rQss8sss 3:09 QQ on 853rQccJccc 6:31 AhKx on K95hhxTxTx 10:22 QJdd on AJ5dxdKx4ddd 13:34 AA (no heart) on J96rKhh8hhh 14:50 I return to $5/$5 17:36 Poker players’ weird relationships to money http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Dec 4, 2024

Your correspondent discusses how private games have created an imbalance in live cash-game poker, and what to do about it. Then, he discusses a $5/$5/$10 session in which he made several very strong hands. 0:15 On the migration of private games from high-stakes live poker to mid- and low-stakes poker, and the problems that has created 20:00 $5/$5 and $5/$5/$10 NLHE session 21:15 AA on 664r9r2 24:45 97hh on K85xhx6hh2x 28:28 44 on QT4hxhTx 30:51 44 (again) on 843rJcc FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 20, 2024

Your correspondent briefly muses on the difficulty of finding ways to improve when poker continually finds new ways to challenge and mislead you. He then reviews a $5/$10 session that featured some wild street-poker hands, including two in which he made huge folds. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 On hunting for ways to get better 6:48 $5/$10 NLHE session 7:29 JJ on J65ddxThh 9:03 AJcc on A75xddKx2x 11:08 QQ on 962r5dd 13:15 KK on J53rTr 15:09 TT on 943rQcc8x 17:01 $200 splash pot -- 99 on AK6rQdd4x 20:12 QThh on T83rTr7x (including a discussion of the tactic of overlimping) 25:24 AA on 863hhhKxJx 34:08 JJ on KJ5ssxQx2x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 6, 2024

Your correspondent reads the anthropologist David M. Hayano's "Poker Faces," a book that, 42 years since it was published, has much to say about modern poker culture. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:30 "Poker Faces" 18:21 Anatomy of a Downswing, Part 1,000,000, featuring some weird digressions on nearly getting run over by a truck and of being in a mall in suburban Cleveland needing to buy a shirt 29:07 $5/$5 hand history: AA on 922r4hhJx http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 16, 2024

Your correspondent struggles with his proximity to the recent Nick Vertucci scandal and wonders how long he should stay in the poker world. Then, he plays a $5/$5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:16 On the Nick Vertucci scandal 12:17 $5/$5/$10 NLHE session 13:03 4c4x on T32ccxQxTx 16:06 QTss on TT3rA6 18:25 QQ on T75r4Q 20:31 JJ on 332xddKx6x 22:01 66 on 652ccxKcccQx 24:57 AKo all-in preflop http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 2, 2024

Your correspondent waits -- and waits -- for good opportunities at the table. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:22 On waiting for my turn 6:17 $5/$5/$10 hand history: AA preflop 10:20 $5/$5/$10(/$20/$40) hand history: A4hh on Q22ccx4xJx 15:51 $5/$10(/$20) session 16:41 7c7x on J95ccx8x3x (playing against an unusual opponent type) 21:00 AKo on AK3r4ss 22:50 QQ (no spade) on K96xss5x7sss 24:44 JJ preflop 25:51 AKo on QT9r57 27:43 QTo on T82cccAx4x 29:25 QQ on QT2hhhJx 30:49 KQo on KQ6r2r 32:21 QTo on J88r 33:05 AQss on QJ3ddxKx3x 34:57 AKo all-in preflop 35:59 $25 bomb pot with K5dd on AJ3dxx2dd7x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 18, 2024

Your correspondent defends "mandatory" under-the-gun straddles against recent criticism. Then, he plays a brief but fruitful $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION : CLICK HERE 0:16 Some not-so-obvious reasons why straddles are good for games 10:10 $5/$10 NLHE session 10:52 K4ss on JJ6rAssTsss 13:04 88 on K42ssxJx6x 14:28 KQo on QT9cxc7hh 16:54 AQo on AQ9sssAxQx 19:19 A4dd on A53ssx 23:08 JJ on 854xssAx2x 25:09 AhAd on J84ccx9ccc6x Brent Jenkins on the Poker Zoo Podcast: https://persuadeo.nl/pz94-brent-jenkins-is-that-guy/ The Anti-Straddle Manifesto: https://brentjenkins83.substack.com/p/the-anti-straddle-manifesto?r=4adu4k&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 4, 2024

Your correspondent tries to fight off bad thoughts while playing $5/$10 and $5/$5 at two casinos. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 1:05 On the "dead zone" in late afternoon public poker games 2:32 $5/$10 NLHE session 2:39 AKcc all-in preflop 3:17 KK all-in preflop 4:14 KK all-in preflop (again) 5:46 JJ on QT2hxh4cc 8:15 QTss on QJ6rAxA 10:22 $5/$5 session later that day at a different casino 13:27 AKo all-in preflop 17:34 JJ on T32sxs2x 18:21 AQcc KJ8cxxQx 19:52 AJss all-in preflop http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Aug 21, 2024

Your correspondent talks to screenwriter and poker player Josh Wilcox, who wrote the upcoming poker movie "Dead Money." Your correspondent then reviews a recent $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION : CLICK HERE 1:35 Josh Wilcox on "Dead Money" 15:55 Playing a freeroll tournament 20:09 $5/$10 NLHE session 20:15 AKss on K72ccxAxQx 22:04 A7dd on Q96ddxJxAx 24:57 AKss (again) on KQ7xhhTdd 27:50 A9o on 963rTcc9x 33:47 AcAh on 632ddx http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Aug 7, 2024

Your correspondent offers a prescription for the recent controversy surrounding Jonathan Tamayo's victory in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker. He then discusses potential cheating in online poker and -- ugh -- public live poker games, and finds parallels between what's happening now and descriptions of the early days of poker in James McManus' "Cowboys Full." Then, he reviews a profitable but sloppy session of $5/$10 NLHE. FORUM DISCUSSION : CLICK HERE 0:20 What can be done to address bad optics and a potentially unfair competitive environment in the World Series of Poker Main Event, and in live poker more broadly Will Jaffe's tweet: Alan Keating's tweet: Apestyles on the Thinking Poker Podcast: "Recent reports out of Paris ...": Only Friends podcast episode on the alleged live poker cheating ring: 14:43 $5/$10 NLHE session 15:05 AA on K76r 16:00 KK all-in preflop 16:38 QJo on Q72xdd 18:58 QJhh KJ5hcc6x5x 21:08 KQo (both black cards) on KK5xdd6hh4hhh 23:48 JThh on 422hhx5xKx 25:55 AA all-in preflop 26:41 A9ss K87sxx5dd https://x.com/dankness3/status/1814048970588516497 https://x.com/Mister_Keating/status/1814042058601963714 https://www.thinkingpoker.net/2024/07/episode-445-jonathan-apestyles-van-fleet/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/french-police-catch-casino-fraudsters-175413515.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3SGBrQAdto&list=PLbgxMeaShh5X6MNis_76anP2JAAmoA2Ld&index=1 http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jul 17, 2024

Your correspondent reflects on the slowness of live poker and how it can make life feel very, very long. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 Variance & time in live poker 10:37 $5/$10 NLHE session 10:43 TT on Q75rQ9 12:29 A8hh on AJ4rTdd5ddd 14:47 AJss on A43ddx2x2x 17:57 99 on J96hhxJcc 19:44 KdJx on T96ddd 20:53 77 on 976r3ssTx 23:27 98o on 772xss6hh5x 25:08 KTss on 944ssx7sssJx http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jul 3, 2024

Your correspondent thinks back to how he thought about poker six years ago. Then, he plays a $5/$10 game where he tries to fend off some splashy, aggressive villains. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:15 Las Vegas trip recap 1:03 Your correspondent reflects on how his approach to poker has changed since 2018 8:50 $5/$10 session and a rant about table changes 12:52 76o on 853hhx9cc 14:22 KK (no diamond) on 874dxd 17:50 KdKx (yes, kings again) on Q42ssx5sss 21:27 98dd on Q98sxs7hh http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jun 19, 2024

Your correspondent prepares for a brief trip to Las Vegas. He then thinks about what it means that the real action in cash games always seems to be happening somewhere else, hidden from view. He also deals with an annoying opponent in a $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:18 Las Vegas weekend plans 5:15 Why the real action in cash game poker always seems to be out of view Here is Pokerithm, in case anyone is curious: 19:49 Late-night $5/$10 session review https://pokerithm.com/ http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jun 5, 2024

Your correspondent reviews some of his recent activities, then journeys to the $5/$5 tables and tries to control for luck in evaluating his recent play. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:21 Thoughts on Hustler Casino Live's Million Dollar Game 3:33 Appearing on the Thinking Poker Podcast: https://www.thinkingpoker.net/2024/05/episode-439-charlie-wilmoth/ 3:57 WSOP plans 5:27 Thoughts on downswinging and variance in live poker 10:31 $5/$10 hand: JJ on 877ssx7x 16:40 $5/$5 NLHE session 18:38 JThh on J75sss5x 20:47 AQo on A63rJssKx 22:08 KxQd on K62ddx 23:57 87cc on 643xccTx3x 26:35 KK all-in preflop 27:24 KQdd on T92dxd8x3x 29:57 QTdd on A86r7dd5x 31:15 Giving scores to my play for each session http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

May 15, 2024

Your correspondent meditates on banging his head against the wall. Featured topics include being surrounded at the table by people getting massages, trying and failing to assemble a cardboard box, moving to a new apartment, the documentary "The Contestant" (streaming on Hulu), the Pittsburgh Pirates, growing up in West Virginia, getting into stranger and stranger music, and taking a call about a job in the tech industry. Then, he reviews a $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:16 Banging my head against the wall 13:36 $5/$10 NLHE session 13:42 AA on JT7hhx 14:38 KQo on J84ccx7x3x 16:20 ATo on T72cxc4x 18:06 A2hh on K94hhx7hhhKx 25:04 JThh on 987xxh2hh 27:28 KK on T73ssx7x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

May 1, 2024

Your correspondent reflects on getting slowrolled -- or something? -- in an annoying all-in pot, then reviews a $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:21 A $5/$10 hand: 99 on J94xhh7x 12:30 $5/$10 NLHE session (and some thoughts on a recent casino promotion) 14:56 AA (no heart) on Q96hhx3xQx 17:43 66 on T76rKss 19:57 QQ on A98r58 23:15 J9cc on T84ccx 25:39 64dd on Q43hhx7x3hhh http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Apr 17, 2024

Your correspondent returns to the subject of his downswing, which continues despite his best efforts to jinx it into going away by talking about it. 0:21 Downswing Part 2 1:31 Taking variance is part of the job 4:25 The downswing leads to bad habits 8:53 Why I'll keep grinding instead of focusing on teaching 15:04 5/10 NLHE hand: TT on T85rJxQx FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Apr 3, 2024

Your correspondent discusses his thought process as he endures the worst downswing of his poker career. He also reviews a recent $5/$10 session. 0:17 Maintaining a healthy relationship to the game in the midst of a big downswing 8:29 Dealing with a long stretch of boredom, in which moneymaking opportunities are few and far between FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 20:22 $5/$10 NLHE session 21:13 AKo all-in preflop 22:24 AA (no club) on 762ccc9x8x 24:55 "Feel it in the heart of the cards" 26:05 A9ss on AKTxdd9xKx 32:17 AsJx on 985sss3x6ssss 33:58 J9hh on KQTxssAx7sss http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Mar 20, 2024

Your correspondent visits poker rooms in the Bay Area and Sacramento, folding flopped straights and finding ways to lose ridiculous amounts of money with ace-king. Along the way, he compares live poker in Los Angeles to poker elsewhere, and reflects on a recent bad run. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:20 Traveling to Northern California 0:42 Poker in American cities that are not Los Angeles or Las Vegas 1:57 What it feels like to enter a new poker room 2:57 3/5/10 at Lucky Chances in San Francisco 3:35 K3hh on KT3ssxQdd 5:34 A9hh on AQ5xhh 8:03 1/3 with straddles at Capitol Casino in Sacramento 9:12 KQo on AJ8rTr3 11:57 J8dd on QT9ssd2x 15:00 AQcc on Q54ddx 16:50 2/5 at Thunder Valley, northeast of Sacramento 17:58 QsTx on AKJssxKxJx 19:05 AKo all-in preflop 21:02 AKdd all-in preflop 21:32 AKo all-in preflop (yes, all-in preflop with AK in three different hands) 22:38 QQ all-in preflop 23:32 77 on AQ7rKr9 25:16 General thoughts on running bad http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Mar 6, 2024

Your correspondent discusses Michael Craig's poker-boom-era classic "The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King." He follows up on how he finished in the tournament discussed in the last episode, then reviews a double-board PLO bomb pot he played that left him feeling frustrated with himself. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:20 "The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King" 12:32 A correction regarding a hand in the last episode (double-board PLO bomb pot with 8733) 14:03 $1200 LAPC tournament, Day 2 14:41 AKo all-in preflop (big blind = 15,000) 15:41 JJ all-in preflop (big blind = 30,000) 16:10 Q4hh on T84A4 (big blind = 60,000) 18:46 Jx9c on JT6ccx3x5x (big blind = 60,000) 21:58 AQo all-in preflop (big blind = 100,000) 23:21 $25 double-board PLO bomb pot hand: KQJ4 (no spades) on KT9ssx3x4x and J52ssxJxQsss Sources used in the Garfield/Cleveland story: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/502301891 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-doctors-killed-president-garfield/ https://lib.arizona.edu/hsl/materials/collections/secret-illness/cleveland https://www.npr.org/2011/07/06/137621988/a-yacht-a-mustache-how-a-president-hid-his-tumor http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Feb 21, 2024

Your correspondent gets through Day 1 of a tournament for the first time in over five years. He reviews the tournament hands that brought him to Day 2 glory, then recaps a cash session of $5/$5/$10 (with straddles of up to $160) and $5/$5. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:16 Your correspondent bags a tournament! ($1200 LAPC Million at Commerce) 3:42 AJhh on J95r (big blind = 800) 6:04 AA on A98r2r (bb = 1200) 7:44 K4o on K32r4hhJhhh (bb = 3000) 917 JJ all-in preflop (bb = 4000) 13:19 T6o on 953xccKx (bb = 6000) 17:10 $5/$5/$10 NLHE cash session 17:43 AKo all-in preflop 18:52 AdTx on K32ddx 23:16 KhKx on 653xhh2hhh9x 24:47 $5/$5 NLHE 25:37 AdAx on KQ8dxdTx 28:25 Double-board PLO bomb pot with 8733 on J83rThh and 953xss6sss http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Feb 7, 2024

Your correspondent discusses why two thousand dollars is an important sum at $5/$10 and $10/$20. He also discusses his recent experiences playing $10/$20, then reviews a recent $5/$10 session. FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:21 Why $2,000 is such an important threshold in mid-stakes cash games 4:40 Comparing $10/$20 to $5/$10 7:17 KsJx on JT8xssTx7x 9:54 $5/$10 NLHE session 10:23 AKo on Q83rThh 12:33 JJ on 993r3T 14:16 A5cc on 932ccx8x 15:36 AJo on 754r2cc 16:32 AA on KK7rK2 19:13 QJo on T32r8r 20:21 AJhh on 832xhh5hhh6x 23:42 KJcc on 976cccJx7x 26:29 Q6o on AT4r7x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jan 17, 2024

Your correspondent discusses how to filter poker strategy advice -- which advice should be ignored and which is worth taking? How can you tell them apart, and when should you feel satisfied with uncertainty? FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE 0:16 How do you find good advice in poker? 12:47 5/10 NLHE session 12:56 AKss all-in preflop 14:04 QJss 4bet preflop 15:29 AQss on AT5r3dd4x 17:42 JTcc on 942xxc9x 19:03 AJo on A84ssxJx8x 21:15 QQ on KQ9J7 23:46 QQ (again) on K75ddxKcc7x 26:37 JJ all-in preflop 33:01 Jackpot hand! Sabrina Chevannes' tweet: Persuadeo's essay: https://twitter.com/SChevannes/status/1745567657741402482 https://persuadeo.nl/a-brief-word-on-learning-poker-or-anything/ I didn't credit them in the podcast itself, but some of my thoughts on solvers are pretty similar to Marc Goone and Gethen Jacobs', which you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vXh6ZhcL90 http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jan 3, 2024

Your correspondent explains why he chose not to go to Las Vegas to play tournaments last month, and relays how his experience playing the WSOP Main Event in 2019 shaped his skepticism about playing tournaments at all. He then reviews a recent 5/10 session. 0:21 Tournament skepticism and the 2019 Main Event 13:49 5/10 NLHE session (and staying off my phone) 15:09 KK all-in preflop 17:41 98hh QT7dxdQx9ddd 19:58 99 all-in preflop 23:07 QQ on T22hhxQcc5x 25:26 98ss on Q98ddx4x2x 28:32 AQdd 965cxc8ddTddd FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Dec 20, 2023

Your correspondent reviews a recent 5/10/20 session, then discusses "Game of Gold" and Alex O'Brien's new book "The Truth Detective." 0:21 5/10/20 NLHE session 1:22 AKcc on KT7r3x 2:36 KQo on KK2rTdd6x 4:00 AKss all-in preflop 5:09 KTdd on QT8xxd6hhQx 6:32 AKo on AJ4r2ss7x 9:19 AQcc on AQ4ddx4xAx 13:07 AA on 632rKhh 15:52 QTss on JTThhx9hhh4x 17:53 AdAx 995xdd3xAx 19:38 T9dd on Q85hhdThhhQx 21:29 J6hh on AT2hhxQxAx 25:27 Thoughts on "Game of Gold" 29:10 Thoughts on Alex O'Brien's "The Truth Detective" FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Dec 6, 2023

Your correspondent reviews a recent break-even stretch. He then considers recent rumors of cheating in high-stakes private games and offers a simple solution: Stop playing private games, and come play poker at casinos instead. Finally, he reviews a recent 5/10 session. 0:58 Why we shouldn't assume downswings have obvious causes 1:34 Whiny bad-beat story: 5/5/10/20/40 KK on TT3rAx 3:26 Nearly a catastrophic punt: 5/10/20 AKcc on 543ssc9sss8ssss 9:37 Thoughts on Nik Airball's accusations against Mars 10:45 Don't play private games 12:19 *Do* play poker in casinos 15:13 5/10 NLHE session 16:07 KQss on 764hsh5ss4sss 18:48 AJdd on QT9rQx4 20:02 55 on Q52r7dd 21:48 KJo (no diamond) on K82ddd2x4x 23:38 QQ on 966r 25:26 Q9cc on 952sxs9xTsss 29:58 KThh on QT2hxh3x9x 31:50 QQ on 986cxc3x 40:22 KQo on KT4r9hhJx FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 15, 2023

Your correspondent asks whether, in the next ten years, poker will get tougher at the same rate it has in the last ten. Then, he reviews a recent $10/$20/$40 session. 2:37 Vanessa Selbst (44) vs. Kevin MacPhee (A9o) in the 2012 EPT Main Event (Watch here: ) 6:10 How and why players will get better in the future 7:35 Why non-NLHE poker variants will continue to grow in importance 13:25 $10/$20/$40 NLHE session (and an explanation of the rules of the many sub-games we played) 16:20 Capped double-board PLO bomb pot: K764 on a top board of KK4 and a bottom board of JT3xhh 19:00 TT all-in preflop 19:56 TT (again) on 955r 24:13 99 all-in preflop 25:08 QTo on Q65rJssJx 26:50 Capped double-board PLO bomb pot: KKJ2 on a top board of T76xhh and a bottom board of AK3r 29:47 Q3cc on Q88ddc7cc5ccc 32:40 A3ss on K97sxx8ss 34:38 Q8dd preflop Venessa Selbst's Top Blow Ups Third Man Walking Episode 5, on the poker ecosystem and the rate at which it changes: https://crushlivepoker.com/podcasts/the-ecosystem Third Man Walking Episode 51, which reviews hands from the 2003 WSOP Main Event: https://crushlivepoker.com/podcasts/getting-better-over-time FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 1, 2023

Your correspondent rereads Blockhead's gritty gambling memoir "Seat Open," then reviews a 5/5/10 session that blossomed into a bigger game. 11:36 5/5/10 session 11:47 A7cc on 553xccAxKccc 14:41 KQo on A53rJcc 16:52 KTss on AKTccx7ccc6cccc 19:17 We switch the game to 5/10/20 19:41 55 on QT9r8dd4x 21:17 J9hh on QT8ddhAx 22:18 AdAx on 875xdd8xKx 25:17 AcTx on 542ccxQssTx FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 18, 2023

Your correspondent recovers from a minor illness, then plays a pair of cash sessions, one at 5/10 and another at 5/5. 0:22 Going to Las Vegas and getting COVID 2:45 5/10 NLHE session 2:51 AsAc on J53hxh2x5hhh 4:12 AQo (no spade) 762sxsAsss8x 7:01 77 on T82dxdKx8x 10:27 AQdd on AQ2rAss7sss 15:03 99 on Q97dddTx4x 19:46 5/5 NLHE session 20:29 TT on 993xss2x 21:32 K6hh on 642cxcJccc4x 23:28 KTcc on Q73xcc 25:31 Q9dd on Q32xcc4ss 26:57 KJdd on J52ssx2sss2x 29:07 KK on 965r8xJx 30:38 AcAx on JJ6xss7cc 32:31 AcAx (again) on AJ7xcc6x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE

Oct 4, 2023

Your correspondent ties off some loose ends from the last episode about private games, sharing his own limited experience playing in them. He also reviews a session where he made a disastrous call. 0:55 Private games compared to home games 2:27 What are private games actually like? 6:35 My experience with a private game in a casino 9:18 What can be done about more and more games going private? 11:58 5/10/20 and 5/10/20/40 session 12:40 (at 5/10/20) AJdd on KJJ6r4 15:36 (at 5/10/20/40) AQo (no heart, no club) on A76hxhTccJx 23:53 A2o on A7778 25:25 AhKx on AK2xhh 27:20 AxKs all-in preflop FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 20, 2023

Your correspondent contemplates cash-game poker's identity crisis as more and more games go private. What do the increasing number of private games tell us about what players want poker to be? And how have pros and other serious players contributed to the downfall of public games? 0:48 Is poker fundamentally a competitive activity or a friendly gambling pastime? 5:05 How pros are dependent upon recreational players 7:14 How the pandemic changed many players' attitudes 11:07 Private games in casinos 14:47 Other reasons players' attitudes towards pros have changed over time 17:11 How pros have driven recreational players away 22:32 What good is it to be "the best" at poker? FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 6, 2023

Your correspondent struggles with bad luck and bad vibes in a recent cash session and in a big tournament. 0:20 Why this episode is what it is 1:15 5/10 NLHE cash session 3:33 AQo (no spade) on AJ7sxsAxTx 7:22 JJ on AA4r3ddKddd 9:12 KK (no heart) on 543r2hh5hhh 11:30 TT on K83r 13:40 KJhh on K54xxh6hhAhhh 15:55 Q8hh on 964xhh3x2x 18:38 KQo on KQJssx 21:08 $3600 tournament review 29:21 AQo all-in preflop 29:52 J9ss on T96sxs2x2x 34:37 AKo all-in preflop FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Aug 16, 2023

Your correspondent looks back at the late Doyle Brunson's 1984 book "Poker Wisdom of a Champion" to see what it has to teach us about poker in 2023. He then reviews hands from a recent $1400 buyin tournament in Los Angeles, asking himself in the process if the tournament life makes sense for him. 0:19 "Poker Wisdom of a Champion" 9:26 Tournament hand review - $1400 million-dollar guarantee 20:11 98ss on 887xdd 22:18 K4dd on A52rQccJx 26:00 J9hh on T72hhx 27:47 AA all-in preflop http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE

Aug 2, 2023

Your correspondent discusses a recent score of $16,000 in a bad-beat jackpot, then reviews an annoying day of 5/5 and 5/5/10/20. 0:15 Jackpot hand! JJ on A65AA 4:53 Session review (starting at 5/5) 8:38 QQ on J83ssxQcc 10:01 QQ all-in preflop 11:14 Double-board PLO bomb pot: A997 with A9dd on A95ccx and 842xdd 14:18 (at 5/5/10/20) 85ss on 976xsx4cc6x 16:28 K6dd on T74hdh3ddTddd 18:03 KQdd on 982r5hh4x 19:14 KhKx on J94hhx6x 21:33 AJo on A85dxd5ccAx 22:58 AQo (no club) on 853ccx2ss 25:55 QQ on K86ddxKx4x FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jul 19, 2023

Your correspondent reports back from a recent week-long trip to play tournaments in Las Vegas. Along the way, he compares tournaments to the cash games he usually plays and wonders if it's time to try playing tournaments more seriously. Also, he battles intense hunger while playing, then faces an ethical dilemma in a hand against an opponent who keeps exposing her cards. 3:10 88 on 753ccx5x5x 5:54 A7dd all-in preflop 14:14 ATdd on T82rThh 16:53 KQo on KJ8Q6 FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Jul 5, 2023

Your correspondent reviews Aaron Sorkin's movie "Molly's Game" and the Molly Bloom memoir upon which it's based, finding one of the two narratives to be much, much more compelling than the other. 0:55 "Molly's Game" the movie 10:46 "Molly's Game" the book The Indiewire interview with Sorkin: https://www.indiewire.com/awards/industry/mollys-game-aaron-sorkin-jessica-chastain-idris-elba-oscars-1201915147/ http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE

Jun 21, 2023

Your correspondent argues that the poker dream is still alive, and that poker should still market itself to players who want to win. 0:22 The Jonathan Little / Matt Berkey Twitter thread 13:38 Phil Galfond's argument for aspiring winning players as engines of poker's future The Galfond video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVw2k4D0fsc 18:32 5/5/10 NLHE session 18:50 TT all-in preflop 21:16 AdAx on KQ8ddxTx 22:41 AA on 964rJss 24:56 JJ on J83ssx 25:56 KK on 9723r9 http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE

Jun 7, 2023

A no-hand-history episode! Your correspondent shares some speculative thoughts about the future of RTA in live poker. He argues that casinos and floor staff need to be proactive about learning what solvers and RTA are and taking steps to prevent players from using them at the table. He then reviews Mike Matusow's 2009 autobiography "Check-Raising the Devil," contrasting poker of the boom era with poker today. 0:21 Thoughts on the recent controversy regarding use of solvers/RTA during hands in live poker 7:08 Mike Matusow's "Check-Raising the Devil" http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE

May 17, 2023

Your correspondent shares his thoughts on a recent downswing, then reviews a difficult 5/5/10 session. 0:17 Your correspondent returns from Europe and reflects on taking a break 4:52 Annual thoughts on tournaments and whether to play them 12:52 5/5/10 NLHE session 13:21 99 on 852r4ss3x 15:42 AQhh on J33r 16:55 K7cc on 732r 18:09 88 on A95sxs2hh5hhh 19:42 KK all-in preflop 22:28 A tangent on spots where KK can be a preflop fold 27:12 8763 in a double-board bomb pot on 643ccx9cccc2x and 854r6ss5x30:25 QsQh on J63xss9hhAhhh http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com FORUM DISCUSSION: CLICK HERE

May 3, 2023

Your correspondent, still on vacation, reviews two recent 5/5/10 sessions. 1:05 Session 1 1:26 QQ no spade on T64ssx5x 4:12 TT on T42r3ss 8:27 KdKx on T75ddx3ddd 11:04 AKo all-in preflop 13:03 3s3x on J96ssx4xAsss 14:58 KK no club on AQ5ccx7ccc3cccc 18:06 AJo no diamond on QT2dxd6xKx 19:49 QQ on T86r6hhTx 25:51 Session 2 26:10 (at 2/5) AA on 875hhx 27:49 (at 5/5/10) 53hh on 764shs 30:38 AA all-in preflop Forum Discussion: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Apr 19, 2023

Your correspondent discusses the role of ego in poker as it relates to the game's recent surge of heads-up challenges, and then to the state of games in LA. He then reviews a session that began with a hand he played very badly. 0:16 Upcoming plans 1:08 Ego in poker 11:26 The state of games in Los Angeles 5/5 NLH 16:24 KQcc on Q92ssx7x 18:36 AKss A63xss4x9x 5/5/10 20:46 AKo all-in preflop 22:35 AA all-in preflop 23:42 KTcc all-in preflop Forum Discussion: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Apr 5, 2023

Your correspondent reviews a portion of Nik Airball's recent interview with Doug Polk, in which Nik describes what it means to be "good for the game." Your correspondent discusses what being "good for the game" means in for the games he plays in and for the the lives he and other mid-stakes pros are trying to lead. The Airball/Polk interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/WTFM_dEj_XU?feature=share&t=2773 0:17 On being good for the game 15:30 A brief recap of an annoying few weeks of poker 16:10 Mistaking variance for dynamics at the table that aren't actually there 17:20 JsJx on Q54rTss 21:46 Bad vibes in a 5/10 session 24:00 JdJx on J84xdd2ddd5x 25:21 AxKd on QQJr2dd9x 26:39 AQo on QTJrAx9 28:07 KK on 985cxcKdd 29:57 JJ (no diamond) on AQ4ddx5ddd2dddd 31:42 J9cc on KT6cxc3ccc9x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com For discussion: CLICK HERE

Mar 15, 2023

Your correspondent discusses running it twice -- what it does, whether it changes anything, and why it can lead to conflict in poker. He also reviews two recent 5/5/10 sessions. 0:19 On running it twice 12:14 5/5/10 session review 12:26 Q4o on AQ3ccxQxKx 14:42 K9ss on J32xssTx6sss 17:58 77 on 533rTx6 20:57 97cc on JT6ddc9dddAx 23:56 A second 5/5/10 session 24:00 TT on T95rQss7x 26:16 AcQx on KT8cxc 27:19 AQo on Q74rAhh 29:27 AKo on AAKr45 32:16 KdKx on 874dxd9ddd For discussion: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Mar 1, 2023

Your correspondent discusses the weird tension between cooperation and competition in the negotiations of ongoing straddles in cash games. He then reviews two recent midstakes cash game sessions. 0:55 On straddling 9:05 5/5/10/(20) session no. 1 10:17 AA on AT7ddx6ddd 14:47 99 all-in preflop 18:06 KQo T65r6xT 22:44 AJcc on 983xhh4xKx 25:07 5/5/10/(20) session no. 2 25:15 64o on QQ7r47 27:41 KTss T65r6x 29:38 99 on J83r6ddJx 31:02 AJo on AJ3ccxKdd8x 32:00 KcKx on AT6ccc8x5x 34:00 Some quick thoughts on double-board PLO bomb pots Disussion of this episode: CLICK HERE http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Feb 15, 2023

Your correspondent answers some requests for elaboration on a tweet he recently wrote, leading to a wide-ranging discussion that covers the live mid-stakes poker ecosystem and the distinction between not losing and really winning in live public poker games. He also discusses the (dodgy) possibilities of playing in private games or collecting rake from those games. 0:22 The tweet in question, leading to a discussion about maximizing winnings in public casino games 3:49 Not losing versus really winning in live cash-game poker 6:42 Traveling pros as test cases 10:25 Private games 17:53 5/5/10 session review 18:16 8c8x on A76ccx5x 21:21 AsTc on AQ6ddx8x 23:39 KxJh on QT6hxxKhhThhh 26:30 AhKx on KJ4hhxAcc 30:09 KThh on Q62ccxKccc2x Discussion on this episode: CLICK HERE http://crushlivepoker.com http://twitter.com/thirdwalkin...

Feb 1, 2023

Your correspondent travels to play poker in San Antonio and a city where the game was so juicy he won't even tell you where it was. Along the way, he plays double-board PLO bomb pots, encounters novel local poker customs, and wonders whether pros have it all wrong about the best places to play public live poker games. 0:32 Los Angeles as compared to other poker towns 1:42 A wild game in a mystery city 4:39 How huge games can hide in plain sight 5:20 Poker in San Antonio 6:54 NLHE and double-board PLO bomb pots round by round 9:06 AAJ5 with A5ss. Top board: KQThhx9ccAccc. Bottom board: 532r6ss4sss 13:23 QJT4 with QJdd. Top board: KQ9ssx6x3x. Bottom board: A75ddx8xKddd 17:52 5/10 NLHE session 18:01 AKcc on QT3xxc9cc5ccc 20:24 AhKx on JT4hxh2hhh 22:07 AQcc on AJ2xcxQhhAx 24:17 QJhh on A86hhx2x7hhh Discussion on this episode: CLICK HERE twitter.com/thirdwalking crushlivepoker.com

Jan 18, 2023

Your correspondent looks back on his approach to poker in 2022 and looks ahead to 2023. Along the way, he wonders whether it's better to stay in one stake at one casino, or to play a variety of NLHE cash games at different venues. Then, he reviews a 5/10 (and then 5/10/20) cash session. 0:18 How much I played poker in 2022 0:59 The advantages of usually playing at the same casino 4:09 The case for playing at a variety of casinos and stakes 7:45 5/10 NLHE session 9:14 66 on J65cxcQx 13:01 KK all-in preflop 14:45 AQcc on 882rQhh7hhh 19:01 QdQx on J76ddxKddd 22:00 AQo on QT2r6cc9ccc 23:55 AA on JJ9rQcc6x 25:26 QQ on 853ddx7hhTx Discussion on this episode: twitter.com/thirdwalking crushlivepoker.com CLICK HERE

Jan 4, 2023

Your correspondent reviews two 5/10 sessions in the midst of an annoying downswing. 0:18 An extremely long metaphor about luck in poker 3:25 The venerable tradition of lying about your cards after you muck 5:17 Bad luck and downswinging Forum Discussion on this episode: CLICK HERE 8:00 5/10 NLHE session no. 1 8:09 JJ on T73cxcJx 9:46 A9o on 976r3cc5x 13:38 AKdd on 862ssxAsssKx 15:13 33 on Q43r6cc 17:31 JJ on AT6r 19:53 Q9o on JT8hxh 21:46 5/10 NLHE session no. 2 22:07 J5o on J52r9ccAccc 23:46 97dd on 984r3cc 25:47 AKo (red) 973ccx4dd 27:02 AQo (no clubs) AJ4r2cc7x 30:19 TsTx on 622ssx5x 32:48 AdQx Q63ddx4x2x http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Dec 21, 2022

Your correspondent ruminates on the way poker is used for dramatic purposes in books and movies, and contrasts that with the reality of winning in cash-game poker, which, if you're doing it right, isn't terribly dramatic. He then reviews an interesting but sometimes frustrating 5/10 session. 0:20 Your correspondent appears in a poker scene in a music video 3:25 Where does drama in poker come from, and how does the reality of poker conflict with traditional fictional narratives? 4:45 The plot arc of "Rounders," and some speculation about Mike McDermott's life since the end of the movie 7:54 Parallels between Mike McDermott's life and Daniel Negreanu's 12:15 Session review: 5/10 NLHE 14:30 A9ss on K52sss5x 17:40 44 on Q84dxd5xTx 22:25 AQo on 962rQdd2ddd 25:18 33 on 932hxh 27:03 ATdd 852xddTx 28:20 AA on A32ddxJx twitter.com/thirdwalking crushlivepoker.com

Dec 7, 2022

Your correspondent talks with Crush Live Poker coach, Hustler Casino Live commentator and high-stakes poker pro Marc Goone about staking up-and-coming poker players. 2:10 Marc joins 2:39 What this business is and how it developed 3:32 Why do you back players, and how do you find the right players to back? 8:00 How do you prevent theft? 9:45 On finding players who don’t fit the typical demographic profile 13:23 What’s difficult about teaching poker, and what’s hardest to learn 15:28 On teaching players how to decide what pieces of information are most important 17:46 Getting students past the threshold of $50 per hour 19:41 How has teaching affected your own game? 20:46 What style of play do you teach, and why? 23:21 Has the stable been a good use of your time? 24:54 How do staking deals end? 29:39 Do you worry about doing harm to the live poker ecosystem? The episode of the Grind mentioned in the intro: https://crushlivepoker.com/pod... Marc Goone: http://twitter.com/marcgoone http://twitter.com/thirdwalkin... http://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 23, 2022

Your correspondent turns to his new assistant Robert to relay his poker thoughts as he recovers from laryngitis. Robert, though, has other ideas. 0:18 Introducing Robert 5:25 Life update and thoughts on the current state of poker in Los Angeles 9:10 The $870,000 Hustler Casino Live pot between Nik Airball and Buttonclickr, and its aftermath 18:32 Listener Q+A: Benefits of poker coaching 21:25 Do you need an accountant who specializes in poker income? 23:07 Getting started as a pro 25:33 What are the lowest stakes where you can make a living? http://twitter.com/thirdwalking http://crushlivepoker.com

Nov 2, 2022

Your correspondent discusses double-board PLO bomb pots with Crush Live Poker head honcho Bart Hanson, who helps him through two hands and explains core strategies for these sorts of pots. 3:02 Bart joins 12:29 $50 double-board PLO bomb pot, eight-handed. Hero has A753hhxx on the button Flops 400: T32ccx, Q65hhx. Everyone checks Turns 400: Accc, 7x. Everyone checks Rivers 400: 8x, 2hhh. (So hero has aces and threes on the top board and the nut flush on the bottom board.) Small blind bets 300, big blind calls. It folds to hero, who raises to 1100. 29:14 $50 double-board PLO bomb pot, seven-handed. Hero has KJ74ddxd in the cutoff Flops 350: 332xdd, A76ddd. Small blind bets 250, big blind calls. It folds to hero, who calls Turn 1100: 2x, Jx. Small blind bets 800, big blind folds. http://twitter.com/thirdwalkin... thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 19, 2022

After a brief look at recent developments in the Garrett Adelstein / Robbi Jade Lew controversy, your correspondent reflects on changes in the poker landscape since the start of the poker boom. (Topics include the 2003 WSOP Main Event and the recent YouTube release of the 2011 poker documentary "Grinders.") He then reviews an overbet jam in a recent 5/10 hand. 0:23 Adelstein/Lew controversy 3:36 Keeping up with (or surpassing) the poker competition over time 4:45 Two hand reviews from the 2003 WSOP Main Event 5:17 AcAx vs. KcQx vs. 77 on K83xcc5x2ccc 6:52 AKo (no diamond) vs. AA (no diamond) on K83ddd6dddd7x 9:20 How poker players have improved over time and the implications for individual players 14:12 "Grinders" documentary 19:03 5/10 NLHE hand: JThh on Q72hxhAxKx WSOP video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?... "Grinders" full movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?... http://twitter.com/thirdwalkin... thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com http://crushlivepoker.com

Oct 5, 2022

Your correspondent discusses last week's controversial Hustler Casino Live hand, in which Robbi Jade Lew called Garrett Adelstein's massive all-in with J4o on TT93chch, leading Adelstein to accuse her of cheating. He discusses whether he thinks Robbi was cheating (maybe not?) and whether Garrett handled the situation well. In the second half, he reviews a recent 5/10 session that featured two especially difficult decisions in response to aggression from his opponents. 0:16 The J4o hand 20:15 5/10 NLHE session 20:27 AKo (red) on KQ8ssxJxQx 23:15 AQo (red) on AQ8rJss6x 24:54 AsKx on K94ssx 30:12 AcAh on 986dxd4ss5ddd http://twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com

Sep 21, 2022

Your correspondent tries to dodge variance and an especially surly opponent in a weekend-evening 5/10/20 session. 5/10 2:32 Lojack vs. cutoff on 532ddx4ddd9dddd 8:55 JhJd on 872hhxQx2x 5/10/20 13:43 QTdd on QT9ssx 15:19 A9cc on 986ssx 16:15 AQo on AQTr6hh3hhh 18:50 KQo on 852ddxQx 20:23 33 on 432hhx7x8x 23:01 KQo on KJ6ssx8sss4x 24:45 AhJx on T53rKhhAx http://twitter.com/thirdwalkin... thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com http://crushlivepoker.com

Sep 7, 2022

Your correspondent thinks about why winning in poker can feel less intense than losing, then reviews a complex bluff at 5/5/10/20. 0:30 TT hypothetical 3:01 Feeling less when you're winning 6:34 What losing streaks feel like 9:13 Why high-stakes poker culture can be so dull 10:48 Why narratives about non-crushers are more interesting 14:42 Interesting pot at 5/5/10/20: 99 on 865ssx2x5sss http://twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com http://crushlivepoker.com

Aug 17, 2022

Your correspondent looks back on a fun couple of weeks that included winning a table share of a $100,000 jackpot, running hot in poker, and debuting as a commentator at Hustler Casino Live. He then considers what it means to give action and why giving action can be good, especially in streamed games. 0:21 Winning a jackpot table share 5:49 Running hot 8:17 Giving action Hand discussed: Andy Stacks' Q8o vs. Double M's AA on T8725 22:33 On whether Garrett Adelstein is one poker's greatest players twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLYSLvBcsQU

Aug 3, 2022

Your correspondent fights against his default tendency to play poker too cautiously, especially in double-board bomb pots and bounty games. He also reviews a 5/10 session in which he develops unusual dynamics with his opponents. 1:19 "Natural" talent in sports and poker 4:00 How studying poker can make us play it less distinctively 7:42 How we can improve at poker by fighting against our default tendencies 9:06 My difficulties with double-board hold-em bomb pots, double-board PLO bomb pots, and bounties 16:50 5/10 NLHE session 17:06 QQ on JT5r4rQ 22:15 KJss on KJ5r2hh 26:45 JJ on AT7r6ss 28:13 98o T99rKK 30:40 QThh on J22hhxTdd4hhh 32:38 A9hh all-in preflop twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com

Jul 20, 2022

Your correspondent recaps two 5/10 sessions on consecutive days, reviewing 15 hands, including four that fell within a single hour of poker that nearly broke his brain. 0:48 The effects of switching casinos 2:28 AA (no heart) on JT8r2hh7hhh 5:10 KdKx on J52ddx3x 8:17 KK (no diamond) on 732rJdd6x 11:16 KK on Q76rJssAx 13:12 KK (not a typo!) (and no spade) on AJ8sxs 16:08 QTo on T54r3ddQx 18:28 QQ preflop spot 19:22 AQdd on 554dhh2x 22:35 Session two (5/10 no limit) 22:53 AKo preflop spot 25:52 AKss on Q87xss 28:04 QJss on 522sxxKdd8x 30:32 QQ on Q43r5ss 33:58 87ss on JTTssx2sss8x 35:38 Q9hh on 887r6dd7x 38:42 54ss on 553xcc9x9ccc twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com

Jul 6, 2022

Your correspondent speaks with iconic rock guitarist and recording engineer Steve Albini, who has recorded Nirvana, the Pixies and PJ Harvey, and who recently won his second WSOP bracelet. 0:16 Introduction 2:16 Steve Albini joins 3:10 Albini discusses his job as a recording engineer 5:04 What kinds of sounds Albini is known for 7:31 How Albini became a serious poker player 8:35 Mixed games 10:03 Adjusting to new constraints in poker 14:42 What Albini likes about poker 16:40 Stylized sociopathy in poker and music (excerpt: Shellac, "Crow," used with permission) 18:58 Machismo in poker (excerpt: Shellac, "Watch Song," used with permission) 21:55 Scamming in poker and independent music 24:36 Why Albini doesn't like Las Vegas 26:10 Other musicians who are good poker players 28:30 Why Albini isn't playing the Main Event 29:40 Albini's thoughts on recording sessions with the Breeders 32:30 Joanna Newsom 34:11 Melt-Banana 37:05 Recap of your correspondent's recent trip to Las Vegas 39:30 Hand from the Mini Main Event: KK all-in preflop 41:56 Hand from Venetian bounty event: KK all-in preflop Steve Albini, "The Problem with Music" https://thebaffler.com/salvos/... Shellac, "Crow" https://www.youtube.com/watch?... "Douchebags in sunglasses ..." quote: https://www.theringer.com/spor... Shellac, "Watch Song" https://www.youtube.com/watch?... Breeders, "Doe" https://www.youtube.com/watch?... Joanna Newsom, "Only Skin" https://www.youtube.com/watch?... Melt-Banana, "Scratch or Stitch" https://www.youtube.com/watch?... twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Jun 15, 2022

Your correspondent returns to his review of new Live at the Bike executive producer Houston Curtis’ book, then answers three questions from listeners. 1:41 Joey Ingram’s interview with Houston Curtis and the fallout from the last Third Man Walking episode 9:27 Dealing with burnout (and why burnout might not be a bad thing) 15:59 Having discipline as a pro (in interacting with recreational players, in game selection, and in bankroll management) 19:57 Should we worry about professional poker players? twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com

Jun 1, 2022

Your correspondent reviews new Live at the Bike executive producer Houston Curtis’ 2020 book Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist , which chronicles Curtis’ sketchy past as a card mechanic and as a player featured in the movie Molly’s Game . Then, your correspondent reviews an overbet bluff jam in a fun 5/10 session. 0:16 My leaving LATB and why I read this book 3:04 Houston Curtis’ bio 4:45 Curtis’ book Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist 5:54 Curtis’ cheating in an underground blackjack game 6:22 Deck-switching in an underground poker game 7:52 How Curtis got to play in Molly Bloom’s game 10:12 Curtis’ friendship with Russ Hamilton 12:52 Curtis’ arrest over debts with a casino 16:14 5/10 session review 16:23 74ss on 654r6dd 19:13 JJ on QQ78K 21:37 AcTx on T93ccc9x4cccc 24:25 AThh on 843hhx 26:17 Programming note Cardplayer.com article naming Curtis and Rick Mahr as executive producers: https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/26850-bally-s-interactive-announces-new-investment-in-popular-poker-stream Kahnawake Gaming Commission report on Ultimate Bet cheating scandal that names the H_Curtis account: http://www.gamingcommission.ca/news/pr09112009a.pdf PokerFraudAlert interview (relevant portion starts at around 1:34): https://pokerfuse.com/poker-podcasts/poker-fraud-alert/16998/ twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com

May 18, 2022

Your correspondent discusses whether self-awareness is a good trait for a poker player, then connects that topic to the recent spate of cheating allegations in the high-stakes poker community. From there, he examines what, if anything, can be done. In the second half of the episode, your correspondent reviews a recent late-night 5/10 session. 0:33 Self-awareness 5:10 Is it good to be self-aware in poker? 9:15 Why poker resists introspection 10:14 Why someone might cheat 16:43 5/10 NL session 17:04 7d7x on Q75dxd 19:27 TT on AT6r8dd9x 21:19 JJ all-in preflop 23:30 AxJs on A87sxs9ddTddd 26:10 QcQx on J97cxcAx twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com crushlivepoker.com

May 4, 2022

Your correspondent briefly discusses the series of cheating allegations tearing through the poker world. He then describes two hidden factors that can bring a live winrate down, before reviewing a 5/10 session full of tricky decisions. 0:27 Cheating 4:27 Two hidden factors that can affect a winrate 5:15 Rake 6:09 Pro playing an open-limp strategy from the small blind in a flat-drop game 7:44 Recs (correctly) adjusting to the loosest players 11:52 5/10 NLHE session 12:27 KK on K76r8ss4x 15:20 KK vs. AQ all-in preflop 16:11 Black QQ on 965rJhhJx 20:26 AThh on QJ8hxh5xQx 25:17 KcQx on QJ5cxcJx3x 27:48 Black AKo on KQ5hhx9hhh6x thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com http://twitter.com/thirdwalking

Apr 20, 2022

2:15 Where poker came from 3:36 Gambling on steamboats 5:41 Poker in the Old West -- why was poker popular despite the possibility of violence? 10:35 Early poker strategy books 13:13 Poker in the middle and upper classes 16:02 Early club poker in Los Angeles/Gardena 19:15 How fictionalized poker games help writers develop characters 22:19 How poker is depicted as masculine 25:54 Reality TV as a precursor to cards-up televised poker 28:53 Cliched plot elements in fictionalized poker Buy Poker & Pop Culture: twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com https://www.amazon.com/Poker-Pop-Culture-Americas-Favorite/dp/1909457981/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=poker+and+pop+culture&qid=1650344635&sprefix=poker+and+pop+%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1

Apr 6, 2022

Your correspondent reviews some 5/10 hands from a frustrating week of poker, then introduces himself to the CLP audience. HANDS: 0:46--Hand 1: KK $2900eff 5/10 3:50--Hand 2: AK 5:36--Hand 3: AA 7:10 My history in poker 18:13 Playing poker on stream 20:25 Becoming a pro 21:21 Moving to Los Angeles twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Mar 15, 2022

The transition of Third Man Walking to Crush Live Poker will happen next episode, which will be released Wednesday, April 6. 0:18 Win rates and what stakes to play 4:15 High-stakes poker feels weird 7:17 Why I *need* high-stakes poker to feel weird 14:26 Why playing bigger games is hard 18:20 10/20 NLHE TT 5bet all-in preflop 20:36 20/40 NLHE AKo (no heart) on AQ6r2hh7hhh 22:27 AxKh on 822hhx4x 23:20 QQ on 662r9hh 25:18 AA on AK8r88 28:35 AxKh on J97hhhQxTx 29:56 KK on T75hxh5x6x 31:23 AQhh on Q87xdd twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Mar 1, 2022

Your correspondent reflects on his recent tournament frustrations and upon the difficulty of assessing his level of ability. 0:48 An announcement 2:21 Tournament session review: $1100 LAPC event 6:24 800 bb KQdd on K96xxdJdd 15:17 Bullet no. 2 15:56 600 bb KThh on Q97hhxTxKx 18:57 800 bb AKdd vs AQcc all-in preflop 20:18 $1100 satellite review 20:29 1500 bb J8o on QT5hxxAhh 23:58 General tournament thoughts and anxieties twitter.com/thirdwalking instagram.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Feb 15, 2022

Your correspondent reviews a 5/10 session that includes plenty of tricky multi-way pots. 1:31 AdKx on AT9xdd 3:00 KK on KJ77A 5:08 KQo (no club) on K32xcc 7:23 KJo on 544rKdd2x 9:05 AK facing big blind 3bet and small blind 5bet jam 11:17 AKcc on Q55ddx3ddd 13:07 99 on 433ccxJhh5hhh 15:09 KQo (no diamond) Q62r7ddTddd twitter.com/thirdwalking instagram.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Feb 1, 2022

Your correspondent reexamines the live poker economy, then reviews a swingy 5/10 session. 1:17 The effects of rake 3:42 Hypothetical hand: AA on A74ddx4ddd 5:13 The effects of tighter games 6:25 Live poker vs. online poker 8:48 The effects of poker vlogs 10:57 The effects of pros, especially international pros 12:47 The emergence of live poker markets throughout the US 14:23 5/10 NLHE session 16:23 KcKx on Q84ccxThh6ccc 19:37 AA no clubs on K94xcc 22:10 AsKx on K52xss7x6sss 23:24 AQo no diamonds on A83xdd7cc9x 25:16 ATo on QTXT 27:57 QQ on A33TJ 29:11 KxJc on QT9xccTx6ccc 31:18 JTss on K96sss7xTx twitter.com/thirdwalking www.instagram.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Jan 18, 2022

Your correspondent reviews an ill-fated recent 10/20 session. 0:56 5/10 vs 10/20 4:50 AKo on AKTddx7x 8:43 NLH double-board bomb pots 12:47 Double-board bomb pot: KK on KQ7r and 763 two-tone 15:03 AdKx on K32xdd8x9ddd 17:29 KdKs on T62ddxJss9x 19:58 (at 5/10) AA on 653xss3x twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Jan 4, 2022

Your correspondent lists 12 tips for poker players who'd like to play the game for living. 1:54 Consider other options 3:15 Be realistic 4:13 Understand how you think about money 5:14 Ask yourself if you're a gambling addict 5:29 Focus on cash games unless you have good reasons not to 6:32 Learn from other pros, but don't compare yourself to them too much 9:29 Don't be ego-driven 10:48 Work hard 12:16 Learn about money 14:09 Create a lifestyle that's sustainable for you 15:46 Be open to side revenue streams 16:33 Keep your eye on the exit 17:10 5/10 NLH session 17:33 KJhh on 864hhx5dd 21:44 K7hh on K75r6hhQx 25:34 KK on 654r3ss 28:09 QTss on J94ssx8sss twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Dec 21, 2021

Your correspondent reflects on an annoying recent experience, then reviews a recent 5/10 session where he tried to induce bluffs, and did some bluffing of his own. 0:18 Don't be this pro 4:38 5/10 NLHE 4:52 AhAx on 765hxh6x2x 7:45 Brief reflection on the AA hand, two days later 9:16 QTcc on 642xccThh2hhh 12:00 87dd on 976hhh9x6x 15:25 AThh on T88ssh9xJx Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Dec 7, 2021

Your correspondent discusses why it's important to approach poker with a coherent strategy. Dan Zack's tweet: Q9cc call-in to Bart Hanson's show: twitter.com/Dan__Zack/status/1391133363067670530 www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7WAEQF2TsE 1:33 Why pros can win despite not necessarily being smarter than their opponents 5:22 QQ as a limp-call preflop and the expanding-brain meme 8:09 Humility and making the obvious play 9:24 5/10/20 session 10:00 QJo on button in $50 bomb pot on QJ7ccx 11:32 AA on button on J97rAdd 15:03 AKo UTG on KQ4r 17:49 AKo in hijack on AKJr 18:46 AKo in cutoff on 983r48 20:17 AKhh on 852hxhThhhJx 24:25 The consequences of "second-tier thinking" 30:11 GTO vs. exploitative Follow me on Twitter: Email: twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Nov 16, 2021

Your correspondent reviews a recent 5/10 session that shows how tricky Los Angeles opponents can be. 1:20 TcTx on J86ccxJxJx 6:15 6s6x on A73ssx 9:30 T7hh on T76cxx2cc5x 11:30 QQ first blind vs. second blind 13:19 $50 bomb pot with QJo on T92cxcAx Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Nov 2, 2021

Yale Greenfield rejoins Third Man Walking to discuss the aftereffects of COVID on the poker economy; traveling to play poker in the Southwest; playing at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas; and his new vlog, LiveKingPoker. Check out Yale's vlog: LiveKingPoker.com twitter.com/LiveKingPoker 0:52 Yale "LiveKingPoker" Greenfield 1:28 Traveling for poker 2:17 Did quarantine make you a better poker player? 5:25 Poker in Arizona, Las Vegas and LA 10:20 Post-COVID live poker games and how they're changing 17:20 Tournaments at the World Series of Poker 19:50 LiveKingPoker 24:11 5/10/20 NLHE cash session 25:04 ATcc in lojack on 966ddxTx 26:33 AJo in straddle on JT7hhxAx 28:03 65hh on button on QJThxx3hh 31:17 ATcc (again) in straddle on KJ9cxc8x 35:33 KK in cutoff on Q75r3ss 37:17 AKo (no hearts, no spades) in big blind on AT4hhs6ss 41:27 AKo (again) in straddle on JT5r twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Oct 19, 2021

Your correspondent reviews a brief trip to play in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and discusses why he probably won't be going back anytime soon. 0:37 Why I used to like tournaments 2:48 QQ (no club) on JJTcxx8cc 5:55 JJ all-in preflop 7:30 I don't like Las Vegas! 10:10 Waiting in line and playing 5/10 12:15 The experience of playing the Millionaire Maker 14:50 Why play tournaments? 16:20 Tourmanent FOMO Twitter: @ Email: thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Oct 5, 2021

Your correspondent prepares to return to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. 0:19 Tournament poker as a psychedelic art exhibit 5:35 $1100 tournament at Commerce Casino 7:00 Frustrating aspects of tournament culture 8:33 QsQc on T73hxh5xJhhh 10:06 A2cc in lojack on AJ5hxhAdd5ddd 11:32 KsKx in cutoff on QJTr5ssJx 14:05 Are tournaments worth my time? 14:58 5/10/20 session 15:12 97hh in cutoff on J93r9cc7x 18:51 KJcc in straddle on T88rQdd 23:19 TT in sb on KT8xdd6x4x Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Sep 21, 2021

In the first mid-month session review episode, your correspondent looks back at a juicy 10/20/40 NLHE session. 5/10 0:38 AQss on J43sxs5x 10/20/40 3:32 JJ on J65AT 5:22 QJhh on K55ddxTx 7:19 JJ on 852dsdJss 10:00 85o in bomb pot on 764r8hh2x (There's 1295 in the pot on the turn, not 1195, and 2495 in the pot on the river.) 12:02 A8ss on A98rJssKx twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Sep 7, 2021

Your correspondent reviews the biggest session of his life, a 25/25/50/50/100 stream on Live at the Bike. Here's the Live at the Bike stream: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DIOM13h7wk 1:16 Why poker is humbling 2:22 5/5/50/50 86dd on AA9xdd5x4ddd 5:58 Big hand, big pot rule 7:20 Session review: 25/25/50/50/100 on Live at the Bike 8:55 A6o in bomb pot on A64r42 10:37 K9hh straight flush on A7658xhhhh 14:39 K4o in bomb pot on KQ4hxhThhh2x 16:27 Ax7d in bomb pot on A32xddAdddTdddd 18:22 33 on 753hhh8x 19:13 K4o in bomb pot on KT2ccx2x4x 20:51 T4o in bomb pot on TT3rQhh 23:36 Tim Duncan poker 26:01 5/10 JJ on 443xhhKccAhhh Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/thirdwalking

Aug 3, 2021

Your correspondent discusses a high-variance month of LA poker, then rants about why it's okay to call the clock. Finally, he reviews a swingy 5/10/20 session. 0:23 LA variance 0:59 AcAh on button on Q87xss4x9sss 4:24 QJdd on button on T64hddQhh7hhh 8:35 Unpleasantness at the table 10:14 Normalize calling the clock 19:17 5/10/20 No-limit hold-em session 19:58 88 in cutoff 998xhh7hhh2x 23:12 AA in cutoff on KQ227 25:15 A2o (no clubs) in middle position in bomb pot on 422xxx9cc5x 28:59 AA in hijack 30:15 86o (no spades) in hijack in bomb pot on 973ssxTx2x Find me on Twitter: twitter.com/thirdwalking

Jul 6, 2021

Your correspondent recaps a week of poker in Dallas. Along the way, he discusses double-board PLO bomb pots, the perils of facing unknown opponents, and the differences between typical games and games that are streamed. 1:00 The best aspects of Texas poker 2:07 Double-board PLO bomb pots 3:05 Double-board PLO bomb pot hand history $5000 effective, $15 bomb pot My hand: 7543xxss Flop $120: First board: Q98ssx Second board: 763ssx Checks to middle position, who bets $60. I call in position. Small blind calls Turn $300: First turn: 5s (Q98ssx5sss) Second turn: 2x (763ssx2x) Check. Middle position bets $180. I call. Small blind calls. River $840: First river: Qx (Q98ssx5sssQx) Second River: Jx (763ssx2xJx) Check. Middle position bets $650. I raise pot, which I believe is $2790, like a dum-dum. Small blind folds. Middle position goes all in. I call. 9:36 No-limit hold-em 10:14 AQo (no diamond) in big blind vs. button on K94ddx2x 12:28 77 in small blind vs. big blind on KJ7ssxQxJx 15:20 AKo (no club) in utg1 vs. small blind on 843ccxJcccAcccc 18:17 Why streamed games aren't typical

Jun 1, 2021

Your correspondent discusses bankroll issues, then reviews a massive $5/$5/$50/$50 cash game session. Note: This episode does not address the question of when to go pro, which lingers in the background of many questions about bankroll. I may address that topic in a future episode. 0:25 What bankroll do you need? 6:50 Shot-taking 9:30 Why getting better is the best way to address bankroll concerns 13:11 Live session review: $5/$5/$50/$50 15:48 AA in cutoff on Q7395 17:29 AA in hijack vs limp-3bettor 19:53 QQ in small blind vs. button 3bettor on K96ddx 21:47 AdKx in blinds vs. middle position and hijack on JT2ddxKx7x 24:36 T8hh in big blind vs. small blind and straddle on 865xxhTx8x

May 4, 2021

A series of stories about poker players underreacting to seemingly noteworthy events. Twitter: Email: twitter.com/thirdwalking thirdmanwalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Apr 6, 2021

Recent WPT champion Ilyas Muradi joins Third Man Walking to discuss his improbable path to poker glory. I learned about Muradi's story from the following articles: Sean Chaffin: "WPT champion's journey: Ilyas Muradi transitions from detention to domination" www.worldpokertour.com/news/wpt-cham…o-domination/ Charles Rabin: "From immigration 'cage' to newest poker champ at Hard Rock. An Afghan refugee's luck returns" www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immi…e248830954.html Spencer Woodman: "'Solitary Voices' detainee wins big, but remains in immigration limbo" www.icij.org/inside-icij/2021/0…immigration-limbo/

Mar 2, 2021

Rapper, YouTuber, Live at the Bike commentator and high-stakes crusher Marc Goone joins your correspondent to talk about what he likes and dislikes about big no-limit games. 0:18 Introduction 2:25 Marc Goone 3:50 "Seeing people as bags of money" 7:10 High-stakes politics 14:25 Competition and variance 20:55 Does poker have a low ceiling? 26:38 $5/$10 NL KTdd 40:20 Outdoor poker in LA 42:05 Session recap: $5/$10 NL Check out Marc's YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/marcgoone Here's the video we're talking about: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpct2yR3-ac Marc's Twitter: twitter.com/marcgoone My Twitter: twitter.com/ThirdWalking

Feb 2, 2021

A rant about live private home games, and a comparison of poker with the show Survivor that leads into a discussion of whether poker requires us to lie. 0:23 Live private games and COVID 7:45 What your correspondent has been up to 10:05 Poker and Survivor Here's the Reddit comment mentioned at around 16:00.

Jan 5, 2021

Professional cash-game player Claudiu Marinescu discusses his travels from his native Romania to play poker in the United States and Macau.

Dec 1, 2020

Your correspondent shares some details of the life he led before becoming a professional poker player, then recaps two big cash game sessions, $10/$20/$40 NLHE and $5/$10/$20 NLHE. 0:20 Introduction 1:57 A big hand from 2011: J4hh in a limped pot 7:37 $10/$20/$40 NLHE 8:57 Black KK vs. fun player 9:50 QQ vs a tight 3bettor 12:15 Big bluff with QdJx vs. fun player 15:28 A set of sixes vs. fun player 17:57 77 vs. another tight 3bettor 21:43 Crazy fold in a bizarre spot vs. unidentified opponent in $5/$10/$20

Nov 2, 2020

Peter Alson joins me to discuss his new novel about poker, The Only Way to Play It. 0:21 Introduction 1:12 Peter Alson 26:05 Session review: $5/$5 No-Limit Hold-Em in San Diego County 37:04 Session review II: More $5/5 No-Limit Hold-Em in the San Diego area You can follow Peter Alson on Twitter @. More information about The Only Way to Play It is here: PeterAlson peteralson.com/the-only-way-to-play-it/ Follow me on Twitter @. ThirdWalking

Oct 6, 2020

Your correspondent discusses one of poker's best-known players and the training site he helped found. 0:23 Introduction 4:10 Matt Berkey (T7dd) vs. Jack Laskey (AKo) 12:08 Berkey (KxQh) vs. Chris Konvalinka (J9hh) 18:07 Berkey and "Dead Money" 25:01 Solve for Why's podcast 28:39 Solve for Why's training videos 32:17 Berkey (K9cc) vs. Andrew Lichtenberger (QJo) 37:31 Berkey (QdTx) vs. Christian Soto (JxTd) and Piosolver (warning: a little bit technical!) 47:51 Conclusion

Sep 1, 2020

Live poker is shrouded in uncertainty. It often isn't clear what's happening in a given hand, or even who's winning. Your correspondent examines the implications of this uncertainty for two player types that are common in live poker. 0:00 Introduction 1:35 How much we don't know 8:23 The dreamer 11:37 The pied piper (questionable poker coach) 16:28 Live cash game review: A bad day at 5/10/20 23:24 The pied piper, part 2

Aug 4, 2020

Your correspondent describes his own experiences playing poker during quarantine. 0:00 Introduction / live poker vs. online poker 4:28 Private online games 13:22 Playing on apps 17:30 Cash games and meritocracies 22:27 A no-limit hold-em fish tries to learn PLO

Jun 29, 2020

Your correspondent's initial thoughts on Maria Konnikova's excellent new book "The Biggest Bluff," in which she learns how to play, and succeeds in, live tournament poker. 0:00 Introduction/COVID/podcast plans 3:20 "The Biggest Bluff"

Jun 16, 2020

Yale Greenfield joins Third Man Walking to discuss how the coronavirus has affected the poker economy. We discuss online cash games, tournaments, public vs. private games, how games have changed as the quarantine has progressed, and how poker creates FO

Mar 17, 2020

With the coronavirus upon us, a special episode about the classic poker movie Rounders, which you can watch again today, alone, at home

Nov 19, 2019

Your correspondent plays the Main Event of the World Series of Poker for the first time. 0:00 Introduction 0:57 Why does everyone think they run bad in tournaments? 3:30 WSOP update 8:36 The Main Event 9:57 Day 2 11:45 Day 3 14:19 Hand review: Casino Royale

Nov 12, 2019

Your correspondent discusses cash games vs. tournaments, whether cash-game players really are better than tournament players, and the allure of winning life-changing money as he heads to Las Vegas to compete in the World Series of Poker. 0:37 Introduction 1:12 Aspirations in poker 2:46 Why the World Series of Poker presents opportunities for mid-level pros 6:10 Cash-game pros vs. tournament pros 11:27 Session review: Four days of tournaments in Las Vegas 22:33 Ugh, the Rio

Nov 5, 2019

Why does poker keep getting harder? Are our opponents improving as quickly as they used to? And what factors will determine whether live poker remains beatable in the years to come? Also included in this episode of Third Man Walking: a review of a no-limit session in which your correspondent plays two big hands with pocket tens at two very different stakes. 0:00 Introduction 2:56 The Pareto Principle 8:33 The threat of an economic downturn 9:49 Session review: $5/$10/$20 NLHE and $5/$5 NLHE 18:37 Why very young people no longer dominate poker 22:05 Online poker 23:33 Impact of laws and rules 26:23 Plans for Third Man Walking

Oct 29, 2019

Your correspondent outlines his path to becoming a professional poker player and describes the challenges of playing for a living. He also looks back on a wild -- and complicated -- session of $5/$5 NLHE. 0:00 Introduction 0:22 What top pros are (or might be) like 2:35 My start in cash-game poker 7:22 Moving up in stakes 8:54 Struggling and recovering 13:30 Difficulties of playing for a living 15:50 Session review: $5/$5 No-Limit Hold-Em 32:25 What does the pro do?

Oct 22, 2019

Variance in poker, and especially in poker tournaments, can be maddening. This episode investigates the effects of variance in tournaments (where variance is insane) and cash games (where it can be milder). Your correspondent also reviews a recent $5/$10/$20 No-Limit Hold-Em cash game session. 0:00 Introduction 0:40 Jonathan Duhamel vs. Matt Affleck 7:53 Variance in tournaments 9:50 Tournament economics 13:30 Markup 16:55 Tournament delusion 20:34 Session review: $5/$10/$20 NLH 32:10 Variance in cash games

Oct 15, 2019

Episode 2 of Third Man Walking explores the dark, anarchic underbelly of the poker world, including the alleged poker cheating scam involving Mike Postle and Stones Gambling Hall. 0:00 Introduction 0:33 Is poker good for us? 2:57 Degenning 7:30 Misogyny 10:40 Session review: 5/10 NLHE 21:47 Poker outside casinos 22:30 Scamming and stealing 26:16 Cheating / Mike Postle 31:13 Problem gambling 33:20 What's good about poker

Oct 8, 2019

In the first episode of Third Man Walking, we discuss how it feels to play poker for a living, and why professional poker players are best described not as sharks, but as cockroaches. We also review a $5/$10 cash game session in which our correspondent wins over $7000. 0:00 Introduction 1:36 Frustrating session review 5:15 Waiting for our chance 8:41 Rules and basic strategy 14:30 Winning session review 30:02 Conclusion