Sam Greenwood: “How to Build a Bankroll, When to Hire a Coach, and Why Solvers Still Shock Me”

Sam Greenwood poker advice 2025 — Canadian high roller answering questions

Today, Sam Greenwood’s name hardly needs an introduction. One of the most consistent high rollers on the planet, with millions in tournament winnings, Greenwood has been delivering at the highest level for years. But this time, instead of another deep run, he treated the poker community to something different: an open Q&A session on Reddit.

What followed was a refreshingly candid conversation — ranging from funny anecdotes about “drunk all-ins” to serious thoughts on GTO adjustments, staking, and finding balance between poker and family. These are the kinds of insights that reveal how elite players really think away from the tables. For anyone searching for Sam Greenwood poker advice 2025, this Q&A is packed with practical takeaways.

“At least look at your cards before shoving”

Some questions were lighthearted. One user admitted he enjoys buying in for $60, shoving preflop while drunk, and laughing at the outcome.

“I don’t do that,” Greenwood replied. “If you want to break the habit, start by drinking less — not eight beers in a night. Boring advice, I know. But seriously, at least check your cards before you jam.”

ROI in Super High Rollers and the Best of the Decade

When asked about win rates in the toughest fields, Greenwood broke it down clearly:

  • Top regulars might achieve an ROI of 10–15%.
  • For most players, it hovers between -5% and +5%.

As for the best MTT players of the last decade, he named Stephen Chidwick, Isaac Haxton, and Mike Watson. “I considered Nikita Bodyakovsky, but he only started playing super high rollers in 2016. Those three have been playing the biggest stakes across formats for years, and they’re still at the top.”

“Solvers can surprise you every day”

Greenwood admitted that solvers still catch him off guard.

“Here’s an example: on dry boards like 7♠2♦2♣3♥ with no flush draws, if you open, c-bet, and get check-raised, the solver says you should continue with any unpaired hand — AKo, JTs, whatever. The idea is to keep your range balanced, not overloaded with top pairs, while still having ways to improve.”

GTO Adjustments and Multipot Strategies

Asked about his own GTO tweaks, Greenwood shared:

  • He reduces bet sizes in multiway pots.
  • Plays cautiously on coordinated textures with straights and flushes.
  • Chooses hands that can bluff across various runouts.
  • Uses a randomizer to avoid predictability.

“The skill gap between average Triton players and elite regs is real, but it’s not huge. In tennis, winning 55% of rallies makes you the best in the world. In poker, making 55% correct decisions doesn’t generate nearly the same edge.”

Favorite Series: EPT, Triton, or WSOP?

“EPT and Triton are both fantastic, very well organized, always a pleasure to play. If I had to pick, I’d lean slightly toward EPT — the events are hosted in amazing cities. As for WSOP… honestly, the organization there leaves a lot to be desired.”

Building a Bankroll in 2025

Greenwood’s advice for players starting out in 2025 was straightforward:

  • Stick to formats with lower variance and smaller rake.
  • Focus on cash games and tournaments with small fields.
  • Don’t be afraid of smaller poker rooms — the games there are often softer.

This section of Sam Greenwood poker advice 2025 is particularly relevant for aspiring grinders looking to climb the stakes without unnecessary risks.

Staking: Pros and Cons

“If you’re grinding microstakes, staking isn’t worth it. Moving up on your own is important experience. Jumping up too quickly can slow your development. But there are exceptions: if you’re crushing $55 ABI online and someone offers you a $10k live package — sure, take it. But staking for $100 ABI? Better to reach that level yourself.”

Staying Focused in Live Poker

Live poker is slow, and maintaining concentration isn’t easy.

“Patience and focus are like muscles — you need to train them. Nobody can stay dialed in 100% of the time. Adrian Mateos, for example, watches Atletico Madrid games on his phone at the table. That’s way better than zoning out or getting bored.”

When Do You Need a Coach?

Greenwood stressed that the answer depends on your situation.

“If you’re a businessman playing $25/$50 home games, paying $500/hour for a coach might make sense. But if you’re grinding $1 SnGs and eating ramen for dinner, definitely not. These days, there are plenty of courses and free resources, so beginners don’t need a coach right away.”

“Poker is forever, but balance is tough”

Finally, Greenwood shared something personal:

“Poker is here to stay in my life. But balancing constant travel with family is getting harder. Before I had a wife and kids, I’d finish EPT Barcelona, fly straight to Triton Jeju, and keep going. Now it’s more complicated. Finding balance is tough, especially now when live poker is booming.”

Takeaways from Greenwood

The Reddit Q&A was a reminder that even elite players wrestle with the same questions as the rest of us: how to stay focused, how to grow a bankroll, when to hire a coach. Greenwood’s answers weren’t flashy, but they were grounded and honest — and that’s what makes them valuable.

In an era where poker is increasingly solver-driven and technical, it’s easy to forget the human side of the game. The ability to laugh at bad habits, stay focused in slow live events, and juggle family with a demanding career — that’s what sets true professionals apart.

And if you’re looking for Sam Greenwood poker advice 2025, this Q&A provides one of the clearest roadmaps available for anyone serious about improving their game.