Elle is back around the table this week for Table Talk, and we’ve got plenty to dive into. We highlight some exciting Bet on Better opportunities, celebrate Stephen Jones continuing his Ante Up Run Good, and take a look at what’s happening at Rivers Casino in Schenectady.

In Call the Floor, Elliott tackles a tricky situation where a listener’s hand was ruled dead after being dealt too many cards. Was the ruling correct? Patrick and I jump into a HOTW that starts off looking like a dream scenario… until it doesn’t.

To wrap things up, I bring you this week’s One Outer, where I talk about how poker prepares us for life’s curveballs, and what to do when things don’t go according to plan.

As always, every hand is an opportunity, every player is a friend… and every episode is a winning experience.

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This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we’ve got a packed show with a little bit of everything for the A-Team.

We kick things off with an exciting announcement as Ante Up joins forces with Bluffers on ClubGG. Partnering with Eric Morris and Mike Leah to bring even more opportunities to our community. This is one you’re definitely going to want to hear about. To get to the Bluffers Club download ClubGG and create an account. Search for the Club ID 679450 and the referral ID 7188-3183. Once you are in message @ottermanempire16 or WhaleClubGGManager on telegram to get chips.

Over on Table Talk, I am joined by Dustin King and April from Rivers Casino in Schenectady, NY. With Elle out this week, the crew dives into what’s happening up in New York, what players can expect at Rivers, and other news happening in poker.

In Call the Floor, Elliott weighs in on a situation where two players might be a little too friendly at the table. Where’s the line between camaraderie and collusion? We break it down and let the floor make the call.

For Hand of the Week, Joe and Patrick take a look at a hand that goes sideways in a hurry—one of those spots that starts out standard and suddenly spirals into a tough decision.

And to wrap things up, Joe’s One Outer leans into the nostalgic side of poker—the feeling that keeps us coming back, whether it’s memories of old home games, classic TV broadcasts, or just that unmistakable vibe when you sit down at the table.

It’s another great episode filled with stories, strategy, and that everyday poker player perspective. Tune in, and we’ll see you at the tables.

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This week’s episode of the Ante Up Poker Podcast drops a little later than usual… but for good reason. Elle and I had a lot to unpack, and trust us, it’s worth the wait.

We kick things off with some major headlines in the poker world, including the return of the WSOP Main Event to ESPN; A move that brings a wave of nostalgia and could have a big impact on the game’s visibility moving forward. On the flip side, we discuss the sudden and indefinite closure of The Lodge, a story that’s still developing and has plenty of people talking.

From there, we dive into our time out in Arizona, recapping the Ante Up Poker Tour Stop at Gila River. It was an incredible trip filled with great players, great stories, and everything that makes this tour so special. We also look back at the latest Patreon game, where the A-Team once again showed up and battled it out in another fun night at the tables.

We revisit a classic Hand of the Week and Call the Floor segment. Whether you’re hearing them for the first time or giving them another listen, these are always packed with valuable insight and discussion.

And to close things out, Joe’s One Outer ties into the start of baseball season, delivering a message about perspective, performance, and handling the ups and downs, both on the field and at the poker table.

It’s a full episode, a little delayed, but loaded with everything you’ve come to expect from Ante Up.

This week Elle and I ran into a little bit of a family emergency. So the episode will be released tomorrow instead of today. We have a lot to cover so we’re looking forward to getting back in there and touching on all the things.

Cheers,

Joe Scales

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we’re coming to you straight from the felt at Gila River Lone Butte, and the energy is unreal.

Elle and I are joined at the table by Brownie, a Lone Butte regular, as we soak in what has been an incredible trip filled with great tournaments, even better people, and a poker room that’s been buzzing from start to finish. We share some of our favorite moments from the stop, talk about what’s made this series so special, and why this place has quickly become a favorite for the players.

We also hit the latest headlines in the poker world and hand out a round of shoutouts to members of the A-Team who’ve been making waves.

In Call the Floor, Elliott breaks down a chaotic situation where a drunk player’s chip stack collapses into the pot, forcing the floor to step in and reconstruct the action. It’s messy, it’s confusing, and it’s exactly why procedures matter.

Then it’s time for Hand of the Week as Patrick and I dive into a tricky spot holding AQ suited—one of those hands that looks pretty but can get you into trouble fast.

I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, where I talk about something deeper than strategy—the danger of tying your identity to your poker results, and why separating who you are from how you’re running might be the most important move you ever make.

It’s a packed episode from the road—don’t miss it.

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On this week’s episode of the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Elle and I are briefly joined by Patrick, our resident fish, before he has to sprint out the door to make his tee time. Once Patrick heads for the golf course, Elle and I dive into a thoughtful conversation about Brad Owen’s recent post that had the poker world talking, discussing the mental side of the game and how downswings can affect even the most successful players.

We also get excited about the upcoming trip to Arizona, including the Ante Up stop at Gila River Lone Butte, and what they’re looking forward to when they get there.

In Call the Floor, Elliott weighs in on a situation where a dealer allows a new player to enter the game in the small blind, raising questions about proper procedure.

Patrick returns from earlier in the show for Hand of the Week, where he and I break down a wild Crazy Pineapple hand that forces a tough decision about which card to discard.

I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, sharing why rabbit hunting at the table — asking to see what would have come on the turn and river — might be one of the worst habits a poker player can develop.

All that and more on this week’s episode of the Ante Up Poker Podcast — For the Everyday Poker Player.

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This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Elle and I kick things off with some Table Talk about Robbie Strazynski and his difficult decision to cancel the upcoming Mixed Game Festival. We look at the facts, show our support, and look ahead to the next festival scheduled at Bellagio later this year.

We also share the latest updates on the upcoming Ante Up poker cruise, including why now might be the perfect time to lock in your spot. Plus, there’s a new addition to the Ante Up studio that should make the show look a little sharper for our growing YouTube audience… even if installing it created a few extra “decorative” holes in the wall.

In Call the Floor, Elliott Schecter weighs in on a strange situation when a dealt card slides under the table rail and disappears from view—what’s the proper ruling when the card has to be dug out mid-deal?

Then in Hand of the Week, Patrick joins me to break down a hand with AJ suited… and, as usual, what starts as a simple situation quickly spirals into a complicated one.

Finally, I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, drawing inspiration from the legendary reality show Survivor and what poker players can learn from the idea of outlasting the competition while keeping a clear head.

It’s another fun one with the A-Team—strategy, stories, and a few lessons along the way.

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This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we’re celebrating a milestone that belongs to every single member of the A-Team — we hit #1 in the Hobby & Leisure category! This doesn’t happen without the everyday poker players who listen, share, comment, and support what we do. We’ve been knocking on that door for a long time and now the goal is to stay there.

In Table Talk, we dive into the noticeable downturn of the L.A. Poker Classic (LAPC) and what it might signal about the Los Angeles tournament scene as a whole. Is it shifting player priorities? A buy-in recalibration? Or something bigger? We break it down.

We also have more updates on the upcoming Ante Up Poker Cruise — including what you can expect onboard — and preview the Octopi Poker training special that’s designed to help sharpen your edge without breaking the bankroll.

In Call the Floor, Elliott gets into the nuts and bolts of what actually constitutes a bet. When do chips across the line become binding? It’s a must-listen for tournament and cash players alike.

Then Patrick and I roll up our sleeves for Hand of the Week, breaking down a tricky AQ spot that’ll have you thinking through ranges, aggression, and decision-making streets ahead.

I close things out with Joe’s One Outer, talking about something we don’t always practice at the table — living in the moment.

It’s strategy, celebration, cruise vibes, and community… exactly what the A-Team is all about.

Let’s keep it at #1.

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comfrt.com/ELLE73474. Your link for the most comfortable hoodie on the planet.

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