In this episode, Valerio and Ray explore poker variance through the metaphor of sailing: you can’t control the wind — but you can control the boat. Just like in poker, the ups and downs will come, but how you steer makes all the difference. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Valerio and Ray break down the journey from the losing end of poker — starting as a whale, then a fish, then just a losing player — all the way to breakeven. What separates these levels, and what kind of progress do you need to climb out? Because breaking even isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about the different levels of winning at poker — from breaking even to crushing games. How many hands do you need to track your real win rate? How fast can you move up? And why reaching breakeven is already a big deal. Most players are losing — staying grounded and improving takes time. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Valerio and Ray explore how strong positions can fall apart when emotion takes over. From a historical military blunder to slipping up in sport or poker, they unpack what happens when you lose focus — and how to stay grounded when it matters most. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about the early signs of tilt — the subtle mental shifts that happen before the big mistake. It’s not just about losing a hand — tilt starts with tension, distraction, impatience, or ego. Spot it early, save your stack. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about what to do when you’re tired, not playing your best, and can’t leave the game. From tightening up to simplifying decisions, here’s how to survive a session without making it worse. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray break down what every new player should know before joining a home poker game — from formats and etiquette to mindset and how to enjoy yourself without feeling lost. A friendly guide for your first seat at the table. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about changing gears at the poker table — when to do it, why it matters, and how to disguise it behind a run of good (or bad) cards. It’s not just what you play — it’s how and when you shift. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray share what they’ve seen improve in each other’s game over the past year. From confidence to creativity, the key takeaway is clear: if you don’t try new things, you’ll never grow. Change starts with risk. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about how to recognise strong players at the table. Aggression, emotional control, and creative thinking — these are the signs you’re up against someone who knows what they’re doing. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray ask: Do you always have to win? They talk about the danger of chasing wins at all costs, and why sticking to your strategy — even when you lose — is key to long-term success. Play well, stay calm, and let go of the outcome. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about the mistakes from the past that still creep into their game. Even when you know better, old habits can resurface — unless you catch them in time. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio shares what happened when Ray couldn’t make it to their regular Friday game — leaving him as the only aggressive player at the table. Ray asks questions, and together they break down how the game changed and how the others could have pushed back. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about energy management at the table. You can’t be at 100% for three hours straight — so when do you slow down, and when do you lock in fully? Playing well isn’t just about strategy — it’s about timing your focus. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray dive into 3-betting in position — especially from the button. Why it’s powerful, when to pull the trigger, and how your hand range and opponent type shape the move. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about tracking your poker results — why it matters, especially in live games where there’s no software to help. If you don’t know your numbers, you might just be fooling yourself. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

Valerio and Ray talk about the importance of being kind to weaker players — even when the cards go against you. If you insult them, they won’t come back. And without them, the game dies. Poker isn’t just one hand — it’s the long game. Protect it. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

You hit the dream flop — now how do you get paid? In this episode, Valerio and Ray talk about how to extract max value when you're ahead, especially against calling stations, tricky draws, or players who just can’t fold their big pairs. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Ray tells the story of qualifying online and traveling to Manchester for a live tournament. Seven hours of play, ups and downs — and what it’s like chasing Day 2 on the road. Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com

In this episode, Valerio and Ray look back at their early poker days. Ray wishes he’d moved to No Limit sooner. Valerio shares why finding a low-pressure game is key to learning the right strategy. What would you tell your younger self? Send comments and requests for future episodes to: valerio@valeriosara.com ray@raymorris-hill.com