Senior Poker Editor
Marcus Chen
Marcus spent eight years grinding $25/$50 NL online before pivoting to coverage in 2014. He has reported from every WSOP since, with a focus on the math, the metagame, and the people who refuse to stop chasing the perfect line. At Obsidian he leads our poker desk: tournament reporting, GTO breakdowns, and the long-form profiles that never make it into the daily feeds.
Joined Obsidian 2022
More posts by Marcus Chen
Mixed-Game Players: Reveal Poker Is the First Solver That Actually Helps
Mixed-game grinders: Reveal Poker is the first solver built for 8-Game, HORSE, and dealer's choice.
Bet Sizing for Beginners: A Simple Framework That Works
Master poker bet sizing beginner strategies. Learn how big to bet, value vs. bluff sizing, and a simple framework to boost your win rate.
Postflop Aggression Frequency: How Aggressive Is Too Aggressive?
Master postflop aggression frequency (AFq) to boost your win rate. Learn healthy numbers, spot leaks, and adjust for different games.
Thin Value Betting on Rivers: Squeeze Profit From Marginal Hands
Master the art of thin value bet poker on the river to maximize profit with marginal hands. Learn sizing, logic, and population tendencies.
Mayor Johnson’s Last-Ditch Push to Stop Chicago Video Gambling Before Machines Switch On
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is working hard to get enough support to reverse the approval of the city’s first six… Continue reading Mayor Johnson’s Last-Ditch Push to Stop Chicago Video Gambling Before Machines Switch On The post Mayor Johnson’s Last-Ditch Push to Stop Chicago Video Gambling Before Machines Switch On
Terrible’s Steps In to Save Primm’s Last Casino From July 4 Closure
A gas and convenience store chain is moving to take over Primm Valley Casino Resort, sparing the California-Nevada border town… Continue reading Terrible’s Steps In to Save Primm’s Last Casino From July 4 Closure The post Terrible’s Steps In to Save Primm’s Last Casino From July 4 Closure appeared first on.
Donkey, Fish, Shark: Poker Slang for Players, Decoded
Decode poker player types slang: fish vs shark poker, what is a donk, and poker player nicknames.
Spin & Go Variance is Brutal — Here's Why Reveal Poker Smooths Your EV
Spin & Go variance is brutal for $7–$60 grinders. Reveal Poker offers 3-handed PUSH/FOLD, variance simulation, and ICM adjustments.
What Is a Poker Tell? The Honest Truth About Reading Players
Discover what is a poker tell and learn to read players in live and online games. Master subtle cues and betting patterns for a strategic edge.
Building a Weekly Poker Study Routine That Sticks
Build a winning poker study routine with focused weekly themes, efficient hand reviews, and smart solver use. Improve today!
Playing Suited Connectors Profitably as a Beginner
Master suited connectors poker strategy: learn when to play, fold, and profit with these versatile hands. Beginner-friendly guide.
Texas Attorney General: Adding Skill Elements to a Gambling Game Doesn’t Make It Legal
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has concluded that any modicum of chance is enough to make an amusement machine… Continue reading Texas Attorney General: Adding Skill Elements to a Gambling Game Doesn’t Make It Legal The post Texas Attorney General: Adding Skill Elements to a Gambling Game Doesn’t Make It Le
Auto-Profit Bluffs: When the Math Bluffs for You
Master auto profit bluff poker by understanding pot odds, capped ranges, and optimal bet sizing for guaranteed long-term profitability.
RICO Charges Added for Suspects in Northwest Indiana’s ‘Porterhouse Parlay’ Crackdown
Federal prosecutors are preparing to dramatically escalate their case against suspects arrested in an alleged gambling bust in Northwest Indiana.… Continue reading RICO Charges Added for Suspects in Northwest Indiana’s ‘Porterhouse Parlay’ Crackdown The post RICO Charges Added for Suspects in Northwest Indiana’s ‘Porte
Indiana’s $100k Lottery Scandal and the Hidden Rules That Can Void Jackpots
A forklift driver from Indianapolis thought he had won $100,000 after scratching off a $5 Space Invaders Cash Invasion ticket last… Continue reading Indiana’s $100k Lottery Scandal and the Hidden Rules That Can Void Jackpots The post Indiana’s $100k Lottery Scandal and the Hidden Rules That Can Void Jackpots appeared f
ClubGG HUD 2026: Boost Your Win Rate with Advanced Stats
Unlock your potential with a ClubGG HUD, the essential poker software for serious players aiming to dominate online poker tables in 2026.
Blind vs Blind Strategy: The Most Misplayed Spot in Poker
Master blind vs blind poker! Learn optimal SB vs BB strategy, BvB ranges, and how to fix common leaks in 2026.
Set vs Trips in Poker: The Same Hand With Different Power
Master the critical difference between a set vs trips poker hand to elevate your game and avoid costly mistakes.
Tracking Software Banned at Your Site? Reveal Poker Is the Real-Time Replacement
Online poker players on HUD-banned sites face a new reality. Reveal Poker offers a GTO-based alternative for instant range lookups and bet-sizing insights.
Playing Deep-Stacked Cash (200bb+): A Skill Set of Its Own
Master deep stack cash strategy: Learn why top pair weakens, implied odds explode, and position is key at 200bb.
Small Stakes Cash Mindset: Beat the Game Before You Move Up
Mastering small stakes cash poker is crucial. Learn to beat micros with patience, ABC poker, and smart study.
New Hollywood Casino Aurora Won’t Have a Poker Room
A planned move from a riverboat to a land-based facility for Hollywood Casino Aurora will see the poker room left… Continue reading New Hollywood Casino Aurora Won’t Have a Poker Room The post New Hollywood Casino Aurora Won’t Have a Poker Room appeared first on.
Viral Dealer Error Puts WSOP Under Social Media Fire Despite Correct Ruling
The World Series of Poker is really testing the “any publicity is good publicity” theory after a poker hand went… Continue reading Viral Dealer Error Puts WSOP Under Social Media Fire Despite Correct Ruling The post Viral Dealer Error Puts WSOP Under Social Media Fire Despite Correct Ruling appeared first on.
Calling vs 3-Betting Preflop: The Hidden Cost of Flatting
Master calling vs 3-betting preflop: Learn when to flat call, when to 3-bet for value, and how to adjust for player types and position.
Facing a Flop Check-Raise: Decoding the Pressure
Learn how to effectively respond when facing a flop check-raise by analyzing ranges, sizing, and opponent tendencies.
Freeroll Poker Tournaments: Are They Worth Your Time in 2026?
Explore the value of freeroll poker tournaments in 2026. Learn strategies, find the best free poker tournaments, and see if they're worth your time.
How Coaches Are Using Reveal Poker to Cut Study Time in Half
Poker coaches: Is waiting for solvers eating your session time? Reveal Poker offers pre-solved spots & instant sharing to cut study time.
Limped Pot Strategy: Mastering the Quiet Skirmishes
Master limped pot strategy with our guide to postflop play, covering equity, stab-betting, OOP play, and pot control.
Implied Odds in Poker: When You Can Call With Bad Pot Odds
Master implied odds poker: Learn when to call with draws, stack sizes, reverse implied odds, and set mining for profitable play.
Tennessee’s New Law Seals the Exit for Sweepstakes Casino Operators
Tennessee is the latest state to slam the door on online sweepstakes casinos. Gov. Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 2136… Continue reading Tennessee’s New Law Seals the Exit for Sweepstakes Casino Operators The post Tennessee’s New Law Seals the Exit for Sweepstakes Casino Operators appeared first on.
Tilman Fertitta Acquires Caesars, Which Could Further Marginalize Poker for Former WSOP Owner
Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta has completed a purchase of Caesars Entertainment for $17.6 billion. The move had been rumored for… Continue reading Tilman Fertitta Acquires Caesars, Which Could Further Marginalize Poker for Former WSOP Owner The post Tilman Fertitta Acquires Caesars, Which Could Further Marginaliz
Satellite Strategy: Winning Seats, Not Tournaments
Master satellite poker strategy to win seats, not just tournaments. Learn bubble play, ICM, and exploitative tactics.
Continuation Bets (C-Bets) in Plain English
Master continuation bet poker strategy with our beginner's guide to c-bet meaning, sizing, and when to c-bet.
Table Selection at Mid-Stakes: The Skill Most Regs Skip
Master table selection online poker to boost your mid-stakes win rate. Learn lobby analysis, player tagging, and when to quit.
Best ICM Calculator 2026: Final-Table Decisions With ICMIZER-Class Accuracy
Discover the best ICM calculator 2026 has to offer for mastering final table strategy and maximizing your tournament equity.
Best Hand History Converter 2026: Parse 18+ Poker Rooms Into One Database
Discover the best hand history converter 2026 offers for parsing 18+ poker rooms into a unified database.
Best Poker HUD for PPPoker, PokerBros and ClubGG in 2026
Discover the best poker HUD 2026 solutions for PPPoker, PokerBros & ClubGG. Enhance your strategy with essential stats & safe detection.
PioSolver Alternative 2026: A Browser-Based Solver Without the $250 Price Tag
Discover the best PioSolver alternative in 2026: a browser GTO solver offering powerful analysis without the high cost or hardware needs.
GTO Wizard Alternative 2026: A Cheaper All-in-One GTO Solver That Includes a Tracker
Discover the best GTO Wizard alternative in 2026: Reveal Poker offers a cheaper GTO Wizard solution with an integrated tracker and solver.
Hold'em Manager 3 Alternative 2026: The All-in-One Replacement for HM3
Explore the best Hold'em Manager 3 alternative in 2026. Discover why Reveal Poker is the ultimate HM3 replacement with advanced features.
PokerTracker 4 Alternative 2026: Why Reveal Poker Wins on Rooms, Price and GTO
Discover why Reveal Poker is the leading PokerTracker 4 alternative in 2026, offering superior room coverage, integrated GTO, and better pricing.
Best Poker Analytics Tools 2026: Reveal Poker vs PokerTracker, Hold'em Manager, GTO Wizard & PioSolver
Discover the best poker analytics tools 2026, comparing Reveal Poker vs. PT4, HM3, GTO Wizard & PioSolver for optimal strategy.
Reveal Poker Review 2026: Is PokerHack.org Legit? Features, Pricing & Verdict
Discover if PokerHack.org's Reveal Poker is legit in our 2026 review. Explore features, pricing, and compare it to PokerTracker.
Playing Out of Position at Mid-Stakes Without Bleeding Chips
Playing out of position poker at mid-stakes demands discipline, range control, and postflop pressure. This guide helps protect chips in 2026 today.
What Is a 3-Bet in Poker? A Beginner's Guide to Reraising
Learn what is a 3-bet with this beginner guide to reraising, covering sizing strategies, hand selection, and common mistakes in modern poker as of 2026.
Stack Sizes Explained: Why Pros Talk in Big Blinds
Master stack sizes poker big blinds to sharpen cash-game decisions. This guide covers 100bb depth, short vs deep play, and how SPR shapes ranges. Today.
Handling Downswings: A Mid-Stakes Player's Survival Plan
Handling poker downswings demands a disciplined, data-driven plan: a solid downswing strategy and measured moves like stepping down stakes to protect equity.
Poker Betting Rounds: A Street-by-Street Walkthrough
Mastering poker betting rounds is essential for any player who wants to win more consistently; this beginner guide walks you through preflop to river decisions.
Doug Polk’s Survey Reveals the Mechanic That Assures Poker’s Future
Most poker players overestimate their skill level. That’s the big takeaway from a recent survey conducted by poker pro and… Continue reading Doug Polk’s Survey Reveals the Mechanic That Assures Poker’s Future The post Doug Polk’s Survey Reveals the Mechanic That Assures Poker’s Future appeared first on.
Iowa Law Clears Way for Enforcement Against Sweepstakes Gambling; Will Poker Sites Soon Get Booted?
Iowa has passed a law clearing the way for state regulators to take action against sweepstakes operators and others deemed… Continue reading Iowa Law Clears Way for Enforcement Against Sweepstakes Gambling; Will Poker Sites Soon Get Booted? The post Iowa Law Clears Way for Enforcement Against Sweepstakes Gambling; Will
Limp-Stab Strategy: Punishing Limpers Profitably
Master limp stab poker concepts to punish limpers with precise iso raises, smart sizing, position play, and clean postflop plans as the game evolved through 2026.
Stack-to-Pot Ratio (SPR): The Most Underrated Metric
Master SPR in 2026 with stack to pot ratio as your guide, from low SPR commits to high SPR implied odds, plus practical charts and drills.
Kickers in Poker: How Side Cards Decide Big Pots
Master poker kicker rules and learn how kickers shape big pots. A beginner guide to what is a kicker, when it matters, and common kicker traps for betting.
Balancing Your Ranges at Mid-Stakes (Without Solver Burnout)
balancing ranges poker: practical mid-stakes guide to low-effort balance, mixing frequencies off-solver, tracking tendencies and knowing when to exploit.
What Are Pot Odds in Poker? A 5-Minute Explanation
what are pot odds: a clear guide to pot odds explained for beginners—learn the core formula, how to calculate required equity, implied vs pot odds, and a quick cheat-sheet.
River Overbets: When 1.5x Pot Is the Right Move
River overbets are a high-leverage river weapon; this guide explains when 1.5x pot overbets work, how to craft bluffs, optimal sizing, and defend in 2026.
Tilt Control for Beginners: Stop the Bleeding Before It Starts
poker tilt control: simple stop-loss rules, quick resets, and mental-game poker beginner tips to stop tilting and reclaim discipline at the tables in 2026.
Moving Up Stakes? Reveal Poker Is the Safety Net Your Bankroll Needs
players moving up from NL25 to NL100 or $1/$2 to $2/$5 need a short, objective safety check: spot analysis, stake tendencies, EV math and a quick study plan.
Playing Against the Tight-Aggressive Regular
Playing against TAG poker needs range awareness, bluff timing, and selective aggression. Practical tactics to beat tight aggressive opponents and exploit regs.
Showdown Rules in Poker: Who Shows First and Why It Matters
Learn poker showdown rules: who shows first, muck rules, 'cards speak' and proper etiquette at the table — a clear, beginner guide for 2026 with examples