If you’re a fan of nonstop poker action in an award winning hotel casino where you can split time between fine dining, line dancing, and some time at the pool, then you need to get to Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK right now. Join Team Fearless River as we head back On Tour for the televised $3,800 World Poker Tour® Choctaw Championship Event featuring 50K in starting chips plus a massive $2 Million Guaranteed prize pool.

The 2023 WPT Choctaw Championship Event drew some of the best rounders on the planet and the prize pool swelled to over $2.1 Million. After a long final table battle, world-class player Jared Jaffe captured the $400,740 first prize and his 2nd WPT Main Tour Title

This year the Choctaw Festival returns featuring a huge slate of new exciting tournaments, epic schedule of satellites, and huge guarantees leading up to the highly anticipated WPT Main Tour Championship Event.

Do you have dreams of making the televised final table and sharing the stage with Vince, Lynn, and Tony but don’t quite have the bankroll? Good news - there are plenty of chances to parlay a small buy-in into a life changing score, and you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the Championship Event satellites starting as low as $130!

Get Championship Ready With Fearless River

Team Fearless River is here to give the tools and strategy you need to win your seat to the $3,800 WPT Choctaw Championship. Check out the strategies in this blog (and on site on May 2nd!) and you’ll be ready to jump in the action.

➧ Get In on the Action
➧ Win a FREE $500 Satellite Seat
➧ Satellite Keys and Basics
➧ Test Your Satellite Skills
➧ Understanding ICM at the Final Table
➧ Play Solved GTO Final Table Hands
➧ Launch Your Poker Game This Summer!

Get an edge on your competition with poker strategies from proven winners and prepare to dominate the felt!

#TheCupAwaits 🏆

Get In on the Action ...

The 2024 Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant festival kicked off on April 17th with the $300 Monster Stack $50K GTD opener and features some can't miss events including the $100K GTD $130 buy-in “Gargantuan“ on the 18th and the $400 buy-in $200K GTD “Choctaw Classic” event on the 25th.

In addition to the satellites to the $3,800 WPT Choctaw Championship even starting as low as $130, you can also potentially parlay a low buy-in of $250 into a $14,100 WPT package satellite that awards winners a seat to the $10,400 WPT World Championship in Vegas this December. There are also lower buy-in events scheduled nightly so you don’t have to stretch your poker bankroll to get to experience the fun and excitement of playing in a World Poker Tour event!

📅 Festival Dates:
Start: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
End: Monday, May 6, 2023
Click here for the full Festival schedule

Day 2 of the Televised Championship Event begins Friday, May 3rd with two starting flights and allows for unlimited re-entry until the start of level 9 on Day 1A and Day 1B - Click here for the structure.

📅 WPT Championship Event Schedule:
➧ Day 1A: Friday, May 3, 2024 starting at 11 am CDT
➧ Day 1B: Saturday, May 4, 2024 starting at 11 am CDT
➧ Day 2: Sunday, May 5, 2024 starting at 11am CDT
➧ Day 3: Monday, May 6, 2024 starting at 11am CDT
➧ Final Table: Thursday, May 30, 2024*

The $3,800 Championship event offers 50K in starting chips and the player's favorite WPT structure providing plenty of chances to chip up and build a final table stack.

Win a FREE $500 Satellite Seat and Train With Team Fearless River - May 2nd!

Satellite poker tournaments are a great way to parlay a larger buy-in event at a lower price so you don’t need to have big bucks to be in contention for a game-changing score. Strategies for Satellites can be very different from a normal Tournament, and you’ll need to make some adjustments that may seem strange compared to standard tournament strategy.

To help get you ready for the WPT Choctaw Championship Event we're inviting you to join Team Fearless River Instructors Eric "Rizen" Lynch and Adrian Naggy for a FREE 30 minute introduction to Satellite Strategy Workshop LIVE at 12PM CDT on May 2nd prior to the start of the Championship Event Satellites.

You’ll get specific examples of how to change up your play to take advantage of the unique factors in a satellite, including how to adjust for each stage of the tournament, surviving as the shortstack, monitoring stacks and other tables, and navigating the bubble.

The Workshop is free to all and will be held in the Willow Room (located in the Conference Area next to The Grand Theater) on May 2nd at 12PM CDT - look for the Fearless River banners!

Immediately following the FREE strategy session, we’ll go down to the tournament floor in the Grand Arena and play in an exclusive freeroll satellite for attendees with 1st prize awarding a $500 seat to the 4PM Mega Satellite to the WPT Choctaw Championship!*

➧ Save your seat by registering below or clicking here

*Entry limited to attendees of the Free Fearless River Satellite Strategy Workshop on May 2, 2024 at 12PM CDT. Attendees must register prior to the start of Satellite. First Prize in the Fearless River Freeroll Satellite awards one (1) seat to the $500 Mega Satellite to the WPT Choctaw Championship Event on May 2, 2024 at 4PM CDT. First Prize is only valid for the $500 Mega Satellite to the WPT Choctaw Championship Event on May 2, 2024 at 4PM CDT. First Prize non-transferable and not redeemable for cash value.

P.S. After the Workshop jump into the $500 Mega Satellite at 4 pm or the $250 Super Satellites at 6 pm and 9pm to win your seat into the $3,800 WPT Choctaw Championship Event.

Can't make the FREE Introduction to Satellite Workshop? Use the poker strategies below to sharpen your focus and who knows, maybe you’ll turn a few bucks into a huge payday.

Should You Play a 🛰️ Satellite Differently?

YES YOU SHOULD!

Approaching satellite play with the same strategy used in a regular poker tournament will often result in you busting when you would otherwise have a seat to the target tournament locked up.

Watch this Strategy Episode from Fearless River Instructor Nick Binger as he discusses the key adjustments you need to make when playing Satellite Poker Tournaments.

Need Help Closing The Deal?

In this Fearless River Strategy Episode get invaluable perspective from a Pro as Nick Binger reviews several key hands from a Satellite to highlight the unique adjustments during the endgame.

These strategy concepts could help you avoid busting on the bubble and secure your seat to the WPT Choctaw Championship!

The Keys 🗝️ to Satellite Play

• Everyone gets paid the same prize
• Make sure you know the rules of the Satellite you are playing and how to secure your seat
• Satellites can be played a number of ways, from traditional freezeout, to milestone, to shootout format
• No incentive to build a large stack once you are likely to win a seat
• As the probability of winning a seat goes up, your ranges in all spots tighten up
• There are times in a satellite poker tournament when players should never continue against an all-in
• Satellites are the only form of poker where it can be correct to fold pocket Aces preflop
• Pay very close attention to stack sizes and level changes!
• Often in the satellite endgame 10BBs may be a big stack that is guaranteed to win a seat

Test Your Satellite Skills!

You are playing a Mega Satellite to the $2 Million guaranteed WPT Choctaw Championship with blinds at 50/100 and a 100 big blind ante. You are in the Small Blind with Q♠Q♥ and 4,600 chips (46BBs). An Early Position player limps, a visibly frustrated player in the MP2 seat makes it 300, the Button flat calls, and action is on you.

What do you do here?

Click here to get detailed analysis of this hand from Team Fearless River and learn more strategy behind the correct plays.

Final Table ICM Pressure on Preflop Ranges

Strategy adjustments for various tournament stages must consider the impact of ICM (Independent Chip Model) and the specific factors in play at your table. When there are different stack sizes and a huge gap in pay between 1st and 9th place, making the most profitable decisions can seem daunting.

When you are the chip leader at a Final Table it’s also crucial to understand how dramatic ICM will affect your opponent’s strategy, and when you can use ruthless aggression to punish your foes on the way to victory. In both cases, the key to making better decisions with ICM in play starts with adjusting first-in hand ranges.

Watch this Fearless River.com Strategy Episode as Nick breaks down ranges and adjustments across stack sizes and describes how you should be approaching these spots at your next Final Table.

Playing Medium Pairs at A Final Table

Medium strength pocket pairs are a common source of frustration at the poker table for many players. Often with this hand category we are faced with difficult decisions to continue on many board textures, and can be challenged to make the right play when facing aggressive action.

At a Final Table when pay jumps are a big factor, it’s even more crucial to understand the correct strategy with medium pairs in order to avoid massive ICM blunders.

Here’s a breakdown from Fearless River Instructor Johan Schultz-Pedersen featuring pocket 8s at a Final Table to illustrate just how much ICM should affect your decisions in these spots.

Are You GTO Final Table Ready?

Picture yourself as one of 6 remaining players at the Final Table of the $3,800 WPT Choctaw Championship event. How do you play your 30 Big Blind stack against a call from a tough chip leader with two short stacks in play and the Mike Sexton Champions Cup on the line?

Play FREE solved hands from the WPT GTO Trainer to see firsthand how preflop ranges affect your decisions at the Final Table.

Here are some tips when practicing with the WPT GTO Trainer:

• Your goal is to select the action for each individual hand that is as close to 0.00 EV as possible
• EV Loss of 0.00 is the same action a GTO Player would take
• 0.00 EV Loss means you broke even against a GTO Player
• EV Loss Color Coding Hint:
  • Green = Near GTO Play
  • Orange = Take Caution
  • Red = Probable Leak in Your Game

Members can practice more hands from this scenario anytime by playing the 30BB Button Open Vs 70BB Big Blind Call WPT GTO Trainer Final Table pack!

Not a Member? Join for just $5 your first month to play more WPT GTO Trainer scenarios like this.

At the Final Table Remember To...

• Play to avoid busting out to the chip leader
• You will check and call more often than bet or raise
• You still need some bluffs in your range to prevent the chip leader from exploiting you
• Almost never lead out from the Big Blind after calling preflop
• Don’t be afraid to fold marginal hands against big bets that could set up an all-in situation on a future street
• When facing an aggressive chip leader, you should often trap by check-calling with your big made hands

Have FUN, Good Luck, and Good Playing!

Will we see you on the felt during the WPT Choctaw Festival? If you see Team Fearless River stop and say Hi 👋!

Check the Fearless River calendar to follow Team Fearless River On Tour as we travel the globe to play WPT Events.

Let us know if you are in the action during the WPT Choctaw Championship Event or side events on the Festival schedule!

Follow and tag us on social media to share your pic with members of Team Fearless River, show off your chip stack, or celebrate a deep run.

X @Fearless River | Facebook @learnwpt | Instagram @learn_wpt

We love to hear how Fearless River Students are doing and we can’t wait to share your success at the poker table!

Good luck and good playing,
-Team Fearless River

We hope you enjoyed these free strategies and tips from Team Fearless River! Subscribe for more FREE poker content.

Fearless River Launch Digital Strategy Workshop!

Join Team Fearless River for the upcoming Fearless River Launch Digital Tournament Strategy Workshop to get your game ready for the Summer Tournament Series - all from the comfort of home!

Fearless River Launch is an interactive Workshop that consists of 4 Digital Training Sessions conducted over a span of 2 Weeks (starting May 14th). Each Session is highly structured and designed to deliver the maximum impact to your game over 8 Immersive Hours of Instruction with Team Fearless River.

PLUS attendees have a seat in a private Tournament hosted on ClubWPT.com* to win a $2,500 WPT Prime Championship Passport!

Fearless River Launch is your chance to train directly with Tony Dunst, Eric "Rizen" Lynch, Michael "Gags30" Gagliano, and Johan Schultz-Pedersen on your time and from the comfort of your home.

With a combined resume including a WPT Championship, 5 World Series of Poker Bracelets, 3 WSOP Circuit rings, best selling author, over 3 decades of coaching experience, plus countless other high profile final tables and huge scores, Team Fearless River has the tools and knowledge to make this your best summer on the felt yet.

Have Questions about Fearless River? Send an email to our Support Team at [email protected] or click the red CONTACT US button.

DECISION POINT: In a live $2/$5 cash game you’ve just moved to a new table and have no specific reads. The action folds to you in Middle Position with K♣K♦ and you open with a raise to $15. Everyone folds to the Big Blind who calls. Your opponent checks the A♠Q♠9♦ flop, you continuation bet $25 and get called. The Big Blind leads $40 on the 2♥ turn and action is on you. What do you do here?

PRO ANSWER: We are playing in a live $2/$5 cash game. We are new to the table with no reads and the effective stacks are 100BBs. We raise first-in to $15 with KcKd in MP2 (often referred to as the Lojack) and everyone folds to the Big Blind who is the only caller.

The flop is AsQs9d and the Big Blind checks. This is a flop where we have a tremendous range advantage as the preflop raiser. It is unlikely our opponent has AK/AQ or premium pairs such as AA/QQ, as they would reraise those hands preflop at a high frequency. We on the other hand can have all those premium combinations plus other types of hands in our middle position raising range such as 99, A9s, and Q9s.

If we were to consider a checking range on this flop it should favor some of the weaker Ax hands and KK, however defaulting to continuation betting our entire range in this spot is favorable. Taking a closer look we can analyze this hand with a solver which confirms our assumption of a mix between checking and betting with KK specifically, with the overwhelming majority of the remaining combinations preferring to continuation bet this flop.

We bet $25 and the Big Blind calls. The turn is the 2h and the Big Blind leads into us for $40. This strategy of check/calling the flop and then leading the turn is typically only utilized by the Big Blind when an equity changing card falls on the turn. In the case of this specific flop the 2h shouldn’t really change anything.

Reviewing the recommended actions for our opponent based on a solver, the only hand the Big Blind is supposed to have that could potentially lead here is 5s4s. Against human opponents on draw heavy flops like this one, certain opponents may call the flop then lead with medium strength hands on a “safe” card that doesn’t complete draws on the turn when they believe they could be ahead.

While that perceived leading range does include some Ax type hands, it also contains many Qx and 9x combos that might be attempting to buy a cheap showdown as well. Considering the Big Blind’s range as a whole and how it interacts with this board, our pocket Kings have far too much equity to fold getting nearly 4:1.

Calling is the best play.

DECISION POINT: In a live $1/$2 game it folds to the Cutoff player who raises to $5. You reraise to $15 from the Button with K♣Q♣ and only the Cutoff calls. The flop is K♥T♣3♠ and your c-bet of $16 gets called. The turn is the K♦ and the Cutoff checks. You bet $32, your opponent check-raises to $96, and action is on you. What do you do here?

PRO ANSWER: In a $1/$2 cash game we are dealt KQs on the Button. Action folds around to the Cutoff who raises to $5. Our specific hand is an excellent candidate to reraise on the Button here, as it is ahead of Cutoff’s likely hand range and plays very well heads up in position. We reraise to $15 and the Cutoff is the only caller.

The flop is KhTc3s and the Cutoff checks. We flop top pair with a good kicker and a backdoor flush and straight draw. This flop also significantly favors the preflop raiser’s range over the preflop caller’s range so this is an excellent spot to continuation bet. Given our range advantage and our hand’s lack of vulnerability since we block QJ which is the most significant drawing hand here, a purely game theory optimal (GTO) strategy would have us c-betting closer to ⅓ pot. We elect to use a slightly larger sizing of $16, or closer to half pot, and our opponent flat calls.

The turn is the Kd giving us three of a kind and the Cutoff checks again. AK is likely not a significant part of Villain’s range here as most players would have reraised preflop, so we’re well ahead of many of their hands and really only behind KTs/TT/33 that they may have played the hand this way. We bet $32 and the Cutoff check-raises to $96.

Now, realistically the most likely hands that beat us here are KTs (2 combinations remaining), plus TT and 33 (3 combinations each). Based on these assumptions that means we are currently behind 8 of the combinations in the Cutoff’s likely range. Our opponent could also be doing this with a hand like KJ (8 combinations).

Although realistically they may only play the suited versions here, slow played pocket AA (6 combinations), the remaining KQ hands we don’t hold (3 combinations), and the occasional bluff. We can discount some of the KJ combinations given the Cutoff is unlikely to play all the offsuit versions. Additionally we can discount some AA combinations as they would elect to reraise preflop with some frequency. This decision is actually much closer than it appears on the surface, even though we have 3 of a kind and a strong kicker.

Since our hand is very close when up against the Cutoff’s value raising range here, if we continue it is very important to allow our opponent to keep bluffing with AJ/AQ/QJ type hands in their range.

If we go all-in here the Cutoff may fold some bluffs that they would potentially shove the river with if we continue by calling the check-raise, costing us value. When we’re behind in this situation our opponent is unlikely to fold to aggression if we do take that round.

Trip Kings is too strong to fold in this spot, so proceeding in a way which allows our opponent to get the rest of their money in with the widest range possible is best.We should call this check-raise on the turn, with the plan of calling any bet on the river as well.

Calling is the best play.

Team Fearless River is back On Tour and returning to our home on the east coast at the incredible Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL for the WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Championship featuring a massive $3 Million Guaranteed prize pool.

The excitement is building as the WPT hopes for a repeat of the 2022 series where the Main Event prize pool soared to almost $5 Million and Andrew Wilson claimed $785,500 and the WPT Title!

Join your poker family for a bountiful feast of flops, turns, and rivers as grinders and shot takers descend on Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood to find out who will be crowned the next WPT Champion!

WPT Main Tour stops at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood are legendary for smashing guarantees and awarding massive 1st place prizes and this year’s Rock 'N' Roll Poker Open should be no exception.

This is your chance to join what is sure to be a massive field of poker fans and pros chasing the Mike Sexton Champions Cup! If you are ready to jump in the action and want to parlay a small buy-in into a life changing score, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the Championship Event satellites starting as low as $150!

Championship Strategy From Team Fearless River

Team Fearless River is no stranger to success at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, with 2 of Brian Altman’s WPT Titles coming at the venue.

We are here to serve up a healthy portion of poker tournament tactics and tools to keep you focused and playing your best poker during the $3,500 WPT Championship Event. Check out the strategies in this blog and you’ll be ready to jump in the action.

🎸 Get In on the Action
🎸 Blind Battle With Brian Altman
🎸 Tony Dunst on Broadway
🎸 Get Final Table Inspired
🎸 Train With Champions LIVE
🎸 Show Us Your Stack

Get an edge on your competition with expert poker strategies from proven winners who know how to succeed when the pressure is on!

#TheCupAwaits 🏆

Get In on the Action …

The 2023 Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Festival kicked off on November 15h with the $400 Deep Stack $2,000,000 Guaranteed opener.

There are plenty of lower buy-in events and a ton of satellites into the Championship Event, so you don’t have to stretch your poker bankroll to join the fun including a $200 buy-in event on Thanksgiving Day with a $3,500 seat to the WPT Championship Event added to 1st place!

📅 Festival Dates:
Start: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
End: Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Click here for the full Festival schedule

Day 1A of the $3 Million Guaranteed WPT Championship Event starts on Friday November 24th and offers 2 full starting days plus re-entry format, Day 1B on November 25th - click for more information.

The $3,500 event features a super deep championship structure giving you plenty of chances to chip up and build a final table stack.

🗓️ WPT Championship Event Schedule:
➧ Day 1A Friday, November 24th starting at 11AM ET
➧ Day 1B Saturday, November 25th starting at 11AM ET
➧ Day 2 Sunday, November 26th starting at 12PM ET
➧ Day 3 Monday, November 27th starting at 12PM ET
➧ Day 4 Tuesday, November 28th starting at 12PM ET
➧ Final Table Wednesday, November 29th starting at 2PM ET
Final table will be live streamed with 30-min delay

View ⚡ Live Stream on WPT Twitch, WPT YouTube or WPT.com

Jump into the action and compete for your share of this massive $3,000,000 Guaranteed prize pool.

Tips From Tony & Adrian

Fearless River’s Tony Dunst and Adrian Naggy are huge fans of the poker action at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and are excited to head back to this amazing venue.

Check out this chat from last year's festival to hear about Tony’s run in the Championship event and get some tips on structuring your study routine to avoid burnout and stay sharp for the $3M Guaranteed WPT Rock N’ Roll Poker Open.

P.S. if you see the guys on site be sure to say hi!

Battling From the Blinds With Brian Altman

Practicing from the Blinds will have a dramatic impact on your tournament results, particularly in higher buy-in tournaments with tougher competition. Facing aggressive late position opponents with marginal hands, especially hands containing an ace with a weak kicker, often result in making huge mistakes.

3x World Poker Tour Champion and WPT Player of the Year Brian Altman is no stranger to tough battles playing from the blinds against the world’s best poker players.

Watch this Fearless River Strategy Episode as Brian details his strategy from this spot from a $5,300 event at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood to demonstrate championship play from the Big Blind facing an aggressive and tricky player on the Button.

Tony Dunst on Broadway

Broadway hands (any 2 card combo that can make an A-K-Q-J-T straight) are often preferred combos for taking aggressive actions like raising first-in to the pot and 3-betting. While sometimes the approach to play these hands can seem straightforward, there are often very close decisions with hands even as strong as top pair particularly when stacks are shallow.

Fearless River Instructor Tony Dunst played 3 key hands during a WPT Main Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, and he took some time to break down the unique lessons from each spot.

Check out this Strategy Episode to learn the importance of position and SPR (Stack to Pot Ratio) when it comes to playing broadway hands as both the initial raiser and when defending the blinds. Tony shows you how the strategy shifts based on the situation and how a WPT Champion breaks down these spots to improve their play.

Not a Member? Join for just $5 your first month to gain access to Fearless River Training featuring 500+ Strategy Videos (and more!)

Get Final Table Inspired

Fearless River Member Adrian Naggy and WPT Champions Club Member, Matthew Waxman called the Final table action of the 2022 Rock 'N' Roll Poker Open Championship Event as Fearless River Instructor Brian Altman chased history & went for his 4th WPT Title!

Watch a WPT Championship in Action…

Are YOU Final Table Ready?

To make sure you are prepared to shine for the cameras and show off your skills, we’ve got some important strategies to share to help you get ready. Final Table Strategy can differ dramatically from the early stages of a tournament, especially with huge pay-jumps and the prestige that only comes with winning a World Poker Tour Title.

Often poker players are unprepared for the pressure that comes with playing in front of an audience with life-changing money at stake. When you are facing the pressure of big pay jumps and the studio lights seem just a little too bright, it’s important to stay focused and make objective decisions.

Can You Stay Aggressive at the Final Table?

Picture yourself as one of 6 remaining players at the $3M Guaranteed WPT Seminole Hard Rock ‘N’ Roll Championship Final Table with big money and a title on the line.

How do you play your 30 big blind stack from the Button against a call from a tough chip leader with two short stacks in play?

Play hands from a WPT GTO Trainer Final Table Pack to see firsthand how preflop ranges affect your decisions at the final table.

Here are some tips when practicing with the WPT GTO Trainer:

• Your goal is to select the action for each individual hand that is as close to 0.00 EV as possible
• EV Loss of 0.00 is the same action a GTO Player would take
• 0.00 EV Loss means you broke even against a GTO Player
• EV Loss Color Coding Hint:
  • Green = Near GTO Play
  • Orange = Take Caution
  • Red = Probable Leak in Your Game

Members can practice more hands from this scenario by playing the 30BB Button Open Vs 70BB Big Blind Call WPT GTO Trainer pack!

Tips To Sharpen Up Your Game for Showtime

• Be aware of stack sizes and pay jumps at all times, even the slightest changes in stack sizes can shift strategy dramatically
• When short stacks exist, there is extra pressure on the bigger stacks to avoid busting out
• The chip leaders can use this extra pressure to win many pots while the short stack is in play
• As a medium stack vs larger stacks be cautious with any bets and raises and try to take marginal hands to showdown passively
• Preflop ranges shift quite a bit at final tables due to this effect with big stacks playing much wider ranges and medium stacks much narrower ranges
• Do not be afraid to ramp up your aggression against players that are playing tight in the hopes of laddering up

Not a Fearless River Member? Join for just $5 your first month to play more WPT GTO Trainer scenarios like this.

Have FUN, Good Luck, and Good Playing!

Are you playing? If you see Team Fearless River stop and say Hi 👋!

Check the Fearless River calendar to follow Team Fearless River On Tour as we travel the globe to play WPT Events.

Let us know if you are on the felt and in the action during the WPT Seminole Hard Rock ‘N’ Roll Championship Event or any side events on the Festival schedule!

Follow and tag us on social media to share your pic with members of Team Fearless River, show off your chip stack, or celebrate a deep run.

Twitter @Fearless River | Facebook @learnwpt | Instagram @learn_wpt

We love to hear how Fearless River Students are doing!

Good luck and good playing,
-Team Fearless River

We hope you enjoyed these free strategies and tips from Team Fearless River! Subscribe for more FREE poker content.

Have Questions about Fearless River? Send an email to our Support Team at [email protected] or click the red CONTACT US button.

On your path to improvement in poker, there is no better feeling than seeing results from your efforts. When you commit to taking action and follow a proven plan with dedication, anything is possible. There is no limit to what you can achieve with the correct focus and energy, especially with the support of experts and camaraderie of friends who are aligned toward the same goals.

Since 2016 more than 700 students have trusted Fearless River Live Workshops to rapidly improve their poker game through immersive in-person training sessions. They’ve come to us from all walks of life with a wide range of experience and skills, all with the goal of becoming a better poker player.

We’ve had our fair share of huge results from Fearless River Students, and it’s extra special to be a part of the cheering section when their dedication pays off! We know that you’ve been working hard on your game and that you are ready to take the next step just like these successful Fearless River Workshop Students.

These Student success stories are just an example of the strategy, confidence, and insights you’ll gain by finally committing to a Fearless River Live Workshop. If you’ve had doubts about investing in your game, these epic poker achievements should give you the nudge to attend the Fearless River Live Tournament Strategy Workshop this December 4th & 5th at the incredible Wynn Las Vegas.

Find out why poker Students like Tammy, Sue, Scott, Lisa, Randy, Loren, Brett, and Sergio chose Fearless River Live to upgrade their game!

Will YOU be our next Success Story?

Start by learning expert strategy from Andrew "LuckyChewy" Lichtenberger, Tony Dunst, and Eric "Rizen" Lynch during the Fearless River Live at Wynn Workshop this December 4th & 5th in Las Vegas! You’ll play real poker hands against fellow students as the world’s greatest poker minds give you personalized feedback and instantly plug leaks in your play.

Fearless River Live at Wynn Las Vegas is limited to 30 attendees (and will sell out!), meaning students will receive unparalleled access to the greatest poker minds on the planet, giving their game specific attention and providing opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback.

Train Then Win Your Seat to WPT Prime!

After training with Team Fearless River for 2 days, the Workshop concludes with an exclusive satellite* awarding the top 2 finishers each a seat to the $5 Million Guaranteed WPT Prime Championship held at the Wynn Las Vegas on December 7-12.

Don't miss your chance to train for 2 days with elite poker minds in a luxurious and welcoming environment, then play in an exclusive satellite against fellow Students for a shot at WPT Glory!

It’s time to find out for yourself why poker players from around the globe trust Fearless River Live Workshops to keep their game sharp and stay on top of the competition.

Have questions? Email the Support Team at [email protected] or (888) 600-5593 with any questions and we will be happy to help!

*The $1,100 WPT Prime Championship Passports are non-transferable and have no cash value. Winner must play the awarded event seat within the prescribed prize redemption period. View the FAQ section for more information.

📚 Poker Study Sessions With Team Fearless River!

Over the last 2 months Team Fearless River hosted Study Sessions for Members to get their game ready to dominate the 2023 WPT® World Championship Festival at Wynn Las Vegas this December.

For each poker Study Session we provide Members with a curated curriculum that features Strategy Episodes, WPT GTO Trainer packs, and downloadable tools that are focused on specific concepts and habits essential for tournament success. Team Fearless River also conducted LIVE Member-only sessions to focus on key strategy concepts for each topic and answer questions.

A huge THANK YOU to every Student who’s joined us for the WPT World Championship Study Sessions. Members can rewatch the sessions anytime from the Webinars Dashboard.

Not a Member but want to watch all 6 Live Study Sessions? Join for just $5 your first month of Fearless River Membership!

We’re in the home stretch now! Fearless River Members - make sure to submit any questions or hands on trouble spots to Ask a Pro and we’ll get you ready to conquer Vegas!

Good luck and good playing,
-Team Fearless River

Review Previous Poker Study Sessions!

➧ Study Session 6: Exploits and Intuition - A common trait shared by most successful tournament players is the ability to identify when an opponent is making an obvious mistake and knowing when to shift gears and use Exploits to maximize their edge. Live with Michael "Gags30 Gagliano and Eric "Rizen" Lynch: Tuesday, November 28th 6PM ET | 3PM PT

• Click to Watch the Live Study Session Replay
• Click to Review the Intuition & Exploits Strategy Curriculum

➧ Study Session 5: ICM, Bubble and Satellite Strategy - Tournaments have specific inflection points where the threat of elimination plays a large role in shaping decisions. Bubble, ICM, and Satellite Strategy are critical areas of study to make big scores and win seats to high buy-in events for small investments. Live with Eric "Rizen" Lynch: and Adrian Naggy: Wednesday, November 15th 6PM ET | 3PM PT

• Click to Watch the Live Study Session Replay
• Click to Review the Satellite, ICM, and Bubble Strategy Curriculum

➧ Study Session 4: Postflop Considerations - Deeper stacked poker tournaments feature more decision points and create tougher Postflop Considerations. Understanding how board texture and ranges interact will have a big impact in your ability to win uncontested pots. Live with Michael "Gags30 Gagliano and Eric "Rizen" Lynch: Wednesday, November 1st 6PM ET | 3PM PT

• Click to Watch the Live Study Session Replay
• Click to Review the Postflop Strategy Study Curriculum

➧ Study Session 3: Defense Strategy - Blind and Button Defense Strategy in a poker tournament all have unique considerations and hand range constructions that help target specific opponents in position and develop criteria for check-raising frequent c-bettors. Live with Michael "Gags30 Gagliano and Eric "Rizen" Lynch: Thursday, October 19th 6PM ET | 3PM PT

• Click to Watch the Live Study Session Replay
• Click to Review the Defense Strategy Study Curriculum

➧ Study Session 2: Preflop Strategy - Knowing how and when to make moves preflop is one of the keys to getting a hold of chips in a poker tournament. Understanding how to adjust for specific stack sizes and positions will give you opportunities to exert a skill edge. Live with Michael "Gags30 Gagliano and Eric "Rizen" Lynch: Wednesday, October 11th 6PM ET

• Click to Watch the Live Study Session Replay
• Click to Review the Preflop Strategy Study Session Curriculum

➧ Study Session 1: Mental Game and Endurance - Many players ignore Mental Game issues that prevent growth in their game including fear, anger, and frustration. Building Endurance through exercise, rest, and nutrition is key to excelling during a long tournament series.
Live Session with Jared Tendler: Tuesday, Sept 26th 7PM ET

• Click to Watch the Live Study Session Replay
• Click to Review the Mental Game Study Session Curriculum

2023 WPT 🌎 Championship at Wynn Las Vegas Guarantees Record $40 Million Prize Pool!

The 2023 WPT® World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas is taking poker to new heights with poker’s first $40,000,000 guaranteed prize pool – the largest single live tournament guarantee in the history of poker.

The WPT® World Championship Festival at Wynn Las Vegas runs November 29 - December 23, 2023. The marquee event of the multi-tournament festival will be the $10,400 buy-in Championship Event.

Are you ready to be part of history?

The festival kicks off with a $1 million guaranteed, $600 No Limit Hold’em multi-flight tournament followed by player favorites including the $250,000 guaranteed WPT® Ladies World Championship, $5 Million Guaranteed WPT® Prime Championship, the ever-popular Mystery Bounty featuring a $2 Million guarantee, a Seniors Championship (50+) and a $10,000 buy-in Seniors High Roller.

Multiple mixed game tournaments are also available throughout the festival, ranging from the $1,100 HORSE Championship to a brand-new addition to the schedule, a $3,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship.

Click here to view the complete 2023 WPT® World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas Festival schedule or visit wynnlasvegas.com and WPT.com for more details.

Improve Your Game With Team Fearless River

The time is NOW to start getting your poker game ready!

Whether you are brand-new to poker training or you’re an experienced student this is your chance to learn from world-class professional poker players and teachers in a friendly community using state-of-the-art tools.

You must be a Fearless River Member to access and join the WPT® World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas Study Sessions and becoming a Member is easy! Click the red JOIN NOW button to get started.

As a Member you'll immediately gain access to Fearless River Training and WPT GTO Trainer packs, featuring an on-demand library of 500+ Strategy Videos, Downloadable Tools (and more).

You'll also get alerts and links to the Study Session curriculum, Live Webinar dates, and upcoming Sessions.

We'll see you online,
-Team Fearless River

Have Questions about Fearless River? Send an email to our Support Team at [email protected] or click the red CONTACT US button.

This December the World Poker Tour® has truly upped the ante by presenting the largest series of guaranteed prize pools for the second installment of the WPT World Championship Festival held November 29 through December 23 at the incomparable Wynn Las Vegas. The Festival is highlighted by the televised $40M Guaranteed WPT World Championship, the largest live poker tournament guarantee in history.

In addition to the marque WPT World Championship, there are also several incredible tournaments guaranteeing huge prize pools and much more including daily milestone and double play satellites for a wide variety of buy-in levels.

Fearless River is excited to be a leading feature of the Festival through our Live at Wynn Las Vegas Championship Tournament Strategy Workshop that kicks off the Festival December 4th & 5th and includes Interactive Lab and Lectures PLUS an exclusive satellite for students to win a seat into the $5M GTD WPT Prime Championship!

What is Fearless River Live at Wynn Las Vegas?

The Fearless River Live at Wynn Las Vegas Tournament Workshop is a unique opportunity to learn elite poker strategy from one of the greatest poker players in the game, Andrew "LuckyChewy" Lichtenberger who has over $17M in lifetime earnings including a whopping $1.8M score for his recent 2nd place finish in the $300K buy-in PGT Super High Roller Bowl.

Andrew will be joined by online poker legend Eric "Rizen" Lynch who has over $5M in lifetime earnings and is one of the pioneers in hand analysis with his best selling book series Winning Poker Tournaments One Hand at a Time Volumes I, II, and III.

Joining Chewy and Rizen to complete the championship roster of Instructors is Tony Dunst! Tony is one of the original online poker professionals and has built an impressive resume including over $4M in live winnings and is a World Poker Tour Champion.

He’s having a fantastic 2023 on the felt, including a 6th place finish at WPT Rolling Thunder and an incredible run in the WSOP Main Event securing 66th place out of 10K entrants for over $130,000. Tony has analyzed some of the most pivotal hands in poker history from the WPT commentary booth.

Get a Championship Poker Blueprint...

Poker is a game of strategy and skill, and the world’s best players know that developing a cycle for constant improvement is the only way to stay on top of the game. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive poker curriculum that includes Lab Sessions and in-depth lectures that add advanced strategies to your game quickly.

Our curriculum covers critical aspects of championship poker including preflop, postflop, short-handed, and heads up play. You’ll learn how, when, and why to apply advanced concepts such as backdoor equity, capped ranges, flop heuristics, and more – everything you need to study, practice, train, and play like a world-class player.

Our expert Instructors focus on helping you to quickly incorporate new techniques through detailed examples so you can see how to apply these strategies to your specific game.

During the Lab sessions you’ll take a seat at the poker table with real chips and cards and play live hands against fellow Students while a Fearless River Instructor deals the action and provides in-depth, personalized analysis and coaching.

What you'll get from poker Lab Sessions...

• Clear Strategic Guidance and Personalized Advice as You Play
• Strategies to Combat Common Leaks
• Open and Collaborative Environment
• Join a Community of Passionate Poker Players
  

Win a Seat to the WPT Prime Championship!

After training with Team Fearless River for 2 days, the Workshop concludes with an exclusive satellite* awarding the top 2 finishers each a seat to the $5 Million Guaranteed WPT Prime Championship held at the Wynn Las Vegas on December 7-12!

The Live Workshop is limited to 30 attendees, meaning students will receive unparalleled access to the greatest poker minds on the planet, giving their game specific attention and providing opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback.

We hope you will join us for the Fearless River Live Tournament Strategy Workshop and we look forward to seeing everyone on the felt for the WPT World Championship Festival at Wynn Las Vegas!

-Team Fearless River

P.S. Members can save up to $750 on this event! Click here to learn more about Fearless River Live Workshop Preferred Pricing.

Have a Question about Fearless River Live? Contact the Support Team at (888) 600-5593 or [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

*The $1,100 WPT Prime Championship Passports are non-transferable and have no cash value. Winner must play the awarded event seat within the prescribed prize redemption period. View the FAQ section for more information.

DECISION POINT: You are in a large field WSOP bracelet event with blinds at 1,000/1,500 with a 1,500 big blind ante. A very loose UTG player who has been opening 50% of hands (showing down hands such as offsuit connectors and Ax from all positions) min-raises to 3,000. The UTG+1 player 3-bets to 4,500 and you 4-bet to 15,000 from MP2 with J♥J♦. The Button calls, the original raiser folds, the UTG+1 player makes it 65,000, and action is on you. What do you do here?

PRO ANSWER: We are in a large field WSOP event shortly after the dinner break. The blinds are 1,000/1,500 with a 1,500 big blind ante. The UTG player has been playing wildly, opening and 3-betting an estimated 50% of hands, showing down hands such as offsuit connectors and Ax hands from all positions. We are dealt JhJd in MP2 and the loose, wild UTG player makes a minimum raise to 3,000. The UTG+1 player then 3-bets to 4,500 and it folds to us.

Under normal circumstances an UTG raise and an UTG+1 reraise would make us think twice about playing our jacks. Given the tendencies of the UTG player though it is quite likely that the UTG+1 player would make a small isolation raise with a much wider range than normal in an attempt to isolate the UTG player’s wide range and play heads up in position.

With so many players left to act it’s unlikely they are isolating with a super loose range, but they could easily be isolating with the top 15% or so of hands and our jacks are well ahead of that range. We 4-bet to 15,000 and action folds to the Button who just flat calls our raise. Everyone else (including the wild UTG player) folds and then the UTG+1 player 5-bets to 65,000!

While UTG+1 might isolate the UTG player with a wide range, to 5-bet after we 4-bet and the Button cold call is likely a VERY narrow range, something like QQ+/AK. If we knew that the Button would fold 100% of the time we would have around 36% equity against the UTG range.

The raise is effectively all-in because if we elect to continue in the hand neither player should ever fold a future street, barring extreme circumstances like exposed cards. If we evaluate this as an all-in situation then we’d be calling 73,500 to win 125,500, which is a little worse than 2:1 odds.

If we knew the Button would fold 100% of the time this decision would be incredibly close assuming the assessment of our opponent’s ranges are accurate. However, given we can’t be certain the Button will fold, we have to consider a possible slowplay with a big hand that would have us dominated.

It feels bad to 4-bet and fold, but our jacks are in bad shape against a likely very narrow range from UTG+1.

Folding is the best play.

The first half of the WPT Main Tour season reaches its exciting conclusion as the best poker players on the planet head back to the incredible Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, CA right outside of Los Angeles for the televised $5,250 World Poker Tour® Gardens Poker Championship.

The 2020 WPT Gardens Championship Event featured a who’s who of tournament poker stars and elite cash game pros, all vying for their place in poker history. The prize pool swelled to just shy of $2.5 Million with Markus Gonsalves capturing the $554,495 first prize.

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing your name in lights and having your name etched on the Mike Sexton Champions Cup, this May is the time to find your way to L.A.! There are plenty of ways to win your way into the $5,250 Championship Event through one of the many satellites running throughout the festival, starting at just $150.

Team LearnWPT is here to give the tools and insights you need to make a deep run in the $5,250 WPT Gardens Poker Championship. Check out the strategies in this blog and you’ll be ready to jump in the action.

➧ Get In on the Action
➧ Meet Up with Brad & Andrew
➧ Upgrade Your First-In Strategy
➧ Prepare Your A-game
➧ Table Reads with Tony Dunst
➧ Test Your News Skills!
➧ Train With Champions

Lights, 🎥 Camera, … All-in!

The Gardens Poker Championship festival kicked off on May 15th with the $600 Mixed H.E.R.O.S Tournament. There are plenty of lower buy-in events and a ton of satellites into the Main Event, so you don’t have to stretch your poker bankroll to join the fun!

📅 Festival Dates:
Start: Monday, May 15, 2023
End: Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Click here for the full Festival schedule

The Televised Championship event begins Sunday, May 21st with two starting flights and unlimited reentry through the start of level 9 - Click for the tournament structure.

📅 WPT Main Event Schedule:
Day 1A: Sunday, May 20, 2023 starting at 11am PT
Day 1B: Monday, May 21, 2023 starting at 11am PT
Day 2: Tuesday, May 22, 2023 starting at 12pm PT
Day 3: Wednesday, May 23, 2023 starting at 12pm PT
Day 4: Thursday May 24, 2023 starting at 12pm PT*
*The final table of 6 will be played and filmed for television by the World Poker Tour at the HyperX Las Vegas at Luxor on May 27, 2023

Starting Thursday, May 25th Get 3 Days of WPT Final Table Live Streams!
➧ WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Final Table Live Stream - May 25th at 4:30 PM PT
➧ WPT Choctaw Final Table - Live Stream May 26th at 4:30 PM PT
➧ WPT Gardens Poker Championship Final Table - Live Stream May 27th at 4:30 PM PT
All live stream final tables are on a 30-minute delay

View ⚡ Live Streams on WPT Twitch, WPT YouTube or WPT.com

🎭 Take the Stage With Brad and Andrew

The Scene: Gardens Casino in Los Angeles
The Cast: Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen
The Star: YOU!

Your chance to be a part of the fun and nonstop action is here as the World Poker Tour brings the famous Meet Up Game (MUG) to the Gardens Casino - and you're invited. Beginning at 11AM Pacific Time the pioneers of poker Vlogging and creators of the MUG will kick off the $5/$5 cash game action in the Gardens Casino Poker Room.

The Los Angeles poker scene is synonymous with wild cash game action so be ready to play your share of Bomb Pots and practice your Stand Up Game Strategy.

Join us for a unique poker experience with the WPT Family, and you might even show up in Brad or Andrew’s next VLOG.

It All Starts with A Good Script 📖

Championship poker strategy and award winning movies have one key thing in common - without a solid fundamental backbone (or script) the results often are lackluster and can lead to disappointment. In poker, solid GTO based first-in hand ranges serve as the script for your entire poker story.

Watch this Strategy Episode from Fearless River Instructor Nick Binger as he gives you a detailed breakdown of which hands you should play from each seat position when raising first-in to the pot.

Don't forget your copy of the Advanced First-In Hand Ranges. Use these rock solid Game Theory Optimal hand ranges and you'll be well on your way to an award winning performance in your next WPT Event!

Need Help Getting Into Character?

Actors use proven techniques to get into character, often spending several months studying subtle mannerisms and perfecting accents.

If you expect to show up on the big stage at the WPT Gardens Championship final table and receive a standing ovation, you need to prepare with the same effort and intensity.

In this section from his course Mental Game Tune Up for Tournament Poker Fearless River Mental Game Coach Jared Tendler tells you why it’s critical to have a process for preparing to play your A-game aside from studying strategy.

“Table Reads” With Tony Dunst

In Hollywood the "Table Read" is a key for developing chemistry between co-stars and sets a tone for collaboration during production. In poker, a table read is critical for the opposite reason - to create uncertainty and exploit your opponents.

In this Strategy Episode Fearless River Instructor and WPT Commentator Tony Dunst describes the Top 8 Tells he’s observed in live poker and gives you tips on making Table Reads that will add profit to your bottom line.

Time To Test Your Skills!

You are dealt J♦J♣ in the Big Blind at the final table of the WPT Gardens Poker Championship with blinds at 5,000/10,000 and only 3 players remain. The Button folds, the Small Blind raises to 33,750 and you reraise to 100,000.

The Small Blind goes all-in and action is back on you.

What do you do here?

Have FUN, Good Luck, and Good Playing!

Are you playing? If you see Team Fearless River stop and say Hi 👋!

Check the Fearless River calendar to follow Team Fearless River On Tour as we travel the globe to play WPT Events.

Are you on the way to L.A.? If you are planning to be in the action during the WPT Gardens poker festival we want to hear from you!

Share your success, show off your pictures of Brand and Andrew from the MUG, or just let us know you were there to be a part of the World Poker Tour. Follow and tag us on social media - we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Twitter @Fearless River | Facebook @learnwpt | Instagram @learn_wpt

Good luck and good playing,
-Team Fearless River

Train With Fearless River Champions for Just $5

In 2022 alone Fearless River Instructors won a 2 WSOP Bracelets and WSOP Circuit Ring, a 25K buy-in WPT High Roller, a 25K PokerGo Masters title, a 50K buy-in WPT High Roller, and a combined $5.2 Million in tournament winnings plus made appearances at several high profile final tables.

In 2023 we’ve already got 1 WSOP Circuit Main Event win and a 5th Place Finish in the EPT London Main Event to add to the totals!

Ready to train and learn from these Pros? Join them NOW!

Whether you are brand new to poker training or you’re an experienced student this is your chance to learn from world-class professional poker players in a friendly community using state of the art tools.

Gain access to Fearless River Training and WPT GTO Trainer packs, featuring Downloadable Tools, 500+ Strategy Videos (and more) for just $5 your first month of Membership!

Have Questions about Fearless River? Send an email to our Support Team at [email protected] or click the red CONTACT US button.

Hey Poker Fans!

Welcome to Tour Terms, where we break down key terms that poker pros use to talk strategy and give you helpful tips to use in your next poker tournament. Today's Tour Term is …

Continuation Bet: noun
con·​tin·​u·​a·​tion bet \kən-ˌtin-yə-ˈwā-shən ˈbet\

1) To bet on the flop after being the initial aggressor in the preflop round of betting. This bet must be the first bet of the flop round by the initial aggressor in the preflop round in order to be considered a continuation bet. Abbreviated as C-Bet.

Example of Continuation Bet in a Sentence
Brian raises to 1,000 from the Hijack and Tony calls from the Button. On the flop of A♣J♦4♥ Brian continuation bets 1,500 and Tony folds.

🤔 Should You Always C-Bet After Raising?

Aggression is a key to winning play in No-Limit Hold’em, however if you always just bet, bet, bet without a plan, you’re bound to run into a tricky opponent who will push back when the situation isn’t right for a continuation bet.

A fundamental strategy for c-betting is essential for keeping opponents guessing on the flop and taking down your share of pots.

Watch this Strategy Episode as Nick Binger outlines an easy to use strategy for c-betting, complete with a field guide you can download and use in your next tournament!

How Do You Adjust for Tough Opponents?

A strong default c-betting strategy will put most opponents on the defensive and result in winning many uncontested pots.

When facing tougher opponents, you’ll need to upgrade your approach and adjust how frequently you fire again on the flop after raising first-in. Here Nick outlines the most common spots vs tough opponents that are the most challenging when deciding to c-bet.

Rules for Different Textures With LuckyChewy

Subtle differences in flop textures can have a big impact on the profitability of your continuation bets. Building out a balanced strategy for each texture is required if your goal is to maximize expected value across your c-betting opportunities.

In this Fearless River Strategy Episode, Andrew “LuckyChewy'' Lichtenberger takes a deep dive into the most common flop textures and tells you the proper c-betting frequency and recommended bet sizing for each type.

Want More Tour Terms?

Fearless River Members have instant access to a comprehensive poker training database. Search for any poker term and get the correct definition plus complete results for all related video, written, and playable poker education content on fearlessriver.com.

With a massive library including 550+ on-demand video Strategy Episodes (from world-class pros including Tony Dunst, Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger, and Michael “Gags30” Gagliano!), dozens of downloadable charts and tools, direct access to the Fearless River Pros, and the state of the art GTO Trainer, you’re certain to find the answers to your most pressing poker questions.

Improve your No-Limit Texas Hold'em game by joining Fearless River for just $5 your first month. After your first month choose the Membership Tier that best fits your budget, schedule, and stage in your development as a player (upgrade or cancel at any time).

During your next tournament or session give these continuation betting techniques a try and you'll become tougher to play against and keep your opponents on their heels more often.

Good Luck and Good Playing,
- Team Fearless River

Have Questions? Email our Support Team at [email protected] or click the Contact Us button and we'll be happy to help.