This week, we are locked in with WPT talent Lynn Gilmartin as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships in the Wynn.
There is plenty of banter and laughs as the trio discuss special events that have been planned around the festival, including a mimosa-fueled Ladies Meet-Up game and Million Dollar buy-in event. They also weigh in on the potential effect of the WSOP Bahamas’ new parlay promotion.
The Unibet Open Bucharest is previewed. Game of Gold is reviewed, as is Alex O’Brien’s ‘The Truth Detective’. Dara teases his upcoming book ‘Beyond GTO’. There is also a chat about responsible gambling.
Joining the lads this week is elite highstakes poker player and DTO poker creator Dominik Nitsche. They also welcome the WPT’s executive tour director Matt Savage. For strategy, they are joined by Irish poker player Dylan Kehoe to discuss a hand from the recent WPT Australia in the star gold coast. Irish legend Annette O’Carroll stops by to discuss her victory in ‘The Chip Race Classic’. Plus, Unibet Poker IPO 16th place finisher Barry Carter is at the news desk!
On the week when the show is trying to be in two places at once as UNIBET sponsor festivals in Dublin and Malta this week, David and Dara are joined by poker player, commentator and WPT creative producer Jamie Kerstetter. They also welcome 13-time WCOOP champion, mixed game beast Tobias Leknes. For strategy, the lads discuss a hand of Dara’s from his final table in the Killarney IPT. Robbie Strazynski stops by to chat about the upcoming Cardplayer Lifestyle Mixed Game Festival. Plus, Barry Carter brings us the latest news!
This week we are locked in with poker player, writer and the Live events manager for Poker Org Terrance Reid.
The hot topic of the week is GGPoker and WSOP fudging the guarantees on the upcoming festival in the Bahamas and the lads all weigh in on the scramble for increasingly creative ways to get players to the unpopular Caribbean destination.
Dara offers some balance, crediting the operator on some of the positive contributions that they have made to poker but also warns about the historical pitfalls of a greedy approach when in a position of market dominance.
The conversation then turns to the two Unibet Poker sponsored festivals taking place in Dublin and Malta next week. David will be grinding the MPF while Dara is looking forward to a ‘David-free’ IPO.
Terrance discusses the increasing role that Poker Org is playing in the poker community before switching over to his role as judge of the HUGE CHIP RACE Unibet OpBad Beat Competition. The top 5 are announced with the winner receiving a €2000 Unibet Open Bucharest package.
Who will win a poker holiday to the Romanian capital and who will just have another bad beat story?
Joining us this week is poker player, streamer and champion of the world Bert ‘Girafganger’ Stevens. We also welcome poker player, science writer and soon to be best selling poker author Alex O’Brien. For strategy, we discuss a hand with poker player, coach podcaster and author Gareth James. Dara and David discuss the trickiness of the 30 big blind stack. Plus, Barry Carter takes a humorous look at this week’s poker news.
This week, we welcome poker coach, staker and twitcher Jordan Drummond. We are also joined by poker player, WPA advocate and YouTuber Chris Read. For strategy, we talk to Faraz Jaka about a hand from his recent final table in the Harrah’s Main Event. Donal MacAonghusa stops by to discuss the role of the Tournament Director. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk.
This week, we are locked in and spaced out with Kat Arnsby as we discuss media/social media platforms and the marketing of poker.
Dara breaks down his recent article on envy in all its forms in poker.
David takes credit for five years of consistent growth at Unibet Poker.
The lads also ambush Kat into giving them a Unibet Open Bucharest package worth €2000 which they plan to give away to one lucky player via a ‘bad beat story’ competition.
For the first episode of our 21st season on the air, we are joined by WSOP bracelet winner, Limit Holdem maestro Terrence Chan. We also welcome back Irish poker tour ambassador Andy Black. For strategy, Dara will help David analyse a hand that he played on Day 2 of the WSOP Main Event. Leo Worthington-Lees discusses exploitative poker. Plus, Barry Carter takes a sartorial look at the news!
This week, we are locked in with Ari Engel, a man who has more rings than he does fingers.
Dara gives his best health advice while Ari talks about his struggle to maintain good eating habits on the road (bust out ice-cream and celebratory ice-cream).
There is a brief chat on the Spanish tax worries as they pertain to EPT Barcelona which segues to more advice-giving - this time on how best to weather live downswings.
The lads discuss the upcoming three-way clash between WPT, EPT and WSOP. David and Dara wax lyrical on their preference for the Wynn while Ari admits to never planning more than two days ahead ever.
The conversation ends with a very modest Ari talking about his back-to-back nights 14th and 15th circuit ring wins. In light of all the fanfare that came with these results, he discusses the value of having invested in a crack marketing team.
Before he signs off, David reminds the audience about the extensive list of upcoming live events that are sponsored by Unibet Poker and can be qualified for on the online client right now.
For our 20th season finale, we are joined by 6-time WSOP bracelet winner and WSOP player of the year, Josh Arieh. We’ve also got poker player, twitch streamer and ambassador Georgina James. For strategy, Dara and David look at a hand played by Dara at the WSOP in which he deviated to an exploitative line with the flopped nuts. Bo Jin stops by to discuss poker in Asia. Plus, Barry Carter takes a funny look at the week's news!
This week, we are locked into the commentary booth at the Merit Poker Retro Series in North Cyprus.
Dara and David analyse the action in the $2200 Warm-Up and $5300 Highroller events as well as two wild high-stakes cash games.
The big topic under discussion is the Spanish tax situation and the way that it may affect EPT/Estrellas Barcelona. There are a few reasons to believe that overseas players may not be chased for tax on winnings but no clear cut assurances either so David and Dara explain the logic behind their decision to just play Estrellas week and forgo the higher buy-in tournaments.
There is also a discussion of the upcoming week-long Unibet Summer Knockout Festival (Aug 27-Sep 3) which spins into a chat about how the games on Unibet Poker are noticeably bigger than ever before. Obviously, David claims that it is because of his raw sex appeal but, sensibly, Dara offers other reasons.
This week, we are joined by WSOP bracelet winner, our great friend Tom Hall. We’ve also got poker player, dental hygienist and talented writer Jacqueline Burkhart. For strategy, Dara and David take a deep dive into another classic hand - this one played between WSOP Main event winners Stu Ungar and Mansour Matloubi. Phil Galfond tells us about his 5 post-it notes. Plus, Barry Carter takes a sardonic look at the news!
This week, Dara and David are locked in to the Horseshoe and Paris, Las Vegas as they chase WSOP Glory!
Dara is a cashing machine both before David gets there and after his arrival as he racks up scores in WSOP events, Daily Deepstacks and Satellites, making his a deepest run in the $2500 event.
David manages a Day 5 run in the Main Event along with cashes in the Hall of Fame Bounty, $1K event and a win in a Main Event satellite.
On the week when the WSOP Main Event begins, we welcome the winner of the biggest ever main event Jamie Gold. We’ve also got poker player, survivor contestant and Floptimal creator Shirin Ozkooi. Keeping with the theme of the WSOP main event, for strategy, we take a deep dive into that classic hand played between Johnny Chan and Erik Seidel heads up for the 1988 Main Event title. Callum Hamilton stops by to discuss poker stables. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk with all the big stories!
On the week when Dara heads over to the WSOP, we welcome the winner of the biggest Sunday Million ever Vanessa Kade. We’ve also got GPI Global Poker Award winning photographer Hayley Hochstetler. For strategy, high stakes poker player and coach Kevin Rabichow talks us through an exciting hand he played versus Rampage. Tyler Hancock stops by to discuss buying action and to offer ‘The Chip Race’ a partnership with Stake Kings, allowing you to buy a piece of our WSOP Main Event. Plus, Barry Carter casts his eye over the week’s latest news!
This week, we are locked in with Poker.Org’s Head of Instant Media Sarah Herring!
The episode kicks off with Sarah explaining how she puts her interview subjects at ease before the conversation switches to stories from the first week of the WSOP. Chad Eveslage’s two bracelets are discussed as is Doug Polk’s celebratory laps. Dara also attempts to undo Barry Carter’s sabotage of their book launch as the Mystery Millions tournament mints 3 millionaires!
Sarah explains the role of Instant-Media in the media landscape and the mission of Poker.Org as a platform that wants to represent the voices of the players. Pokernews’ WSOP reporting blunders are discussed as is it’s deterioration as a poker media outlet in general.
David expresses his disappointment as disgraced podcaster ‘True Geordie’ signs with GGPoker, Dara talks about streakiness in poker, Sarah calls children tiny serial killers and everyone weighs in on the upcoming Poker Hall Of Fame nominations.
The episode ends with a plug for the UNIBET OPEN BUCHAREST which will take place between November 29th and December 3rd. Satellites for what David predicts will be a record-breaking event are already running on Unibet Poker.
On the week that ‘The Chip Race’ was green-lit for 3 more seasons by Unibet Poker, we welcome 3-time WSOP bracelet winner, PLO legend and run it once Bossman Phil Galfond. We’ve also got Canadian poker player Elizabeth Bennett Martin. For strategy, we are joined by poker player and GOAP Kevin O’Donnell to look at a wild hand of his from this years Irish poker open. Jesse Fullen stops by to discuss the 2023 WSOP. Plus, Barry Carter takes a satirical look at the news!
On the week when the poker community said goodbye to its most legendary figure, we welcome WSOP ring winner and EPT Monte Carlo 3rd place finisher Leo Worthington Leese. We have also got poker player, streamer and Triton champion Mark Rubbathan. For strategy, Dara and I breakdown a Doyle Brunson hand from the 2021 WSOP Main Event. Brent Harrington stops by to discuss ‘poker beefs’. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk!
This week we are locked in for the fourth time with Chip Race newsman Barry Carter on the eve of his seventh book release and fifth collaboration with Dara.
The show opens with plenty of talk about Mystery Bounties as ‘Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy’ is primed to hit the shelves. Dara and Barry give some tips on the format to whet the appetite for prospective buyers of the book.
From there, the conversation turns to a few of the big stories from a wild fortnight in the poker world. Dave Hughes victory in the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown ladies event is discussed by everyone as is the recent live edition of ‘High Stakes Poker’. Nik ‘Airball’ Arcot’s controversial antics are analysed as is his brief grudge match versus Matt Berkey which ended after Arcot cried uncle when minus $1,000,000.
The lads all weigh in on whether the recent explosion of Twitter Spaces in the poker community is a good or bad thing and whether it will last as a format. David brings up the developments in the long-standing Polk/Carrel feud and Phil Galfond’s lengthy article about the shifting of The Overton Window with regard to a culture of bullying in poker.
The episode ends with a quick plug for the Unibet-sponsored Festival Series which David will be playing in Malta next week.
This week, we are locked in and handing out great poker advice with top player and coach Faraz Jaka!
The lads discuss the creeping problem of AI as trainers and solver software pose a long term existential threat to online poker. Meanwhile, Dara talks about his frustration with the limitations of ChatGPT when it fails to help him take the piss out of David.
There is some conversation about GGPoker’s decision to roll back their rake increases and plenty of chat about coaching techniques with players of various standards, the coach/student relationship and Faraz’s upcoming WSOP Prep course.
The episode ends with the lads giving their opinions on how to best suss out +EV sweats and David plugging Unibet’s upcoming live poker partnerships.
For our Season 20 curtain raiser and on the week when The Chip Race Series takes pride of place on the UNIBET Poker schedule, David and Dara welcome one of the greatest poker players in the world, former pocket fives number 1 and all-round crusher Conor Beresford. They are also joined by poker player, streamer and ACR ambassador Monika ‘HeyMonia’ Zukovicz. For strategy, they take a look at a classic hand, specifically the 1998 ‘you call and it’s gonna be all over baby’ hand between Scotty Nguyen and Kevin Macbride. Bryan Paris and Mike Wasserman stop by to talk about their new course on poker fundamentals. Plus, Barry Carter takes a comedic look at this week’s poker news!
This week, we are locked in and out with newly crowned Irish Poker Open champion David Docherty.
We talk about David’s epic run to the final table and decision to make no deal once he got there. David puts the Irish Poker Open in historical context and speaks about what it means to now be part of event’s folklore.
Dara discusses his recent article about the positives and negatives of this year’s festival as we all weigh in on the rake, the structure, the capacity and staff issues, the livestream and the qualifier ticket system.
There is plenty of conversation around William Kassouf’s various angles, and, more seriously, his alleged walking away from the table without paying his portion of a multi-way pot.
There is also a brief chat about another alleged incident where Canadian player Louise Francoeur was slapped on the leg by another player at the table.
Wrapping things up, the lads express their excitement for the upcoming Unibet Poker Chip Race Series - 8 days of mid-stakes action with 26 tournaments from April 16-23.
Coming to you this week from where it all began for the show, David and Dara are in Dublin for Irish Poker Open week. They welcome poker player and woman who launched a thousand podcast episodes Robbi Jade Lew! They are also joined by Irish European Deepstacks champion Tommy Gejeziunas. For strategy, they welcome back former Irish open champion and former Chip Race newsman Ian Simpson. Baard Dahl stops by to talk about online poker security. Plus, Barry Carter takes his usual funny look at this week’s news.
What a show we’ve got this week! The winningest Irish poker player of all time Andy Black is here for a hotly anticipated debate with Dara on GTO vs white magic. We are also joined by poker player and quiz show semi-pro Lori-Ann Persinger. For strategy, we look at a hand of Dara’s from a recent Irish Poker Tour event in which the villain is his former student, top Irish pro Stephen Kehoe. Jason Koon stops by (sort of) to discuss the subject of knowing what level your opponent is on and the relevant exploits that can be deployed. Plus Barry Carter takes another comedic look at the recent news.
This week, we are locked in and wigging out with legendary poker broadcaster and WSOP Circuit ring winner Lon McEachern.
The conversation kicks off with a chat about Lon’s recent WSOP victory which segues to a chat about the WSOP free-to-play app and the broader issue of online poker in America.
Dara and Lon weigh in on David’s article about Odin removing its 20 second delay feature and the possibility that it can now be used as RTA. Dara makes the point that it’s impact is neither a tournament nor low-midstakes issue while Lon grapples with the morality and where the job of policing RTA use lies. There is then some discussion on Daniel Negreanu’s recent allegations against Ali Imsirovic.
The conversation concludes with a results round-up, David plugging the upcoming Unibet Spring Poker Championship Main Event and a ‘Leaky Lon’ tease about his upcoming project with Phil Galfond and poker producer Todd Anderson.
On the week when our ungrateful audience clearly didn’t campaign hard enough for us to win a GPI Global Poker Award, we welcome podcaster and GPA winning poker broadcaster James Hartigan. We are also joined by poker player, content creator and GPA winning Rising Star in poker Caitlin Comeskey. For strategy, Tom Parsons stops by to discuss his bust-out hand from the PSPC. Jason Tompkins is here to discuss his brand new poker tour, the APT. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk!
This week, we are locked in and doling out opinions with GPI Poker Information Manager and all round poker media guru Kevin Mathers.
The lads discuss some recent VSO News articles, the first by talented new recruit Jon Pill who asks if Eric Persson is poker’s newest whale. The second article up for dissection is Dara’s piece on the Action Poker Tour. They examine the mission statement of the APT, the brainchild of Irish poker veteran Jason Tompkins.
The conversation then turns to the GPI Global Poker Awards as Kevin, David and Dara all weigh in with their picks, as well as some criticisms of the awards and the omission of certain award categories.
The chat ends with a reminder about the Spring Poker Championship, currently running on Unibet poker and featuring Chess GOAT Magnus Carlsen.
On the week that the show became the only thrice Global Poker Award nominated podcast, David and Dara are joined by WSOP champion, 6-time WPT main event final tablist and Women’s Poker Hall of Famer Kathy Liebert. They also welcome Scottish poker pro and commentator Andrew Hedley. For strategy, Kevin Rabichow stops by to discuss a hero-call he made versus Justin Saliba on the WPT Wynn 25k final table. The lads talk about the poker media with writer, editor and podcaster Brad Willis. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk!
This week we are locked in to the commentary booth at the Merit Poker Western Series.
David and Dara are in Kyrenia, North Cyprus calling the action on the Warm-Up, Main and Highroller Events but they still make time to record an on-location episode featuring guest stars Jack Sinclair, La Sengphet, Michael Lech, Paul Browne, Jamie Nixon and their co-commentator Ali Nejad.
After the lads discuss their experiences at the all-inclusive Merit resort, they address the appalling Pokernews article by Jon Sofen about poker pro Paulina Loeliger.
This week we are locked in and knocking out all our opponents with Chip Race newsman extraordinaire Barry Carter.
After a dominating performance in the Unibet Poker Slobberknocker Series Low Leaderboard, Barry does a lap of honour right in the face of David who was made to sweat for his victory in the High Leaderboard. (At the time of recording, he didn’t know if he would win!)
This segues nicely to the lads discussing PKO strategy with Dara providing some excellent nuggets of wisdom… which segues nicely to the success of Dara and Barry’s new book ‘GTO Poker Simplified’, their fastest selling book to date.
Barry revisits 2022 with his top 3 stories and the lads take a deep dive into the possible consequences going forward for some of those stories.
The episode wraps up with some chat about upcoming live poker destinations and breaking news of both the Unibet Spring Championship in February and a special week-long Chip Race series possibly coming in March.
What a show to kick off 2023! The lads didn’t win the WPT but they welcome a guest who did in the shape of WPT Florida champion Andy Wilson. For strategy, they’ve got GPI double-bridesmaid Angela Jordison who has brought a hand from 4-handed play at the WSOP that has haunted her for 6 long months. Unibet Poker’s Andy Paton stops by to discuss poker schedules. Plus, Barry Carter keeps it fun and fresh at the news desk!
This week the lads are locked in and ballin’ out in the Wynn for the WPT World Championships.
David and Dara are in Las Vegas to meet up with old friends, catch up with acquaintances, watch some football, flick in a Milestone Satellite and then play the $10,400 Main Event!
In the first half, Dara talks about his unplanned layover in London, David talks some hand histories, the guarantee gets obliterated and there’s a surprise appearance by Phil Hellmuth.
In the second half, Dara and David fire bullets in the $1600 Mystery Bounty, the $1K and the $600 Tag-Team Bomb-Pot Double Barrel. They also cross the road to play the $600 event at Resorts World.
After David asks Zoltar to bring them both some run-good, will the lads finish the trip in the black?
For the final episode of 2022, the lads are joined by poker player, tennis player, actor, writer and WPT commentator Vince Van Patten. They also welcome poker player and author Amanda Botfeld. For strategy, they take a closer look at a ridiculous fold that David made at the recent Battle of Malta. John Duthie’s thoughts about poker marketing are deconstructed. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk!
This week, the lads are locked in and bursting to get out to Las Vegas for the WPT World Poker Championships at the Wynn! Joining them to recap the latest news and to foreshadow what they can expect in Vegas is the WPT director of media and player communications Lance Bradley.
The trio discuss poker book-writing, poker journalism and the online poker landscape today. They also look at the role that ambassadors and players can play in the content creation space.
Andy Wilson’s impressive WPT Florida victory is broken down before the lads shine a light on some grassroots poker achievements including Paul Carr’s recent hatrick on the Irish Poker Tour.
The main topic of conversation though is the now running WPT festival at the Wynn, the recent star-studded Meet-Up Game and the upcoming WPT $15 million guarantee tournament at the Wynn!
For our 19th season curtain-raiser, we’ve got poker player, vlogger, The Lodge Cardroom owner and WPT ambassador Brad Owen. We are also joined by Irish player, commentator and Twitcher Tom Parsons. For strategy, Tony Dunst is here to discuss a hand he thinks he butchered from an online 2K event. Barry is at the news desk but not before he steps away momentarily to talk about his and Dara's new book ‘GTO Poker Simplified’.
This week, we are locked in and fleshing out all the details of the upcoming WPT Wynn in Las Vegas.
WPT executive tour director Matt stops by to help us discuss the week’s news gossip and scandal but also to shine a light of the record-breaking festival planned for December.
The lads examine the Pokerstars decision to bin podcaster True Geordie after Islamophobic remarks. The conversation is then steered in the direction of the Irish Open which is moving to the RDS and will be sponsored next year by Paddy Power and Pokerstars.
Dara discusses the recent hot streak of Irish players in the online realm, Matt talks about enjoying the sweat of the $15,000,000 guarantee at the Wynn and David asks about the signing of Phil Ivey to the WPT roster.
The episode rounds out with a mention of Unibet Poker as the new ‘Home Of Overlays’ as it’s new nightly schedule offers plenty of value for the players.
This week, we welcome poker player, coach and current GPI number 1, Chance Kornuth. We are also joined by Irish player and podcaster Jamie Flynn. For strategy, we dive into a hand of live from my Estrellas Barcelona deep run back in August. Debi O’Neill is here to discuss the Cardschat Poker Forum. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk!
This week, we are locked in to the Bonnington Hotel Dublin, oblivious to everything else going on in the poker world.
After trips to London for the UKIPT and Dublin for the International Poker Open (IPO), Dara and David are back at their respective base camps to reflect on a fortnight of poker travel.
The lads talk about the rejuvenated Pokerstars live tours and UKIPT/EPT London specifically where Dara posted his 200th live cash when he came 40th in the UKIPT Main event and 201st when he chopped the EPT Seniors event.
The conversation then segues to the Unibet IPO and former guest Nick O’Hara’s exceptional ring-mastery of the event. The lads analyse two spots with pocket jacks that David faced on his way to a 4th place finish in the Main event.
This week, we are locked in and hanging out with Grosvenor Ambassador Katie Swift.
Over the course of this wide ranging conversation, the trio discuss Robbi Jade Lew’s lie detector text, Garrett Adelstein’s LA Times articles and Thomas Kremser’s controversial return to tournament directing at the Battle of Malta.
Katie talks about her role as host at the upcoming Malta Poker Festival while David and Dara weigh in on the different needs of the recreational poker player to those of the pro.
The upcoming Unibet IPO Dublin is previewed and there is also some chat about the new Unibet Poker schedule which boasts the lowest rake in the industry, more PKOs and bigger guarantees.
This week, we welcome to the show poker player, YouTuber, poker room owner and WPT ambassador Andrew Neeme. We are also joined by author, podcaster and live tells expert Zach Elwood. For strategy, we do a fun crossover with fellow GPI Global poker award winner ‘The Grid’ as we look at a hand of Jen Shahade’s from the EPT Barcelona Mystery Bounty. The executive director of poker operations at the Wynn Ryan Beauregard stops by to discuss the record breaking $15 million WPT event in December. Plus, Barry Carter is at the news desk!
This week, we are on location in Malta paying tribute to our great friend Jan Suchanek who was booked to appear on this episode but sadly passed away a fortnight ago.
Dara and David venture to various spots, some closer to the sea than others, as they discuss the media coverage since Robbi Lew made that questionable Jack-High call versus Garrett Adelstein. They also brag shamelessly about the hugely successful Chip Race Mystery Bounty at the Unibet Open. Dara is on the Doke Diet, also known as an accidental diet to which you fully commit afterwards.
In the final segment, the lads reminisce about their friend Jan, sharing personal memories and the tributes of some of Jan’s sports-betting work buddies, poker friends and poker daughter Paulina Loeliger.
Joining us this week are 3-time WSOP bracelet winner David Baker and WSOP and WPT champion James Dempsey. For strategy, Andy ‘BowieEffect’ Wilson analyses a key hand from his Estrellas Barcelona deep run. Natalie Bromley stops by to discuss The Hearts Of Queens Project. Plus, Barry Carter has all the news.
This episode is dedicated to our friend Jan Suchanek who passed away last week.
This week, the lads are locked in with poker podcaster extraordinaire Joe Ingram. (Joey arrives at the 19 minute mark)
David ‘kicks’ things off by describing the comedy of errors that lead him to break three toes in three separate incidents last week, after which the conversation turns to the subject of grassroots poker.
With the online festivals in full swing, there is a brief results recap and Dara gives his top 3 things not to do if you are putting in a big grind.
It’s then time to welcome special guest Joe Ingram who discusses his interview with alleged cheater Bryn Kenney. Despite the doom and gloom around this story, Joey and Dara find the positives as they paint a hopeful picture for online poker and poker in general.
The topic then shifts to another ‘Poker Life’ interview, this time Joey’s fiery podcast with Ebony Kenney which ended early on a sour note last night. The lads applaud Kenney’s terrific performance at Triton Cyprus and then Joey gives his perspective as to how his interview got derailed, acknowledging some of his own shortcomings while also defending his lines of interrogation in other spots.
Dara and David speak out for moderator Donna Morton who was sadly caught in the crossfire after a comment of hers was misconstrued by Kenney, ultimately leading to Kenney’s walk-off. Joey also weighs in in support of ‘the godmother of UK Poker’.
There is discussion about the purity test double-standards at play as women are made to answer for the misogynistic behaviour of men in their companies before the conversation ultimately turns to Joey and his own life this past year.
Dara speaks about the ambassadorial chops of the big Triton winner Sam Grafton before Joey talks about the challenges of podcasting and his all-in approach to life. He also talks about his new passion for banking, crypto and geo-politics as he wonders if a new chapter of his life could be about to open.
This week, we welcome 5-time WSOP bracelet winner and former WSOP Player of the Year Shaun Deeb. We are also joined by two time Unibet Open champion Matteusz Moolhuizen. For strategy, we analyse a funky spot of Dara’s from the recent EPT Barcelona. Kat Arnsby stops by to talk about The Chip Race Mystery Bounty. Plus, Barry Carter has got all the latest news!
This week, the lads are locked in and shouting out about the upcoming Unibet Online Series - Lightning! They also welcome back to the show their great friend Henry Kilbane.
David kick things off by asking Henry about his recent upswing before delving into the horror story that was the night he lost 80% of his net worth.
The conversation then turns to live-streaming as the the trio analyse the strategies of cash game livestreams, specifically ‘Live at the Bike’ and ‘Hustler Live’ to generate audience interest. Henry weighs in from a commentator’s perspective on the ingredients for a successful cash game stream. There is also some banter about Phil Hellmuth’s inexplicable decision to short-stack a week of cash games billed for him.
Former guest Jack Hardcastle is discussed on the heels of his second GUKPT victory which segues nicely to a chat about grassroots poker, in particular the record-breaking Goliath, the IPT and the Unibet IPO with Dara discussing the importance of poker events aimed at a recreational market.
With shout-outs and call-back galore, the lads finish things off by plugging the upcoming Unibet Online Series Lightning Edition - an 8-day version of the popular online series.
This week, we welcome WSOP and MSPT finalist Angela Jordison. We’ve got the second half of our Brian Rast interview. For strategy, we analyse a bubble spot with top Australian online pro Jesse ‘On The Mac’ McKenzie. Jim Reid stops by to discuss the recreational poker experience. Plus, Barry Carter is here with the news!
This week, we are locked in and eating out in the beautiful Catalan capital.
Dara and David turn on the cameras in their hotel suite to discuss the Estrellas week of the EPT Barcelona festival. The conversation begins with some chat about David’s 26th place finish in the record-breaking 6313 runner main event. The lads discuss two of David’s more interesting hand histories - a 7 high river bluff and a three street call down with Jack high.
Dara also cashed the main, as he did in the Seniors and he relayed some of the funnier goings on as players were unhappy about the late Day 1 finish and another player dropped his chips all over the floor.
Interspersed with some videos from the event, the party and the city, Dara and David cap things off with a post-brunch game of insults. Stay until the very end for the best ones!
This week, we are locked in and zenned out with Luke ‘Slay’ Vrabel.
The conversation between the lads is a wild ride that starts with the story behind the un-banning of Vrabel from the WSOP and his subsequent cash in the Main Event.
David brings up Dan Zack winning WSOP player of the Year and Shaun Deeb’s unofficial ‘player of the decade’ title before the chat segues to Landon Tice’s bet with Pads Leonard that he cannot leave Ballys for an entire year. Vrabel gives his opinion on bets that make someone miserable while Dara points to the tragedy of a young person sacrificing the 23rd year of their life.
Next is one of the two big stories of the week - GGPoker’s Player Integrity Council banning some cheaters but inviting back others. The lads all weigh in on the make-up of and concept behind the PIC while expressing concerns about GG’s integrity, the possible problem arising from personal biases and Fedor Holz’s involvement with the Odin solver.
Finally, the lads discuss Hustler Casino reneging on their $250,000 guarantee and the aftermath but just as the show is winding down, Vrabel veers the conversation towards the alleged anti-semitism of some high profile poker players, inspiring a brief chat on the nature of internet rabbit-holes and what the community can do.
It will come as no surprise that this is one of our longest ever episodes… but it’s also one of our most entertaining.
On this week’s show, we welcome 5-time WSOP bracelet winner and super high roller bowl champion, Brian Rast. We will also be joined by poker pro, commentator, streamer and vlogger Gary Blackwood. We’ve got a strategy segment with a twist - a hand of Dara’s from the European Deepstack Highroller. David Peters (sort of) joins us to discuss the topic of taking a player out of his preparation. Plus, Barry Carter has all the latest news.
This week we are locked in and turfed out of our hotel with Irish poker pro Turlough McHugh.
The show has a WSOP wrap-up theme but the lads kick things off by asking Turlough to tell the story of his nightmare experience when he tested positive for Covid whilst staying in Ballys.
The topic then switches to the positives and negatives of the WSOP’s switch to Bally’s/Paris from the Rio before moving on to ‘the rise of ladies groups’ and an article penned by Dara this week. He elaborates on what he sees as a crucial step forward for women in the game, highlighting the group ‘Herzdamen’ who he believes are going about their business the right way.
From Dara’s recent article to David’s, the subject then changes to Unibet ambassador Magnus Carlsen and his new podcast ‘The Magnus Effect’ in which he dropped a bombshell this week. The lads discuss his decision to withdraw from the world chess championships and ponder his possible move into the poker arena.
Last but not least, the WSOP Main event victory of former guest and former Unibet Poker ambassador Espen Jørstad is discussed in detail. From Espen’s financial woes in the run up to the Series to his bracelet in the Tag-Team event to his breathtaking run to the title, Dara and David weigh in. They also put his final hand under the microscope.
In this wide-ranging discussion ahead of the WSOP Main Event, we talk about time-banking and late registration. We also make some bold predictions.
Dara previews the much anticipated Mystery Bounty event, Kara weighs in on the topic of diversity and there is a deep dive into Kara’s excellent GPI award-nominated podcast ‘The Heart Of Poker’.
Before the trio part ways, Kara gives her best ‘deer in the headlights’ impression as she rehearses fake-freezing up on camera!
This week we are locked in and sorting out the issue of inclusivity (in two minutes) with our good friend, poker player, writer and possible alien Alex O’Brien.
There is loads of great conversation on this episode as Alex describes her poker trips to Malta and Dublin and Dara dispenses great advice to players coming into the live arena for the first time.
Alex discusses her upcoming book ‘The Truth Detective’ and how poker rewired her brain and changed her approach to other aspects of her life.
The trio also pay tribute to Dan Smith who won a bracelet, criticise Ted Cruz for tweeting about his poker exploits while murdered children were being buried and call out Dan Bilzerian for still not showing up to play Alex.
What a show we’ve got in store this week! We welcome poker pro and ‘Bet, Raise, Fold’ star Danielle Andersen. We will be joined by the GOAP Kevin O’Donnell - that GOAP or the greatest old age pensioner, as Dara likes to call him. For strategy, we’ve got Steve O’Dwyer who helps us break down an interesting hand from his Irish poker Open victory. Lyle Bateman stops by to talk about ‘inclusivity in poker’. Plus, Barry Carter is here with all the latest news.
This week, we are locked in and worn out after a mammoth spell of live poker as David and Dara are joined by former guest Niall Farrell on the heels of his UKIPT Dublin victory.
The trio discuss the results from Dublin, whilst also giving their takes on what live poker brands need to get right for the players to be successful in the coming year.
The new and exciting Mystery Bounty format is analysed and David announces ‘The €550 Chip Race Mystery Bounty Event’ at the upcoming Unibet Open Malta in September.
In an extra-long jam-packed episode, Niall is asked about his upcoming BBC documentary and what it’s like to have so much of his last year chronicled. The lads also take a few moments to pay tribute to the late Todd Terry.
This week, David and Dara welcome reigning MSPT player of the year Kyna England. They are also joined by 2-time WSOP winner and poker author, Bill Chen. For strategy, they’ve got the online legend that is Chris Moorman as he faces off against Ali Imsirovic. Fergal Nealon stops by to discuss ‘Rapid Response Ukraine’. Plus, Barry Carter has all the latest news.
This week, we are locked in and cranking out a show in the tiny gap between live events.
Dara and David are back from the Dublin Poker Festival which came right on the heels of the Malta Poker Festival which came right on the heels of umpteen other live festivals. To say the lads are exhausted after months of live poker would be an understatement but that doesn’t mean any relent from their content output.
The pair chat about the unique deep-stack and extra levels in the structure of the European Deepstacks. They tip their caps to Willow Connolly, Triona Sheeran and Annette O’Carroll who enjoyed big results at the festival.
The conversation then switches to the question of how to attract more women to the game and why The Malta Poker Festival succeeds in getting a big female turnout.
With the WSOP on the horizon, Dara talks about his preparation and the lads discuss the thorny subject of mark-ups, before the episode wraps up with the announcement of the Unibet Open’s return to Malta in September.
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This week’s show has an Irish Poker Open theme as we are joined by not one champion, but two. Steve O’Dwyer is here to talk about his victory and more. We’ve also got 2016 champ Dan Wilson who short stack ninja’d his was to fifth this year. Dan is also be the focus of our strategy segment as we analyse the most talked about hand of the tournament. Ivonne Montealegre stops by to discuss the Malta Poker Festival. Plus, Barry has got the latest news.
This week, we are locked-in and closing out a week of coverage of The Irish Poker Open with a special 50th episode.
David and Dara wanted to record from the plush Irish Open studio but instead they are back at their desks two days after the festival.
The lads discuss Steve O’Dwyer’s dominating performance on a Main Event final table in which he knocked out every single player. They also analyse some of the other great performances on show including those of Dan Wilson, Rus Mircea and runner-up Kyle Maguire.
There is some chat about David’s new poker nemesis Alex Kulev who won an online $5K Mystery Bounty tournament whilst playing Day 2 of the Main.
There is also Dara’s take on David’s interview and subsequent article in which he elaborated on his feelings about playing with sticky-palmed chatterbox William Kassouf.
The episode wraps up with some plugs for the upcoming Unibet Online Series and a duo of Unibet powered live festivals - The Malta Poker Festival and The Dublin Poker Festival - with David almost leaking news of a third live event that is about to be announced.
This week we are locked in and hanging out in the beautiful Estonian capital of Tallinn.
After Dara finally finishes his hot chocolate, the lads take refuge in David’s room at the Park Hilton, the venue for the Patrik Antonius Poker Challenge.
Dara and David have been in the commentary booth, covering some special events from the festival including the ‘Challenge Patrik’ heads-up championship, the First Land Of Poker (FLOP) Meet-Up Game (MUG) and a big cash game featuring Patrik Antonius, Kim Hultman and Juha Helppi.
The lads also discuss their recent articles for VSO News - David’s piece on poker pariah turned ‘decision scientist’ Annie Duke and Dara’s tribute to his late friend, poker player Mark Dalimore.
Before they wrap-up, Dara gives his top satellite tip as they plug the upcoming satellites for the Malta Poker Festival and Dublin Poker Festival.
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This week, we welcome back to the show our good friend, WSOPE Main Event champion Jack Sinclair. We are also joined by Nordic Poker Champion Jon Kyte. For strategy, Isaac Haxton stops by to discuss a hand he played versus Brian Rast. We do a deep dive into the thorny subject of poker scammers. Plus, our brand new newsman Barry Carter has got news and results.
This week we are locked-in and hatching out a plan to become reality TV stars with Big Brother Canada winner turned poker twitch sensation Kevin Martin.
Dara and David take a deep dive into three of Kevin's recent tweets, one of which probes his belief in copying from the best and the other two which illustrate his excellent understanding of what makes good content.
The lads talk about how the current season of High Stakes Poker actually improved when some of big names left the game. They all give their takes on Doug Polk's 'Top 5 Best Poker Players Ever' list while also compiling their own 'Top 5 Online Tournament Players' list.
The conversation then segues to live poker, specifically live tells and the recent staring contest between Alex Foxen and Stevie Chidwick. From there, Dara and David go into detail about their upcoming live schedules which include events in Tallinn, Dublin, Malta and then Dublin again.
The conversation ends with the news that Dan Bilzerian has been taken out of the bin by GG as Dara and David give Kevin the floor to voice his views on the Instagram star's original signing and possibly bungled re-signing.
This week, we welcome mixed game beast and 2-time WSOP bracelet winner Brandon Shack Harris. We will also be joined by popular UK pro and twitch streamer Jamie Nixon. For strategy, we’ve got poker star, the one and only Vanessa Kade. With a little help from Mason Malmuth, we chat about tilt. Plus, Ian… yes still Ian… will have the news and results!
This week, we are locked in and caking out in Prague.
On location in the Czech capital, Dara and David discuss their cashes in the Main Event and Highroller respectively. Dara talks about a particularly dicey hand on the exact bubble when he woke up with pocket aces.
The Chip Race's former graphic-artist and animator Willie Elliot is applauded for his player experience-centric approach in his role as Customer Engagement Manager for PokerStars Live Events and with the exception of the egregious 15% registration on nightly hyper-turbos, our review of the stop was positive.
There is a moment of contemplation for Unibet ambassador gone to soon Ian Simpson and a chat about GG ambassador seemingly gone not soon enough Dan Bilzerian.
The episode concludes with a round-up of the latest poker stories, including Unibet Open back-to-back champion Padraig O'Neill's 'Mystery Bounty' big win, Jamie's Kerstetter's Toilet Glory and Vanessa Kade's deep run in the Wynn $10Million.
This week, we are delighted to welcome to the show 3-time WSOP bracelet winner Ryan Leng. We also have the incomparable Niall Farrell. For strategy, there’s a hand with Andy ‘dawhiteninja’ Wool. Des Duffy stops by to discuss all things APAT. Plus, Ian’s got the news and results...
This week we are locked in and eating out with math teacher turned poker player turned start-up wizard Josh Abady.
Josh tell us all about his exciting new food app ‘manna’ before we tuck into the latest poker news, gossip and scandal.
The lads discuss the recent heads-up duel between Hellmuth and Dwan, pondering how the structure means a 7-figure match in the horizon. They also discuss the charity match between Vanessa Kade and Alex O’Brien.
From that the conversation turns to ‘High Stakes Poker’ about which David has one of his rants and the GPI awards, where the lads focus on the wins of Christian Zetzsche and Kevin Mathers, both stalwarts of the poker community. There is also lots of love for Greg ‘Greg Goes All-In’ Liow who everyone agrees represents the direction that poker content needs to go.
Next up is Doug Polk’s ‘Best 100 Players’ podcast and the impossibility of compiling such a list. Dara talks about his recent article on why people lose in poker and Josh weighs in on what he thinks stops people from getting better.
The upcoming spate of live poker is met with a mix of excitement and trepidation from Dara and David as ‘Leaky Lappin’ almost spills the beans on Unibet’s yet to be announced partnerships.
David signs off with a reminder about the Unibet Open Online but not before Josh takes the piss out of his good friend and future Chip Race guest Ryan Leng!
This is our 17th season curtain raiser and we are delighted to welcome as our very special guest Rounders screenwriter, Billions creator and host of ‘The Moment’ podcast Brian Koppelman. We will also have the second part of that fantastic Faraz Jaka interview. For strategy, Dara and David take a closer look at a crucial spot from David’s WSOP Main Event run where he stuck it all in on the river 3-ways with just 6 high. Karina Karagaeva stops by to discuss Mindset Design. Plus, Ian’s got all the news and results.
On the week when we received our second nomination for GPI Global Poker Award Best Podcast, we welcome poker pro and entrepreneur Faraz Jaka. We sit down with Irish streamer Conor O’Driscoll. For strategy, we’ve got poker legend Ike Haxton looking at a mind-blowing hand he played against Patrik Antonius over eight years ago. Our great friend Jen Shahade stops by to talk about ‘Poker Power’ and her upcoming book ‘Chess Queens’, Plus, Ian’s got the latest news and results.
This week, we are locked in and busting out the champagne after our second nomination for Best Podcast at the GPI Global Poker Awards. Who better to help us celebrate but our trusted newsman Ian Simpson who is also celebrating his very profitable return to the live felt.
Ian made two final tables in London last week on his first poker outing in over two years. We chat to him about poker in Covid-times and mental game.
There is a conversation about the latest poker ambassadors coming from the entertainment and sporting world. Dara and David weigh in on the upcoming heads-up duels between Phil Hellmuth and Tom Dwan, and Alex O'Brien and Vanessa Kade.
In the last section of the show, there is a chat about the GPI Global Poker Award nominations as the trio pontificate on what is done well and what could be done better.
For the first show of 2022, we welcome poker pro and ‘Run It Once’ coach Kevin Rabichow. We sit down with Ireland’s GPI #1 Alex Kulev. For strategy, we’ve got GUKPT champion David Docherty. Mike Wasserman and Bryan Paris stop by to discuss ‘Mastering Mid-Stakes’ Plus, Ian’s got all the news and results.
This week, we are locked in and giving shout-outs with GPI President Eric Danis.
For the first show of 2022, Dara and David discuss the closure (for now) of Run It Once’s poker site and PokerShares betting platform. David also gives his thoughts on Doug Polk’s interview with Dan Bilzerian.
Eric Danis then shows up for a lengthy discussion on all things GPI, including the 2021 rankings, the decision to include marquee online results, the recent appointment of Kevin Mathers and the upcoming GPI Global Poker Awards. Dara and David reveal their picks in a handful of the 26 award categories and Eric speaks passionately about his desire for the awards to become a truly global celebration.
This week we are locked in and lucking out with poker and Hollywood royalty Jennifer Tilly.
Jennifer graced ‘The Chip Race’ with her presence all the way back in Season 3, returned for the 50th Episode Special and now she makes her debut on a special end of year episode of ‘The Lock-In’ to discuss some of the big stories of 2021.
The conversation is free-flowing as the trio reflect on Vanessa Kade’s rollercoaster year, the impact of Covid on life and live poker and the recent passing of Henry Orenstein. Jennifer drops a wisdom bomb about ‘The Gift Of Neglect’, tells us about a recent near-death experience and expounds on her love of improvisation. In what is a wide-ranging conversation, there is everything from ghosts to ICM, acting-school setbacks to degenerate cash-games.
There is also a preview of Jennifer’s upcoming appearances on High Stakes Poker and a shameless book plug for ‘He Played For His Wife & Other Stories’ (a fantastic book of short stories written by, amongst others, former 'The Chip Race' guests Jennifer Tilly, Barny Boatman and Michael Craig).
Happy New Year Everyone!
For our final show of 2021, we welcome WSOP bracelet winner Leo Margets. We also sit down with another bracelet winner, top pro Michael Wang. For strategy, Bertie ‘Bigstealer’ Bayley is here to discuss a fascinating hand from the 500 Zoom cash game streets. Paul Seaton stops to ask Dara and David about being poker ambassadors. Plus, Ian’s got news and results.
This week, Clayton Fletcher is locked in and freaking Dara and David out as he appears to join them from the afterlife.
An almost translucent Fletcher is in top form as he discusses the stories of the week as well as reminiscing about his good pal Norm MacDonald.
The lads cover Dara's WSOP final table, the latest developments in the PokerPaint saga, the controversial closure of Johnny Chan's card room and Alex O'Brien's upcoming match versus Vanessa Kade, whose sponsor ACR swooped in as GGPoker dragged their heels on her promised heads-up match versus Dan Bilzerian.
There is also some shameless plugging as Dara and David talk about their latest blogs for Gamble Online and the upcoming Unibet Open while Clayton mentions his upcoming comedy gigs.
This week, we are locked in and still hanging out in our Gold Coast hotel room for a bonus episode from Las Vegas.
The lads discuss David’s deep runs in several tournaments, including the Main Event. (Dara made the final table of his final event the next day so check out the next episode for a breakdown of that!)
Dara tells a hilarious story from The Rio restroom as the lads reflect on the end of the Series and the end of an era with the WSOP saying goodbye to the Rio.
There are is also some strategy as two crucial hands from the WSOP Main Event final table are put under the microscope.
This week, Dara and David are locked in to their offices in Dublin and Malta and later in their hotel room at the Gold Coast in Las Vegas!
Unsurprisingly, this is a WSOP-centric episode with the lads covering all the stories from Las Vegas from both sides of the Atlantic.
There are lots of matters to discuss, including ‘Foreigner-Gate’, ‘Late-Reg-Gate’ and Jungleman’s episode comeback to win the Poker Player’s Championship. Ryan Leng’s exemplary reaction to his huge mistake on the biggest stage is also discussed.
After the episode cuts to Las Vegas, we flash forward to the lads who are already through to Day 3, having registered straight into Day 2. How far will they go? You will have to watch the next episode to find out the answer to that question.
On the week when the 2021 WSOP Main Event begins, we welcome to the show the reigning live Main Event champion Hossein Ensan. We also sit down with poker pro and WSOP commentator Jamie Kerstetter. For strategy, we’ve got an interesting DTO spot courtesy of online MTT beast Bryan Paris. Poker dealer and Podcaster Ross Gaff joins us for some straight talk. Plus, Ian has the latest news and results.
For our 18th season curtain raiser, we have got a banger of a show. We welcome 2-time WSOP circuit winner Katie Stone. We are be joined by poker pro and newly crowned GUKPT Luton champion Tom Hall. For strategy, we’ve got Finnish poker legend Patrik Antonius, here to discuss that high stakes poker hand he played against Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey. Mason Malmuth stops by to talk about Cardrooms. Plus, Barry Carter delivers some FAKE NEWS!
We are back from our WSOP hiatus with a fantastic show featuring statistician, author and poker player Nate Silver. We will also be sitting down with poker pro and twitch streamer Andy 'dawhiteninja’ Wool. For strategy, we’ve got Daniel Dvoress here to discuss a sick hand he played versus Jason Koon. Tournament Director Glenn Doyle stops by to discuss pet umbrellas. Plus, Ian has all the news and loads of results from around the poker world.
