When it comes to poker training, there isn’t a one size fits all. We’re all different with personalities that are more suited to one form of learning over another. That’s why we offer various coaching methods. We realise what works for one may not work for another. If you’re on the cusp of wanting to learn more, enhance your poker knowledge and hopefully earn money, you should want to know the best learning methods. That’s why in this post we’re going to share some of the most effective methods of learning poker. Hopefully by the end you will know which one is right for you.
Training Videos
Watching experts play is one of the easiest ways to grasp key concepts. You get access to advanced and creative plays that poker training sites share at an affordable cost. The beauty of training videos is not just the plays that you’ll be able to watch and learn from, but the commentary and narration given by poker coaches. The best coaches can articulate their strategy in easy-to-understand language so that students can absorb the material and implement them into their own game in the future.
Suitable for people who learn best by watching and listening.
Reading Books
This tried and tested way of learning is old as time. Whether its in paperback form or kindle, reading books on a subject is a great way to increase one’s knowledge, regardless of field. Fortunately for you, there is a mass of books available to you.
A word of caution though, some books on Amazon are outdated and obsolete in the modern era. Therefore, read the reviews and stick to books that are no older then 10 years old. Most strategy books pre 2012 are catered to a different time and place.
Suitable for people who are academic and enjoy reading.
Group Study
Discussing poker strategy with likeminded people can an effective tool to becoming a better poker player. A group study session should not be an occasion to moan about bad beats or chat about heaters. Rather, it’s an opportunity for players to discuss fundamental concepts and advanced strategy, or go over previous hands.
Players can dissect hands in detail, from bet sizing on the flop to estimating bluff probability on a river in a given scenario.
Group study is an invaluable resource that is offered by only a few poker sites. We recommend you give them a try if you haven’t already. Remember, group study should be a back-and-forth conversation so don’t sit quietly, voice your opinion and get feedback.
Suitable for people who enjoy discussions and debates.
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Experience
Not every method of learning poker is away from the table. Like the workplace, a lot is gained through direct experience. There’s a reason the saying “practice makes perfect” is banded about. By playing regularly a player is growing their database of hands.
Subconsciously you will have access to many hands through experience. Sometimes you will know the play to make without knowing why. That is your instinct and recall working in unison to help you make profitable decisions at the poker table.
We tell all our students that playing regularly is vital to improving at poker. You can’t become an expert through study alone. This doesn’t mean you have to grind 15 hours a day but recognizing that you are learning while playing is important, especially for those of you that are relatively new to the game.
Suitable for people that learn best by “doing”.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are four key ways of learning and improving at poker. Training videos, books, group study and playing based experiences can all help you develop as an all-round poker player. We urge you to start with the method that best suits your personality based on ways you’ve learnt in the past. By choosing the right method of learning poker, you can expect to improve quicker and more efficiently. If you are still unsure what’s right and want some support, book in a call with our head coach below.
Narciso Baldo
Narciso Baldo is the Director and Head Coach of Texas Hold'em Questions. He has been playing poker for over 16 years. After spending many years as a professional, he now runs UK poker training site Texas Hold'em Questions. Narciso regularly writes poker articles sharing tips, strategy, news and experience with gambling enthusiasts. Narciso also writes for reputable gambling portal Casino City Times, (bio here). Contact: info@texasholdemquestions.com
