Ante Up Poker Magazine

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we’ve got a packed show with a little bit of everything for the A-Team. We kick things off with an exciting announcement as Ante Up joins forces with Bluffers on ClubGG. Partnering with Eric Morris and Mike Leah to bring even more opportunities to our community. This is one you’re definitely going to want to hear about. To get to the Bluffers Club download ClubGG and create an account. Search for the Club ID 679450 and the referral ID 7188-3183. Once you are in message @ottermanempire16 or WhaleClubGGManager on telegram to get chips. Over on Table Talk, I am joined by Dustin King and April from Rivers Casino in Schenectady, NY. With Elle out this week, the crew dives into what’s happening up in New York, what players can expect at Rivers, and other news happening in poker. In Call the Floor, Elliott weighs in on a situation where two players might be a little too friendly at the table. Where’s the line between camaraderie and collusion? We break it down and let the floor make the call. For Hand of the Week, Joe and Patrick take a look at a hand that goes sideways in a hurry—one of those spots that starts out standard and suddenly spirals into a tough decision. And to wrap things up, Joe’s One Outer leans into the nostalgic side of poker—the feeling that keeps us coming back, whether it’s memories of old home games, classic TV broadcasts, or just that unmistakable vibe when you sit down at the table. It’s another great episode filled with stories, strategy, and that everyday poker player perspective. Tune in, and we’ll see you at the tables. 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

This week’s episode of the Ante Up Poker Podcast drops a little later than usual… but for good reason. Elle and I had a lot to unpack, and trust us, it’s worth the wait. We kick things off with some major headlines in the poker world, including the return of the WSOP Main Event to ESPN; A move that brings a wave of nostalgia and could have a big impact on the game’s visibility moving forward. On the flip side, we discuss the sudden and indefinite closure of The Lodge, a story that’s still developing and has plenty of people talking. From there, we dive into our time out in Arizona, recapping the Ante Up Poker Tour Stop at Gila River. It was an incredible trip filled with great players, great stories, and everything that makes this tour so special. We also look back at the latest Patreon game, where the A-Team once again showed up and battled it out in another fun night at the tables. We revisit a classic Hand of the Week and Call the Floor segment. Whether you’re hearing them for the first time or giving them another listen, these are always packed with valuable insight and discussion. And to close things out, Joe’s One Outer ties into the start of baseball season, delivering a message about perspective, performance, and handling the ups and downs, both on the field and at the poker table. It’s a full episode, a little delayed, but loaded with everything you’ve come to expect from Ante Up.

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

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. 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

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. 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

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. 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

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. 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

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.

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. 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

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

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

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

Chapter 4, Ep. 1 marks the anniversary of a new era for the Ante Up Poker Podcast as I officially took over hosting duties 4 years ago. This week, Joe and Elle open Table Talk by celebrating the release of the latest issue of Ante Up Magazine, and Joe puts Elle on the spot with a fun quiz. In Call the Floor, Elliott breaks down a controversial ruling and explains why, in some situations, it can be acceptable for the floor to defer a decision until after a hand is completed. Patrick joins Joe for this week’s HOTW, where the key takeaway is learning when — and how — to trust your reads at the table. And Joe closes out the episode with Joe’s One Outer, expanding that idea even farther. It’s the start of another year for the podcast, but the mission stays the same: real poker talk for everyday players. 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

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Elle and I celebrate some recent achievements of women in poker, talk about the Circa Survivor winners, recap the Patreon Game, and discuss why the Sweepstakes Poker model may be in hot water. Elliott takes the reins in Call the Floor, ruling on a hand turned up way too early — and he is upset he didn’t called. Patrick joins me to break down a HOTW featuring pocket Jacks and a table full of limpers. I wrap it up with Joe’s One Outer, focusing on the power of position in poker. 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

I know technically last week was Ep. 49 1/2, so we should be at Ep. 50 — but in order to keep things on track with when we actually started putting the podcast out, I made this week’s episode Ep. 51. We’re kicking off the new year with a brand-new intro for the show! You’ll hear a version of it here, and if you want to check out the full intro, head over to our Patreon page. Elle and I are around the table for Table Talk, breaking down some of the poker action kicking off the new year and discussing Bryn Kenney becoming the first player ever to surpass $80 million in live tournament cashes. In Call the Floor, Elliott rules on a situation where a player failed to make their larger denomination chips visible — a reminder that you need to keep those visible at all times. Patrick and I battle it out in Hand of the Week, playing A♠ J♠ from middle position, and talking through the decisions that come with it. I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, focusing on the decision we all face this time of year — what to carry forward into the New Year and what’s better left behind.