Training review focuses on a relatively new online training site which provides lessons through the use of video and audio feeds of pragmatic88 literally ‘doing their thing’. Relying heavily on the allure and credentials of pro players David Williams and Todd Arnold, the site boasts a revolutionary way to improve our game at break-neck speeds. Real Poker Training sounds good so far right? Is it the best poker training site?
Before we take a look in more detail, I just want to let you know that at the end of this review I’ll be providing you with the links to some provided by Real Poker Training. I strongly recommend checking these out. Whilst this review will give you more insight into the services offered by RPT, watching the actual video’s is one of the best ways to decide whether you like the ‘feel’ of the coaching that the site provides.
What’s It All About?
Most of us understand the premise of online poker training sites like Real Poker Training, but for those new to the concept, RPT provides new to advanced players alike the unique opportunity to literally watch over the shoulder of profitable poker players as they guide us through not only each stage of play, but explanations of why they act the way they do in each hand. It’s not just the instructional element of this type of poker training that is attractive, it’s the prospect of being exposed to and coming to understand the very thought processes of winning players. At the end of this review you’ll find some poker training videos and I encourage you to take a look at them to get a real glimpse of how powerful this type of poker training can be.
Look at it this way. Remember learning to tie your shoe as a kid? Our parents did it for us two or twelve times (depending on how slow we were on the uptake), then encouraged us to do it ourselves. Not only can we now all tie our shoes, the process barely requires any thought processing at all. Amazingly, poker can be the same way. That’s not to say it won’t require thought, obviously it will. But there’s a vast benefit to be had in developing our knowledge of correct situational plays to the point that what we had previously thought of as advanced poker theory becomes more instinctive.
I bit the bullet on this one and have been immediately impressed by the content available to members on the Real Poker Training Site. A word to the wise…or should I say newbies. Right from the get go, it’s clear Real Poker Training delves into intermediate to advanced theory and is specifically designed to lift average players to advanced levels, with a view to attaining a corresponding increase in player stakes.
New players can still vastly increase the speed at which they can progress their game by becoming a member, but will benefit from taking the time to check out the Texas Holdem 101 section and partaking in some low stakes playing time at any of the popular online poker rooms to find their feet. I’d encourage those players to get some practical experience to really get the most out of an investment into such a dynamic poker training site as this.
However, for those who have hit a rut with their game, or are looking to seriously take their play to the next level, Real Poker Training is a must.
What Can We Find Inside Real Poker Training?
There’s already 100+ video’s in the members area and this comprises only a small part of the content and training available. There’s a heavy focus on tournament play, but that’s not to say that the site isn’t well rounded, with a healthy focus on ring games and variants. Todd Arnold, who crushes Paradise Poker under the moniker ‘NSXT2′ brings a lot to the table in terms of lending some insight into his vast multi-table tournament experience, and will prove invaluable to players looking to make deeper runs and larger cashes ieven with sizeable playing fields.
As with most online poker training sites, in addition to poker training videos Real Poker Training includes articles, blogs, and a members forum where we can chew the fat with other aspriing and successful players. Don’t underestimate the value in taking a deep bite of community knowledge. Most members seem more than willing to help rather than hinder.
One of the major drawcards for Real Poker Training though is the interactive approach the pro’s take to the members. Their involved in the forum, regularly answer questions and queries, and will actually provide breakdowns and analysis of players hand histories. Imagine the benefit of having a pro telling you exactly how you should have played a hand, or why what you did was right at the time. Very spiffy!
The video’s do broach various stake limits and so seek to cater to the variation in playing style and ability between say a $1 MTT on PokerStars to playing a $10/20 ring game at bodog. The site could benefit from more cash game video’s, although I understand they are looking to plug that gap. If the site continues to add to the arsenal with a fair share of attention being given to low and intermediate stakes as well as higher limits, Real Poker Training will continue to cater to players across the board.
Play Like A Pro…Even If You Ain’t
As we can reasonably expect, the video and audio material showing the pro’s playing actual tables in a range of situations and providing their due thought process at each twist and turn. It’s not just poker theory. We also get valuable insights on the other players at the table and how to recognise styles of play…to then dominate them.
Progressing from reading poker theory and being shown how to apply it is something of a quantum leap. You can read all about positional play but it might not click until you see someone three betting a player off top pair top kicker with nothing but air. It’s this sort of practical knowledge that puts online poker training sites like this one so ahead of the curve.
Game Variations
Lovers of Omaha, Draw and Stud will be pleased to learn that these are covered in addition to the ever popular texas holdem. As previously mentioned, tournaments receive heavy scrutiny and include heads up, freeze outs, re-buys, sit n go, satellites…pretty much everything you can play.