Smart Poker Study Podcast

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Sky Matsuhashi discusses poker Cash games, MTT’s and SNG’s for all poker stakes and games like No Limit Hold’em (NLHE), Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) and Stud variations of poker. Lots of poker strategy discussed and Q&A’s with listeners. We interview successful poker players and coaches like Alex Fitzger…

Sky Matsuhashi: SmartPokerStudy.com | Poker Pro and Coach


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 568 EPISODES

    4.7 from 122 ratings Listeners of Smart Poker Study Podcast that love the show mention: thanks sky, sky's, play poker, lot of poker, poker podcasts, poker player, attempt, fish, improving, study, extraordinary, winning, skills, effective, strategy, easy to understand, strategies, heavy, stick, challenge.


    Ivy Insights

    The Smart Poker Study Podcast is a top-notch resource for poker players looking to take their game to the next level. Hosted by Sky Matsuhashi, this podcast offers a wealth of valuable information and strategies that are easy to understand and implement. Sky's expertise in the game is evident as he breaks down complex concepts and provides practical tips that can be applied both online and in live games. What sets this podcast apart is not only its focus on strategy, but also its emphasis on the importance of studying and continuously improving your skills. Sky provides listeners with tools and resources to develop an effective study routine, making it a comprehensive learning experience.

    One of the best aspects of The Smart Poker Study Podcast is how Sky simplifies complex poker strategies, making them accessible to players at all levels. His ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner allows listeners to easily grasp the concepts being discussed. Additionally, Sky's enthusiasm and positive attitude make the podcast engaging and enjoyable to listen to. He genuinely wants his audience to succeed and provides guidance on how to fix leaks in their game.

    While there are very few negative aspects about this podcast, one potential downside is that some episodes may cater more towards online players who use HUDs (Heads-Up Displays). This could be less applicable for those who primarily play live games or do not utilize HUDs during online play. However, even if certain episodes may not directly apply to every listener, there is still plenty of valuable content that can be adapted to any poker format.

    In conclusion, The Smart Poker Study Podcast shines as an exceptional resource for poker players seeking to improve their skills and knowledge. With its clear explanations, practical strategies, and focus on study habits, it offers everything a player needs to grow as a competitor. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking for new insights, this podcast provides valuable content that will help you enhance your game. Give it a listen and see your poker skills flourish.



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    Latest episodes from Smart Poker Study Podcast

    How to Exploit Their Biggest Preflop LEAKS! Top 10 Exploits #542

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 19:59


    I'll show you how to spot and exploit the 10 most common and costly microstakes and low stakes poker leaks.Get the 4-page PDF, "How to Exploit the Top 10 Preflop Leaks #542": https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod542YouTube Video: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube542

    Top 10 Preflop Leaks Killing Your Win Rate And How to Fix Them Fast #541

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 19:00


    I reveal the 10 most common and costly preflop leaks/mistakes players make—and more importantly, how to fix them with simple, proven strategies.Get the Free PDF, "Top 10 Preflop Leaks Killing Your Win Rate And How to Fix Them Fast":https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod541Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/smarthudPreflop Success Course: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/preflopsuccesscourse

    How You Can Gain An Edge And Win In Current Day Poker #540

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 18:52


    95% of players aren't willing to do these 4 things that will give YOU an edge over ALL OF THEM, and make for a profitable and fun poker journey.Show Notes: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod540YouTube Video: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube540Podcast Download: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/directdl540Microstakes Online Poker Training: https://www.thepokerforge.com

    When to Ignore Preflop Range Charts #539

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 13:57


    I'll share the limitations of preflop range charts, and give you reasons for widening or narrowing your ranges based on key factors.Get the KISS Cash Game Ranges for free: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod539The Poker Forge 14 days for $14 Mother's Day Special: https://www.thepokerforge.comMentioned in this episode:https://smartpokerstudy.com/when-to-ignore-preflop-range-charts/

    Attack Weakness #538

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 13:22


    When they tell you they're weak with their actions and bet sizes, attack! Don't give them what they want (to see the next street, catch their draw, free showdown, etc.).Show Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod538

    You WILL Overcome Your Biggest Poker Mental Game Hangups #537

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 6:54


    Free - Elevate Your Poker Mindset Course: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/elevateShow Notes: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod537YouTube Video: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube537

    If you can't identify the problem, you'll never fix it #536

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 5:27


    Smart Poker Study Podcast #536 Identify Problems with the 41 Stats and Win Rates Tracker: https://smartpokerstudy.com/improve-your-poker-win-rate-with-smart-tracking/

    Is The 75 Hard Poker Challenge Actually Worth Your Time And Effort? #535

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 15:05


    Only 2 weeks in... and I love this challenge!The 75 Hard Poker Challenge: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/75hardFree tracker, helpful tips, follow my 75 Hard Poker journey.

    How to Start Studying Poker This Year - Simple Guide for Real Progress #534

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 12:26


    This is a simple and beginner friendly guide on how to start studying this year without any complicated software or coaching.Get Your Free Poker Journal https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/journal1-Hour Poker Study Workbook https://smartpokerstudy.com/PokerStudyWorkbookShow Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod534

    The Hardest Poker Challenge You'll Ever Take - 75 Days of Growth #533

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 17:18


    Take the hardest poker challenge ever! The 75 Hard Poker Challenge: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/75hardFree tracker, helpful tips, follow my 75 Hard Poker journey.

    This Simple Strategy Boosts Your Poker Profits FAST + FREE Course!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 16:44


    Get the Free Bread & Butter Course: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/breadandbuttercourseMaster the most profitable spots in poker! This free 5-video course shows you how to consistently play in +EV situations for bigger wins and more fun at the tables.Mentioned in this episode:Free Bread & Butter CourseGet the Free Bread & Butter Course: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/breadandbuttercourse Master the most profitable spots in poker! This free 5-video course shows you how to consistently play in +EV situations for bigger wins and more fun at the tables.

    What Do They Donk Bet With? #531

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 11:14


    The donk bet can be a confusing play to encounter. Let's dive into it with some examples and strategies for making reads on what they're doing.Show Notes: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod531Mentioned in this episode:Free Bread & Butter CourseGet the Free Bread & Butter Course: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/breadandbuttercourse Master the most profitable spots in poker! This free 5-video course shows you how to consistently play in +EV situations for bigger wins and more fun at the tables.

    Learning From Mistakes Is Crucial For Poker Success #530

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 16:31


    Don't shy away from your poker mistakes! They're a great path to growing your skills and success. Here are 4 things I love about my mistakes and why I use my own mistakes in my coaching.How to Steal More Pots Course https://www.thepokerforge.com/howtostealmorepotscourseShow Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod530

    Willpower REALLY Improves Your Poker Game? #529

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 13:34


    Here's how you can use willpower to improve your poker skills.Show Notes: httpw://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod529 Microstakes Online Poker Training: https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Become a WINNING Poker Player in 2025 with 17 EASY Tips #528

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 22:39


    These 17 easy-to-use poker tips will take you from losing (or break-even) poker to winning poker as quickly as possible. Get in on this!My personal favorite tip? #7 Get the KISS Cash Game Ranges: https://smartpokerstudy.com/pod528The Poker Forge: https://www.thepokerforge.com/Flopzilla Pro Course: https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/FlopzillaProCourseGet More From PokerTracker 4 Course: https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/Get-more-from-pokertracker-4-courseFind the Fold! https://youtu.be/GGr7Q-ft25g

    Improve Your Poker Win Rate With Smart Tracking #527

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 14:20


    How often are you tracking your statistics and win rates? I do this monthly, quarterly and yearly. In this podcast, I'll discuss why I choose these timeframes, and I'll give you a free tracker and an easy 5-step system to do this for yourself. Why? Because you can only improve what you measure.Show Notes: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod527Get More From PokerTracker 4 Course: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/GetMoreFromPT4Microstakes Online Poker Training: https://www.thepokerforge.com

    The 28-Day Plan You NEED to Grow Your Poker Skills #526

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 9:59


    Here's the 28-day plan you need in order to grow your skills and set you up for lifelong poker success!Show Notes: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/28dayplan 41 Stats & Win Rates Tracker https://youtu.be/pX4EkLwaFMcMicrostakes Online Poker Training: https://www.thepokerforge.com

    16 Quick Tips Every CRUSHER Needs to WIN MORE from Fish #525

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 17:28


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod525https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube525https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Poker Players ARE Valuable #524

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 9:07


    Are we valuable member's of society? Heck yes! And I lay out why here.https://smartpokerstudy.com/pod524

    Here's the Winning Formula for SMART Poker Goals in 2025 #523

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 15:11


    Let me help you kick off your 2025 poker journey with some SMART Poker Goals that are sure to lead you to success!https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod523https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube523https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Setting SMART Goals for 2025 Poker Success With the RecPoker Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 67:48 Transcription Available


    Sky Matsuhashi joins Jim Reed and John Somsky on the Rec Poker Podcast to discuss the importance of setting SMART goals for poker players in 2025. SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound, serves as a framework to help players create actionable plans for improvement. The conversation touches on various strategies for handling three-bets in cash games, highlighting the need for players to analyze their opponents and adjust their ranges accordingly. Sky shares insights into his own goals for the upcoming year, including creating new courses and growing his YouTube channel. Listeners are encouraged to actively participate in defining their own poker objectives, emphasizing accountability and continuous learning as key to achieving success in the game.Takeaways: Setting SMART goals for poker can enhance focus and measurable progress in skill development. Breaking down yearly goals into manageable weekly objectives increases the likelihood of achieving them. Identifying opponent's tendencies and adjusting your strategy is crucial when facing three bets. Understanding flop texture and ranges can significantly improve decision-making in cash games. Effective bankroll management is essential to transitioning to higher stakes while minimizing risk. Utilizing tools like databases and tracking software can reveal valuable insights into your play. Links referenced in this episode:thepokerforge.comsmartpokerstudy.comhabitica.comKeywords:poker goals, SMART goals, poker strategy, cash game tips, tournament strategies, three betting, stack sizes, poker coaching, poker training, online poker, bankroll management, set mining, poker ranges, ICM pressure, poker leaks, live poker events, poker study methods, poker podcast, poker education, recreational poker

    Simulate Success: Prime Your Mind for Winning Live Poker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 5:34 Transcription Available


    This podcast episode offers a valuable tip for live poker players, especially during the holiday season when more time is available for gaming. Sky shares an effective warm-up strategy inspired by his Poker Forge student, Ron, who successfully transitions from online micro stakes to live cash games. By playing a full ring game on Ignition Poker without a HUD, Ron simulates the live poker environment, allowing him to hone his observational skills and make player reads. Throughout the episode, Sky recounts a hand he played where he hit a set with pocket deuces, illustrating the practical application of the discussed strategies. The episode emphasizes the importance of preparing mentally for live play, encouraging listeners to adopt similar warm-up techniques before heading to the poker room.Takeaways: Ron, a Poker Forge student, successfully simulates live poker before his sessions. Warming up with full ring micro stakes helps to prepare for live cash games. Paying attention to player actions is crucial when playing without a HUD. Practicing player reads and noting tendencies can enhance live poker performance. Setting a goal of making $65 per hour can keep players motivated. The strategy of turning off the HUD during online practice sharpens live poker skills. Links referenced in this episode:smartpokerstudy.com/pod521thepokerforge.com

    Improve Your Poker Now! Alex Fitzgerald Interview #520

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 42:01


    I interviewed Alex Fitzgerald, co-author of 'Improve Your Poker Now!' We discuss his new book along with exploitative and GTO poker.https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod520https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube520https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Follow LARRY! Learn, Apply, Review, Repeat, Yer on Yer Way #519

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 8:49


    Follow LARRY for the win! Let me show you how to Learn, Apply, Review, Repeat… Yer on Yer Way to poker's wonderland!https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod519https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube519https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Let's End the Year on an Aggressive Up-note #518

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 8:56


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod518https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube518https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Weather the Poker Storms – The Mental Game #517

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 16:14


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod517https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube517https://www.thepokerforge.com Post-flop Online Poker Book: https://smartpokerstudy.com/post-flop-online-poker-book/Episode #516 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HRHygKexe10?si=DxwJXF1EYNeF9Ahg

    Upgrade Your Poker Decisions – Plan for the Future #516

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 16:08


    Use the Future! Tick Sheet to help you gauge and plan for your opponent's reactions to your plays.Show Notes: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/pod516QTs Quiz: https://youtu.be/Uq2qMVO42pcThe Poker Forge - #1 Microstakes Online Poker Training Site: https://www.ThePokerForge.com Online Poker Hand Reading Workbook: https:www.smartpokerstudy.com/handreadingworkbook Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/smarthud

    Avoid Auto-Piloting with a Simple Timer Trick #515

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 5:38


    I've been using this timing trick in an effort to prolong my focused poker time. Try it for yourself.

    Flop Raises, Multi-tabling Tips, Anonymous Player Reads & More! Q&A #514

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 15:43


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod514https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Ditch Poker Study Overwhelm with These 3 Steps #513

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 8:57


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod513https://www.thepokerforge.com Mentioned in this episode:Halloween 2024 Poker Forgehttps://www.thepokerforge.com

    2 Questions For Winning River Calls #512

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 11:22


    I give you two questions to help you analyze your opponent's river betting/raising range so that you can make more winning calls (and avoid losing calls).Show Notes: https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod512The Poker Forge - #1 Microstakes Online Poker Training Site: https://www.ThePokerForge.com Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/smarthud Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NrKcqv Online Poker Hand Reading Workbook: www.smartpokerstudy.com/handreadingworkbook

    Short-Handed Cash Game Considerations #511

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 13:45


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod511https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Target the Weak and Take Their Chips #510

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 5:59


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod510https://www.thepokerforge.com

    How to Float the Flop and Win More Pots Plus Take On the 3 Steals Challenge #509

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 9:58


    Here's how to float bluff on the flop after calling in position preflop. This is a great way to steal post-flop pots versus honest cbettors.3 Steals Challenge https://smartpokerstudy.com/3stealschallengeShow Notes Page https://smartpokerstudy.com/pod509Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4 https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/smartHUDGet More From PokerTracker 4 Course https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/Get-more-from-pokertracker-4-course

    “Bring it on!” Attitude #508

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 5:54


    Having trouble using or facing aggression? Let's train ourselves to use and face added levels of aggression by playing with a “Bring it on!” attitude.12 Aggressive Hands Review https://youtu.be/LGy22Yc-uawShow Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod508The Poker Forge https://www.thepokerforge.com#poker #aggressiveplay #aggressivepoker

    The Single Best Strategy Focus for Every Poker Session #507

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 5:52


    Here's the best strategy focus to play with in every session of poker:“How can I steal this pot?” Show Notes: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/pod507The Poker Forge - #1 Microstakes Online Poker Training Site: https://www.ThePokerForge.com Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/smarthud Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NrKcqv

    Flop Overbet Bluffing Progress Report – Part 2 #506

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 19:29


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod506

    Teach Yourself How to Overbet Bluff on the Flop - Part 1 #505

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 8:17


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod505https://www.thepokerforge.com

    How to Boost Your Mental Game with Jared Tendler's Classic The Mental Game of Poker #504

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 4:59


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod504https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube504https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Take Action: Play 5x “Exploit ‘em All!” Sessions #503

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 4:59


    Show Notes: https://smartpokerstudy.com/pod503Play the Player Boot Camp: https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/play-the-player-poker-boot-camp

    16 Tips for Playing the Player #502

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 16:28


    Here are 16 useful tips for playing the player. Your opponent is a major part of every hand you play. Improve your reads and your exploits with these tips.https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/play-the-player-poker-boot-camp https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod502https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube502https://www.thepokerforge.com

    5 Tips for Successful and Profitable Poker Focus Sessions #501

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 11:31


    Online poker focus sessions are great for building skills and improving results. I give you 5 tips to improve your focus session productivity.Show Notes: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/pod501The Poker Forge - #1 Microstakes Online Poker Training Site:https://www.ThePokerForge.com Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4: https://www.SmartPokerStudy.com/smarthud Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NrKcqv

    “I've become a better player this past month with all the work I've done.” #500

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 3:48


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod500

    11 Tips Every Americas Cardroom Player Needs To Know #499

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 9:34


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod499https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube499https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Do They Know Something I Don't Know? #498

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 7:06


    We can learn something, many somethings, from the winners we play with. Pay attention to their actions, and figure out why they work.https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod498https://www.thepokerforge.com

    Do This BEFORE You Hire a Poker Coach #497

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 9:31


    I'll give you 3 things you MUST do before hiring a poker coach to help you pick the low hanging fruit for yourself. Doing these will prepare you to get the most from your coach sessions, as he'll have to dig deeper to help you plug more difficult leaks.Show Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod497The Poker Forge https://www.thepokerforge.comThe Hand Reading Workbook https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/HandReadingWorkbook

    Poker Mastery: Stop Knowing, START DOING #496

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 3:49


    I help you get beyond your inaction and to start doing the things that will move the needle in poker and in life.Show Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod496The Poker Forge https://www.thepokerforge.comThe Hand Reading Workbook https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/HandReadingWorkbook

    6 Strategies to Crush the Next 6 Months #495

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 10:19


    I'll give you 6 strategies that will help you tackle the rest of 2024 with gusto!Show Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod495The Poker Forge https://www.thepokerforge.comThe Hand Reading Workbook https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/HandReadingWorkbook

    Folding is Boring and Boring is WINNING #494

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 11:13


    Imagine giving yourself a long-term, unbeatable mathematical edge against your opponents. That's what happens when you fold more often preflop than they do, and I'll help you do exactly that with this episode.Show Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod494The Poker Forge https://www.thepokerforge.comThe Hand Reading Workbook https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/HandReadingWorkbook

    Slow is Smart, and Smart is WINNING #493

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 9:56


    Let me help you slow down and give yourself more time to think and make reads before making plays.Show Notes https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod493The Poker Forge https://www.thepokerforge.comThe Hand Reading Workbook https://go.smartpokerstudy.com/HandReadingWorkbook

    More Reasons to Target Fish #492

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 15:39


    https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/pod492https://www.smartpokerstudy.com/YouTube492https://www.thepokerforge.com

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