The Smallest Poker Game In Town

In this episode, Valerio and Ray share what makes a home game thrive for years — from fairness and clear rules to social vibes, no egos, and counting chips right. Want people to come back? Start here. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about alcohol, coffee, water, and how what you drink before and during the game can shape your play — for better or worse. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Two mini-episodes in one: First, Valerio and Ray talk about thinking in big blinds vs. money. Then, it’s all about online tournaments — why planning ahead (food, water, social life) can save your stack. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode of The Smallest Poker Game in Town, Valerio and Ray talk about how everything changes when the table shrinks. From wider ranges to faster blinds and aggressive dynamics, short-handed play demands sharper decisions — and a looser style. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode of The Smallest Poker Game in Town, Valerio and Ray dive into the world of goofy bluffs — the wild, weird, and sometimes wonderful bluffs that make you ask: “What was I thinking?” From accidental genius to total disaster, we’ve all been there. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Valerio and Ray break down how continuation betting has evolved in their own game — from early basics to facing opponents who don’t fold so easily. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray explore how playing tournaments can level up your live cash game. From short stack survival to deep stack dynamics, the skill transfer is real — and powerful. Whether you’re a cash grinder or tourney regular, there’s something here for you. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

You don’t need hours a day to improve — just one focused hour a week. In this episode, we break down a simple 4-step loop: Play → Analyze → Study → Plan. Sharpen your game, spot your leaks, and level up — one hour at a time. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

This episode’s all about the gambling mindset—why chasing losses, riding highs, and thinking like a gambler can mess with your poker game (and your life). We break down the mental traps players fall into and how to keep your head straight at the tables. And yeah, towards the end, we get a bit serious with a quick reminder about the real dangers of gambling. If the fun starts to fade, it might be time to take a step back. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, we explore the underrated art of folding in poker — why knowing when to let go is just as powerful as making a big play. From reading the table to managing emotions, we dive into the strategy and mindset behind folding gracefully. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

At the poker table, you're more than just your cards — you're your image. In this episode, we dive into the power of perception, the value of crafting a table persona, and whether adopting an alter ego can give you the edge you need to win. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Increase your win rate by betting and raising early in the hand. Valerio and Ray discuss ways to achieve this in your home game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Occasionally your home game can be less exciting than usual. Valerio and Ray discuss ways of stirring things up. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Valerio and Ray welcome special guest Chris and discuss poker's life lessons, game theory and playing styles. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

These tips do not rely on fancy techniques and they will benefit beginners and more experienced players. If you are already applying all five tips then we expect you are a winner in your home game, but if you are not, listen to hear what you have been missing. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

After a two year pause while he became a dad, Chris returned to our game last year. Since then he has been a regular in our game. In the first part of our chat with Chris we discuss how he started playing poker, the comparison with chess and advice he would give a new player. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Here at the Smallest Poker Game in Town we have a procedure for controlling the money. From collecting initial buy-ins to paying out the final amounts to players we make sure that everything is recorded and transparent. This episode explains how we do it. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

How can you be consistent in a game where chance plays a role? Valerio and Ray discuss this in relation to their home cash game. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Following our recent episodes about online tournaments (“Grow your Bankroll at No Risk” and “Tournament Strategy”) we put what we had learned into practice. Both of us ran deep in tournaments earning big boosts to our bankrolls. Listen to what happened and celebrate our 100th episode with us. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Send us a text The dealer does not just deal the cards, they control the play of the hand. Valerio and Ray discuss how the dealer ensures your home game run smoothly. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com