How to Play POCKET ACES Like a Pro

Upswing Poker Level-Up

You look down at your cards and see pocket aces. It's the best starting hand in poker, but how do you extract maximum value from your opponents?

On this episode, Mike Brady talks with poker pro Gary Blackwood about the best practices for navigating pocket aces across a wide range of scenarios. If you like winning more money at the poker table, then you need to listen now!

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View the episode transcription here.

00:00 Introduction to Playing Pocket Aces

01:04 Optimal Preflop Strategies

04:11 Flop Tactics: Adjusting Based on Board Texture

07:05 Turn Play: When to Stay Aggressive or Slow Down

09:18 Closing Remarks and Black Friday Sale Information

Dive into this episode of the premier poker strategy podcast with host Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood, where they unravel the secrets of mastering pocket aces—the best starting hand in Texas Hold’em. Whether you call them "bullets," "rockets," or "American Airlines," this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you extract maximum value and avoid costly mistakes.

Starting with preflop play, Gary emphasizes the importance of aggressive strategies like raising and three-betting to build bigger pots. Learn why fast-playing aces is almost always the better option and when slow-playing can be a profitable exception, especially in deep-stack cash games and tournament settings. Moving to postflop play, the discussion covers key adjustments based on board textures, such as when to bet on favorable flops and when to play more passively on dynamic or connected boards that favor your opponent’s range.

On the turn, Gary offers guidance on knowing when to keep your foot on the gas and when to slow down, ensuring you maximize value without overcommitting in tricky spots. With real-world examples and solver-based insights, this episode equips you with the tools to play pocket aces like a pro.

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Don’t miss this comprehensive episode packed with expert advice, practical tips, and insider knowledge. Tune in now to this poker strategy podcast and start dominating the tables with confidence. Subscribe for more episodes that dive deep into every aspect of the game, helping you become the best player you can be.