Small Blind Strategy Before the Flop

Upswing Poker Level-Up

The Small Blind is a unique position because you already have half a blind invested, which improves your pot odds, but you're also out of position against every player at the table. What's more, you've still got the Big Blind to worry about behind you. This unique position requires a unique strategy before the flop. Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood walk you through the optimal approach from the Small Blind in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up. If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to UpswingPoker.com and join the Upswing Lab. Use coupon code LEVELUP to get $50 off and start upgrading your game today. Note from Mike: I made a mistake in this one at 15:09, when I'm talking about a SB call spot vs a raise + caller at 15-25bb stacks. I spoke off the cuff here and while I stand by my general point about some hands being nice flats in this spot, the specific hands I listed were misleading/wrong. So we're talking about a spot where a player raises, another player calls, and then the action gets to you in the Small Blind with a 15-25bb stack. Calling with QJo is gonna be too loose vs almost any position pair. KJo only starts to play heavy call vs CO/BTN. The solver plays a linear squeeze in this spot. In other words, you just shove with the top X% of hands because you want to push equity with most of your range. You can then just call a bunch of playable hands below this range. Sorry about that mistake -- it's what I get for not confirming details before that segment like we usually do! Written Version of this Episode | Video Version of this Episode

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