How to Find the Perfect Poker Coach

With everyone having access to game theory optimal training, having a skilled coach can be the difference between crushing the game and being crushed. But finding the right coach can be challenging, and it’s really important as you are going to be putting trust in a coach to analyse your game and lead you down the path to improve. If you put your trust in someone who is not a really good player, or not good at explaining concepts, or doesn’t care about your progress, you can end up wasting time and money but also regress.

Why Hire a Poker Coach?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s consider why hiring a poker coach can be beneficial:

Accelerated Learning: A coach can help you avoid common pitfalls and focus on what truly matters in improving your game.
Personalized Feedback: Get real-time, honest feedback on your play and decision-making process.
Structured Improvement: A good coach provides a systematic approach to enhancing your skills.
Access to Expertise: Tap into years of experience and proven strategies from successful players.

Identifying Your Needs

The first step in finding the right poker coach is to clearly define your goals and needs. Consider the following:

Game Type: Are you focusing on cash games, tournaments, or a specific variant like Texas Hold’em or Omaha?
Stakes: What level are you currently playing, and where do you aim to be?
Format: Do you prefer online or live poker?
Specific Areas: Are there particular aspects of your game that need improvement, such as preflop ranges, postflop play, or mental game?

Types of Poker Coaching

There are several formats for poker coaching, each with its own advantages:

One-on-One Sessions: Personalized attention and tailored advice.
Group Coaching: More affordable, with the benefit of learning from others’ questions and mistakes.
Training Sites: Comprehensive platforms offering video lessons, quizzes, and sometimes personal coaching.
Hand Reviews: Detailed analysis of your played hands to identify and correct mistakes.
Live Sweats: Coach observes your live play and provides real-time feedback.
Database Reviews: Analysis of your overall statistics to identify leaks and areas for improvement.

Finding Potential Coaches

With your needs identified, it’s time to start your search. Here are some effective ways to find poker coaches:

Online Poker Communities: Forums like TwoPlusTwo and Reddit’s r/poker often have threads dedicated to coaching services.
Training Sites: Platforms like PokerCoaching.com, RunItOnce, and Upswing Poker offer coaching from respected pros. Some stables offer this too.
Social Media: Many poker coaches maintain a presence on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, sharing tips and offering services.
Local Poker Rooms: Ask for recommendations from successful regulars or staff members at your local casino.
Poker Apps: Some apps feature built-in coaching services or connections to coaches.

Vetting Potential Coaches

Once you have a list of potential coaches, it’s time to evaluate them. Consider these factors:

Experience and Expertise

Look for a coach with a proven track record in the specific game type and stakes you’re interested in. Their experience should align with your goals. You need to find a way to vet their results, as you need a winning player to coach you. Coaches on Two Plus Two will often post their graphs such as in this thread:

Or this one:

Or this one from Giovanni who is a RunItOne coach and makes videos for them so is vetted:

Teaching Style

Different coaches have different approaches. Some focus on theory, while others emphasize practical play. Find a coach whose teaching style matches your learning preferences.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is key. Your coach should be approachable, responsive, and able to explain complex concepts clearly. See how they communicate as they play themselves such as Jarretman:

Reputation and Reviews

Look for reviews or ask for references from other players who have worked with the coach. This can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness and teaching style.

Availability and Pricing

Ensure the coach’s schedule and rates align with your needs and budget. Some coaches offer one-on-one sessions, while others provide group coaching or course-based learning.

Questions to Ask Potential Coaches

Before committing to a coach, it’s important to have a conversation to ensure they’re the right fit. Here are some questions to consider asking:

What is your coaching experience and poker playing history?
How do you tailor your coaching to individual student needs?
Can you provide references or testimonials from previous students?
What is your teaching methodology?
What do you expect from me as a student?
What results can I realistically expect, and in what timeframe?
How do you stay updated on the latest poker strategies and trends?

Making the Most of Your Coaching

Once you’ve selected a coach, it’s crucial to maximize the value of your sessions:

Come Prepared: Have specific questions or hands ready for discussion.
Be Open to Feedback: A good coach will identify areas for improvement. Be receptive to constructive criticism.
Take Notes: Document key insights and strategies for later review.
Apply What You Learn: Implement new concepts in your play and track your results.
Regular Review: Periodically assess your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

The Importance of Commitment

Remember, hiring a coach is an investment in your poker career. To see significant improvement, you need to be committed to the process. This means:

Dedicating time to study and practice between sessions
Regularly playing and analyzing your games
Being honest with yourself and your coach about your strengths and weaknesses
Setting realistic goals and working consistently towards them

Alternatives to One-on-One Coaching

While personal coaching can be highly effective, it’s not the only path to improvement. Consider these alternatives or supplements to one-on-one coaching:

Training Sites: Platforms like PokerCoaching.com, Run It Once, and Upswing Poker offer comprehensive courses and training materials.
Study Groups: Form or join a group of like-minded players to discuss strategy and review hands.
Books and Articles: There’s a wealth of poker literature available, from classic strategy books to cutting-edge articles on modern play.
Software Tools: Programs like PokerTracker and Holdem Manager can help you analyze your play and identify leaks.

Conclusion

Finding the right poker coach is a crucial step in your journey to poker mastery. By clearly defining your needs, thoroughly vetting potential coaches, and committing to the learning process, you can significantly accelerate your improvement and achieve your poker goals.

Remember, the best coach for you is one who not only has the knowledge and experience but also communicates in a way that resonates with you and pushes you to reach your full potential. Take your time in the selection process, be clear about your expectations, and be prepared to put in the work.

With the right coach and a dedicated approach to learning, you’ll be well on your way to taking your poker game to new heights. Whether your goal is to crush your local home game or compete at the highest stakes, a good coach can provide the guidance and support you need to succeed in the challenging and rewarding world of poker.