Poker Out Loud Season 2, Episode 11 Recap

Episode link: https://solveforwhy.io/programs/poker-out-loud-season-2?cid=2036715

Poker Out Loud was created by Solve For Why, an advanced poker training company. Solve For Why’s founder and lead instructor is Matt Berkey, a long-time high-stakes poker professional in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Poker Out Loud is a unique approach to poker training and entertainment. Top poker professionals play a cash game format, while all wearing noise-cancelling headphones. Before their actions, they speak their thoughts out loud, revealing to the audience their thought process and reasoning behind each poker decision.

Gracing the Solve For Why felt are six notable pros who’ve come to battle $5/$10 No-Limit Texas Hold’em, and everyone has put up their own money for a seat at the table. Each player started the session with $3,000 in chips, but there’s much more in play at this point, with some having added on. Their noise-cancelling headphones serve to protect the players from being overheard while they verbalize their thoughts.

Episode 11 is this season’s last. Footage begins with Matt Hunt off the felt, explaining how watching Poker Out Loud back after the fact is validating as both a player and a coach. “I think it’s evidence of the extent to which poker players have a really good ability to get inside one another’s head, really, and it’s definitely fascinating to watch,” he says, talking about what it’s like to watch in-game analysis end up being spot on.

“Stacks are getting a little deeper, and it’s incentivizing me to make the game a little bit bigger,” says Jordan as he opens up the first hand to $80 with K-10 offsuit. “Jai’s really feeling himself right now,” says Berkey, smiling at the chip leader’s massive sizing. Berkey’s behind going into the flop, but he flops top pair, leads, and takes the pot.

Jordan opens again to $80, this time under the gun with 7-6 suited. Jack calls directly behind him with K-Q offsuit, as does Berkey on the button. “The correct adjustment is to 3-bet more and call less,” says Chin regarding Jordan’s opening sizing. Jordan checks on 10d8d6s for range protection, having flopped bottom pair plus a gutter. Jack then seizes initiative, perceiving his range to be the strongest on this board, betting nearly pot. Berkey’s ahead on this board, though, and raises 2.5x. Only Jack calls.

The 3d turn completes the flush draw, and Berkey debates between checking or jamming when checked to. He eventually does push, forcing Jack to fold.

In the next notable hand, Chewy opens A-7 of hearts to $35 in the hijack, and Berkey bumps it up to $150 in the cutoff with K-Q offsuit. Chin flats, briefly considering a 4-bet on the button with 9-8 of spades. Chewy 4-bets to $625, and only Berkey calls. The 653 rainbow flop gives Chewy a gutter and backdoor flush draw, and he downbets to $450, intending to shove turn. Berkey shoves with just 20% equity and sees a call. Ace-high wins at showdown.

The last hand of the season is a huge one. Jack Laskey opens large to $75 on the button with A-9 offsuit. Action folds to Berkey in the BB, who 3-bets to $300 with K-8 offsuit. “I’m going to raise to $800 and feel good about letting it go to a shove,” says Jack. Berkey goes for a tiny block-bet on the J65 rainbow flop that both players miss entirely. Jack calls. Action checks through when the board brings another 6. The river adds a third 6, and Berkey bluff-shoves for just over pot. Jack almost talks himself into a call, but eventually throws away the better hand to end the season.

You can watch this episode in full, along with every other episode from all seasons of Poker Out Loud, at solveforwhy.io. Be sure to use promo code POLBLOG for 25% off your first month!