Online poker training sites have exploded in recent years. What was once a cottage industry with a few small sites with a handful of videos has expanded into a highly competitive field, with dozens of sites scrambling for subscribers. With so many sites to choose from, the process can be overwhelming, especially for newer players. To help keep things simple, here is a simple list of questions you’ll want to ask yourself when comparing training sites. By taking a few minutes to answer these questions, you can not only save hundreds of dollars, but also ensure that you get the most bang for your buck when you subscribe to a site.
Do I need a training site?
If you are reading this article, you probably think you already have the answer to this question. Put that aside for a second and consider a few things first: Have you watched the hundreds of free strategy videos that are available on sites like YouTube, PokerTube, PokerListings, and PartTimePoker? Have you considered joining a poker forum and getting direct feedback on your game from other players by participating in strategy discussions? Have you taken the time to analyze your game and identify your strengths and weaknesses? All of the above are absolutely free alternatives to an expensive training site subscription, and are valuable avenues for players to explore.
Too often newer players think of training sites as an “easy fix” for their game – sign up, watch some videos and violate, the leaks have been fixed. Actually, there is no easy solution to your game. Training sites are a valuable resource, but if they are the resource you turn to first, you may want to pause and explore some other resources like the ones mentioned above before continuing.
How much?
This question may seem a bit obvious, but determining how much a training site subscription actually costs can be a daunting task. Some sites have low monthly fees, but they charge you an initial sign-up fee. Some sites offer discounts if you participate in a promotion they are running or if you earn rakeback through their site. Other sites, like Cardrunners, offer free poker training if you play a certain number of hands at an online poker site. Be sure to read the fine print and shop around carefully, as training site memberships can cost upwards of $ 1000 a year. There is no need to pay a hundred more than necessary, as that is money coming off your bottom line.
What game and limits am I focused on?
Not all training sites are created equal – some focus only on cash play, some focus on MTT play, and some focus on SNGs. Some sites focus exclusively on low stakes, while others are geared towards medium and high stakes. It is important that you clearly identify the type of game and the limits you want to focus on before choosing a site. Once you know your game and its limits, read the reviews of the poker training sites (and the archives of the sites themselves, if you can) to get a better idea of what the main focus of the site is. There is nothing worse than spending some money on a training site, starting to watch some videos, and then realizing that the videos you are watching have little to nothing to do with the games you regularly play.
What extras does the site offer?
Not all training sites are the same. While they all offer various types of videos, some sites (especially the larger ones) offer additional perks and tools to help you with your game. PokerXFactor offers an excellent hand player that gives you information about your game that you would not otherwise get. Cardrunners offers a wide range of promotions that add value to its users. Explore the site and feel what they offer beyond the videos, and see if those extras add value to you.
What are others saying about the site?
Do a quick search on the site you are considering subscribing to on Google. What are other players saying about the site? Register in a poker forum like 2 + 2 and ask other players for their experiences; they will be happy to share them. Fellow poker players, especially those who play games and limits similar to yours, are the best resource you can have for evaluating the quality (and therefore value) of a subscription to a poker training site.
Training sites are a valuable addition to any poker player’s arsenal, but they are an addition that should not be done randomly. We hope this guide has given you some questions to ask before registering, questions that will help you choose not only the best training site, but also the best training site for you.