Ante Up Poker Magazine

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Chapter 4 Ep. 11a Podcast Announcement Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 10 From the Felt at Lone Butte Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

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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Chapter 4 EP. 9 Rabbit Hunting and Tee Times Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

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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Chapter 4 Ep. 8 Surviving the Road of Tough Decisions. Mar 07, 2026

Show notes

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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Chapter 4 Ep. 7 Road to the Top Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 6 Big Adventures Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

Elle and I kick things off with our upcoming poker travels, including our first trip out to Gila River in Arizona for the next Ante Up Poker Tour stop. We’re looking forward to the desert scenery, great action, and connecting with the A-Team in a brand-new spot for us. Then we shift from cactus to glaciers as we dive into the details of our upcoming Alaskan Poker Cruise — because nothing says “standard poker trip” like playing cards with mountains and whales in the background.

The 2026 WSOP Summer Schedule has officially dropped, and we break down some of the changes, what caught our attention, and what it could mean for everyday players trying to take their shot in Vegas.

We also recap last night’s Patreon game — where the leaderboard continues to tell stories, newcomers are making noise, and yes… there may have been some friendly trash talk involved.

In this week’s Call the Floor, Elliott weighs in on a controversial dirty stack situation — intention vs. action, chip visibility, and whether the bet should stand.

Then Patrick and I jump into HOTW, featuring a couple of tricky AK spots. Big slick… big decisions.

And to close things out, I share this week’s Joe’s One Outer, diving into that little voice inside your head — the one that can sabotage your stack.

Chapter 4 Ep. 5 Superstitions & Lucky Charms Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we’ve got a full table and plenty to talk about.

On Table Talk, Elle and I welcome Tia Bacon from Gila River to the show as we take a deep dive into the upcoming Ante Up Poker Tour stop at Gila River Lone Butte. We talk about what players can expect, the excitement building around the series, and why this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. We also spotlight the incredible work being done through Camp One Step’s charity poker efforts, and how this community continues to show up when it matters most. If you would like to sign up for Camp One Step here is the link.

We also recap Sunday’s prop bets — some wins, some losses, and maybe a little humility thrown in for good measure.

On Call the Floor, Elliott weighs in on a tournament situation where a player didn’t get their rebuy in on time. Was it a tough break or just part of the rules? You know Elliott will break it down from the tournament director’s perspective.

In this week’s Hand of the Week, Patrick and I analyze a hand featuring AQ and dig into the decision points street by street.

And I close things out with Joe’s One Outer, talking about superstition in poker — because it’s Friday the 13th, and whether you believe in lucky charms or not, the mental game is always real.

It’s strategy, stories, rulings, laughs, and a little bit of luck — just the way we like it.

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

Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 4 We Brought Snacks Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Table Talk comes fully loaded as Elle shows up with snacks and football jerseys. From there, we dive into the Patreon Game and kick around some Super Bowl prop bets and talk Octopi Poker. Here is the link to the video I was talking about.

On Call the Floor, Elliott rules on a situation where a player’s hand is declared dead after stepping away from the table—always a tricky spot and one that sparks plenty of debate.

Patrick and I then break down a wild bar league hand in this week’s Hand of the Week, playing J-4 suited in a game where “standard” poker strategy doesn’t always apply.

I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, talking about why you shouldn’t be afraid to bust early in a tournament—and how sometimes playing the hand the right way matters more than how long you last.

Click here for our Linktree. It is a quick resource to get you to our magazine, podcast, YouTube, and more.

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

Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 3 — Context Matters Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Elle and I kick things off with a listener-submitted question that sparks a great table-worthy discussion. We also dive into the Dan Cates boxing match. Here is a link to the video of that. We also touch on Maurice Hawkins capturing his 22nd WSOP Circuit ring.

On Call the Floor, Elliott rules on a tricky spot where a player announces “raise” but isn’t allowed their full intended amount. Then Joe and Patrick break down this week’s HOTW, playing pocket tens and navigating the decisions that come with them.

As always, the show wraps up with Joe’s One Outer, this time taking aim at poker hand advice that’s given without proper context—and why that can be more dangerous than helpful.

Click here for our Linktree. It is a quick resource to get you to our magazine, podcast, YouTube, and more.

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

Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 2 Perspective Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Elle and I kick things off with a breakdown of the BB ante, a recap of last night’s Patreon game, and one of the best feel-good stories you’ll hear all year—an 88-year-old woman winning $10,000 in her very first poker tournament.

Elliott steps in with a situation that goes beyond a standard Call the Floor ruling and dives into the bigger picture of how these spots should be handled. Patrick and I then break down this week’s Hand of the Week featuring pocket nines… but not before Patrick takes a moment to roast me about the Bills loss.

As always, I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, taking a thoughtful look at the difference between the real poker grind and what social media makes it look like.

Cards, conversations, and a little perspective.

Click here for our Linktree. It is a quick resource to get you to our magazine, podcast, YouTube, and more.

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

Click here to check out Octopi Poker

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