5 Poker Training Methods – Which One is for You?

Like any learning exercise, there are various ways of gaining knowledge on a subject. Some people prefer to learn from reading books while others may prefer a classroom environment. Poker is no different and like academic learning, there are multiple ways to learn how to improve.

Training Videos
This is probably the most common way method of poker training available. It can usually be purchased as a monthly or annual subscription. It offers the student the opportunity to watch and learn, so to speak. Many training sites breakdown their videos into courses and topic areas. This is particularly useful as it allows one to revise certain areas easily, hone in on weaknesses and take notes while watching. Convenience and entertainment are requirements to customers in 2020 and training videos certainly tick both boxes.

Mentor by Email
This is a unique service we found by Texas Holdem Questions. It is ideal for those who don’t want to chat on Skype/Zoom, prefer email communication and perhaps have a smaller budget. The flexibility around email is certainly appealing to the 21st century, busy individual. Texas Holdem Questions’ service is largely based around scenario work with the mentor sending scenario work that requires multiple choice answers or free text. There is also opportunity for general back and forth on email. I love the legacy and audit trail type communication this service offers. Use discount code GR8POK2020 to get 5% discount on their mentor by email or training video membership.

Hand History Review Sessions
Despite some online poker sites banning the use of HUDs, one is still able to export hands (usually capped by date or number). To be able to revisit hands you’ve played and have feedback from a professional is invaluable. The benefits of the personal feedback and the back and forth of discussion on how hands are played are extremely useful for one’s development as a player. Otherwise, you can plod along your poker journey misplaying many hands that you think are playing great. Two heads are better than one, particularly when one is an expert in the field. Hand history reviews may seem tedious to some, but to others, it’s the best training method available as it targets and corrects flaws in your poker game.

Reading
Good old-fashioned reading is still a popular way to learn. Believe it or not, buying a book or E-book online is training material, although few associate it with training. There is an abundance of poker material available in books. Granted, some are somewhat obsolete or redundant with the current game, but there is also practical and relevant literary work that will significantly help your game for a cheap price. Are you a reader? If so, get searching and make sure to check the reviews. I always say if you even learn 1 practical and useful tip from a book than it’s worth the price in the long run.

Skype/Zoom Coaching
Many training sites offer facility to coach visually through an hourly rate service on Skype or Zoom. Whilst it’s unquestionably one of the most expensive methods of training, it’s benefits cannot be overstated. Having an expert give you 1 to 1, face to face, training is truly awesome. Poker coaches understand you’ve paid for their time and will often over deliver in both time and training. They want you to get value for money and will do their best to help you take your game to the next level. This service is best suited for those who are playing mid stakes and looking to iron out creases in their game or have a decent budget for training.

Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a wide range of training methods at your disposal, each with their own merits. Whether you are looking to improve by watching, reading, chatting or email, you can improve your ROI this year by taking advantage of the service that is most suitable for you.