Getting a coach or private poker lessons. Do you think you need one?

[Lawrence Ng]

I briefly mentioned a little while back in the SS section about how a lot of players are doing well and successfully well based on a lot of the literature that currently available on the subject of poker.

Now, one of the things I rarely seen mentioned in any of the threads is the subject of coaching. There is perhaps a double edged sword to this particular area. Perhaps no one on these boards feel they would like to admit they need someone to really help their game. So instead we opt to share our experiences here and hopefully gain some insight. Yes, there are many great posters on these boards and every piece of advice, insight, heck even the insults is money in our pockets and helps us improve our game.

Likewise, perhaps some of the very experts on these boards do no wish to solicit (perhaps it's in the Twoplustwo Terms of Service Agreement?!?) such opportunities to market themselves here on these boards.


I am seriously leaning towards putting a good chunk of winnings (how much is yet to be determined depending on who I find) towards getting a solid expert player to help with my game. Objectively speaking I think I am a strong player, but I really want to increase my play and skill up a couple of notches. No book is going to help me do that and no posts on these boards are going to either. I strongly believe it is well worth the investment to find a good coach because of what it can do for my EV in the long run.

This is of course not going to be cheap, but then again most of us here have went to some post secondary institution of some kind and have forked out thousands for a degree/diploma all in the hopes of entering the labor force making a yearly salary. We continue to spend more on education (certifications, designations, upgrade courses) that for the most part only marginally increase our wages/salaries. There are even some cases where it's mandatory to learn more just to keep the job!

So for me, I find it's a no brainer, to find an expert poker player to guide my game to the next level. It's just
good poker sense and a worthy education.

Now who am I leaning towards? Well I have a list built up and yes there are a few on these boards that I have selected.

All comments and suggestions welcome.