Matt Matros, three-time WSOP bracelet winner and three-time author enters the GRID to discuss a fascinating hand with ace-nine offsuit, also featured in his new book, The Poker Brain: Improving Your Process Through Optimal and Exploitive Thinking.

Matt opened the hijack, deep in the money of an online bracelet event, and was called by poker pro Darren Rabbi in the big blind.

The flop was 852 rainbow and Matt, who was playing about 40 big blinds deep, elected to check back the flop, turning a 7, which completed the rainbow. At this point Darren led for full pot, and Matt’s poker brain went into full gear, as he contemplated folding, calling vs. raising.

This strategy rich episode delves into why particularly flop has such big bet energy, and the way that solvers and human intuition can contradict each other- or complement each other. They also talk about poker “trouble hands”, and why Jennifer wants to bring back hand nicknames, including “A Knock-off” for this particular combo. They also talk about Matt’s approach to poker coaching and writing.

The two wrap up with some comparisons between chess and poker mistakes.

Follow Matt Matros on twitter and buy his books, including the new “Poker Brain” on his amazon page.

Now that Matt has covered Ace-Nine Offsuit, there are 101 combos left on the GRID. Use our episode finder to browse them all. You can also find Matt’s previous GRID contribution,  jack-deuce suited.

Support the GRID by subbing and rating on your favorite platform and check out host Jen Shahade’s new book, Chess Queens.

GRID sponsor, PokerStars  recently announced opportunities for US players to win Platinum Passes. 

The GRID is now proudly sponsored by PokerStars. 

Logo art photo by Kyle Cassidy, intro music “Gotta Switch it On” by Grace Mesa.

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