Poker Coaching

I will be honest to you all and admit that writing about poker is a lot easier than playing it. Everyone seems to play well, make good moves and bluffs and bet the correct amounts of half the pot, three quarters of the pot when the situation requires. When playing a draw, you hope to get good pot odds but often players bet the correct amounts meaning you are drawn into gambling to hit the big hand that is a definite recipe for losing your stack.

Although there are a wide selection of books and many strategy websites to research and learn the game more and more players are turning to fellow players to coach them. Some top poker players use coaches like tournament pro Jonathan Little who is a multi World Poker Tour winner. He employs a tournament poker coach that analyses his play and suggests improvements.

Poker coaches normally charge by the hour and their rates normally depend on their poker C.V. and how much they make from their own play. They will usually shadow a cash game or tournament session with you and then review each hand you play and analyse your stats, picking out specific areas for improvement and challenge you to think about the hands in a new way. They will encourage you to diversify your play which is essential to increasing your win rate. Some coaches will use things like challenges to make you play a certain way, discussing poker through email and encouraging you to innovate your game.

Online poker players that use poker tracker or poker office extensively often invite coaches to assess their statistics. Coaches can often identify leaks just from the stats, and coupled with hand history reviews a coach can accurately dissect your play and suggest areas for change that will help you. Even by just having another person clarify you are doing things well is a helpful reassurance when the poker gods betray you to crack those Aces yet again.

When approaching a player about coaching ask them how long they have coached and how they look to improve their pupil’s poker. Also ask them how many players they coach on a regular basis as you need to know they are going to be available for regular tuition. Clarify exactly what you are getting for your money. Is it just one lesson or regular and detailed hand review analysis with suggestions? I would expect a good coach to watch sessions, review hands and assess statistics.

Ensure that if you do enter into a long agreement there are reviews so each party can walk away if they are not happy. In each session I would prepare a set list of goals you wish to achieve and make sure you focus hard during the session and take notes. Record the screen if you can and use a skype recorder or media player to record the conversation. Make sure your coach knows you may do this to avoid confusion.

Considering this is a poker expense, a coach should give you a major improvement in your win rate as the coaching fees are like adding to your rake. Ask plenty of questions and do not be afraid to challenge the answers from your coach. A pupil that asks questions will improve, so your coach should thrive on a discussion with a willing and capable pupil.

Be willing to write a testimonial for your coach to help them get other clients if they match your expectations. Just knowing you are happy to do this will motivate your coach to really work with you and help you as your success is their success.

By Malcolm Clarke