A hand that looks incredibly strong in one poker variant can be surprisingly vulnerable in Sviten. And understanding why is at the heart of playing the game well. We break down the strategic ideas that separate a solid Sviten player from someone simply playing familiar poker concepts in an unfamiliar format by discussing important concepts such as how the strength of your Draw and/or Omaha hand should influence your decisions.

From there, we explore Stack-to-Pot Ratio (SPR), bet sizing, and tournament considerations, including how to balance your bets without falling into the trap of automatically making full-pot raises.

Then things get especially interesting.

What does a “set” actually mean in Sviten?

We compare 5-Card Draw hand strength with Sviten, including why a set in one game can have a very different strategic value in the other. We also discuss how to approach strong drawing hands and how your opponent’s playing style should affect your decisions. Finally, Martin brings up what should be a normal cash-game hand that turns completely crazy.

We finish with a look at Fixed-Limit Sviten.

If you’re serious about improving at Sviten Special, this is an episode worth slowing down for. The game rewards players who understand not just what their hand is—but how strong that hand actually is in the context of the pot, the board, the draw, the opponent, and the betting structure.

Timeline:

• Intro

  2’15” - Review of Sviten rules & play

  4’52” - When to apply key strategic principles

  6’25” - How often certain starting hands are dealt

  9’51” - Using Omaha hand strength: SPR & bet sizing

  13’58” - Tournament considerations

  17’18” - Comments from Shawn

  24’04“ - Balancing bet sizes and SPR; avoiding full-pot raises

  28’34” - 5-Card Draw vs. Sviten hand strength

  31’57” - Sets in 5-Card Draw vs. Sviten

  34’17” - Strong drawing hands: strategy & considerations

  35’37” - Understanding different player types

  41’18” - A crazy cash-game hand

  43:33” - Fixed-Limit Sviten

  46’53” - Upcoming Mixed Tournaments & Cash (U.S.)

  51’13” - Upcoming Mixed Tournaments & Cash (Europe)

  55’48” - Next Episode Teaser

  56’27” - Social Media Contact Info

  57’25” - Outro

LINKS:

· Reserve Poker Room WSOP-C schedule

https://www.wsop.com/tournaments/wsop-circuit-the-reserve-poker-club/

· Borgata Casino Fall Poker Open, Atlantic City, NJ

https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/casino/poker.html

· TCH Austin, Texas WSOP-C Schedule

· https://www.texascardhouse.com/wsop

We kick things off with a full WSOP and Las Vegas summer trip report, including the highlights, surprises, and unforgettable moments from another incredible World Series of Poker experience. Along the way, we also share what it is like being a world-renowned podcast host.

From there, we head back in time with mention of saloon poker in the Midwest, before diving into the Mixed Games Festival XIV at Bellagio.

The strategy discussion is loaded this week with analyzing an interesting spot from a Daniel Negreanu $50K Poker Players Championship 2-7 Single Draw hand, and explore some tournament considerations between Limit and NL play.

We also take a detour into sports history with a fun conversation about the origins and distinctions between soccer, football, and American football, preview the upcoming Tallinn Mixed Games Festival, discuss mixed games in Ohio, and plenty more along the way.

Whether you’re deep in the WSOP grind, love Mixed Games, or simply enjoy great Poker stories and strategy, there’s something in this episode for you.

Thanks for listening, and as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts after the show!

Timestamps:

Introduction

1’36” WSOP / Vegas Summer Trip Report

15’12” Mixed Game Festival XIV Bellagio

22’27” Coach’s Game

24’21” Dishing It Back to Kessler

25’26” World Renowned Podcast Host!

30’39” Nick Schulman @ Monte Cristo Cigar Lounge

34’40” $500 WSOP NL Hold ‘em Freezeout Adventure + Discussion vs Unlimited Rebuy

44’21” Limit vs NL Considerations

48’06” Familiar Faces, WSOP Live App Usage, Pocket A’s how many times?!?

54’15” Recent Play – Martin

56’02” World Cup Soccer / Football vs American Football // History of Football & Rugby

60’23” Upcoming Mixed Tournaments & Cash (U.S.)

63’07” Upcoming Mixed Tournaments & Cash (Europe)

65’31” Negreanu’s $50k PPC 2-7 SD Hand - Our Analysis

84’52” Next Episode Teaser

85’29” Social Media Contact Info

Reserve Poker Club Toledo, OH

https://thereservepoker.com/

Reminder that our very first Substack Live broadcast is today!

📅 Date & Time
Wednesday, June 10, 2026

• 12:00 PM PDT (Las Vegas)
• 3:00 PM EDT (East Coast U.S.)
• 9:00 PM CEST (Malta)

Link to join for the June 10, 2026 Meet & Greet the All The Games crew: https://open.substack.com/live-stream/211491?utm_source=live-stream-scheduled-upsell

This live virtual video chat will be open to all current subscribers, and we’re looking forward to making it an interactive experience with all of you.

So what will our first Live session be about?

Meet & Greet with the Poker: All the Games crew. Martin and I will share a bit about ourselves including our poker journeys, how we got into Mixed Games, and some behind-the-scenes stories. Most importantly, we want to hear from you, our audience — where you listen from, your poker background, how you discovered Mixed Games, and what keeps you interested in all the games beyond Hold’em.

We’ll also be taking live questions from the audience throughout the session, so be sure to join us live if you’d like the opportunity to participate.

This first broadcast will be especially fun because I’ll be joining you live from Las Vegas during the World Series of Poker, while Martin will be coming in from Malta. We’re excited to connect with listeners from all over the world.

How to Join

You’ll need a Substack account to participate in the live chat.

If you’re not already subscribed to Poker: All the Games, you can subscribe at PokerChannel.Substack.com.

If you already subscribe, just make sure you also have an active Substack login. If you plan to join from your phone or tablet, you’ll want to download the Substack app beforehand for the best experience.

For more details on how to join a Substack Live video chat, see the official guide here:

https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/38062078015252-How-do-I-join-a-live-video-that-I-am-invited-to-on-Substack

We can’t wait to see and hear from you for our very first live broadcast!

– Poker: All the Games

First, Martin and I want to sincerely thank every one of you for being part of the Poker: All the Games community. We truly appreciate your support and everyone who has tuned in to the podcast — whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just recently joined us.

We’re excited to announce something new for the show: our very first Substack Live broadcast!

This live virtual video chat will be open to all current subscribers, and we’re looking forward to making it an interactive experience with all of you.

So what will our first Live session be about?

Think of it as a Meet & Greet with the Poker: All the Games crew. Martin and I will share a bit about ourselves including our poker journeys, how we got into Mixed Games, and some behind-the-scenes stories. Most importantly, we want to hear from you, our audience — where you listen from, your poker background, how you discovered Mixed Games, and what keeps you interested in all the games beyond Hold’em.

We’ll also be taking live questions from the audience throughout the session, so be sure to join us live if you’d like the opportunity to participate.

📅 Date & Time
Wednesday, June 10, 2026

• 12:00 PM PDT (Las Vegas)
• 3:00 PM EDT (East Coast U.S.)
• 9:00 PM CEST (Malta)

This first broadcast will be especially fun because I’ll be joining you live from Las Vegas during the World Series of Poker, while Martin will be coming in from Malta. We’re excited to connect with listeners from all over the world.

How to Join

You’ll need a Substack account to participate in the live chat.

If you’re not already subscribed to Poker: All the Games, you can subscribe at PokerChannel.Substack.com.

If you already subscribe, just make sure you also have an active Substack login. If you plan to join from your phone or tablet, you’ll want to download the Substack app beforehand for the best experience.

For more details on how to join a Substack Live video chat, see the official guide here:

https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/38062078015252-How-do-I-join-a-live-video-that-I-am-invited-to-on-Substack

Link is below to add to your calendar and additional reminders will go out ahead of the meetup.

We can’t wait to see and hear from you for our very first live broadcast!

– Poker: All the Games

Link for the June 10, 2026 Meet & Greet the All The Games crew: https://open.substack.com/live-stream/211491?utm_source=live-stream-scheduled-upsell

Read more

Image Screenshot Ref: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/2022-wsop/event-73-1500-razz/

For our paid subscribers: You’ll get access to the full interview plus video, packed with WSOP stories and our ensuing discussions, including how Mark knew the 4th-place finisher of the 2014 WSOP Main Event before he made his big run that year!

For our free subscribers: You’ll get a sneak peek of Mark’s stories—enough to whet your appetite for more.

But that’s not all. We’re also isolating the play, deal, and strategy segments for each of the 55+ different poker variants we’ve covered over the past five years. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for the rules & basic strategy for some new games, advanced strategy from the classics, detailed hand for hand tournament analysis, or just a rec exploring different games, there’s something here for everyone.

And here’s a big new feature: Paid subscribers will soon have access to live, virtual meetups with us! We’re brainstorming sessions that include:

• General Q&A to get to know us and you

• Live Mixed Game study sessions with Martin and me

• Opportunities for subscriber-driven ideas as these sessions grow

We can’t wait to connect with some of you in real time and bring fresh, interactive experiences to our listeners. While free subscribers will have limited access, becoming a paid subscriber (see below) ensures you won’t miss a thing.

Here’s to skillful playing and great Poker stories - see you at the tables!

Shawn & Martin

TIMESTAMPS:

1’ 34” Guest Intro

7’17” ATLARGE Tournaments & Cash Games

10’05” Non-Poker Events AT LARGE

25’30” ATLARGE Registration Info & Details

36’39” Limitations in Casino M…

Read more

Bonus content including previously unheard stories of Phil Ivey & separately, Donald Trump + Tips for more winning sessions.

Upcoming Non-Hold ‘em Tournaments in the U.S. & Europe. Recent Mixed Game play.

TIMESTAMPS:

1’34” Guest Intro

7’17” ATLARGE Tournamen…

Read more

This isn’t a highlight reel.
And it’s not surface-level commentary.

Each episode (starting with #73) walks through the tournament one decision at a time, breaking down …

Read more

This isn’t a highlight reel.
This isn’t surface…

Read more

This series features a hand-by-hand breakdown of an entire 8-Game tournament played online at Phe…

Read more

This series features a hand-by-hand breakdown of an entire 8-Game tournament played online at Phe…

Read more

Join us as we dive deep into an exclusive hand-for-hand analysis, from an action-packed online 8-Game Tournament, featuring insights from the felt. From key decisions to pivotal moments that make all the difference, we break it down with precision and depth.

Enjoy this preview to a series of videos of a hand-for-hand analysis of an entire 8-Game tournament that was played online at Phenom Poker! The entire tournament has been broken down into several episodes of about an hour each…

…To get access to the full hand-for-hand analysis of this entire tournament, subscribe at pokerchannel.substack.com 🎥♠️

Timestamps:

Introduction

1’ 11” Guest Intro – Don Rieck

01’54” What is BARGE?!?

4’06” The Invention of Binglaha

6’19” Rules & Play of Binglaha

11’20” Variations of Binglaha & Anecdotes

17’02” Strategy Tips for Binglaha

28’33” Codifying New Games into BARGE Rulebook

35’23” Not So Mix Scene in Chicago & A.C.

38’44” Upcoming Tournaments (U.S.)

41’10” Recent Mixed Game Play & Special Announcement!

42’28” Stay Tuned

42’43” Social Media Contact Info

Links

BARGE website: https://www.barge.org/

BARGE Rulebook: https://www.barge.org/rulebook.pdf

Where to play BARGE games online: https://craftpoker.com/

The Festival Series Rules for Chicago: https://www.thefestival.com/the-festival-series-explains-chicago

Timestamps:

Introduction

1’ 15” Guest Intro

02’16” Bratislava Festival Series Stop & Relevance of Chicago

09’24” Rules & Play of Chicago

20’00” Special Rules for Chicago

25’38” Tournament Play

34’11” Strategy Tips (plus an additional special rule)

39’31” Upcoming Tournaments (U.S.)

41’34” Recent Mixed Game Play

45’58” Next Episode Teaser

46’26” Social Media Contact Info

Timestamps:

Introduction

0’ 35” Opening Remarks

01’15” Hand Review Logistics

02’58” First Hand Review

37’00” Second Hand Review

64’50” Upcoming Tournaments (U.S.)

68’56” Upcoming Tournaments (Europe)

71’37” Next Episode Teaser

72’27” Social Media Contact Info

Timestamps:

0’ 35” Opening Remarks

01’15” Fourth Street – Shawn

5’12” – The Double Bet Pair Option

10’38” Fourth Street - Martin

11’57” Fifth Street – Shawn

13’48” Fifth Street Hand Example – Martin

30’25” Sixth Street – Shawn

36’14” Sixth Street - Martin

37’22” Seventh Street – Shawn

39’58” Seventh Street – Martin

52’59” Upcoming Tournaments (U.S.)

54’11” Upcoming Tournaments (Europe)

56’33” Recent Play - Shawn

58’52” Recent Play - Martin

60’06” Next Episode Teaser

60’45” Social Media Contact Info

Timestamps:

01’13” Factors to enter a pot

07’31” Removal & Dead Cards (as a disadvantage vs. an advantage)

15’31” Adjustments based on Ante Structures

17’36” Tournament Adjustments

18’58” Completing and Stealing

19’22” Defending the Bring-In (Heads-Up & Multiway)

24’42” Complete or Bring-In

32’30” Facing Open when not the bring-in

35’17” General Strat Summary

34’26” 3-betting & 4-betting on Third St.

36’01” Upcoming Tournaments in U.S.

39’09” Upcoming Tournaments in Europe

44’54” TORSES vs HORSES vs SORTED & is Shawn stereotyping Europeans?!?

46’56” Dramaha vs Drawmaha; Sviten Special & What about Sviten?

48’48” Naming history for Sviten Special, Drawmaha, & Dramaha

52’13” Recent Play

66’53” Next Episode Teaser

67’18” Contact Info

Timestamps:

Introduction to Matt Valeo – Founder of Phenom Poker

1’35” How it all began – Matt’s Poker Journey

8’04” What Sets Phenom Poker Apart – 3 Major Differences that set Phenom Poker Apart

22’41” Brian Rast’s Involvement & Phenom Poker’s $50k WSOP PPC Deep Run

30’30” Mixed Game Offerings at Phenom Poker

34’43” Bringing Phenom Poker to Life

39’30” Use and Choice of Cryptocurrency

57’10” Resources for Cryptocurrency Understanding

60’18” Site & Player Security Practices

65’46” Phenom Token Value

68’40” Phenom Tournaments Update

69’50” Shawn & Martin’s Suggestions for Phenom Mixed Game Offerings & Matt's 2025 WSOP Brag

78’15” Final Remarks & Matt’s Social Media (Contact Info)

81’04” Next Episode Teaser

81’23” Contact Details

Timestamps:

Introduction

1’06” Fourth Street - Martin

06’47” Fourth Street – Shawn

14’57” Fifth/Sixth/Seventh Streets – Martin

19’59” Fifth Street – Shawn

25’13” Fifth/Sixth Streets – Shawn

29’44” Seventh Street – Shawn

32’25” Hand Description Martin Played

38’27” Upcoming Mixed Tournaments in U.S.

41’09” Upcoming Mixed Tournaments in Europe

46’43” Recent Play

55’06” Next Episode Teaser

55’23” Social Media Contact Info