This article fits into the "things I wish I had known when I started playing online" category. When I first joined PocketFives, I remember it took me a while to realize there were so many different ways to improve your game. I could obviously see the great advice on tricky hands that was posted on the forums, but I didn’t understand how valuable the right books, training sites and coaching could be. If you are new to PocketFives or online poker, then this article may provide you with some clarity and guidance if you are looking for ways to improve your game. The four types of training I will discuss today are hand history advice on internet forums, poker books, training websites and personal coaching.
Posting hand histories on an internet forum such as PocketFives is without question one of the most valuable and most importantly, economical ways to improve your game. If you can afford an internet connection, then you can afford to seek the opinions and views of the members of whatever forum you post on. The beauty of this is that you will receive a vast array of opinions; from players at the start of their poker journeys, all the way to the world class pros who have been winning serious money in this game for years. The benefits of posting hand histories can be tremendous. As well as posting your own hands, you can of course view the dozens of new hand histories posted daily to see what others say, and get a solid grasp for the types of situations that fellow poker players are presented with. This exposure to the views of so many players will improve your game and give you an insight into how your opponents are playing as well. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with a fellow member's opinion on how to proceed in a specific situation, you can usually take something away from the opinions expressed and add something to your arsenal.
Poker books are also an excellent and relatively cheap option if you want to work on your game (see this thread if you're looking for feedback on which books might be best for you). If you use the search feature here at P5s (this feature has been vastly improved for the new site launch coming very soon), you will be able to see which books are highly recommended by the community and the type of poker audience they are targeted at. Whether you play multi-table tournaments (MTTs), single-table tournaments (SNGs) or cash games, there will be a book out there for you. Most of these books are priced in the $20-$60 range, although there are other, less promoted audio books out there (generally aimed at the high stakes market) that go for over $1,000. The beauty of books as a training aid is that they are self-paced, you can re-read the relevant sections over and over again, and as stated at the outset, they are very cheap given the potential return. One negative aspect of using books is that they are obviously written at a specific point in time and the advice offered cannot evolve to keep up with the changing trends of the game. The fundamentals however, should still stay basically the same and it is probably better to read material that is a little dated, than to read nothing at all.
The number of poker training websites on the net has exploded in the last few years. These sites offer players the opportunity to watch highly successful poker players discuss and explain their thought process as they play at the tables. This is often done using a hand replayer or an actual recording of a "live" session. Players can then view the videos directly through the website or by downloading them and viewing later. Most sites charge around $20-$50 per month after an initial joining fee. These training sites will add much to your game. To be privy to the thoughts that determine the actions of some of poker's finest is truly something awesome. Many people will initially hesitate at the monthly expense but as your game improves and the scores keep rolling in, you will see that it is money well spent. Unlike books, training sites continually update their content to ensure that the videos available offer the latest and greatest advice, in line with the evolving nature of the game.
A personal coach is a training avenue not utilized by many, largely due to the considerable expense involved; especially when compared to the three options already discussed. A personal coach takes the training experience to another level. They operate in a variety of ways including lessons in the fundamentals, hand history analysis and full game hand history analysis. Especially through the full game hand history analysis, they are able to spot your negative tendencies and leaks, and develop strategies for you to overcome them. A good coach knows that training is not all about fixing what is broken. They can also improve your ability to exploit your opponents and ensure you are getting the most return out of your game. Prices charged vary greatly (too greatly to even bother indicating here), but the level of specialization, advice and support goes far beyond what can be achieved by any of the training methods discussed earlier.
The training options you decide on should be largely determined by your bankroll. If you can afford to join a training site or access a personal coach then it is definitely something that will make a vast improvement to your game. If your bankroll is a little on the lean side, then posting hands and reading others' hands on poker forums (something that many of the top pros still do) and buying a book or two will cost less and should result in a major sharpening of your skills. My personal preference is to use a mixed approach involving all four options. I am fortunate enough to have a personal coach, but still spend time watching videos at a training site, posting tricky hands on the forums and reading the occasional book. Whatever you decide on, make sure it is right for you, and remember that a commitment to constant improvement is the key to poker success.
Best of luck at the tables!
thearthurdog Arthur Russell