Have you ever wanted free poker strategy lessons from Phil Galfond and Dan ‘Jungleman’ Cates? If so, you’re in luck because two new videos give you a glimpse into how their finely-tuned poker brains work.
Cates recently entered one of Galfond’s famous challenge matches. The plan is to play 7,500 hands of $100/$200 Pot Limit Omaha and, so far, it’s been an interesting showdown. Cates surged ahead by $77,500 after 2,250 hands.
The pair agreed to take a break after the initial burst of sessions and, at this stage, it’s not clear when the match will resume. However, in the interim, Galfond’s media team has pieced together the best moments so far.
That means we not only get to see hands from both perspectives, we also get a running commentary from Galfond and Cates.
Free poker strategy tips from two greats
The first episode (see video below) was released last week and, on Wednesday, we got the second installment. For anyone who wants to learn poker and how to think like a pro, the entire video is invaluable. The information from both players is exceptional and, best of all, it’s free.
What’s also interesting about the videos is the different playing styles. Phil Galfond is calm and measured throughout the sessions. In contrast, Daniel Cates appears to be far more erratic and maniacal.
Despite their different demeanors, both players make high-level decisions time and time again. One of the standout poker strategy points to take from the videos are the time when both players basically knew what the other had.
There are multiple spots where Galfond knew Cates likely had a weak hand but he couldn’t find a reason to call and vice versa. Let’s explain it like this:
- Thought A = You know that calling is probably going to be the right move in the moment.
- Thought B = You also know that calling has a small chance of being wrong and could also harm your long-term EV.
Based on this analysis, there are certain spots where it could best to go against instincts (i.e. thought A) in favor of improving your long-term EV (i.e. thought B). We saw this happen in the Galfond vs. Cates match.
High-level thinking from Galfond and Cates
For example, there were times when Galfond was 90% sure Cates was bluffing. He could have called but chose to fold because of various factors, including the fact it was probably a better long-term play.
This type of thinking is routine for world-class poker pros like Galfond and Cates, but less so for recreational players. That’s why the free poker strategy lessons in the video below are so invaluable. Yes, it’s fun to see people play poker for huge sums of money.
However, if you look beyond that, the videos are a great way to learn the nuances of poker. The videos might not necessarily make you a winning poker player overnight.
But if you want a glimpse into the minds of two pros, these videos are gold. What’s more, they contain world-class poker strategy tips that don’t cost a cent.
