Poker On The Mind Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 30 - WSOP Schedule Is Released and Small Blind Strategy Dec 16, 2017

Show notes

MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off Episode 30 with Tricia revealing that she has a new rescue puppy! We then launched into a discussion of the WSOP (9:30) since the 2018 schedule was recently released. Reader Jon asked which WSOP events we think hold the most value for a recreational player and which are our picks as most fun events.
We then launched into answering another listener question sent in by Tim (47:40) about how to properly and profitably play the small blind. Gareth takes the lead on this answer and gives a lot of really useful information that you can use to immediately improve your small blind play.
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
Still putting off signing up for my course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination? There’s no time like the present to enroll and learn all the many ways that you can stop procrastinating once and for all! (use coupon code holiday2017 to get $40 off at checkout): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 29 - More Information and Hand Written Notes Dec 09, 2017

Show notes

MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off Episode 29 by discussing the fact that the holiday season is upon us! Even so, Gareth managed to get out to play some live poker (watch the new vlog here: https://youtu.be/niyNCJzwYJM) and Tricia is still studying the Solve for Why Primer Course while looking for a new puppy or two!
(33:26) We then launched into the show with Gareth answering a question about the proper way to play versus an UTG +2 3x open when you have 21BBs while sitting in the BB. We discussed various lines and adjustments while acknowledging that with more information we can take more exploitative lines. We talked about how to develop lines that are good, better and best in order to best exploit our opponents.
(52:13) Tricia received a question on Twitter about whether you should hand write notes or take them on a computer for optimal results. The listener of the question is taking a MTT course after the new year and is thinking of ways to optimize his study time. Tricia outlined a process by which you can be assured of learning as much as possible from all learning materials whether they be books, courses, webinars, or coaching.
Don’t forget that if you have issues with procrastination, my course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code holiday2017 to get $40 off at checkout): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)

Episode 28 - Interview with Jordan 'jymaster11' Young Dec 03, 2017

Show notes

MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off Episode 28 by discussing the fact that the holiday season (including Black Friday) is upon us! Just in time for holidays, Tricia is offering a limited time coupon code (holiday2017) for a massive discount of $40 off of her Procrastination Course. If you want to stop procrastinating once and for all, check it out at http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse
Gareth also has plans to offer more holiday discounts, so to ensure you get notified of when those become available sign up at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
We then launched into the show with very special guest Jordan “Jymaster11” Young. He shared some great stories about his poker journey which has spanned for over a decade already. We discussed his rise to prominence in both the live and online MTT worlds. He talked at length about the ups and downs (including winning and losing millions of dollars) that he has experienced along that way and he even answered several listener questions. If you’d like to find out how to learn more effectively and efficiently and how to take your game to the next level, give this episode a listen. You won’t be disappointed!
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code holiday2017 for $40 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 27 - Post-Ante Poker and Self-Discipline Nov 26, 2017

Show notes

MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off Episode 27 by discussing the fact that the holiday season is upon us! There is no better time of the year than now to think about all the things you’re grateful for as well as to start planning for an amazing 2018.
We then launched into the show (21:30) with Gareth answering a question about the adjustments we need to make when antes kick in. As Gareth explained, there are a number of important strategic adjustments that need to occur as M changes/decreases. It is critical that you open wider and defend your BB more often. Having said that, it is important to keep a BB defense range that is made up of hands that realize equity well.
(45:52) Tricia then answered the question: is it possible to build self-discipline? The short answer is YES and several practical strategies were offered that explain exactly how. You’ll need to put in some effort, but it is possible to restrain your impulses and make decisions that are good for you – even when you don’t feel like it!
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 26 - Dealing With Sleep Issues Nov 18, 2017

Show notes

MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off Episode 26 by discussing the fact that Gareth is a bit under the weather but that didn’t stop him and his poker buddies from posting a vlog of their recent live poker MTT adventures! Check it out here:
We then launched into the show with Tricia addressing a question about how to deal with sleep issues. Specifically, a listener asked about how to get better sleep when you are amped up after a poker session. Tricia broke down the research on why sleep is so important to performance and how you can get a better night’s sleep.
Gareth chimed in with some of his own sleep issues and we discussed what to do when your sleep schedule is interrupted by deep MTT runs. HINT: take a nap Several practical strategies were shared that should help most sleep problems.
Bottom line: sleep is critical to making better decisions and to performing at your best and most players are woefully sleep deprived. Sleep really is the secret sauce to better performance.
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 25 - Dealing With Depression and Understanding The Push Fold Numbers Nov 03, 2017

Show notes

MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off Episode 25 by discussing the latest on the UK live MTT poker scene, and Gareth revealed that a vlog of his recent poker trip is on the horizon! Please stay tuned for that.
We then launched into the show with Tricia addressing a question about depression. Specifically, a listener asked about how to know if one has a diagnosable depression and what to do about it. Tricia broke down the 9 key diagnostic criteria to determine if one needs to see a qualified professional for treatment.
We then discussed a variety of potential behavioral and cognitive strategies that can be used to reduce depressive symptoms. Depression is called the common cold of psychology, as it is extremely widespread but luckily, there are many effective forms of treatment.
Gareth then answered a question sent in by Dennis who wanted to know how to apply the information he gets when he runs Holdem Resources Calculator. Gareth pointed out that getting an answer is one thing, but knowing what to do with that information is another thing entirely. You have to be aware of the adjustments that you need to take with the information you have. Just because a hand is a theoretically correct shove doesn’t always mean it’s a shove given the particulars of the situation. Stack sizes and opponents are critical when it comes to determining if you should take marginal spots.
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 24 - Staying Motivated and Effective Stack 3-Betting Oct 27, 2017

Show notes

In episode 24, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off the show by discussing some of the latest poker news including the changes at Pokerstars and Phil Ivey’s recent court case.
We then launched into the show with Tricia answering a listener question about how to stay motivated when it is taking a long time to move up in stakes and progress seems slow. Tricia explained the four variables in the motivation equation and gave some tips on how to stay motivated for the long haul.
Gareth then addressed a question that one of his coaching clients brought up regarding effective stack sizes and how we play when we have the larger or smaller of the two. As an example, there is a big difference when a 15bb stack opens from the cutoff and we are in the BB with 40bbs versus when a 40bb stack opens in the cutoff and we have 15bb in the BB. Gareth explained the various options for jamming versus min-raising as well as cbetting.
Timestamps - Mindset question: 23m 45s; MTT question: 45m 45s
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @mttpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 23 - Slow-structured MTTs and Actually Achieving Your Goals Oct 20, 2017

Show notes

In episode 23, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner kicked off the show by discussing a bit about the MTTs Gareth played recently on America’s Cardroom. Tricia then talked about her continuing studies with the Solve For Why Academy.
We then launched into the show with Gareth addressing a question requesting tips of playing slow-structured MTTs. Listener Jonas asked if one should follow a low-variance route and play small ball or go really big and play long ball when playing a deep, slow structured tournament.
We discussed the ins and outs of our experiences playing these types on MTTs and we addressed GTO versus exploitative styles in particular. Gareth emphasized that improving turn and river play is key when playing deep.
Tricia then answered a question from Stewart where he asked how to get from goal setting and planning and to actual execution. Most players find setting goals and making plans to be relatively easy, but executing those plans can be quite challenging. Tricia outlined 4 key disciplines to execution.
Time stamps:
15:11 – Gareth introduces his tournament poker strategy question
36:56 – Tricia introduces her mindset question
Tweet us: What goal are you willing to be accountable for?
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @mttpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 22 - Pre-Game Routines and Accumulating Chips Deep In Tournaments Oct 13, 2017

Show notes

In episode 22, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner opened the show by taking a bit of time discussing how to get the most value out of the courses, books and other content you consume to improve your poker. Tricia is studying GTO concepts right now and she and Gareth talked about how it’s important to know GTO lines so you can deviate from them to exploit opponents.
In a recent lower buy-in live MTT, Gareth practised chatting up his table mates and used the information he gained to exploit them. Using all his skills and with a little bit of luck, he made the final table as the chip leader. Unfortunately, he had a couple of hands that did not work out in his favor and he busted in 8th. We then took a couple of minutes to chat about the unforgiving nature of MTTs.
We then launched into the show with Tricia answering a question about pre-game routines/warm-ups. A pregame routine that you use consistently can help you get into the zone quicker and can prime you to concentrate and focus better.
Tricia also shred some research by Drs. John Kounious and Mark Beeman from Northwestern University that shows that being in a positive mood is associated with better decision making and emotional control. For this reason, it is critical that your pregame routine put you in a good mood.
This week’s question for Gareth concerned the best way to accumulate chips deep in a MTT. Again, Gareth gave tips on finding players to exploit. Many players tighten up too much as the final table approaches and they are ripe to be stolen from. It is key to be very observant. You can play a ton of small pots and if one of these tight players plays back at you, just give up. If you look for them (and know what to look for), you’ll find a ton of good spots to pick up chips!
Tweet us: What is your favorite way to warm-up before you play poker?
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

Episode 21 - Observed Poker and How Do You Play AKs? Oct 07, 2017

Show notes

In episode 21, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Consultant Dr. Tricia Cardner opened the show by discussing the recent mass shooting that occurred in Las Vegas. It is a very sad situation that is quite complicated by the gun laws in the USA. Gareth shared the UK perspective and Tricia outlined some of the criminological and psychological as well as legal issue that exist in the USA. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time.
After this sobering discussion, we launched into the show with Gareth answering a question about how to properly play AKs when we open a ~30bb stack from middle position and get 3-bet by a tight player in the cut-off. As with all spots in poker, it is good practice to consider all options. There are a few spots where flatting makes the most sense, but Gareth goes over the reasons why a 4-bet jam is the best play.
Then Tricia introduced a question from a listener named Bob who asked why he needs to have a backer or friend watching him in order to play his best. He notes that his play takes a hit when he doesn’t have the pressure of an observer on him.
There are many research studies that look at the variables that produce peak performance under pressure, but the latest research points to an enzyme in the brain (COMT) that keeps our dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex at proper levels. When we get a dopamine surge, the levels must come down and some of us have a variant of COMT that removes them very quickly and efficiently and some of us have a variant that is slow in removing them. Some of us are mixed, but most research focuses on the high and low as of this recording.
The findings indicate that if you have the hardworking, fast version, you will benefit from being in a pressure filled situation. If you have the slow, lazy variant, you will not respond as well to stress and pressure unless you have experience with playing under stress.
The research Tricia mentioned on Taiwanese students COMT levels and test performance can be found at:
Brain Cogn. 2009 Dec;71(3):300-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bandc.2009.07.011. Epub 2009 Aug 22.
Tricia then gave examples of how to manage your responses for each type. It is possible to improve your responses to stress whether you need to amp it up like Bob or tamp it down.
Want us to answer your poker question?
Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMasteryLab/
Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mttpokerschoolclassroom
Or tweet it to us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool
Don’t forget to Sign up to get your FREE MTT Tools at: https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Enroll in Dr. Cardner’s FREE online goal-setting course called: Rev Up Your Poker Success (http://bit.ly/RevPoker)
If you have issues with procrastination, my new premium course Crack the Code: Free Yourself from Procrastination can help! (use coupon code wsop2017 for $20 off): http://bit.ly/ProOnlineCourse

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