Coaching Poker Forums

Hey guys,

I basically want to know what I need (hardware/software) to make coaching possible.

Also how many hours for say NL 100 6max are needed to see results?

hey insyder,

I want to preface by saying that, each coach has a different style and approach to coaching, and as a result they utilize the various software programs differently in different situations/for different students' needs and goals.

That said, I'd have to say that a microphone/speakers (or headset) and skype (free 'internet phone' basically), in addition to a live chat program like AIM/ICQ/IRC/MSN etc are the minimum requirements for utilizing the coaching experience successfully in different regards (skype and the text-chat are free to download).

Beyond that, it will depend on the coach I think, but in my coaching, I use the popopop replayer (universal-replayer.net iirc) which is a cool free hand replayer that I use to go over hands with clients, in addition to using teamviewer, a screen-sharing program (Also free) that enables you to view (and control if desired) the other person's screen activity. Very useful for going over hands in the replayer and for any sweat sessions done.

Hope that helps, good luck.

Thanks for your reply.

If I order a coach and they have a rate like "300 $". Is that per hour or session?

IF it's per session how long is a session & what does it consist of?

If I order a coach and they have a rate like "300 $". Is that per hour or session?

300/hr

AMT pretty much nailed it for the basics. Also it helps us out a lot when our students have headsets instead of mic/speaker combinations as the sound quality is much better and it ensures we can't hear our own voices or any background noise during sessions.

I know you asked about hardware/software, but I think it's worth talking about what else you need to have successful coaching, coming from my perspective as a coach.

My biggest piece of advice with regards to coaching is come to each session ready to learn. Sounds trivial but you'd be surprised how many people pay $300/hr for coaching and aren't really mentally prepared. Here are some things I'd suggest:

a) have a list of questions or topics you'd like to talk about "in general" with your coach. This helps facilitate theory sort of questions you can talk about while the action is slow during a sweat session

b) have some pokerhand.org links to some hands you've played recently, so when the action is slow during the sweat session you can pull one up.

c) start playing 20 minutes prior to your coaching session, this way you don't have to waste your own paid time searching for tables. You'll also have a few reads when your coach connects in

d) be mentally prepared to learn. it's probably not a good idea to schedule a session when you're ready to go to bed. Do some reading or video watching prior to the session so you're mind is focused on poker and not something else.

e) come to the session with a "what if" attitude. See a situation, think to yourself "What if this or that variable was changed?" example: What if the guy was looser/more aggro/more cally ? What if the turn was an 8d instead of the Kh ? etc etc

Think about these things and you'll likely be a better student and you'll force your instructor to be a better coach :-) Ideally you'll have a coach that drives some of these things on their own, however not everyone does that.

WoT

Great post Wilt, definately a great guide to coaching. The other thing that I think is essential, is to go through all of the aspects that were covered in the session. By either taking notes during the session or writing a list of all the areas covered afterwards. I also try and follow this up; I start the next session off by reviewing the previous coaching session. This really gives you the best chance of getting the information into your mindset.

With point b) This was extremely useful during our last session. But you only benefit from it by having a 'warts and all approach' your coach is not going to laugh at your plays. So make sure you include all trouble hands, even when tilted. Even if you know it is a bad play, it helps you to not do it next time. As you know your coach is going to see the hand.

I think that it would be very useful to have this written up and posted in the article section?

Great post Wilt and I'm certainly going to take this advice to heart.

I have some ideas for things coaches can do to make the students learning experience better:

When coaches are going to provide a theory lecture on a subject and use hand examples to drive home points, I find it really helpful if the hand examples can be provided up front in a document. Preferably the document will use images to represent suits.

Maybe its because I'm older or its just the way I learn, but when hand examples are dictated to me I find it difficult to both write these examples in my notebook, and simultaneusly process whatever it is the coach is trying to teach about the hand. (i.e. - flop textures, whatever.)

Another bit of information that could be provided up front would be charts or documents for opening hands by position. (Just as an example) Dictating this kind of information just wastes valuable time that could better be spent discussing when and why to deviate from these ranges.

Wilt's point, "e) come to the session with a "what if" attitude. See a situation, think to yourself "What if this or that variable was changed?" example: What if the guy was looser/more aggro/more cally ? What if the turn was an 8d instead of the Kh ? etc etc"

is essentially the heart of successful learning. I was thinking about writing an article for the site on this topic, linking this exact point to neural plasticity and why mastering this art of study would make someone an "expert" student of the game. Very crucial point, thanks for bringing that up Wilt, something I preach in my coaching for sure.

Wilt's point, "e) come to the session with a "what if" attitude. See a situation, think to yourself "What if this or that variable was changed?" example: What if the guy was looser/more aggro/more cally ? What if the turn was an 8d instead of the Kh ? etc etc"

is essentially the heart of successful learning. I was thinking about writing an article for the site on this topic, linking this exact point to neural plasticity and why mastering this art of study would make someone an "expert" student of the game. Very crucial point, thanks for bringing that up Wilt, something I preach in my coaching for sure.

joint article imo, ive fuckin written a paper discussing neural plasticity for one of my electrical engineering classes

joint article imo, ive fuckin written a paper discussing neural plasticity for one of my electrical engineering classes

steve i'm pretty sure you are way too smart for any of us to hang with (or at least me lol)