a few thoughts about teaching poker....

[steve7stud 0]

Several months ago, a young poker player asked me to coach him. It was my firs time taking on a full time student, but I wanted to make sure that he fully understood all aspects of poker. At least as much as I could offer.Over time, we have worked on his ring game, tournys, sng's, money management, etc. We typically go back and forth, where I watch him play, and then he watches me. Then we talk about the play of hands.It's been a GREAT experience. I have no doubt that he will soon be a huge force in the poker world. But like everything in life, patience is key.One of the things that I constantly stressed was not worrying about results. Playing poker, and learning is a process. You will certainly have ups and downs. But hopefully, you will improve.The progress I've personally seen him make is incredible. It took a little time for everything to sink in, but then it just clicked. At least on one level. You can teach someone to be a winning player, but you can't teach someone how to be a world class player. That is something that a person instictively has or doesn't have in them. On the forum, I often hear people talking about how big is your bankroll, and what are your results like. While those are all fine and good. The essence of a poker player is growth. Not short term results. Money comes and goes, but knowledge is priceless. Hopefully when you play you are constantly learning and discovering, not just grinding. If you want to grind it out, go sit in a cubicle from 9-5. Poker should be fun. And believe me, the more fun you have, and the happier you are, will only make you a better player.Just thought that I would share with you all. It's really gratifying to watch someone grow as you're teaching them. Hopefully you guys will get to teach someone one day and share the experience as well. Good Luck.

[steve7stud 0]

Oh, in case you're wondering........it's not Daniel.

[Sushiman 0]

We talk about stuff like that on the forum because posts like "do you feel like the majority of your previous bets were +EV in the long run with disregard to immediate results" would be a very boring read. :-) I think you had a pretty rare experience. Most people say they want to learn, but in reality they just want to 1)flop sets against AA/KK and 2) take huge pots with all in bluffs while playing the board.

[steve7stud 0]

We talk about stuff like that on the forum because posts like "do you feel like the majority of your previous bets were +EV in the long run with disregard to immediate results" would be a very boring read. :-) I think you had a pretty rare experience. Most people say they want to learn, but in reality they just want to 1)flop sets against AA/KK and 2) take huge pots with all in bluffs while playing the board.

You're right. I've had a lot of people approach me about coaching them. But after a few discussions, it turns out that they weren't serious at all. I was lucky, and so was my student. He listened, and learned. Took the game seriously, practiced, worked hard. And now he is really coming into his own.

[gatortom64 1]

I have never had a teacher, but I can definitely see improvement in my games over the years. I started playing in the Navy with lots of wild cards games, then to stud and now I can play most games well. I do much better in the B&M than online, but I play for recreation, not for a living.

[steve7stud 0]

I have never had a teacher, but I can definitely see improvement in my games over the years. I started playing in the Navy with lots of wild cards games, then to stud and now I can play most games well. I do much better in the B&M than online, but I play for recreation, not for a living.

As long as your improving, growing, having fun, and hopefully winning more then you lose. Poker can be one of the greatest recreational activities ever.

[pokerkid 0]

dibs as steve's next student.

[steve7stud 0]

dibs as steve's next student.

Lol. I've got my hands full right now. I'd say being DN's protege is the way to go.

[DrawingDeadInDM 0]

Steve.. This post kind of struck a chord with me. At my B&M I've become pretty good friends with a guy, late 20's early 30's, who's pretty much been living in the back rooms of pool halls and card rooms since he was 15. He's seen it all and for the better part of eight years he dealt. He's dealt at the Bellagio, the Mirage and down in Tunica. He's Dealt the big game and dealt 1/2 Limit. It started from just playing a lot of hours together and then into a discussion about a hand while we were both taking a whizz. The guy's improved my game immensely. I've seen him lay down QQ, correctly, in spots where I would've pushed. Better yet, I've begun to understand *why* he's laying down QQ. The guys understanding of Hold 'Em and Omaha just blows my mind. The patience he shows has just been astounding. He lays down KQs in EP where I'd be raising with it. I was a "winning" player, before, but not by much. Since we started discussing theory, strategy and just the general life, I've definetely become a lot better player. His help and guidance has paid massive dividends in both my bankroll and my general etiquette in the card room.Maybe before, when I got beat out of a big pot by a worse hand, I'd say something like, "God, what're you doing in there?". He'd pull me aside a few hands later and explain that if you're not in a pot from time to time with the worst hand, you're not playing correctly.Things like that make a lot of sense, and they mean all the world. This guy was lucky to have you as his teacher, I hope he appreciates it. I know I would.

[pokerkid 0]

well if ur time ever frees up, don't be afraid to use a PM (a PM to me that is).random: You're evaluation of a good student has kind of got me thinking that what makes a person a good poker player would make them good at alot of other occupations too.

[the_jop 0]

steve i think is great that you could help another player the way you have. i would love to be able to learn from a more experienced player but alas i live in a state that doesn't have a casino :boohoo: . and my home game is just full of a couple of friends that just like to have fun. which is great but they don't even talk about the game while they are in the game. :wall: i'm the only one who takes it seriously.anyway i just wanted to say good job.

[steve7stud 0]

steve i think is great that you could help another player the way you have.  i would love to be able to learn from a more experienced player but alas i live in a state that doesn't have a casino :boohoo: .  and my home game is just full of a couple of friends that just like to have fun.  which is great but they don't even talk about the game while they are in the game.   :wall:  i'm the only one who takes it seriously.anyway i just wanted to say good job.

If you're trying to work on your game, and you have questions. Go to the strat forum. Tons of people there with great advice. Good Luck.