Ante Up Poker Magazine

Chapter 4 Ep. 21 Patrick Finally Wins 06.06.2026 1t 1min

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we kick things off on Table Talk by recapping another fun Patreon game. Patrick finally broke through for his first victory, collected the double prize pool, and now we all have to suffer through at least a month of victory laps. We also discuss some of the dealer mistakes that have made headlines early at the WSOP, the challenges dealers face during long series, Maria Ho’s exciting family news, and even the earthquake that rattled Las Vegas and surrounding areas. On Call the Floor, Elliott answers a question that has probably confused more than a few poker players over the years. In a $1/$2 game with a $5 straddle, is the minimum raise to $8 or $10?. In this week’s Hand of the Week, we find ourselves in a spot that may have been created after opening a marginal suited connector from middle position. After firing two barrels and arriving at a river that completes an obvious straight, the question becomes whether to pull the trigger on a triple-barrel bluff or wave the white flag. Patrick and Joe discuss whether the story was strong enough to get our opponent to fold. Joe’s One Outer ties everything together with a look at table image. Whether you realize it or not, every player at the table has formed an opinion about you. The key isn’t whether you have an image, it’s whether you understand it well enough to use it as a weapon. Join Joe, Elle, Patrick, and Elliott for another fun week of poker stories, strategy, rules, and conversation. As always, 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. Click here to purchase your Pour Caddy (The Swiss Army Knife of Tumblers) – Use code ANTEUP comfrt.com/ELLE73474. Your link for the most comfortable hoodie on the planet. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 20 WSOB: Babies, Billions, and Back to the Future 30.05.2026 1t 13min

The WSOP is underway, but based on the headlines, maybe it should be called the World Series of Babies. This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Joe and Elle dive into the latest WSOP stories, including Daniel Negreanu and Adam Hendrix both preparing for fatherhood, the first bracelet winner of the summer, and what the massive Caesars/Fertitta deal could mean for poker players going forward. In Call the Floor, Elliott Schecter weighs in on a controversial tournament ruling. Can a dealer declare your hand dead if you’re not paying attention? And if your cards haven’t actually reached the muck yet, do you still have a claim to them? It’s a situation that sparked plenty of debate at the table. For this week’s Hand of the Week, we’re doing something a little different. Andrew sends in a wild No-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo hand from a regular home game, but the real twist is that this very same hand was originally broken down by Scott and Chris back in 2012. We found the original episode and weaved clips into the discussion. It’s a fun look back at the show’s history while tackling a fascinating hand. And in Joe’s One Outer, I talk about adaptability. Why some players never change gears at the table and how many of us make the same mistake in life. The challenges change, the situations change, and sometimes success comes from from finding the right gear. Subscribe, like, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts, and we’ll see you at the tables.

Chapter 4 Ep. 19 Incomplete Information 22.05.2026 1t 8min

This episode of the Ante Up Poker Podcast is packed with debates, drama, and tough decisions from the poker table to real life. Elle and I kick things off in Table Talk with the controversy surrounding the new WSOP patch approval rules and what it means for sponsorships, branding, and player freedom in poker. We also dive into Formula One locking in Las Vegas through 2037 and how Vegas continues evolving from gambling destination into a full-blown sports and entertainment powerhouse. Plus, there’s a quick update on the upcoming Ante Up Poker Tour stop at Sycuan Casino. In Call the Floor, Elliott Schecter joins me to break down a tense tournament situation involving stack visibility, player responsibility, and whether verbally stating your chip count is enough when another player asks to see your stack. This week’s Hand of the Week features a chaotic 2/5 game against a possible maniac who turns every hand into madness. We face a brutal river decision with top two pair after a bizarre line, a massive overbet, and some unforgettable table talk. Patrick’s reaction alone is worth the price of admission. And in Joe’s One Outer, I reflect on one of the biggest lessons poker teaches us. Making decisions without perfect information. From overthinking life choices to trusting your preparation and accepting variance, it’s a reminder that sometimes you just have to make the best decision you can and let the cards fall where they may. Click here for our Linktree. It is a quick resource to get you to our magazine, podcast, YouTube, and more. Click here to purchase your Pour Caddy (The Swiss Army Knife of Tumblers) – Use code ANTEUP comfrt.com/ELLE73474. Your link for the most comfortable hoodie on the planet. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 18 Don’t Play Scared 15.05.2026 1t 17min

This week, Joe and Elle kick things off around the table talking about the latest from the poker world, including the reopening of The Lodge Card Club, the debate around WSOP dealer ratings and a really interesting new social gaming concept from Daniel Weinman called Showdown Social. They also dive into the incredible community being built over at Bluffers Poker and remind listeners that cabins are almost gone for the Alaskan Poker Cruise. Plus, there’s plenty of “Bet on Better” talk with upcoming charity poker events and some new ambassador news from Elle. In Call the Floor, Elliott weighs in on a strange home-game ruling involving a player declaring “raise” with a single chip before another player at the table blurts out a suggested amount. Was the raise binding? Was it only a minimum raise? And what kind of penalty should the player not in the hand receive for influencing the action? Then in HOTW, Patrick and Joe break down a wild $1/$3 hand featuring an UTG straddle, and a sneaky perspective twist that changes the entire story. The discussion centers around how to extract maximum value when you make an absolute monster without completely killing the action. To close the show, Joe’s One Outer focuses on “playing scared money”. It’s not just a concept at the poker table, but in life. It’s a reminder that poker, and life, reward confidence, trust, and making good decisions one hand at a time. 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. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 17 Bluffers, Bomb Pots & Barbecue Sauce 08.05.2026 1t 25min

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Joe and Elle pull up a chair with poker media veteran Eric Morris for an extended Table Talk that goes way beyond the usual headlines. Eric shares stories from the golden era of poker media, Bluff Magazine, how his partnership with Mike Leah came together, and Ante Up/Bluffers satellite path to the Alaska Cruise this August. In Call the Floor, Elliott tackles a messy double-board bomb pot situation Is “Pot” even a legal declaration in no-limit hold’em? For HOTW, Patrick gets dragged out of his hold’em comfort zone and into a wild Omaha Hi-Lo hand. Nut low draws, top pair, scoop potential, quartering fears, and a river card that completely changes the outcome. Then Joe closes the show with a One Outer inspired by the darts scene from Ted Lasso and the quote “Be curious, not judgmental.” If you haven’t seen the clip or don’t remember here’s a link to 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. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 16 Bet on Better 01.05.2026 1t 25min

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, we’ve got a packed show that hits the heart and the hard decisions. Elle and I kick things of on Table Talk by diving into the WSOP rule controversy. Then we shift gears to some good news with all charges against The Lodge were dropped, and highlight the newest issue of Ante Up Magazine. We also lean into the “Bet on Better” movement, spotlighting incredible charity efforts like the Baller Dream event at Circa Resort & Casino and the upcoming Gaming for Green tournament. In Call the Floor, Elliott tackles a wild limit Omaha situation involving a supposed “all-in” declaration that sparks debate over whether it’s a call, or a raise. It’s a great look at how intent, action, and rules collide at the table. For Hand of the Week, we break down a tricky spot with pocket jacks, facing aggression, and navigating a scary turn card, and ultimately making a big river decision. I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer, where I talk about the sunk-cost fallacy. Why the chips you’ve already put in don’t matter, and how letting go at the right time can save your stack (and your mindset) 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. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 15 Cards and Community 24.04.2026 51min

This week on the Ante Up Poker Podcast, Dustin King joins Table Talk with a Rivers recap, and a look ahead to the September Ante Up Poker Tour stop. We highlight poker doing good with Ante Up for Autism and a $105K Camp One Step fundraiser. In Call the Floor, Elliott breaks down a tricky all-in showdown ruling, and in HOTW, we debate whether a three-barrel bluff went too far. Plus, a Patreon Badugi recap, leaderboard shakeups, cruise satellites, and a One Outer that hits home about turning life’s bad beats into your next step forward. 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. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 14 Couples, Cards, and Keeping It Together 17.04.2026 1t 10min

Elle and I kick things off on Table Talk by diving into poker couples, how relationships handle the swings, and what it’s like sharing the felt with your significant other. Then we recap the latest Patreon game, where the action didn’t disappoint and a few familiar names found their way back into the spotlight. On Call the Floor, Elliott breaks down a wild home game situation that had just about everything go wrong. If you’ve ever wondered how messy things can get when the rules aren’t clear (or followed), this one’s for you. Patrick joins me for Hand of the Week, where we break down a tricky spot featuring QJ suited, and discuss the decisions, the dynamics, and what could have been done differently. And I wrap things up with Joe’s One Outer about not letting one player control your emotions, because sometimes the biggest edge in poker (and life) is keeping your cool when someone else is trying to take it from you. As always, it’s another winning experience for the A-Team. 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. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 13 Rolling with the Unexpected 10.04.2026 51min

Elle is back around the table this week for Table Talk, and we’ve got plenty to dive into. We highlight some exciting Bet on Better opportunities, celebrate Stephen Jones continuing his Ante Up Run Good, and take a look at what’s happening at Rivers Casino in Schenectady. In Call the Floor, Elliott tackles a tricky situation where a listener’s hand was ruled dead after being dealt too many cards. Was the ruling correct? Patrick and I jump into a HOTW that starts off looking like a dream scenario… until it doesn’t. To wrap things up, I bring you this week’s One Outer, where I talk about how poker prepares us for life’s curveballs, and what to do when things don’t go according to plan. As always, every hand is an opportunity, every player is a friend… and every episode is a winning experience. 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. Discord: Join us to discuss Ante Up Magazine, The podcast or poker in General. Click here to check out Octopi Poker

Chapter 4 Ep. 12 That Old School Poker Feeling 03.04.2026 1t 3min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 11b It’s Finally Back 29.03.2026 1t 17min

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.

Chapter 4 Ep. 11a Podcast Announcement 28.03.2026 1min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 10 From the Felt at Lone Butte 21.03.2026 1t

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

Chapter 4 EP. 9 Rabbit Hunting and Tee Times 14.03.2026 1t 8min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 8 Surviving the Road of Tough Decisions. 07.03.2026 1t 6min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 7 Road to the Top 28.02.2026 1t 6min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 6 Big Adventures 21.02.2026 1t 9min

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.

Chapter 4 Ep. 5 Superstitions & Lucky Charms 14.02.2026 1t 19min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 4 We Brought Snacks 07.02.2026 1t 16min

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

Chapter 4 Ep. 3 — Context Matters 31.01.2026 1t 12min

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