HUNL Kevin Rabichow Coaching Sesh Notes/Insights
In my recent deep dive session with Kevin Rabichow, we got into the nitty-gritty of advanced GTO bluffing strategy, particularly around the concepts of blocking and reverse blocking in Heads-Up No-Limit (HUNL). Now, if you’re unfamiliar, these ideas might sound a bit theoretical, but when Kevin breaks it down, it becomes clear: if you’re picking the right spots to bluff, you’re essentially setting traps for the unwary and the magic often starts on the turn. Kevin guided us through how blocking certain cards can shift a bluff from a low-percentage move to a high-impact play, showing that bluffing isn’t just about guts; it’s a structured science when you know what cards to block.
One of the standout lessons from the session was how the turn sets up everything that happens on the river. It’s a pivotal street in deciding if you’re taking your bluff all the way. Kevin showed us how identifying the right blocking cards can help control the narrative of the hand—he essentially revealed the blueprint for bluffing like a pro. For example, using blockers to limit the range of hands an opponent is likely to call with can give you a massive edge on the river, where most of the big money decisions happen. The nuances he covered in making these choices felt like unlocking another level in the game.
We also talked about reverse blockers - cards that block hands you’d want your opponent to have if you’re bluffing. These reverse blockers add another layer, allowing you to leverage river spots more confidently, knowing you’ve minimized the chance of running into certain holding patterns. In this approach, bluffing becomes less about reading opponents’ behavior and more about understanding how to use blockers to push them into a narrow range of responses. It’s heady stuff but game-changing if applied correctly.
Biggest Key Takeaway:
If there’s one idea from this session to burn into my poker mindset, it’s that the turn is where you lay the groundwork for the perfect river bluff. By paying attention to which cards block or unblock your opponent’s calling range, you’re stacking the odds in your favor before that final street even arrives. This is how you turn what might seem like a dicey bluff into a move backed by the math, the theory, and a lot more confidence.
Here's a structured outline, show notes, and specific highlights from the video featuring the heads-up coaching session with Kevin Rabichow.
Outline:
Introduction (0:01 - 0:34)
Introduction to Kevin Rabichow, a top heads-up poker specialist.
Purpose: To explore heads-up strategies and the use of GTO Wizard for custom strategies.
Mention of session objectives: refining skills, unlocking new levels of heads-up play.
Getting to Know Kevin Rabichow (0:34 - 2:16)
Kevin’s background in heads-up poker: Full-time heads-up No Limit Hold’em player from 2009-2019.
Transferable skills from heads-up play that benefit other formats like live poker and tournaments.
Kevin’s excitement to coach and Joey's commitment to heads-up training.
Strategy Breakdown: Differences in Heads-Up vs. Six-Max (2:16 - 4:55)
Discussion on how heads-up requires wider ranges and a balanced approach.
Differences in aggression levels and calling down with weaker hands in heads-up compared to Six-Max.
Pre-Flop Strategy Fundamentals (7:48 - 16:21)
Overview of pre-flop range structures in heads-up.
Importance of adjusting based on opponent tendencies, including whether to open all hands on the button.
Tips on deviating from GTO strategies against weaker players for maximum EV.
Adjusting Strategy: Node Locking and Custom Solutions (19:08 - 20:45)
Using node locking and GTO Wizard for dynamic adjustments based on opponent tendencies.
Testing different scenarios to build customized, unpredictable strategies.
Three-Bet Strategies and Adjustments (16:21 - 18:22)
Defining a balanced three-bet strategy based on blockers, hand strengths, and calling ranges.
Kevin’s preference for hands that allow you to “stay in the pot” by calling, rather than forcing aggression.
Exploring Four-Bet Range (27:10 - 29:11)
Discussing polarized four-bet ranges.
Prioritizing suited Broadways, suited Aces, and small pairs for four-bets.
Trainer and Drills (32:27 - 34:02)
Using the GTO Wizard Trainer to focus on specific actions like pre-flop only or handling small three-bet sizes.
Value of repetitive practice for cementing strategies.
Single Raised Pot: Understanding Post-Flop Play (38:06 - 47:20)
Dynamics of post-flop play in a single raised pot.
How to use board texture and equity ranges to choose continuation bet sizes and when to check.
Turn Play and Bluffing (58:10 - 1:15:37)
Analyzing turn play with polarized bet sizes.
Discussing optimal bluffing candidates and blocking considerations, especially on draw-heavy boards.
Check-Raising Strategy (1:00:20 - 1:09:10)
Employing large check-raises as a strategy in heads-up, and identifying when to check-raise certain hands.
Benefits of polarized check-raises on static boards.
Facing a Check-Raise: Optimal Defense (1:11:07 - 1:15:10)
Handling check-raises as the pre-flop aggressor.
Practicing defense against counter-aggression to avoid costly mistakes.
Reverse Blocking and Bet Sizing (1:20:30 - 1:22:57)
Explaining the concept of reverse blocking: focusing on hands you want your opponent to fold.
Using this concept to refine betting strategy based on opponent likely holdings.
Show Notes:
Introduction to Kevin Rabichow: Acclaimed for his mastery of heads-up poker, Kevin has played professionally for a decade and continues to share his knowledge.
Unique Aspects of Heads-Up Poker: Wide-ranging play, more aggressive calling, and psychological gameplay set it apart from other formats.
Pre-Flop Strategy: Playing almost every hand in heads-up, adjusting opening and three-betting ranges based on opponent skill.
Node Locking Insights: Leveraging custom solutions in GTO Wizard to react dynamically to specific opponents, offering a powerful edge in adjusting play.
Trainer Practice: Practicing against varied three-bet sizes, pre-flop situations, and dynamic turn play. Focusing on hand ranges and knowing when to call or fold to avoid critical mistakes.
Post-Flop Play in Single Raised Pots: Utilizing equity and board texture to determine a continuation strategy, emphasizing balance in the early game.
Check-Raising in Heads-Up: Kevin advocates for aggressive check-raises on static boards, citing the difficulty opponents face in continuing effectively.
Facing Check-Raises: Practicing post-flop reactions to check-raises, with a focus on exploiting passive players who don’t check-raise often enough.
Turn Bluffing Principles: Understanding how blockers and reverse blockers function on draw-heavy boards to better define bluffing ranges.
Highlights:
Mindset Shift: Heads-up poker requires a balance between aggression and restraint, applying skill from wider ranges while staying disciplined.
Tool Usage: The GTO Wizard Trainer is invaluable for pre-flop and post-flop practice, allowing immediate feedback and corrections.
Dynamic Bet Sizing: Experimenting with different bet sizes based on board texture, giving insight into optimal plays on various board types.
Reverse Blocking: A strategic approach for heads-up play, focusing on which hands to hold based on opponents' most likely folds, enhancing both bluffs and value bets.
Biggest EV Mistakes: Over-relying on large bet sizes without proper hand selection, leading to easy-to-exploit tendencies for opponents.