Mallard Club Poker Blog

To truly elevate your game, you need to incorporate more sophisticated plays

Transitioning from online poker to live poker can be a significant shift for many players. 

Dealing with highly aggressive players can be one of the most challenging parts of poker

Whether you're new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding how to leverage your position at the table can significantly boost your profitability.

Few things in poker can be as game-changing as a well-executed check-raise play.

Toronto has increasingly become a key player in shaping the Canadian poker market

The 2024 WSOP Circuit event in Toronto, held at the Great Canadian Casino Resort, marked a historic debut on the international poker scene, setting records as the season's largest International WSOP Circuit Main Event. 

Toronto's Great Canadian Casino Resort recently hosted its inaugural WSOP Circuit event, a significant addition to the global WSOP calendar. 

Unlock the secrets to conquering the fast-paced world of turbo tournaments with strategic insights that could skyrocket your win rate.

Do you ever find yourself sweating in a multi-way pot, unsure how to proceed? You're not alone!

Canada has produced some of the world's finest poker talents, each leaving a significant mark on the international poker scene. 

Canada has a lively poker scene, with many tournaments across the country. From recurring events in Calgary and Edmonton to primary international circuits in Kahnawake and Calgary, poker players have plenty of opportunities to participate in. 

Aggressive play is a common strategy for upsetting opponents and dominating the table. However, encountering an overly aggressive player can be challenging, particularly if you have yet to gain poker experience. 

The move from live tables to virtual felt is becoming increasingly popular as online poker continues to attract players from all over the world

In poker, your success at the tables is more dependent on your mindset than the cards you are dealt

Being aggressive in poker is important. It can help to create opportunities for big payouts

Heads pp poker is often seen as poker's purest form. It strips down the complexities of multi-player dynamics and focuses on the intense duel between two opponents. 

To play poker successfully, it is crucial to be able to "play the player," which involves utilizing psychological tactics over simple card strength. 

Large field events present distinctive difficulties and chances, creating an exhilarating and intricate arena for any poker fan.

Poker is not a one-size-fits-all game. It comes in various formats, each demanding its unique approach and strategy

One of the main difficulties in staying concentrated during lengthy poker sessions is managing distractions.

Some argue, that bankroll management is the single most important part of being a successful poker player

We look at finding a work/life balance for the poker grinder in you

If you're taking the game seriously, have you considered getting a coach, and how can you benefit from having one?

Most people don't realize just how different short handed play is vs a full table

There are times where making sure you have as much on the table as you can is a huge asset

Everyone, and I mean everyone, goes on Tilt at some point. But, learning to control it can save you a ton of money

After a long time off, tournaments are coming back to the Mallard Club, once again hosting the Toronto Poker Tournament Series

Don't even pretend you haven't seen "Rounders"...but how did they play their hands?

One of the best parts about live poker vs online, is you get to see your opponents physical mannerisms during the game...and that can tell you a lot about their hand

Punishing people who play too loose/passive (limpers) is a very valuable addition to your game

There's an important difference between the odds of winning the hand, and the odds of what's in the pot relative to your hand

Most of the time, there's at least one very aggressive opponent at the table, and that spells opportunity

I've always said "Aces are great for winning small pots, and losing huge ones"...playing them better with help your game a ton

Poker is no different than any other career, and avoiding burning out will keep your win rate up

Think of your preflop action as the foundation upon which your play in that hand is built

"I put you on AK" - we've all heard that before...but thinking like that can be dangerous

Everyone knows the straddle is good for the game, but how do you make it good for YOU?

For as long as poker has been played for money, people have been trying to find an angle

In the immortal words of Kenny Rogers, you got know when to hold em, know went fold em, know when you walk away, and know when to run

You lose a tough hand, and something snaps inside your brain. You, are on tilt. But, recognizing it can save you money

While real estate is all about "location, location, location" the same is true for position in poker

When to play, which table to play at, which stakes to play...how do you decide?

Bankroll management isn't exactly flashy or sexy, but it's one of the single most important things to master if you want to be successful at poker

This advanced play has been used by top pros for years...

Taking advantage of your opponents' leaks is how to take your game to the next level

Even some of the most successful players bluff like a wimp...

Seriously, it really can be a good thing...

Pairs on the flop can be scary, but also profitable...

Is there anything more satisfying than a successful bluff?

The ICM is a model to calculate how often a player will finish in a particular position

You'll thank me when you start doing all of these...

Focusing for extended periods of time is one of the best skills a poker player can have

You've heard "pros" talk strategy all the time. Here are some spots they're wrong...

Generally, fast playing will get your more value, but slow playing can work sometimes...

Let's dive into how to play your straight draws like a seasoned pro...

People love to talk about over bets, but smaller bets work too...

How you play from the blinds impacts your winnings more than you think...

Why faster play will make you more money, and happier

What's the difference between an ok poker player, and a great one?

Poker is all about information, and I bet there's some you're missing...

Does adding a third blind to the pot make sense?

Suited connectors are great hands to play, if you play them properly...

Flopping sets with small pairs is the best, but some people still play them wrong...

A quick improvement you can make in your game is playing 3-bet pots better

Less than perfect blind vs blind play is more common than you might think...

Since value betting is where we make most of our money, let's have a closer look

Playing passive opponents is easy, right? It can be!

Should you favor a theoretically sound strategy or play exploitative poker?