27 Feb 2024 studying A-game discipline motivation So here we are... this moment comes at different times not only for every beginner, but even professionals, who already make a good living from poker. Do you need a personal mentor? Someone people after years of experience and numerical winnings is looking for options on how to earn even more in poker sessions (or at least to stay at the current level). And someone — creates his own business and becomes a successful private coach. Although who said that these both directions can not be combined? In this article we will talk about the benefits of poker mentorship, as well as in general consider this sphere of activity. Introduction to PPC (Private Poker Coaching) The majority of one-to-one private coaching session is indeed conducted online using software programs such as Skype, TeamViewer, Zoom, etc. These platforms enable mentors and their students to communicate and share screens, regardless of their geographical locations. This is beneficial as it allows for coaching sessions to take place even if the coach and student are on opposite sides of the world. The typical duration of a training session is usually around one to two hours. However, it is generally agreed upon that sessions longer than 100 minutes may start to diminish the learning experience. Therefore, a solid one-hour poker learning is sufficient to make significant progress. As for the frequency of coaching packages, most students tend to have one or one and a half hours of teaching per week. This allows for consistent and regular guidance, which aids in the student's ongoing development and improvement. By utilizing online communication and screen-sharing software, personal poker coach is able to provide effective and convenient training sessions. And they can be tailored to the needs of their students, no matter their location. Top-3 formats of private coaching to choose When it comes to private poker coaching, foreign coaches typically offer three different lesson formats to their students: Live Coaching: One of the most popular methods is live poker coaching, where the student plays at multiple tables while discussing hands with the mentor online. These sessions typically take place through platforms like Skype, Team Viewer, Discord, or screen-sharing options. It has been reported that around 40% of sessions are conducted using this method. Live approach offers real-time interaction and immediate feedback. Database Reviews: Another actual format is database reviews. In this approach, the mentor analyzes a wide range of statistics using tools such as PokerTracker, Holdem Manager and other professional software. This method enables the coach to identify weaknesses in the student's game and provide specific advice on how to improve. However, it should be noted that this method can be labor-intensive and time-consuming for both the coach and the student. Video Reviews: Although less common, video reviews are still utilized as a coaching method. Students are required to record a 45-minute or 1-hour video of their poker game and share it with the mentor. For convenience they use file-sharing services like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. The coach then reviews the video, identifies any mistakes, and provides detailed feedback and notes to a player. One advantage of this method is that it allows for online teaching, but it does lack the real-time interaction between the student and coach that the coaching team provides. Combining these different learning styles can lead to better results. For example, integrating online learning with database reviews can provide a comprehensive approach to improving one's professional poker skills. When selecting a live poker coaching method, consider your learning style, preferences, and availability. It offers immediate feedback and interactive sessions, while database reviews and video reviews may offer more in-depth analysis but with less real-time interaction. Choose the learning way that best suits your needs and helps you maximize your results and improvement. What are the results of applying coaching for a player: Professional growth; Increased earnings; Understanding of the path to the goal; Self-confidence. Whichever type of coaching packages a player chooses — in the process of poker sessions he will receive clarity, confidence and a powerful burst of energy. This is a choice of a qualitatively different level of life, where he will be able to fully realize himself as a poker player, as well as develop his own creative approach to solving professional problems of different complexity. How much does a private coach cost? When it comes to the cost of poker courses and group coaching, it ultimately depends on how much benefit the player will get from the training. Pricing is far from the main thing. A course that will help a player win at high limits will understandably cost more than one that will help a player beat micro-limits. According to open foreign sources, the most famous poker coaches in the world most often cost in excess of $500 per hour for one-on-one training. Medium rate coaches offer services in the range of $50-200 per hour depending on qualifications, with low — less than $50 per hour. In comparison, a poker book will cost $20-80 on average. A monthly subscription to a poker training website costs around $20-50. Sometimes trainers offer discounts for pre-purchasing multiple programs. There are numerous poker training sites that charge a monthly subscription for access to video content. This is much more favorable to the consumer. Why is personalized training worth it? In the past, individual poker training sessions were the go-to option, with many top poker coaches exclusively offering this service. However, today, coaches tend to record full training courses and sell them to players with different levels of skills. Despite this shift, private lessons still hold a huge value. There’s no doubt that a good coach can help. The biggest advantage of personalized training is that coaches can closely analyze players' game, identify mistakes, and provide specific guidance on how to improve. Addressing these issues through one-on-one sessions with an experienced player can be extremely beneficial. However, it's important to note that individual training sessions can be quite expensive — as we mentioned before. But it always depends on limits, chosen by a player. Therefore, it's recommended to try other types of training before considering private lessons. For instance, if a player has already invested significant time in a course but is still facing challenges in gameplay that the training should have addressed, then paying for a few hours of analysis from a qualified trainer could be worth the cost. Basic recommendations for the players When selecting a personal poker coach, there are several factors to keep in mind: Track Record: It is crucial for the coach to have a proven track record in the game. Look for a coach who has consistently achieved a positive win rate over a significant sample size, ideally several hundred thousand hands. This demonstrates their competence and success in playing poker. Communication Skills: While a coach's playing prowess is important, their ability to effectively communicate is equally crucial. They should be able to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner. This includes being proficient in interpreting data from tools like PokerTracker or Holdem Manager. A qualified coach must have the communication skills necessary to convey their knowledge to the student. Initial Consultation: Many reputable coaches are willing to have an initial conversation with potential clients via Skype video or other messaging platforms. This allows you to assess their style, approach, and suitability for your specific needs before committing to individual coaching lessons. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and gauge their compatibility with your learning style. Review Past Content: Take the time to review a coach's past videos, blog posts, or forum contributions. This can provide valuable insights into their abilities, teaching style, and the content they offer. By examining their work, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of their expertise and determine if they align with your goals and preferences. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a poker coach who not only has a proven track record, but also possesses strong communication skills and matches your learning style. All information the player wants to know is available for private coaching. Final words Summing it up, private poker coaching is a comprehensive process designed to address and patch the leaks in a player's strategy. While it might sound biased, it stands out as the most effective way forward for those facing substantial challenges in their poker journey. Unlike other learning methods, poker coaching experience offers immediate solutions to persistent issues. For those who wholeheartedly embrace this learning journey, the potential for growth and success in the poker realm becomes limitless. FAQ What are the best poker platforms to study? When it comes to the best poker training sites, notable options include Upswing Poker, Raise Your Edge, Run It Once, Advanced Poker Training, etc. The ideal choice depends on the game format you prefer. Detailed reviews of these sites, including their performance in 2024, can be found in our another article on this subject. How to find a live poker coach? If you’re interested in private coaching, finding a mentor is relatively easy. A simple Google search for 'poker coach' or exploring paid listings on 2+2 forums can yield competent options. Before making a decision, visit various coaching websites to compare prices and read student testimonials, focusing on coaches with expertise in your preferred game formats. For instance, if you specialize in 6-max Hold’em cash games, seek mentors who already had significantly improved their students in this specific format. What are the optimal poker formats? Poker coaches commonly offer three lesson formats: live sessions, database reviews, and video reviews. These formats can also be combined for a more comprehensive learning experience. A good coach maintains regular database reviews with their students in between poker lessons or video reviews. Is private coaching worth it? Investing in poker training site subscriptions is worthwhile if you're committed to studying and implementing the materials into your game. Even a modest improvement in your win rate, such as 0.5bb/100, can quickly offset the subscription cost. It's recommended to join a training website as long as you play stakes where the subscription price aligns with potential gains.