Robbie Strazynski

For many poker players, knowing how to properly play near the bubble of a tournament is something difficult to master. We’re happy to share with you four good tips that’ll help you get on the right path towards making it past the bubble and into the money.

We’re honored to bring to you an exclusive video Q&A interview with Martin Jacobson, the 2014 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion. Martin was gracious with his time, answering questions about representing Sweden, being a poker ambassador, doing poker interviews, home games, and more. A rare treat, we think you’ll enjoy this special interview with a very special poker champion.

Together with Bruce Briggs, my co-host over at the Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast, I recently interviewed Jonathan Little, a 2-time winner at the World Poker Tour and author of a number great poker books as well as hundreds of great poker strategy articles and videos. Jonathan spoke with us about a number of interesting topics, offering his views on sunglasses and headphones while at the poker table, telling us why poker coaching for $300 per hour could very easily be justified, and regaling us with interesting stories about he got his start playing poker professionally. Have a listen to Episode 223 of the Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast and enjoy the summarized transcript.

The stars of poker were out in full force as Daniel Negreanu chaired a one-of-a-kind poker fundraiser for the benefit of the Las Vegas branch of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised and amazing prizes were won by big poker names like Phil Hellmuth and Jason Somerville. Read more about what went down at this special event as well as how you, too, can make charitable poker donations.

Together with my Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast co-host Bruce Briggs, I recently interviewed Allen Kessler, fondly known by the greater poker community as the “Chainsaw”. Having developed a reputation over the years for being quite particular about tournament structures, Kessler is on a crusade to give poker players the best possible value for their buy ins and entry fees. Over time the “Kessler approved” tournament structure has become known as a badge of pride, with tournament venues and directors around the world eagerly working towards getting it. Below, you’ll find the entirety of Episode 22 of the podcast, which includes the interview with Allen starting just after the 16-minute mark. You can also read the summarized transcript below.

When my dad told me he’d be having a poker game for his 66th birthday, I decided to do something a little special and get all dressed up for the occasion… in a poker suit. A picture’s worth 1,000 words, but wait… there’s also a video! Have a look and find out how you can get a Poker Face Suit and inject some more fun to your next poker game.

Just ahead of the release of Moorman’s Book of Poker, we’re honored to bring you an exclusive interview with online poker superstar Chris Moorman. For those who haven’t yet heard of Chris, this interview will serve as a great introduction to one of poker’s must-know names. For those more familiar with Moorman and his achievements at the felt, you’ll get a deeper look at Chris’ career, what possessed him to write the book, and what he feels you can learn from his first foray into authoring a poker book. Plus, he got none other than Doyle Brunson to write the Forward! Interested yet? We thought so…

Think this one’s a chin scratcher? Certainly! We had a tough time picking just 10 poker people for inclusion on our list of the 10 best beards in poker. A close shave indeed, we finally made our picks. Have a look and see if you agree. Be sure to comment and let us know if you think your favorite beard in poker was left off the list.

Along with my Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast co-host Bruce Briggs, I recently conducted an audio interview with Jared Tendler, author of the Mental Game of Poker volumes 1 and 2. Jared’s a great guy and has become quite well-known in the poker industry. I’ve met him before in person and he’s also contributed in the past right here on Cardplayer Lifestyle, so we’re definitely big fans of his. Below, you’ll find the entirety of Episode 220 of the podcast, which includes the interview with Jared starting at around the 14-minute mark. You can also read the summarized transcript below.

Every once in a while there comes a time when one ought to take a step back and be introspective. Now, in the midst of the Ten Days of Repentance, I feel a responsibility towards my readers and towards many people in the poker industry to ask for forgiveness. Why? What for? Please read on to find out the details.

While the poker action during my company’s annual trip isn’t necessarily the most memorable, it’s the build up, ambiance, participants, and aftermath surrounding the game that makes it one of the most unique poker games I play in over the course of the year.

While I haven’t completely taken a break from writing for this poker blog, my output hasn’t been as frequent as it has been in months past. Rather than make excuses for “slowing down” I took a step back and asked myself what could be learned from it and how that lesson could extend to the poker table. I think you’ll enjoy this read.