This video is available directly on YouTube.
Watch on YouTubeGary Blackwood reviews two hands submitted by Upswing Poker community members, with some expensive lessons along the way. In the first, a player squeezes with 
after an early raise and two calls. Gary isn't a fan of the preflop decision, and things get worse when the opponent applies pressure on the turn and shoves the river after the flush draw completes. Despite having top pair, Gary thinks it's a straightforward fold.
The second hand is about pocket nines in a 3-bet pot. Gary thinks the preflop squeeze should be bigger and the flop bet should charge draws more. The turn check makes sense after the flush completes, but the river offers a chance to get thin value with a small block bet. After the player checks instead and faces a bet, Gary discusses why calling can still be reasonable in a live game.
Here what this video covers:
- Why king-six suited is too loose for a squeeze after a raise and two calls.
- When top pair isn't strong enough to call a river shove.
- How blockers help you choose which hands to call with.
- Why small flop bets can give opponents too good a price to continue.
- When checking the turn is better than betting a vulnerable made hand.
- How river block bets can get value from weaker pairs and save money against stronger hands.
Watch Gary's breakdown to see how a few adjustments to preflop selection, bet sizing, and river decisions can make a real difference in live cash games.
