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CoinPoker is the premier destination for high-stakes players and the site that made history with the largest online poker pot ever played.

At the highest stakes in poker, players usually know each other. But on CoinPoker’s anonymous, KYC-free platform, unfamiliar names continue to emerge at the ultra-high-stakes $200,000 PLO tables.

These might be legendary cash game pros hiding behind new aliases, or crypto whales who enjoy the thrill of sitting down with $1,000/$2,000 blinds.

One such mysterious newcomer, ‘NV22,’ recently challenged Omaha icon Laszlo ‘omaha4rollz’ Bujtas — and made a surprisingly strong showing.

High Stakes on CoinPoker

Blinds as high as $1,000/$2,000 are played in heads-up cash games on CoinPoker — whether in No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, or 5-Card PLO.

So it’s no surprise that the platform’s founder is none other than Tony G himself, who regularly takes a seat at his signature “Tony’s Game” tables at the PLO $200,000 level.

At CoinPoker’s highest-stakes PLO heads-up tables, one name is a constant: Laszlo ‘omaha4rollz’ Bujtas — a player whose alias delivers exactly what it promises. The Hungarian doesn’t discriminate — he plays anyone who dares to sit across from him.

Omaha4rollz isn’t just the final boss of CoinPoker’s high-stakes streets; he’s also the unofficial welcoming committee for any new whales or sharks brave enough to dive straight into the deep end.

Who Is NV22? The Mysterious Crusher

Quiet but unstoppable, NV22 has been shaking up the high-stakes scene with powerful plays.

The mysterious high-stakes contender didn’t just hold his ground against Omaha legend Bujtas — he walked away with a $1 million swing from the session.

Curious how it all went down? Watch the crucial hands from this showdown in the latest video by BobbyJamesPoker.

Bobby James on YouTube

Long-time Twitch streamer Bobby James — known as “BJPCoin” on CoinPoker and across social media — launched his official YouTube channel just a few weeks ago.

Highlights from recent clashes with both opponents have been compiled and broken down by CoinPoker Ambassador Bobby James in a new analysis video.

Recently, Bujtas has frequently faced off against “GucciNIKE,” another regular fixture in CoinPoker’s high-stakes lineup – better known as Sanita55 on PokerStars.

Far less common are his battles with players like “Chattahoochee,” who gained (unfortunate) fame in the online poker world as the loser of the largest online pot ever played — a staggering $7,751,452. That player is rumored to be Lithuanian PLO phenom Grazvydas Kontautas.

Under the handle BJPCoinOfficial, fans can now regularly catch exciting videos covering the crypto poker platform CoinPoker, along with insights, analysis, and commentary from the eloquent British poker all-rounder himself.

The channel’s highlights are undoubtedly the high-stakes duels — with blinds up to $1,000/$2,000 — that the EPT Mixed Game Champion from the London area expertly compiles, comments on, and analyzes, drawing on his many years of experience.

If you prefer NL over PLO, or tournaments over cash games, there’s something for everyone – a recent video he uploaded reviewed his NLHE MTT win in CoinPoker’s CoinMasters promotion. PLO5 is also often covered.

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Follow CoinPoker on X to stay updated on the latest promotions and announcements.

Every poker summer in Las Vegas is special, but this summer of 2025 feels like it’s going to be truly unforgettable. For the first time, I’ll be spending nearly a full continuous month in my happy place, immersed in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the World Series of Poker, mixed games galore, and the nonstop buzz of the poker capital of the world. My Gd, I can’t wait!

I’m especially thrilled about hosting Mixed Game Festival XI, which will take place June 8–19 at Bellagio Las Vegas. Not only will we be giving away over $15,000 in prizes, including four seats to the BetMGM Poker Championship, but we’ll also be publishing daily recaps, celebrating our vibrant community of mixed game players, and doing our part to grow the game and make poker more fun and inclusive.

Beyond that, from meaningful moments with friends and family to the grind at the felt and simple pleasures, here are 29 things I’m looking forward to this Las Vegas poker summer. Whether you’re already booked or still on the fence about heading to Vegas, I hope this list fires you up and helps you tap into the magic that peak poker season always brings.

Pursuing Poker Dreams and Festival Fun

1. Journeying out there – I love flying, and this time it’ll be extra special
   As a relatively frequent flyer, I’ve been saving up mileage for a while now. So, I decided to “splurge” a bit and make the long, 18+ hour, two-flight, 7,500-mile trip to Las Vegas feel just a little more comfortable. I’m cashing in for some upgrades to my transatlantic journey, so I’ll be kicking off my Vegas adventure with some extra legroom and that much more excitement. There’s something uniquely thrilling about getting to be among the first to board the plane on the way to start off the poker summer.
2. It’ll be my longest ever trip to Las Vegas
   Nearly a month in Vegas! While I know it’ll get harder to be away from my family as the days stretch on, I also know from past experience that no matter how long I stay, it never feels like enough. I’ll be soaking up every minute, knowing that (as always) I’ll miss it deeply when it’s time to head home.

3. The World Series of Poker
   There’s simply nothing like walking through the WSOP halls at the Horseshoe and Paris. The mix of ambition, nostalgia, and pure poker energy is intoxicating. Having gotten to play in my first bracelet event in 2019 and second one in 2021 still gives me goosebumps. I can’t wait to take another shot this summer, and have my eye on playing one WSOP tournament in particular. It’s been four long years since I’ve chased a bracelet, so here’s hoping I can cobble together a stake and take a seat in the $1500 2-7 Triple Draw event.

4. Mixed Game Festival XI at Bellagio Las Vegas
   After hosting a successful event at Bellagio Las Vegas for the first time last summer, we’re doubling down this time! Mixed Game Festival XI will be our biggest live event yet, featuring a whopping 10 days of fun-filled dealer’s choice cash game action. I’m excited to once again be partnering with some fantastic sponsors — including BetMGM Poker, PokerGO, Pokercoaching.com, RunGoodGear, Faded Spade, and D&B Poker — to deliver what’s sure to be a truly special experience. You can click the image below for more details.

5. Giving away over $15,000 in prizes at the Mixed Game Festival
   One of the most meaningful parts of running Mixed Game Festival XI will be the opportunity to award the four $3,500 seats to the 2025 BetMGM Poker Championship at Aria Las Vegas. Capturing the joy, surprise, and disbelief on the winners’ faces will be absolutely priceless. It’s a true privilege to give recreational poker players a shot at something big, and it’s moments like those that make all the organizational effort worth it.
6. Seeing all my poker media buddies who I typically only get to see once a year
   Poker media is a small world, and Vegas is where we all get the chance to reconnect during the annual summer poker pilgrimage. Whether it’s swapping stories in the WSOP media room or grabbing a quick bite to eat between covering events, I truly look forward to catching up with some of the best people in the poker business. There’s always camaraderie and often collaboration, plus it’s always special to meet “the new class” of people reporting for the first time, who are just beginning to get their feet wet in this wonderful industry.

One of the things I love about my Mixed Game Festivals, is that so many of my awesome friends in poker media always so kindly come out to support the initiative.

Love you guys ❤️

Cc: @NICEANDSUNNY, @CGrantSport , @crichards1995, @Tim__Duckworth pic.twitter.com/UJe2rGJoK8

— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) June 21, 2024

7. Hanging out with all my friends in Las Vegas who I now have the good fortune of seeing multiple times a year
   Some friendships only bloom once a year; others have grown roots over many trips to Sin City. I feel incredibly lucky to have made so many Las Vegas-based friends through poker. Getting to see them multiple times a year and reconnect with them always feels like a “homecoming” of sorts.
8. Playing a LOT of Mixed Game Poker (tournaments and cash games beyond the festival)
   Mixed games are where my heart lies, and I’ll be diving deep this summer. Beyond the likely 100+ hours of dealer’s choice cash games I’ll be playing during Mixed Game Festival XI, I’ll be jumping into as many mixed game cash games and tournaments as my bankroll permits all across town (more on that below). It’s peak poker season, and especially when these games that I love are simply unavailable to me at home, I’ve got to grab every moment I can to grind at the felt.
9. Special time with Jan Fisher, Linda Johnson, and Eli Elezra
   When I’m not playing poker, you’ll likely often find me hanging with my great friends and mixed game mentors Eli Elezra, Linda Johnson, and Jan Fisher. They always show up to support our festivals, and I’ve learned so many poker and life lessons both from watching them play and from how they conduct themselves at and away from the felt. It’s always a blast spending high-quality time together, and I’m so fortunate to have them in my inner circle.

10. Adding some more results to my “new” Hendon Mob profile
    As some of you might recall, it took me years to finally get that first result on the Hendon Mob! This summer, I’m gunning to add more results to that page, not just for personal pride, but to “prove to world” that I belong in this world as both a poker media guy and as a serious mixed game player. I see this summer as a big opportunity to grow my poker bankroll and to work on making that poker resume sparkle a bit more.

11. Making some new poker business connections
    Each summer I have spent in Vegas over the last decade has brought with it at least one new relationship that eventually turned into something lasting, whether it was a media collaboration, sponsorship, or unforgettable interview. Truthfully, these connections are vital to Cardplayer Lifestyle’s survival and growth. Plainly speaking, forging these connections involves having conversations that often help to shape my future, keep the lights on, and allow me to keep building a media site that champions the poker community.

Recharging, Routine-ing, and Basking in Life’s Little Joys

12. Listening to Donnie Peters and Tim Duckworth on the PokerGO Podcast
    The PokerGO Podcast co-hosts provide some of the best poker commentary and insights in the business, and I love tuning in to their WSOP daily episodes each summer. Their chemistry, analysis, and coverage adds a strong dose of adrenaline and entertainment to my own daily grind, and listening to them has become part of my daily Vegas poker summer routine.
13. Watching Daniel Negreanu’s daily vlog
    A daily dose of DNegs is a can’t miss for hundreds of thousands of people each summer in Las Vegas, and I’m one of them! Daniel delivers every single summer with his high-quality, behind-the-scenes vlogs of WSOP life. Whether it’s hand breakdowns, bracelet chases, personal anecdotes, or table banter, he captures the spirit of the World Series of Poker better than anyone. I’m ready to lock in!
14. Staying at Bellagio Las Vegas for two full weeks
    For two glorious weeks during Mixed Game Festival XI, I’ll be living the dream at the Bellagio, one of my all-time favorite poker destinations. The convenience of being able to go straight from the hotel room to the poker room is unbeatable, and the whole vibe of the place just oozes class and comfort. I even love the little ritual of tipping the bellhop when I arrive; it’s the unofficial kickoff to my Vegas stay. I’ll be staying elsewhere during the rest of my trip, but these two weeks are going to be pure luxury, and I’m ready to begin savoring every minute.

15. Getting a good night’s sleep without interruptions
    Though there’s an acute lack of evidence, I’ve been told (too many times) by my wife that I snore. I always sleep like a baby and thankfully am blessed to almost never have any sleep issues, but it’s nice to not have to worry for a month about having that sleep interrupted with the words “Robbie, stop snoring!”. Also, Miriam, if you’re reading this, I love you VERY much! 🙂
16. A breather from the Israeli “pressure cooker”
    I always feel a little guilty for enjoying myself and having an amazing time in Las Vegas while my wife, kids, and millions of my fellow citizens remain back home on the front lines in Israel. But I also recognize that some relaxing time away in a far more “normal” place helps heal my soul and recharge my batteries for the rigors of what’s sadly been a very challenging time, to say the least.
17. Getting a break from all the household work
    A month away from having to deal with dishes, laundry, bedtime routines, or chaeuferring my kids around the neighborhood? Where do I sign up?! In all seriousness, it’s a rare thing to get to solely focus on all things poker, without needing to also “be on call” at home. Huge shout out and much love to my amazing wife Miriam, who’s cool with me being away for a month even though that means she takes on a significantly heavier load while I’m away.
18. A full-on mental reset from screens
    In Vegas, I’m not glued to my computer for 12 hours a day like I am when working at home. Instead, I’m always doing so much more walking, talking, and engaging with people face-to-face. It’s so incredibly refreshing and it’s a much healthier rhythm to be in. As an extrovert, this kind of stuff really gets me going in the best possible way.
19. Sprawling out on a poolside lounger for a relaxing Shabbat by the Bellagio pool
    This has become one of my most cherished (if personal) Vegas traditions. During those couple days off in the middle of Mixed Game Festival XI, I’m looking forward to just unwinding, breathing deeply, reading a book, and soaking in the sun and serenity by the Bellagio pool. It’s both a physical and spiritual reset all at once.
20. Breathing in the incredible scent of the Bellagio Conservatory
    It’s important to stop and smell the roses once in a while; literally. The floral displays are gorgeous, and just walking through that space is such a boost to the senses. It’s one of those small pleasures that brings joy and calm to the whirlwind of my poker summer, as I pass by the Bellagio Conservatory every morning and every night on the way to/from my hotel room.

21. Getting a post-Mixed Game Festival massage
    Super inexpensive, extremely relaxing, and expertly done, I have a special go-to spot in Las Vegas for treating myself to a massage after every Mixed Game Festival wraps up. I know of no better way to physically decompress and reset after a week (or two!) of active hosting work and ultra-long days in the poker room. I highly recommend Star Spa (and no, this is not a paid promotion; they’re just legit fantastic).

Everyday Joys, Vegas Style

22. Driving a brand new rental car and going where I want when I want
    There’s nothing quite like the freedom of having a car in Las Vegas. No need to rely on Ubers or walk miles in the heat; I can just hop in and go. Whether I’m headed to the Bellagio, a quiet local spot, food shopping, downtown, a kosher restaurant, or a friend’s place across town, the feeling of independence is empowering and makes me feel like a local, not just a visitor.
23. Gas station fill-ups
    And speaking of driving, when you’re used to ultra-high Israeli gas prices ($7.50 per gallon as of this writing), every fill-up in the U.S. feels like hitting a mini jackpot. It’s one of those little wins that just makes me smile and wish the gas tank was a bit bigger.
24. Late-night $3 gas station ice cream sandwiches
    And speaking of gas stations, this is another little mini-tradition I have. After a long poker session, few things hit the spot quite like a 3 a.m. gas station treat. If it was a losing session, it’s a nice little pick-me-up. If it was a winning session, it’s a cheap, cold, and delicious way to celebrate.
25. Playing an all-nighter poker session
    It’s bound to happen. At least once this summer, I’ll sit down for a “just one more orbit” session that turns into sunrise. The magic of Vegas time is real, and sometimes some absolutely incredible things can happen…

A Las Vegas all-nighter I’ll never forget.

Hanging and banging with legends of the game I love.

Grateful for having had the opportunity, and for the memories. pic.twitter.com/V6q1fsVYYN

— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) March 1, 2024

26. Shopping at Smith’s Kosher Experience
    This Summerlin supermarket is my go-to spot in Las Vegas to stock up on kosher food each week and for Shabbat. Beyond just being a necessity for my strictly kosher dietary needs, the weekly shopping visits have the added value of… well, extra value. It might not be “Vegas vacation sexy-like” but it ends up being WAY cheaper and healthier than eating out or grabbing the first processed snacks I see at concession stores.
27. Tons of strawberries and blueberries
    In Israel, fruit is seasonal, and it’s simply not possible to obtain strawberries or blueberries — two of my favorite fruits — in the summer months. Even when in season and delectably delicious, these fruits are significantly more expensive in Israel than in the US. So when you see me popping these into my mouth on a near-daily basis, know that they’re bringing me a heck of a lot of joy.
28. Some Baskin Robbins ice cream on break at the Orleans
    Astute readers may have noticed that many of the low-stakes mixed game tournaments I included in this recent article will be held at Orleans. I fully intend on playing in a couple of them, and indulging in that one-of-a-kind Baskin Robbins ice cream while on break.

29. Enjoying the Vegas summer heat
    Ice cream has appeared twice on this list, and for good reason. Yes, it’s hot — REALLY hot… but I absolutely love it. Whether it’s the 110-degree days or the 85-degree nights, the dry desert air energizes me, clears my mind, and reminds me that I’m exactly where I want to be. There’s just NOTHING like Las Vegas in the summer.

See You in the Desert!

We are less than 1 week away from the kickoff of the 2025 World Series of Poker. My month in Las Vegas begins a few days later, on June 3. As I count down the days until my departure, I know that this poker summer will be unlike any other. From new adventures to familiar comforts, the desert poker oasis awaits us all. Whether you’re coming for a week or a month, I hope you’ll join me at the tables, stop by Mixed Game Festival XI to say hi, and soak in every second of what promises to be a legendary Las Vegas poker summer. Let’s make memories, win lots of pots, and embrace everything this wild and wonderful city has to offer.

“If only I got better cards, I’d win more often.”

That whisper floats through every cardroom, from daily grinders to WSOP Main Event dreamers. But the players who last — the ones who come back year after year, cash deeper, and keep their edge — know this truth: You don’t win because of what you’re dealt. You win because of how you respond to it. And the response isn’t just tactical — it’s emotional.

Every bet, every fold, every hesitation, every all-in is shaped by the mindset you bring to the moment. That’s what separates players who survive the swings from those who spiral.

Poker at the World Series is a pressure cooker. Buy-ins stretch bankrolls. Hours blur. One misstep can spiral into a mess of doubt, overcorrection, and unnecessary loss. And that’s before the cards even cool! All of that is why keeping levelheaded and having a strong mindset is so critical.

Tilt Trigger: Attachment to Poker Outcomes

Tilt wears many faces: frustration, shame, revenge, self-doubt. But underneath them all is the same root cause: attachment to outcome.

• You expected a different result.
• You wanted a better spot.
• You “should have” won the hand.

That kind of emotional stickiness shows up fast in big-field events, where variance swings wide and opponents make wild moves you can’t control. But here’s what you can control:

• How you breathe between hands.
• How you talk to yourself after a mistake.
• How long you carry the last hand into the next one.

That lag, which is emotional residue, is what kills momentum. It clouds your reads. It tightens your range. It makes you question what you already know.

Clear it early, or it compounds.

This is where Emotional Agility™ becomes the edge. It’s the skill of noticing what rises — pressure, shame, tilt — and shelving it. You don’t shove it down. You don’t stuff it.

You simply say: “This feeling is real, and I’ll return to it later.” Then, you shift focus and play the next hand clear. That promise to yourself is a power move. You’re honoring the emotion without giving it control. That’s the definition of mental strength.

Mental toughness is truly the most important part of life! In Sports , in poker , and in life! Rory just proved to the world how to mentally keep it together! #congrats

— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) April 13, 2025

Start Before the Shuffle

Before sitting down, take one breath. One moment. One intention. Here’s my signature intention that has kept many players steady through chaos, and has been my go-to intention for decades, even in sales, before poker came into play. You’re welcome to use it:

“I intend to make correct decisions, with the information I have, and remain unattached to the outcome.”

That’s the job.

Poker rarely gives complete clarity. Reads shift. Chips move. Blinds rise. When your focus stays on what you can control — your decisions and your emotions — the game gets lighter. You play better. You recover faster.

A 5-Step “Reset Ritual” That Anchors

Here’s a five-step reset ritual that evolved during my metaphysical training, and players use before sessions, on breaks, and even mid-hand (internally, of course). Again, you’re welcome to use and customize it so that it fits you:

1. Arrive: One deep breath. Feet grounded. Notice: you’re here.
2. Affirm: “Whatever hand comes, I know how to play it. This is just one hand. I know how to reset.”
3. Name your emotional driver: Is it fear? Ego? Pressure to prove something?
4. Choose your energy: “How do I want to feel this next orbit?” Choose 1–2 words. Calm. Sharp. Curious.
5. Re-enter: Lift your eyes. Relax your jaw. Play the next hand like it’s the only one that matters — because it is.

Between Levels in a Tournament? Do This

Days are long at the World Series of Poker. By contrast, breaks are short. You won’t always have time for deep reflection, but you can run a mental After-Action Review in 60 seconds. Ask yourself:

1. What did I do well?
2. What might I have done differently — without blame, just awareness?
3. What can I do now to be more effective?

That rhythm builds muscle memory. It shifts self-talk from critique to course-correct. And when you repeat it often enough, your confidence becomes earned, not faked.

You Hold the Edge

The cards are never the whole story at the poker tables. They’re the trigger. The story is how you respond, recover, and re-enter the game — again and again — with a clear head and open mind.

You’ve seen players win pots they had no business winning, because they kept their heads. You’ve seen deep runs end early from one tilted move. Emotional discipline wins more in the long term than the best run of cards.

So as you head into your event, whether it’s your first WSOP bracelet shot or your tenth, remember:

• Show up with presence.
• Play from clarity, not chaos.
• Reset as often as needed.
• Review without blame.

Poker doesn’t demand perfection, but it rewards those who manage themselves better than they second-guess their opponents.

Your mindset is the edge. Use it well.

You might know Nadav Itzkowitz as the longtime producer and occasional on-air personality from some of the internet’s most popular comedy podcasts, including Your Mom’s House with Tom Segura and Christina P, or the YMH Studios network. A sharp comedic mind with a passion for poker, Nadav has decided to step into the spotlight and become “a gambling influencer” as the creator and host of a brand new YouTube poker show: The Fold.

Set at the Lodge Card Club in Austin, Texas – home to many of the biggest poker livestreams in the world – The Fold is a homegame-style $1/$1 No Limit Hold’em game featuring $100–$300 buy-ins, unlimited rebuys, and a fun twist: a bounty on Nadav. But what really sets the show apart from other poker live streams is the casting. Each episode showcases a table full of up-and-coming comedians. The result? A hybrid of comedy, chaos, and cards that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining.

With five episodes in the books and a season finale that features none other than Doug Polk, The Fold is ready for its moment in the spotlight. We caught up with Nadav to talk poker, production, and where this wild idea might be headed.

Introducing the poker world to Nadav Itzkowitz

For those who know you from your comedy work and podcast production, how did you first get into poker?

I have played poker since middle school, but absolutely terribly. Then COVID hit and I started playing with my friends who were more into it, joined some private clubs, and improved from “absolutely terrible” to “still pretty bad but we win sometimes now.”

What inspired you to launch The Fold and how long had the idea been brewing before Episode 1 aired?

I was seeing a lot of poker content out there, but a lot of it seemed a lot more boring than it needed to be. I thought “that’s not what my home games look like.” I saw an opportunity to make relatable poker content. There was a show I wanted to see that wasn’t being made, so I made it. It took a little less than a year to go from ideation to execution.

Why did you specifically choose The Lodge as the setting for the show?

The Lodge is just the best. They have the best stream room ever built and understand the necessity for good poker content. They’ve been awesome in making this show come to life the way I envisioned it.

What exactly is The Fold?

At first glance, The Fold looks like a traditional poker livestream, but it’s clearly not. What makes your show different?

What sets The Fold apart from other streams is that we focus on the table talk as much as the gameplay, if not, more. Poker night with the homies is fun, but not on mute. Bringing comedians into the fold elevates banter to the next level.

People aren’t watching The Fold for good poker, they’re watching it for fun poker.

Why did you choose up-and-coming comedians for the lineup? How does their presence change the dynamic of the game?

Austin is filled with comedians that absolutely murder on stage and America isn’t aware of them. They should be. I’ll have some familiar faces in most of the games but I’m keen on introducing people to their future favorite comedian. I have a theory that the poker community and comedy community would have a lot of fun together and I’m on a mission to test that.

The show feels like a poker night you’d have with your funniest friends. It’s like someone took a poker show and bred it with a comedy podcast. While watching million dollar WSOP events is definitely a version of poker I like to watch… seeing players gamble with an amount I’d play with, and still make it fun, is different than what’s out there.

Observation I made on a poker webinar today:

“I think we need more bad or mediocre poker in poker content.”

Celebrity Poker Showdown remains my fav poker show bc it was just fun to watch. Were they terrible at poker? Sure. But that didn’t matter.

I don’t think personality…

— Jessica Welman (@jesswelman) April 17, 2025

The stakes are relatively low compared to typical livestream poker shows. Why $1/$1 with $100–$300 buy-ins?

I’m just trying to emphasize the relatability of the game. Most home games run similar blinds or tournaments, but everyone is starting with a relatable bankroll.

Tell us about the bounty element. It’s obviously a great way to showcase the sponsors, but how have players reacted to the array of prizes they’d claim for “taking your bounty” and felting you?

It’s all about motivating gameplay. Having sponsors that offer amazing products makes players act more aggressively than they normally would. If I knew I’d get high end Sheath underwear, a high grade box of grass fed steaks from Certified Piedmontese Beef, and a day pass at Kuya Wellness, I’d be  doing everything I can to get that bounty… all of that is worth way more than what most stacks at the table would be. And collecting that bounty feels like  running across the finish line in first place. It just leads to great moments and a fun show.

The Fold: Production and Format

The Lodge has a built-in studio and experienced production team, with Slick Rick on the mic. What has it been like plugging into that setup as a newcomer in the poker content space?

The Lodge has been absolutely professional in the entire process. They’ve been eager to change the way they do things to accommodate my goals for the show. I’m new to poker, but I’m no stranger to production sets with control rooms. We all immediately spoke the same language and got on the same page.

Since you’re working with a livestream format, how do you balance keeping the show entertaining for viewers while letting the poker action unfold naturally?

With a table full of comedians, that’s not a big problem I have to worry about. If we’re not knee deep in a pot, someone’s riffing about something ridiculous. Dull moments are few and far in between in The Fold. We’ll be in the middle of talking about something stupid then everyone sees a $50 raise and every player redirects their attention to the table.

Even though you’re not behind the cameras, what kind of vibe or tone are you personally trying to bring to The Fold as the host and game-runner?

The tone I’m trying to capture is FUN. This is the home game everyone wants to be a part of or recreate at home. We’ll run some 7-2 bounties or I’ll bet roulette on the flop with another player. All sorts of bounties. I like to do degen things with my degen friends. Poker home games are usually fun the entire time, and that’s what I’m trying to capture in the show.

The Fold: Casting and Guests

How do you go about selecting comedians for each episode? Is it all about entertainment value?

I’m learning that as I go, but there’s a whole bunch of variables to consider. How much will they contribute to table talk? Are they an aggressive player? Are they a new player? Every combination of those, and others, gives you a much different type of player, so putting together a table that can have fun for 3 hours isn’t as simple as running down a list and seeing who’s available.

What level of poker skill and experience do each of the player-comedians you cast on the show have?

They range WILDLY, haha. Some guests have been absolute card sharks like Uncle Lazer and Kim Congdon. Some comedians, like Heath Cordes, have never really played poker, yet somehow he still wins the bounty. Go figure.

I’ve come to learn that just like in home games, when there’s very green players, and more often than not, they’re the hardest to play against. How could you know what they’re doing when they don’t know what they’re doing? It makes for entertaining hands.

Doug Polk joined the table for the season finale (episode 5). As one of poker’s biggest personalities and part-owner of The Lodge, what did it mean to have him in the lineup, and what are you hoping fans will take away from this final episode of the season in particular?

Doug was involved in greenlighting the show at The Lodge and when production started, I guess his staff kept telling him how fun it was. They asked me after a couple episodes if I would be interested in having him on an episode, which is an easy YES. I think we finalized him being on the season 1 finale two days before recording. I had to text all the comedians playing that day that they were in for a sweaty game. No one was deterred. Everyone wanted to take him down. You can watch the full episode here.

It also added a whole new dynamic to the episode. We created a mechanic where if you found yourself in a heads up situation against Doug, you can use a timeout chip and take two people from the table outside to discuss the hand. Plus, I kind of peer pressured Doug into putting a $700 bounty on his own head (that no one had a real chance at winning).

Growing Poker

You’ve produced five episodes so far. What kind of feedback have you received? Have you integrated any of that into perhaps improving or enhancing the show from one episode to the next?

The comments have been wildly positive and helpful. Everyone is seeing this as a concept that’s being figured out in real time. It just improves every episode.

People wanted more table talk and less commentators so I’m experimenting with that. All in all, this is becoming my favorite puzzle to solve. The show will evolve over time and get better, which is hard to believe considering how much I love it now.

Are there any specific moments or hands that have stood out so far as especially funny, wild, or memorable?

Oh man. Every episode has so many incredible moments. I remember Brian Simpson tilting me by making it seem like he didn’t know he had a full house when I rivered the nut flush. I was off for the rest of the game.

Or when Kim Congdon was politely asked to stop rolling a “special tobacco cigarette” at the table by the staff, allegedly. Some of my favorite moments are from the season finale. Seeing Doug have such a good time playing with comedians made me realize we got a special show brewing.

What have you learned since Episode 1 that might shape how you approach casting or hosting future episodes?

It’s all about getting a good table together with an equal amount of talkers and aggressive players. Each player vastly changes what the game will be like and taking that into account is super important.

The Future of The Fold

Is this just a one-season experiment, or are you already planning for Season 2?

Season 2 is in the works. And it’s happening soon!

Would you ever consider raising the stakes or trying a different format (e.g., mixed games or tournaments)?

Experimenting with stakes and game style is definitely in the future of The Fold. We might have some high stakes episodes with headliners. I think a heads up format could be really fun to play with. A Sit-N-Go format will be tested. This show is the beginning of a new niche.

What’s your dream guest lineup for a future episode; whether comedians or poker pros?

Seeing a table of comedians getting destroyed by Daniel Negreanu or Phil Ivey would be an absolute dream, haha. In terms of comics, anything and everything is possible. I’ve already had comedians with Netflix Specials and Kill Tony regulars on. People are seeing this is a fun game and they want in on it.

Where do you ultimately hope to take The Fold? YouTube cult hit? Something bigger?

I see a bright future for The Fold. Anyone that’s played on a game or anyone that’s seen an episode have all said there’s no content out there like this. It’s special. I hope to keep making it and stuff like it for a long time in the YouTube space or any other space that wants it.

The Elevator Pitch: Why and How to Watch?

If someone’s never watched poker before but loves comedy (or vice versa) what would you say to convince them to give The Fold a try?

The Fold is a comedy podcast bred with a poker show. Being a fly on the wall when a group of 6 or 7 funny people get together and gamble is just a good time.

Where can people follow you and stay updated on new episodes or upcoming guests?

I’m posting episodes of The Fold and highlights on my YouTube channel and posting all sorts of short form clips on my Instagram. If any advertisers want to inquire about sponsorship, they can email me at [email protected].

Conclusion

The Fold is obviously still in its infancy, but Nadav Itzkowitz’s vision for blending poker and comedy is already delivering something fresh and funny to the poker content space. With a unique cast of characters, approachable stakes, and a built-in bounty twist, the show exists as an important reminder that poker isn’t just for pros. It’s for anyone who loves good stories, good jokes, and the occasional all-in with 7-2 offsuit.

Check out new episodes of The Fold on Nadav’s YouTube channel, and follow him on social media for behind-the-scenes content and lineup announcements.

Ed note: Special thanks to our mutual friend Avi Kreitenberg for kindly making the intro to set up this interview.

Canada has the second-largest number of legal poker rooms in the world after the United States. There are legal rooms in nearly every one of the 10 Canadian provinces, from out west in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to the eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, Quebec and New Brunswick. Even the Yukon Territory has a room up north in Dawson City – the northernmost poker room in the world!

I live in Boston, Massachusetts, a long way away from the western provinces of Canada like Alberta, whose poker scene I’ve written about here before on Cardplayer Lifestyle. It’s tough for me to get out to that region on a regular basis. Fortunately for me, there are a lot of poker rooms nearby in New England.

If I’m looking for an international adventure that I can drive to, I am also fortunate to be able to find poker in the Eastern Canadian provinces that surround New England, specifically, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. This is my comprehensive presentation of all of the poker rooms in those places, the vast majority of which I have had the good fortune to have played in. We’ll start our tour of Eastern Canada poker rooms with the ones in the Maritime Provinces and then close with those in Quebec and Ontario.

The Maritimes, as they’re known, include the four most eastern of Canada’s provinces, specifically: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador. There are poker rooms in all of them, though the one in PEI is “temporarily closed”. Below, I go through each of these provinces, and provide you with a report of the latest status of all of their poker rooms.

Poker in New Brunswick

Fredericton

Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick, on the eastern border of Maine. It is a lovely, small, walkable, historic city, on the banks of the Saint John River. It has a poker room on Sitansisk First Nation land, at St. Mary’s Entertainment Center, in what is officially classified as a Bingo Hall.

St. Mary’s Entertainment Center

Address: 185 Gabriel Drive, Fredricton

Phone: 506-462-9300

Website: https://www.stmec.com/

This is a casino of sorts, open seven days a week, 10AM until 2:30 AM. They have a large BINGO hall (they admit 16-year-olds!), many slot machines, and electronic roulette. They also have a 3-table poker room up on the second floor, where you must be 19 years old to play.

The poker room is only open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. If you want to play, it’s best to get your name on the list in advance. You can do this by calling in at 5PM. Cards are dealt at 6PM. They spread $1/3 no limit Texas hold’em, with a $50 minimum and $300 maximum starting stack. They rake 10% up to $7. I visited the room, sat on the very basic banquet chairs, and saw the nicely kept but plain poker tables. From what I’ve been told, the game is a relaxed affair consisting only of local players. Very few outsiders ever make it to this room, though an occasional visitor from eastern Maine pops in now and again.

Moncton

Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick, and at the geographic center of the Maritime Provinces. It is sometimes known as Hub City because of this and its past as a major crossroads for railway travel. It is home to the famous Bay of Fundy and its Fundy Tidal Bore. It has one poker room.

Casino New Brunswick

Address: 21 Casino Drive, Moncton

Phone: 506-861-4632

Website: https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/newbrunswick/moncton/

I played in this 6-table poker room on a Saturday night. The game was a dour 9-handed affair, with short stacks, tight passive play, and somber, bordering on angry faces. The poor lighting did not help the vibe of the game. My attempts to lighten the mood were greeted with impatience and hostility, alas.

Like the other poker room in New Brunswick, it is the only game in town, and open only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, starting at 6PM, and ending at 2AM Thursday and Friday and 3AM on Saturdays (or when the last game breaks). It’s located in their lighthouse. They offer $1/3 no limit (and rarely $5/5) with a $10% $7 max rake, plus a $1 promotional drop.

Poker in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is an island located off the shore to the southeast of New Brunswick. Cruise ships travel there from Boston and New York. Halifax is its largest and capital city. Nova Scotia is known for its rolling hills, great hiking trails, beautiful seaports and coastal towns, and terrain that resembles Ireland. There are two casinos on the island, one in Sydney that doesn’t have poker; and one in Halifax that has a nice room.

Halifax

Casino Nova Scotia

Address: 1983 Upper Water St., Halifax, NS

Phone: 902-496-6166

Website: https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/nova-scotia/halifax-sydney/

The poker room is open from Wednesday to Saturday 4PM to 2AM. I played in the room on two occasions, on Wednesday and Thursday late afternoon. I enjoyed both experiences. The staff were friendly, helpful, accurate, and experienced. The players were warm and welcoming, if a little better and more aggressive than their counterparts in Moncton. They told me the best place to get Halifax’s famous donair sandwich. I’d gladly come here again.

Poker on Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (often referred to by its initials PEI) is a beautiful island province of Canada located northeast of New Brunswick, across the Northumberland Strait, and accessible since 1997 by road via the Confederation Bridge (prior to that you could only arrive by air or ferry). PEI is famous for Anne of Green Gables, mussels, great country music, and warm water beaches.

There are two gambling facilities in PEI, both harness racing tracks. There are casinos at each of the sites, both owned by Red Shores Casino. The larger of the two is Red Shores Racetrack and Casino in Charlottetown. The second is in Summerside.

Both casinos had poker before the pandemic. But neither has poker today. Poker is listed at the Charlottetown casino on Poker Atlas as “temporarily closed”. Be warned that some of the casino staff will tell you that they have poker, as they offer the casino advantage game of Ultimate Texas Hold’em. But this is not really the poker we all know and love. It is a table game like blackjack or Let It Ride.

I spoke with the director of gaming for the two facilities, Frank Downing. He informed me that though there are no immediate plans to bring back live poker, it is still being discussed as a possibility. We’ll see.

Poker in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province in Canada – the closest point in North America to Europe. Labrador is in the north, abutting Quebec to the west. It is only accessible by car on a gravel road that snakes up from Baie Comeau on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Newfoundland is an island, only accessible by plane or ferry. Challenging and harrowing though the trips were, I visited both Newfoundland and Labrador and found them starkly beautiful – and well worth the challenge of getting there.

Good news! While Newfoundland and Labrador has no public poker venues, such as casinos or racetracks with poker games, there are poker games scattered around St. John’s, Newfoundland, the largest and most eastern city on the island. (Sadly, I found no games in Labrador City.) The best and most likely place for a game in St. John’s that a visitor could enter is a well-known and publicly listed private game at Topsail Road Billiards in St. John’s. They have regular tournaments and cash games, as well as online games. They have a Facebook Page, which is the best way to see the schedule of their activities.

St. Johns, NF

Topsail Road Billiards

Address: 681 Topsail Rd, St. John’s, NL A1E 6H9, Canada

Phone: 709-745-8885

This is a public billiard parlor that also has regular poker tournaments. Cash games typically start as the tournament winds down and players bust out. The aforementioned Facebook page lists the tournament schedule and publishes videos describing the latest tournament action.

Poker in Quebec

Quebec is the second-largest province in Canada by population and includes the large cities of Montreal and Quebec City. It is also the province where French is most commonly spoken. It borders Ontario on its west and Newfoundland and Labrador as well as New Brunswick on its east. It is the closest province to Boston, with some areas only four hours to the north. There are currently six poker rooms in Quebec.

Gatineau

Gatineau, formerly known as Hull, is a suburb of Ottawa, located across the Ottawa River in Quebec. They have one casino. It has a poker room.

Casino du Lac-Leamy

Address: 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau

Phone: 819-772-2100

Website: https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/fr/lacleamy/accueil

This glistening casino is beautiful to behold from the outside, with glimmering glass and steel forming an ultra-modern appearance. The 9-table poker room, though very neat and nicely appointed with well-kept tables and comfortable chairs, is dark, with shadows stemming from high intensity lighting overhead. When I played there on a Saturday morning and early afternoon, the players were all local, friendly, tight and timid. When I played there again on a Saturday evening, the players were all local, friendly, tight and timid. The staff were helpful, friendly, and low key.

Game begins at 9:30 AM. Sign up begins at 8:30 AM. If you want a seat, I recommend that you call or stop in and sign up an hour before the start of the game. I arrived at 8:45 and was the last person to lock up a seat. No seats opened, and no second table was opened for the two hours I played. Had I not signed up, I would have been out of luck.

The $1/2 no limit hold’em that they spread here takes a 10% rake up to $8 max, with a $2 promo drop at $30.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a beautiful, historic, walkable city located roughly 3 hours east of Montreal. It is known for having a more European feel than its more modern and metropolitan big brother to the west. Though there are many private games, that an intrepid tourist might enter, there is only one, public poker room, at the Salon Jeux, which accepts players aged 18 and over. It is brand new, having opened in April 2025. I played there during their second week of operation.

Salon Jeux

Address: 847 Rue Clemenceau, Quebec City

Phone: 877-700-5836

Website: https://salonsdejeux.lotoquebec.com/fr/quebec/accueil

I played here for a few hours on a Saturday night. This is a beautiful, well lit, spanking new room with extremely comfortable, fully adjustable chairs, beautiful full-sized oval poker tables with chargers, excellent high intensity overhead lighting, with soft ambient lighting, and extremely new (as in two weeks of experience in many cases) dealers. The dealers are working under the careful eye of floor staff who themselves are extremely experienced, patient, and helpful. I watched a new dealer, facing a five-person all-in hand with four side pots, get excellent guidance from a floor person. I also played against the least skilled poker player I have ever witnessed in a public room. My advice: get here while the getting is good!

The games play 9-handed and the house takes a 10% rake up to $8, plus $2 at $20 for promotions. There’s also currently a bad beat promotion running: quads beaten, all four cards must play. Typical buy-ins are $50-$250 and while there are no comps given, there is a free beverage dispenser offering soda, coffee, and water.

Trois-Rivieres (Three Rivers) 

This small city is roughly halfway between Montreal to the west and Quebec City to the east. It has one, brand new, poker room that opened in April 2025.

Salon Jeux Trois-Rivieres

Address: 1900 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivieres, QC

Phone: 877-700-5836

Website: https://salonsdejeux.lotoquebec.com/fr/trois-rivieres/jeux/poker

I played here on a Saturday night. It’s owned by the same people who own the aforementioned room in Quebec City, where I had played earlier in the day. It is a beautiful small room upstairs, separated from the rest of the casino by a glass partition. It has a huge window to the outside world, providing beautiful scenery and, until late at night, excellent ambient light.

The dealers were not casino employees, but subcontracted help from an agency. The four I met dealt as if they were dealing in the movie Casino Royale – extremely slow and following some arcane procedure of demonstrating the winning hand by literally pulling out three cards from the board to combine with each player’s hole cards. It made the hands last an extra 15-20 seconds. As they were not full-time employees, they also made frequent mistakes when they slowly demonstrated the winning hand. They were not defensive about their errors – only a bit clueless about what the combination of winning cards should be.

There were three players, including me, who knew basic poker strategy. The other five were truly clueless – guessing whether they should call or fold, rarely initiating a bet or raising. It was an ideal place for a good player to enjoy himself and make a little money. But I can’t imagine games will continue like this for very long – as the new and awful players will either catch on or switch to a less taxing form of gambling.

Here, too, the games played 9-handed with the house taking a 10% rake up to $8, plus $2 at $20 for promotions. They feature the same bad beat promotion: quads beaten, all four cards must play. Typical buy-ins are $50-$250 and while there are no comps given, there is a free beverage dispenser offering soda, coffee, and water, as well as free popcorn!

Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and its capital. There are two poker rooms here, Casino du Montreal on the Ile de Notre Dame in the St. Lawrence River, and Playground to the south of the St. Lawrence River, on Kahnawake Mohawk tribal land.

Playground Poker Room

Address: 1500 Unit C Route 138, Kahnawake, QC

Phone: (450) 635-7653

Website: https://www.playground.ca/poker

Playground Poker is surely the premier poker room in Canada. There are 44 tables, often all in use. Action is legendary and enormous. Games run 24/7, with $1/2, $1/3, and $2/5 NLHE games always in action, as well as $2/2 PLO. As the day heats up and players stream in after work, bigger games abound, including $5/5 and $10/25 NLH and $2/5, $5/5 and $10/25 PLO. The room also regularly hosts major tournaments like WPT festivals as well as their own daily and weekly events.

READ MORE: Playground Poker’s Not-So-Secret Recipe for Success

The splendor of the room is not without its cost. The house rakes 10% up to $11 on the smaller games and $14 on the bigger ones. They also take out an additional $2 that goes for the high hand jackpot. But, significantly, unlike every other room in Canada, players get FREE food and drink, including alcoholic drink! There is an extensive menu – with a bigger and better one for the games $2/5 and up. While the miser in me calculates that even a confirmed trencherman couldn’t eat enough food to justify the high rake, when you recognize that some other Canadian rooms rake even more and offer no free food or drink, Playground Poker looks all the more appealing.

I’ve played in this room a few times, always on the weekend, from early in the morning until early in the morning. I found the players in the $1/2, $1/3, and $2/5 games to be a mix of very casual to very serious players. Be warned that there are some players who seem to make a full-time living in these games. Game selection is key in this place. Fortunately, they have the sufficient number of tables to make it possible.

Casino du Montreal

Address: 1 Avenue Du Casino, Montreal

Phone: 514-392-2761

Website: https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/fr/montreal/accueil

This room is on the Ile de Notre Dame (Notre Dame Island), in the northeastern part of Montreal. It’s a full service casino with a poker room up on the second floor. The room is somewhat dark and not particularly inviting. I’ve played here a couple of times and found the games somewhat dour, populated chiefly by short-stacked, timid, passive players. They offer $1/2 and $1/3 no limit hold’em. When I asked them if they ever spread PLO they asked me what that was. The room seems to be run by non-poker players.

The room opens at 10:30 AM. Players may call in up to 90 minutes in advance to be placed on a seating list. They offer a bad beat jackpot that, at the time of this column’s writing, was over $1 million. They also offer high hand promotions.

Wolinak

Grand Royal Wolinak Casino

Address: 10275 Chemin LeBlanc, Wolinak, Quebec

Phone: 873-220-0218

Website: https://grandroyalwolinak.com/casino/poker-en.php

I drove up to this casino in Wolinak, Quebec, Canada. It’s about a six-hour drive from Boston if you don’t stop. It’s about halfway between Quebec City and Montreal, on the Becancour River, near the St. Lawrence Seaway. Wolinak is on Abenaki First Nation Land. There’s a tribal building a 2-minute walk from the casino. I walked around it. It’s near a waterway that leads into the St. Lawrence. Very scenic if you like rivers, fields, and some trees.

The casino is quite small by North American standards. A few hundred slot machines, some electronic roulette, a handful of blackjack tables, a couple of restaurants, a gift shop in the lobby, and five or six poker tables. They have tournaments on Wednesday-Sunday, but I opted to sit in the cash game.

The rake is $8 plus $2 for the bad beat/high hand promotion. The buy-in was $60-$300, and many players bought in for $100 or less, though there were a few players in for the maximum. The skill level was pretty minimal and the players were very timid and passive.

Poker in Ontario

Ontario stretches from central Minnesota in the west to the very eastern end of New York – nearly to Vermont in the east. Its largest city is Toronto, home to a few poker rooms. The major tourist attraction, Niagara Falls, lies about two hours to the southwest of Toronto on the border with New York, USA. It has six poker rooms.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, home to one of nature’s natural wonders, and so grand that it is a huge attraction in both the United States and Canada, is also home to three casinos – two on the Canadian side of the border and one on the US side. The only one with poker is Casino Niagara, in Canada.

Casino Niagara

Address: 5705 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON

Phone: 888-325-5788

Website: https://casinoniagara.com/playing/poker.html

Casino Niagara is 90 minutes around the horn southwest of Toronto. The company that owns it also owns Fallsview Casino – which used to be a hotbed of poker, but has discontinued it.

Casino Niagara is a busy and active room. Unique to rooms I have visited in Canada, there is no rake in any of their games. Instead, they have a time charge: a $7/half time charge for $1/3. $8 for $2/5, and $9 for $5/10. They do not typically spread PLO and they never spread stud or mixed games of any kind.

There is plenty of action in this room. They have 18 tables and are said to fill them up on busy Saturday nights. I played at two different tables. It was early on a Saturday afternoon, but I could already see evidence of some wild aggressive play from some of the players. I’d like to come back when players were drinking and even less restrained. I recommend it highly.

Parking is very expensive: $40, but it’s free if you have a player’s card. So get a player’s card; they’re free! Just give them your license or passport.

Greater Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada. It is a center for commerce, manufacturing, and trade. There are many suburbs. There are four active rooms in the Greater Toronto area (including Casino Rama up north in Cumberland Beach). There is another room of sorts that is only open for a special summer event.

Brantford

Elements Brantford

Address: 40 Icomm Drive, Brantford, ON

Phone: 519-757-3306

Website: https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/ontario/elements/poker/

This casino is about 45 minutes southwest of Toronto in the suburb of Brantford. It’s a local’s room – a lot of retirees and marginally employed short-stacked and passive players playing $1/3 no limit hold’em. I watched good solid dealers who knew nearly all the players. The floor staff and managers really work the room well to make sure that players are all supplied with chips and seats quickly. The room is open 10am –4am, and they notably have a $10/20 limit game with a smaller rake and a more aggressive clientele. I played here in the $1/3 game for a couple of hours and had a marginally profitable session. There’s a rake of 10% up to a $15 for the no limit game, $10 max for the limit game.

Cumberland Beach

Casino Rama

Address: 5899 Rama Road, Cumberland Beach, ON

Phone: 705-329-5804

Website: https://www.casinorama.com/table-games/

Casino Rama is the furthest away from downtown, about an hour and a half due north of Toronto, on the northern shore of Lake Simcoe, in Orilla. It now houses just 6 tables, but they have a regular $1/3 game that sometimes goes through the night, especially on weekends. They start their first game at 10:00 AM. You should call their number to make sure there is a game going and lock up a seat. Their rake is 10% up to a maximum of $15 a pot.

Pickering

Pickering Casino Resort

Address: 888 Durham Live Avenue, Pickering, ON

Phone: 289-539-0552

Website: https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/ontario/pickering/

Pickering is a Grand Canadian room about 30 minutes east of downtown Toronto. The games run 24/7. You’ll typically find at least a few tables of $1/3 and often a $2/5 game as well. It has the same rake structure as its sibling room at Woodbine (see below) – 10% with a maximum of $20, plus a $1 promotional drop. That’s tough juice to beat. Fortunately, the players late on a Tuesday night, when I played, seemed incapable of folding!

The room is part of a full-service casino resort, so you can stay here in their hotel if you’d like. Unofficially, I was told that I’d get a “good rate” if I stayed. The poker room is tucked away up on the third floor, in a very spacious room, and there are twice weekly tournaments.

Toronto

Great Canadian Toronto

Address: 1133 Queens Plate Dr., Toronto

Phone: 416-676-1101

Website: https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/ontario/toronto/poker/

This casino is at Woodbine Raceway. It has, by far, the largest and busiest poker room in the Toronto area, with 30 tables that are often all in action. It is about 15 minutes due north of downtown Toronto (though heavy traffic can make the 7-mile trek take over an hour). It’s located in a huge complex of racetrack, casino, shopping, Racing Hall of Fame, and parking. The large and spacious poker room is up on the second floor. Just keep asking people to point you in the right direction.

I played there on a Saturday night and they had $1/3, $2/5, and $5/10 NLHE and $2/5 PLO. During my three-hour session there were no really strong players that I observed, but I’m sure there are at least a few players who try to make their living in the $2/5 and $5/10 games in this room. The rake is heavy, at 10% up to a maximum of $20. Even so, the room remains very popular, as the games run continuously.

Poker in Canada: Summary

Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and all of the Maritimes are surely extraordinary places to visit. In addition to the typical tourist things to do there, there is also a lot of poker. The Playground in the south of Montreal, with its free food and drink, is by far the best room for poker in Canada, in my opinion. For the time being, the games in eastern Quebec are so new to the players that you might be able to make some money until the clueless lose their money or figure out the game.

The Greater Toronto area, including Niagara Falls, has a few rooms, too. Casino Niagara, on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, would be the place to play, in my opinion, with its seat charge instead of a rake. The $15-$20 rakes in the other rooms make the games largely unbeatable in the long run, unless you play $5/10 or higher. Even so, the huge action I witnessed might make the games fun for many, even if they didn’t prove to be remunerative in the long-run.

Here and now, I’m stepping out of the shadows and telling you how poker saved my life — at a time when I had just pled guilty to a felony. Yes, you read that right. I’m a convicted felon.

Why am I sharing this little-known truth? Because if you’re reading this, you’re probably a poker advocate. You cherish the game — most of the time, anyway — and I want you to know just how powerful it can be.

Even though I’ve been away from the felt full-time in recent years to care for myself and my family, poker remains my lifeline. It gave me what I call the Ultimate Adult Do-Over. It rebuilt my self-esteem, raised my self-worth, and reshaped the way I show up in life.

If I ever put all the lessons poker has taught me into a book — raw, unfiltered, full of truth — it wouldn’t just teach or entertain. It would reveal how a so-called hobby became the crossroads where my life and transformation finally met — and where I healed.

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with this game. Why? Because just when you think you’ve figured it out, the cards smack you sideways. You make the “right” move — and still lose the hand. That’s beyond poker. That’s life.

How a felony, a fold, and a Florida bingo hall changed everything.

Everything I’ve studied and lived — sales, management, psychology, metaphysics — shows up at the table. But it wasn’t until life sidelined me that I realized how much I benefited from poker.

I discovered how to play poker in 1996, playing in the Seminole bingo halls in Florida. Back then, it had little to do with the money. It was about learning to fold early and often — and keeping your cool while doing it.

Can you even imagine a $0.25/$0.50 cash game where the pot freezes when it hits $10… after the house had taken its $2.50? If this is the first time you’re hearing that, I bet you’re thinking, “Say what?!”

But that’s where I used everything life had already taught me — negotiating deals, managing money, and soft people skills — and translated those assets to the table by reading the room, spotting patterns, and knowing when to get out of the way.

Two years later, I became a felon.

Looking back, I know this: without poker, I might not be here. The stress would’ve killed me. Or worse, I might have taken myself out. Life dealt me garbage cards — the kind you wouldn’t wish on anyone. And like many people who’ve hit their personal bottom, I wanted to vanish.

*AI-generated image, for illustrative purposes only

The problem is, invisibility is a tall order for a 6-foot-5 woman.

But here’s the truth: when life deals you a brutal hand, you still have choices:

• You can play full out and take calculated risks.
• You can white-knuckle it, holding onto a hand you know is losing.
• Or you can fold early and cut your losses.

The game taught me how to let go — and live.

I was ashamed for years about pleading guilty — until I realized I had made a smart choice — I had folded early rather than spend years in court draining our savings just to prove a point. That was the hand I was dealt, and I played it the best I could.

In poker, we fold when we’re pretty darn sure that the hand we’re in won’t win. I now realize that’s exactly what I did.

Since publishing MindShift On-Demand in 2017, I’ve spoken on countless podcasts about how poker saved my life — but until recently, I left out this chapter. Only a handful of people knew until I confessed it and became unmuffled earlier this year. Now, I say it out loud. Again. I am a convicted felon.

Why repeat it? Because truth-telling has power. Because shame fades when we stop hiding. Because someone out there needs to hear this — maybe it’s you.

Negative self-talk is like a bad beat at the poker table.

Rather than dwell on it, detach. Observe it.

Be the witness.

Forgive yourself, and prepare for the next hand life deals you.

— Donna Blevins, PhD (@BigGirlPoker) January 19, 2025

It doesn’t matter why you’ve lost — whether it was fear, self-doubt, addiction, or just plain exhaustion. What matters is what you learn from it — and how you use that lesson to take your next best action. If there’s anyone qualified to talk about profiting from loss and rebuilding from failure, it’s someone who’s lived through it, owned it, and still found a way to sit back down at the table.

I’m now in my seventies. I’ve become highly skilled at picking myself up, dusting off, and getting back in the game. That’s the magic of poker — and life. Poker helped me shift my focus.

It helped me remember who I am.

It gave me a path back to joy.

And no matter how messy the hand, I’m still all-in. Because this game doesn’t demand perfection. It demands presence. And presence — in the moment, in the mess — is what brought me back to life.

That’s how poker saved my life.

Not with luck.

With truth.

With choice.

With the guts to sit back down and play my game — not someone else’s.

When major poker series like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) or other high-volume events roll around, many players focus on brushing up on hand ranges and ICM theory. But just as important as what you know on the felt is how you prepare off the felt. With long hours, emotionally taxing swings, and the physical demands of back-to-back tournaments, the habits you build before your trip can make or break your results.

To help players optimize both their mental and physical approach, PokerCoaching.com offers three excellent video resources: “Preparing for a Big Poker Trip” by Jonathan Little, “Off the Felt Tips to Crush” by Lexy Gavin-Mather, and the comprehensive “WSOP Prep Course,” led by Jonathan Little among a full complement of coaches on the company roster. Each of these videos offers unique insight into the broader process of tournament preparation, from lifestyle choices to strategic focus. Below, we break down each video and the lessons you can take from their two hours of instructional poker training content as you plan your next poker adventure.

Preparing for a Big Poker Trip, by Jonathan Little

Are you a Pokercoaching.com Premium Member? If so, you can watch the full video here

Before you book your flight or register for your first event, Jonathan Little recommends a foundational step: decide what you want from your poker trip. Not every player is chasing bracelets or volume. For some, these series are as much a vacation as they are a grind. Are you trying to play every event you can enter, or are you balancing play with sightseeing or time with friends? The answer should shape your entire approach to the poker tournament series.

Little emphasizes intentional planning. If your goal is to fire multiple bullets and rack up hands, don’t sabotage yourself by staying out late or cramming in non-poker activities. Similarly, if you’re traveling more for the experience, don’t feel pressured to max late-reg every tournament just to say you played. Defining your own version of success is the first step to avoiding burnout or disappointment.

Another critical point in this video is the importance of doing your study before the trip. Just like you wouldn’t cram for a major test the night before, your poker skills are best honed weeks or months ahead of time. Focus especially on common spots that come up frequently: blind vs. blind, early tournament play, and short-stack spots late in events. The idea is to arrive prepared so that you can conserve mental energy for in-game decision-making and enjoy the trip itself.

Lastly, Little offers a practical but often overlooked tip: get your sleep schedule in order before you leave. A consistent routine and solid rest are invaluable when you’re facing 12-hour days in high-pressure environments. Arriving fresh, focused, and physically ready is as important as knowing your ranges.

Off the Felt Tips to Crush, by Lexy Gavin-Mather

Are you a Pokercoaching.com Premium Member? If so, you can watch the full video here

While Little’s first video focuses on goal setting and mental prep, Lexy Gavin-Mather’s “Off the Felt Tips to Crush” zooms in on the small, daily habits that contribute to peak performance. She reinforces the idea that poker is not just a game of skill — it’s also a test of endurance, focus, and emotional regulation. Her tips cover lifestyle choices that, if neglected, can derail even the most studied player.

Gavin begins with basics: sleep well and eat a healthy meal before playing. It sounds obvious, but countless players enter Day 1 of a tournament on five hours of sleep and a gas station breakfast. Over a long series, this kind of neglect adds up fast.

Equally important is mental clarity. Gavin advises players to clear their minds and avoid bringing stress to the table. Whether it’s work, relationships, or travel logistics, lingering mental clutter can compromise your decision-making and focus.

She also suggests preparing logistically to reduce unnecessary stress. Learn the structure of your event before arriving. Understanding blind levels, starting stacks, and payout structures can help you build the right game plan. Additionally, Gavin recommends registering the night before or early in the day to avoid long lines, which can sap energy and put you in a rushed, tilted mindset before you even sit down.

Finally, she offers a practical tip for physical comfort: pack a small bag with everything you might need—snacks, water, hand sanitizer, a phone charger. You don’t want to be forced to make tough decisions with low blood sugar or be distracted because you’re dehydrated.

WSOP Prep Course, by the Pokercoaching.com Roster

Are you a Pokercoaching.com Premium Member? If so, you can watch the full video here

After you’ve nailed your goals and built strong lifestyle habits, you may be ready for more advanced prep, and that’s where the “WSOP Prep Course” comes in. This course is the most comprehensive of the three, with PokerCoaching.com’s deep stable of high stakes crushers covering both strategy and mindset. Designed to elevate serious players heading into high-stakes series like the WSOP, it blends theory and practicality in a format that’s easy to absorb and apply.

The first video in the course features Jonathan Little, is approximately one hour long, and focuses on 10 essential fixes players should make before heading to a major series. These include key technical improvements (like bet sizing adjustments, stack-depth awareness, and exploitative play) as well as psychological and emotional tools. A major theme is the importance of sticking to your core game. When big series roll around, it can be tempting to “level yourself” or try fancy plays, especially under the lights of a featured table. But Little emphasizes the value of consistency: your A-game should be your foundation, not an afterthought.

Another standout point in this video is the focus on emotional resilience. Little discusses the need to develop strategies to cope with bad beats and variance. With the small sample sizes of live tournaments, even the best-prepared poker players can bust early. Learning to manage expectations and detach your self-worth from short-term results is key to staying grounded throughout the series.

Pokercoaching.com’s WSOP Prep Course encourages players to view the entire experience — not just final tables — as part of the win. Whether you’re cashing every event or bricking the series, if you’ve prepared well, made strong decisions, and maintained your focus and health, you’ve succeeded on a much deeper level.

Conclusion: Preparation Is Power

The aforementioned videos by Jonathan Little and Lexy Gavin-Mather provide a powerful framework for approaching any big poker series — not just in terms of strategy, but through habits, planning, and lifestyle choices that support long-term performance. Whether you’re heading to your first WSOP or planning a local tournament grind, the habits you build now will define your experience and results.

Set your goals clearly. Take care of your body and mind. Study the right material in advance, and trust in your preparation once the cards are in the air. With the right mix of strategy and self-care, you’ll put yourself in the best position to crush your next poker trip, both on and off the felt.

The team at PokerGO are gearing up for the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) and an action-packed Summer schedule of live streaming.

The 2025 WSOP will run from May 27 to July 16 with 100 live gold bracelet events and 30 online gold bracelet events. PokerGO will be livestreaming 27 gold bracelet events including the $10,000 buy-in WSOP Main Event. It is expected that more than 300 hours of livestreams will be available during the WSOP.

The WSOP Main Event livestreams will begin on July 2 and run through until a winner is crowned on July 16. The WSOP bracelet event livestreams will begin on May 31 and run through to July 1.

2025 WSOP Bracelet Livestreams

PokerGO has picked out a variety of WSOP bracelet events to livestream this Summer that include high roller tournaments, big field events, and marquee events.

High rollers including the $25,000 NLH/PLO High Roller, the $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, and $250,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Rollers, and the $25,000 and $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Rollers are on the livestreaming schedule. Record-breaking fields and giant prize pools are expected in the $1,000 Mystery Millions, $1,500 MONSTER STACK, $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER, and $300 Gladiators of Poker – these will all have the final tables livestreamed on PokerGO.

Marquee WSOP events including the $50,000 Poker Players Championship and $1,000 Ladies Championship are also on the schedule. New Events being livestreamed by PokerGO include the $5,000 Seniors High Roller and $1,000 Battle of Ages.

WSOP livestream schedule subject to change. Visit www.pokergo.com/schedule for up-to-date WSOP events being livestreamed this summer.

What Have You Missed on PokerGO?

The past two months have been incredibly busy on PokerGO with the U.S. Poker Open and Texas Poker Open wrapping up from the PokerGO Studio and Champions Club Texas, respectively.

Shannon Shorr was crowned the U.S. Poker Open champion and awarded the Golden Eagle trophy and a $25,000 PGT Passport. Ravee Sundara won the Texas Poker Open Main Event after topping the 699-entrant field.

Season 6 of No Gamble, No Future presented by PokerStars wraps up just prior to the WSOP beginning, while Season 14 of High Stakes Poker concluded in late April. New seasons for both are expected post-WSOP.

Connect with PokerGO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch daily poker clips on the PokerGO YouTube channel. Join the conversation on the PokerGO Discord server.

CoinPoker’s flagship MTT series, the Crypto Series of Online Poker (CSOP) is back for a Spring 2025 edition.

With $2,500,000 guaranteed across 86 tournaments, there’s a range of buy-in levels for all. Find the full CSOP Spring schedule here.

Why You Should Join the CSOP Spring 2025

The CSOP Spring 2025 boasts one of the largest prize pools in CoinPoker history. From May 11th to May 26th, 2025, players will have the opportunity to compete in a whopping 86 events.

Buy-ins are range from $1 to $5,000, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

 

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86 Events with Three Buy-In Options

The CSOP offers a total of 86 unique events, and every single one of them comes with three distinct buy-in levels: low, medium, and high.

This flexible structure ensures that players of all skill levels and bankroll sizes can get involved and compete at their preferred level.

• Low Tier: Buy-ins range from just $1 to $5, perfect for casual players or those new to online poker.
• Medium Tier: Buy-ins span from $10 to $50, striking a balance between affordability and meaningful prize pools.
• High Tier: Catering to regulars and professional players, the high tier offers buy-ins between $100 and $500, delivering a more competitive experience.

In addition to these, 13 side events cater to high rollers and poker pros, featuring buy-ins from $1,000 up to $5,000.

With this tiered system in place, the CSOP gives everyone a chance to participate and compete for big prizes.

Each tier has its dedicated leaderboard, where players can earn extra rewards on top of the regular prize pools.

CSOP Spring 2025 Main Events

The CSOP Spring 2025 schedule is packed with thrilling events, but the true showstoppers are the three main events on Sunday, May 25th, at 6:05 PM UTC:

• Low Tier: $5 buy-in, $2,500 guaranteed prize pool
• Medium Tier: $50 buy-in, $20,000 guaranteed prize pool
• High Tier: 500 buy-in, $80,000 guaranteed prize pool

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! The series kicks off in style with the CSOP Kickoff on May 11th at 2:05 PM UTC, offering incredible value and setting the tone for two weeks of non-stop tournament action.

For the pros and high-stakes players, the $1,000 buy-in Falcon and $5,000 buy-in Nemesis high roller events are absolute must-plays. With guarantees of $120,000 and $150,000, respectively, these weekly side events are where the poker elite gathers at the virtual felt. The Falcon starts every Sunday at 5:05 PM UTC, while Nemesis follows at 6:05 PM UTC.

Whether you’re here for the thrill of chasing life-changing wins, these highlight events are your golden ticket. Ready to make your mark? Sign up now and secure your seat at the tables.

$25,000 Added In Leaderboard Prizes

In addition to the huge prize pools, CoinPoker is adding $25,000 in leaderboard prizes.

These leaderboards are divided into three categories (low, medium, and high), ensuring fair competition and rewarding consistent performance. Top performers can earn up to $4,000!

Here are the payouts of the three CSOP leaderboards:

Note prizes will be paid out in the form of tournament tickets. Find out more on the CSOP Spring promotion page here.

Why Play On CoinPoker?

Looking for a poker platform that combines huge bonuses and rewards, great rakeback and top-notch security? CoinPoker has you covered. You can read our CoinPoker review here.

Since its launch in 2017, this revolutionary online poker site has been transforming the way players experience online poker by leveraging the revolutionary blockchain technology.

Check out a review of CoinPoker by one of their ambassadors Alexandro ‘trica’ Tricarico:

Here’s why CoinPoker stands out:

• Massive Bonuses & Promotions: New players can benefit from an industry-leading 150% welcome bonus up to $2,000, giving your bankroll an instant boost. In addition to that, there are more than $250,000 in CoinMasters promotions and a $80,000 poker career up for grabs, plus high-value cash game and tournament leaderboards.
• Generous Rakeback: CoinPoker offers one of the most generous rakeback programmes. Every Monday, you get 33% rakeback paid directly into your poker account.
• Secure & Transparent: Built on blockchain technology, CoinPoker guarantees the most secure and fair online poker games out there. With more than $17 million in proof of reserves, players can trust that their funds are safe and fully backed at all times.
• Instant Transactions & Low Fees: Say goodbye to delays and high fees when withdrawing your funds. CoinPoker supports fast and secure deposits and cash outs using cryptocurrencies. In addition to that, withdrawals over the Polygon network are completely free of charge.

In addition to that, CoinPoker players can benefit from several high-value promotions, including:

• An initial welcome bonus of 150% up to $2,000
• 33% rakeback, or 31.35% factoring in the fee to buy CHP and be eligible for rakeback
• Over $250,000 in CoinMasters promotions
• $5,000 in weekly tournament leaderboards
• $2,000 in daily cash game leaderboards
• Instant deposits and withdrawals
• Fiat deposits in more than 25 countries

With its combination of big rewards, player-friendly promotions, generous rakeback, and top-notch security, CoinPoker is a great choice for online poker players of all levels.

Plus with more than $2,500,000 guaranteed in CSOP Spring’s 86 events starting May 11, there’s never been a better time to join CoinPoker.

For more information, visit the official CoinPoker website and browse the promotions menu.

Every poker player dreams of making the most out of a summer trip to Las Vegas. But let’s be real. When you combine the costs of tournament fees, hotel rates, and the sheer number of poker series happening at the same time, that dream quickly has the potential of becoming a massive financial expenditure… especially if the cards don’t fall your way.

That’s where Mixed Game Festival XI comes in. Taking place from June 8-12 and June 15-19 at Bellagio Las Vegas, we’re offering poker players something refreshingly different: a fun, relaxed event where your bankroll dollars stretch a WHOLE lot further. If you’re looking for a summer Vegas poker experience that’s both rewarding and reasonably priced, here are five reasons why I believe attending Mixed Game Festival XI is the Game Theory Optimal (GTO) financial play.

1. Cheap Vegas Hotel Stays from Sunday to Thursday? Yes, Please.

Everyone knows that Vegas becomes a madhouse on weekends. Crowds go up, and so do hotel prices. But from Sunday through Thursday? That’s a whole different story. Rates across the Strip and nearby off-Strip properties drop dramatically. For example, you can find 5-night midweek stays during Mixed Game Festival XI for $300–400 total (yes, even including resorts fees!) at places like the Luxor, Excalibur, or even the Rio.

And if you want to splurge a bit and stay right where the action is? You can take advantage of a generous 25% room discount at Bellagio Las Vegas exclusive to Mixed Game Festival participants. Just call Bellagio Poker directly at (702) 693-7290 to inquire and book.

Bottom line: If you’ve been telling yourself Vegas is too expensive this summer, think again. The midweek dates of Mixed Game Festival XI (June 8-12 and June 15-19) give you the perfectly affordable window to come play poker, hang out, and still sleep comfortably at night.

2. Bellagio Las Vegas Has Free Attractions — Enjoy Them!

Bellagio Las Vegas isn’t just home to world-class poker, it’s also home to three of the coolest free attractions on the Strip. If you’re attending Mixed Game Festival XI, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to check them out.

Take a stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which is beautifully reimagined seasonally with stunning floral displays.

You should also seize the opportunity to marvel at the vibrant Chihuly glass ceiling in the hotel lobby. It’s a Vegas icon, after all! And, of course, don’t miss the Fountains of Bellagio water show, which never gets old no matter how many times you’ve seen it, day or night.

From our fountains to your hearts, may this year bring you new beginnings, endless possibilities, and unforgettable experiences.

Happy New Year from yours truly. pic.twitter.com/fDHwVZFepb

— Bellagio Las Vegas (@Bellagio) January 1, 2025

Indulging in these free experiences will add a lot of value to your trip both in terms of enjoyment and giving you something relaxing to do during a break from poker sessions.

3. Swag and Merch: Score Some for Free, or Grab a Great Deal

Everyone loves poker swag, and at Mixed Game Festival XI you’ll definitely have the chance to get some. Thanks to generous support from festival sponsors like Pokercoaching.com, RunGoodGear, D&B Poker Publishing, Faded Spade, and PokerGO, we’ll be doing regular merch giveaways throughout the two-week-long event.

If you don’t manage to get your hands on a particular piece of poker merchandise that you have your eyes on as part of a giveaway, we’ll also be selling a variety of items like T-Shirts, hats, and poker books at discounted prices ($10-$20) with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Poker Gives.

So, whether you’re looking to rep your favorite poker brand or grab a souvenir to remember your Mixed Game Festival XI experience, you’ll find plenty of value-packed options to ensure that you’ll leave the festival with more than just good memories.

4. Be in the Right Place at the Right Time… and You Could Win Big

Here’s where things get really exciting: just by hanging out and playing low-stakes poker at Mixed Game Festival XI, you could win a $3,500 seat to the BetMGM Poker Championship, set to be played at Aria Resort & Casino from June 30-July 4.

How? We’ll be giving away FOUR seats throughout the festival, specifically on June 8, 12, 15, and 19. The giveaway methods will be fun, spontaneous, and community-focused.

You won’t need to be grinding 12-hour sessions or have the biggest bankroll in order to win. It’s all about being present, enjoying the Mixed Game Festival XI vibe, and getting lucky at the right time. I imagine that for a lot of attendees, this could be their ticket towards playing in their biggest-ever buy-in tournament!

And who wouldn’t love the opportunity to play in a major poker championship event without shelling out thousands of dollars?

5. Low-Stakes Poker That Doesn’t Drain Your Roll

Dollars is the language of the poker player. If you want to stretch your humble poker bankroll anywhere else in Las Vegas this summer, good luck. We all know that under the right circumstances even $1/3 no-limit Texas Hold’em cash games can chew through a couple $200-$300 buy-ins before you even get comfortable in your seat.

But at Mixed Game Festival XI? That same $200-$300 can last you an entire day (or longer!) while you have a blast playing friendly $4/8 dealer’s choice cash games. You get all the action, camaraderie, and variety of fixed-limit mixed games without the stress of going broke or having to re-buy multiple times.

And the crowd? Welcoming, chill, fun-loving and often eager to teach. So if you’re just curious to try Badugi, Stud 8, or Razz for the first time, we’ve got plenty of seats open for you, and you’ll get the most affordable and enjoyable mixed game poker lessons possible.

Mixed Game Festival XI: Budget-Friendly Poker Paradise Awaits

While Las Vegas is going to be packed full of poker events this summer, few (if any) are the ones that offer a fun, inclusive atmosphere where you can enjoy yourself, play a wide variety of games, win real prizes, and not torch your bankroll in the process.

Mixed Game Festival XI at Bellagio Poker offer the opportunity to get the most out of your poker experience without so much of the added financial pressure. From discounted hotel rates and free entertainment to low-cost play, swag, and the chance to win major prizes, it truly is the GTO financial play this summer.

So if you haven’t already done so, go ahead and start planning your summer Vegas poker trip. I trust that after reading this article, you’ll know exactly where and when to be circling on your calendar. 🙂

Bluffing is one of the most thrilling — and misunderstood — elements of poker. A successful bluff feels like a magic trick, a daring move that forces your opponent to fold the better hand. But for seasoned players and students of the game, bluffing is anything but reckless; it’s a calculated, disciplined part of a comprehensive strategy.

The instructors at PokerCoaching.com have created a suite of video lessons that delve deep into the art of bluffing. This guide summarizes three of those excellent lessons: Bluffing Rivers with Matt Affleck, Triple Barrel Bluffing with Lexy Gavin-Mather, and When to Give Up on a Bluff with Jonathan Little. Together, they form a masterclass in how, when, and why to bluff.

Totaling about 2.5 hours of watch time, we’ll break down the highlights of the three videos for you here. If you’re already a Pokercoaching.com Premium member, you can head there to watch the videos yourself right after you finish this article to brush up on your bluffing. If not, then perhaps when you see how well and comprehensively the three aforementioned coaches explain and instruct about bluffing, you’ll consider signing up for Premium membership.

Bluffing Rivers, by Matt Affleck

Are you a Pokercoaching.com Premium Member? If so, you can watch the full video here

Bluffing on the river — the final betting street in flop games like No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha — is one of the most nuanced plays in poker. Matt Affleck’s lesson emphasizes that river bluffs don’t occur in a vacuum; they are a logical conclusion of the story you’ve told throughout the hand. If your actions on the flop and turn don’t align with a value hand, then a big bluff on the river is unlikely to succeed. It all comes down to consistency.

One of the core concepts in Matt’s strategy is understanding your opponent’s perceived range. That means thinking not just about your own cards, but about what your opponent thinks you might have, based on your actions up to that point. You must also assess how strong their hand might be, and whether they can credibly fold to a river bet.

Additionally, recognizing when the board changes the nuts is a key to successful river bluffing. Did the river complete a straight or flush? If you can credibly represent those hands — even if you checked earlier streets — you may be able to force folds from better hands. But this only works if your story makes sense. If you checked back the turn on a coordinated board then suddenly move all-in when the river completes a draw, your bluff may not be believable.

Matt also stresses the importance of bet sizing. Large river bets target strong hands, while smaller bets may fold out marginal or medium-strength holdings. You must tailor your bluff size to the part of your opponent’s range you want to target.

Finally, there are no absolutes in poker. A decision that works in one hand might fail in another. Bluffing rivers requires adaptability and a deep read on your opponent’s tendencies.

Triple Barrel Bluffing, by Lexy Gavin-Mather

Are you a Pokercoaching.com Premium Member? If so, you can watch the full video here

Few moves in poker are as bold (or as dangerous) as the triple barrel bluff. Betting flop, turn, and river with nothing requires guts, but more importantly, it requires a keen understanding of perception. Lexy Gavin-Mather’s lesson centers on timing, table dynamics, and the psychology of your opponents.

The most effective triple barrel bluffs occur when you’ve established a tight table image. If you’ve shown down strong hands and have rarely bluffed, your opponents are more likely to give you credit when you fire a third barrel. This makes your range appear value-heavy, even when it isn’t. Opponents who fear they’re always beat by your three-street aggression are more likely to fold medium-strength hands that could otherwise call down.

She also highlights the importance of adjusting to player types. Against fishy players (those prone to calling down with weak hands) you may find more success with well-sized triple barrel bluffs. While these players are curious and love to see cards, they still fold eventually if the price gets too high and their hands aren’t improving. Make them pay for their curiosity!

Conversely, solid opponents who don’t know you well can also be great targets. These players rely on theory and logic. If your line makes sense — say, betting a dry ace-high board across three streets — they may fold strong one-pair hands, assuming you’re representing the top pair or better. The key is crafting a coherent narrative from flop to river that tells the story of a strong made hand.

Ultimately, Lexy’s approach to triple barrel bluffing is a reminder that credibility is your most valuable weapon. Build the foundation of a believable story, and your opponents may fold far more often than you expect.

When to Give Up on a Bluff, by Jonathan Little

Are you a Pokercoaching.com Premium Member? If so, you can watch the full video here

Bluffing can win you pots, but reckless bluffing can cost you your bankroll. Jonathan Little’s video offers a much-needed dose of humility in a world where boldness is often glorified. Knowing when not to bluff is just as important as knowing when to pull the trigger.

One clear red flag is a wild table dynamic. If players are drinking, gambling loosely, or clearly playing for fun rather than profit, bluffing becomes far less effective. These opponents often call down with any piece of the board or just to “see what you have.” In such situations, value betting becomes a more reliable strategy than bluffing.

Jonathan also urges players to pay attention to how turn and river cards impact the board. When scary cards — like a third flush card or a four-liner to a straight — hit the board, you need to reassess your bluffing plans. If you lack the proper blockers, it may be a sign to shut it down. Your opponent may have completed a draw or picked up additional strength that makes folding unlikely.

A vital takeaway from Jonathan’s video is that bluffing is not the solution to every problem. Sometimes you miss your draw, get outflopped, or find yourself up against a calling station. Bluffing in these spots often turns into chip-spewing. As the old saying goes, discretion is the better part of valor. In context, that means that knowing when to wave the white flag and not bluff can save you money and preserve your table image for better spots.

READ MORE: 8 More PokerCoaching.com Coaches & the Skills They’ll Help You Master

Conclusion: Bluff Smart, Not Reckless

The common thread running through all three Pokercoaching.com bluffing lessons is this: smart bluffing is strategic, not impulsive. Whether you’re deciding to bluff on the river, firing a triple barrel, or choosing to check down, your decisions should be based on how well your story lines up with your opponent’s perception of your range.

From Matt Affleck’s nuanced analysis of river textures and bet sizing, to Lexy Gavin Mather’s exploration of image and psychology, to Jonathan Little’s practical guide to self-restraint, the message is clear: bluffing is a tool, not a crutch.

By integrating these concepts into your game, you will be able to bluff with confidence, discipline, and, most importantly, profitability.

Cardplayer Lifestyle will be hosting its eleventh Mixed Game Festival, a 10-day affair at Bellagio Las Vegas, with four $3,500 BetMGM Poker Championship seats to be awarded as Grand Prizes.

We’re proud to announce Mixed Game Festival XI, to be hosted at the fabulous Bellagio Las Vegas over two weeks and sponsored by BetMGM Poker. The festival will exclusively feature cash games taking place from June 8-12 and once again from June 15-19.

Dealer’s choice cash game action will begin at 12pm each day, spread at limits as low as $4/8 and $8/16, with higher stakes available upon request.

“Bellagio Poker is pleased to welcome back the Mixed Game Festival this summer! After an incredible turnout in 2024, we’re doubling the action to 10 days of your favorite mixed games. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or learn new variants, our buy-in levels are the perfect way to discover everything each format has to offer. As the Las Vegas favorite for mixed games, Bellagio Poker will feature $4/8 and $8/16 throughout the festival. Additionally, this year BetMGM will be giving away seats to their summer event at Aria! Play where the legends play! Join us at Bellagio Poker this June” said Craig Larson, Director of Poker Operations at Bellagio.

All Mixed Game Festival players will be eligible for FREE parking on-site, with a minimum three hours of play (must be logged in with your MGM Rewards card).

Mixed Game Festival XI Grand Prize Details

BetMGM Poker will be awarding a total of FOUR seats to the $3,500 BetMGM Poker Championship exclusively to our Mixed Game Festival players!

The four seats will be awarded on June 8, 12, 15, and 19, as follows:

• June 8: During halftime of Game 2 of the NBA finals, the giveaway will happen in a mystery manner. To be eligible, one must be seated and playing at an active Mixed Game Festival table.
• June 12: At some point during the day, we’ll do a blind PLO flip at each active table. The winners at each table will then move on to round 2 and do a second blind PLO flip. The winner of the second flip gets the seat.
• June 15: At some point during the day, we’ll do a random table + seat draw. The player in that seat will have to correctly answer three multiple choice poker trivia questions in a row. We will continue with the random draw + questions until we have a winner.
• June 19: At some point during the day, we’ll stage a special “chip count” competition. To be eligible, one must be seated and playing at an active Mixed Game Festival table.

The four Grand Prize winners will be able to cash in quickly on their good fortune, as the BetMGM Poker Championship is slated to take place starting June 30 featuring a $3 million Guarantee.

As per Angus Nisbet, Vice President of Gaming, BetMGM: “BetMGM Poker is proud to sponsor the Mixed Game Festival at Bellagio. We are always looking for more ways to connect BetMGM online players to the best properties and events MGM Resorts offers, especially in Las Vegas. With the recent launch of combined player pools in Pennsylvania and momentum building across our platform this summer, this is an exciting time for BetMGM Poker and our players.”

About Bellagio Poker Room

Bellagio’s Poker Room holds a legendary place in Las Vegas lore. Having played host to a plethora of tournaments and some of the highest-stakes cash games in poker history, the 37-table room will be expanding throughout peak summer season to accommodate increased poker traffic. This will be the Mixed Game Festival’s second event at Bellagio, with our tables situated in the sportsbook overflow area once again.

Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, Bellagio Resort & Casino overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8½-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet. Award-winning dining including Prime Steakhouse and The Mayfair Supper Club, a world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning performance of “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a sumptuous spa and salon and exclusive luxury shopping all work together to compose the symphony that is Bellagio.

Mixed Game Festival XI: What’s “On the Table”?

We’ve peppered our 10-day schedule with a bevy of unique offerings and value adds that are sure to entice you:

Pizza Parties

We’ll be having a fun-filled pizza party each week of Mixed Game Festival XI. Join us and grab a slice as cards begin to fly at noon on Monday June 9 and again the following week on Tuesday June 17 at noon.

Tuesday with Mori

Come meet PokerGO President Mori Eskandani! The Poker Hall of Famer and longtime mixed game lover will be making his first ever Mixed Game Festival appearance on Tuesday June 10. He’ll be arriving at 3pm to splash around with us and tell stories from his decades in the poker industry!

NEW: Pokercoaching.com Meet-Up Mix

You won’t want to miss all the action we’ve got in store on Monday June 16, as the Pokercoaching.com crew will be showing up for a special meet-up game, with thousands of dollars worth of prizes up for grabs! Be sure to check out the full details here.

Poker Celebrity Appearances, Book Signings, and Merchandise

Over the course of Mixed Game Festival XI we’ll be welcoming numerous poker legends and personalities who will be splashing around with us at the felt, including Poker Hall of Famers Eli Elezra and Linda Johnson, WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage, WSOP bracelet winners, Women in Poker Hall of Famers, and BetMGM Poker Ambassador Abby Merk, who will be creating poker content at MGM Resorts International properties throughout the summer.

We’ll also be showcasing a number of poker books by celebrated authors who you might have the good fortune of being seated next to at the tables, including: Ashley Adams, Jonathan Little, Eli Elezra, Dylan Linde, and Shawn Grigus.

On top of our Grand Prizes, we’ll also be giving away plenty of merchandise throughout the duration of our festival, courtesy of premium poker industry brands like: Pokercoaching.com, PokerGO, RunGoodGear, D&B Poker Publishing, and Faded Spade Playing Cards.

Discounted Hotel Rates

Any Mixed Game Festival player wishing to stay on property can avail themselves of a 25% discounted room rate, courtesy of the Bellagio Poker Room. For additional details, please call (702) 693-7290.

Mixed Game Festival XI Media Coverage

As always, Cardplayer Lifestyle will once again be publishing daily recaps that highlight all the action during our Mixed Game Festival. A Pokercoaching.com Player of the Day and RunGoodGear.com Dealer of the Day will be selected for special recognition on each day of the Mixed Game Festival and will have “their story” written up as part of our daily recaps.

Finally, on a personal note, I want to express my own excitement ahead of our biggest Mixed Game Festival ever! Mixed Game Festival XI at Bellagio is the perfect place to take a break from the Vegas summer tournament grind. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do in between firing bracelet events across the street or just want to get some reps in while trying a new poker variant for the very first time, we’ll be right in the heart of the Strip with all the dealer’s choice cash game action you can handle!

Looking forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas!

Got questions about our upcoming Mixed Game Festival? Please contact me here.