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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Question:  Can I receive tournament instruction only, or do I have to take a series of lessons that include ring/cash games?

Answer:  The menu is ala carte.  If your desire is to improve only your cash game, then instruction will solely be focused on that aspect of poker.  Likewise, if a player wants to perfect their tournament skills, a plan of instruction is readily available.

Question: What games are available for instruction?

Answer: Just about all formats - Limit Hold’em, No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha H/L, 7 Card Stud (High) and more.

Question: How do I know if I am a good candidate for taking a lesson or two?

Answer: If you are not a beginner, and have been playing three months to several years, have read a poker book or two (optional, but encouraged), and are seeking assistance in reaching the next level, our instruction will bridge the gap from being an average player to fast becoming a consistent winning player.  For experienced players, who may want just to have a “poker tune-up,” we offer a specialized class in identifying “leaks,” or “holes” in their game that may be causing unnecessary failures at the table.

Question:  How many lessons would I need?

Answer: This will depend a lot on the individual, experience level, knowledge level, and their ability to absorb the instruction and embrace two necessary skills (patience and discipline), while at the tables.  Some will need only a few lessons; while others will require more hands-on work and may want to have additional sessions to cement learned techniques and increase their confidence factor before ending their training.

Question:  For someone starting out, that hasn’t read any poker books, or had much table experience (live or online), where do you recommend they start?

Answer: We strongly urge newcomers with a new fascination to poker, to join the Poker School Online (PSO).  There, beginners will have training tables available and designed purposely for introduction to poker.  Senior Instructor, Al Spath, an instructor with PSO, attests that the written lessons, access to professional players and other senior instructors, combined with the software and poker tools available (calculator, dictionary of terms, etc.), a new member will advance quickly to becoming a more knowledgeable and astute player.  Private tutoring is also available there and you are encouraged to inquire about the trainings available.  We look forward to your return here and will welcome you back to our site and assist you in taking the next step to becoming a winning cash player or tournament champion.

Question: What book or books should I read to start laying a solid foundation before I take a lesson, or while I am taking a lesson if I have some knowledge and experience in playing poker?

Answer: We highly recommend the following two books in the order we have them listed: “Winning Low Limit Hold’em” by Lee Jones; and “Internet Texas Hold’em” by Matthew Hilger. Advanced players will be familiar with “Super System” by Doyle Brunson, and the many books offered by David Sklansky, Mason Malmuth, Tom McEvoy, and Ed Miller to name a few.

Question: What will I need to do, other than contact you and schedule a lesson?

Answer: After you contact us, we will do a brief phone interview with you, finding out your desires and mapping out a plan for your training. We will ask you to download some “free” software in preparation for your first session and require you to make payment (using the Paypal link), prior to any lesson conducted. Lessons are $100 per hour and can be taken in one or two hour blocks. Should you prefer to send a cashier’s check, an address will be provided, and we will certainly expedite the scheduling of your lessons once the check has arrived.

Question: Where do we play, how does this training take place?

Answer: As co-owner of an on-line card room, the first lesson will have the instructor playing (with the client in constant communication), as they observe play and listen to instruction. The “live,” real money interaction will be played at PokerSchoolOnline and subsequent lessons can be at sites that the client prefers to play. All instruction will be accomplished via the computer (www.skype.com), which is a free computer phone system, or by telephone. We definitely prefer to use the sky system, which allows us to perform the lesson hands-free so that the client and the instructor can make notes as the session moves forward. Both links are available to you on each page of this website and you will need to purchase an inexpensive microphone to utilize the sky system if your computer does not come with this accessory.

Question: Can I still get instruction if I own a MAC?

Answer: Although it is difficult for MAC users to download certain software (including poker sites), we will make every effort to assist clients with MACs, however, in some cases we may not be able to assist if a client’s computer does not meet minimum requirements to run complex software.

Question: I know becoming an instructor takes years and involves a great deal of study, practice, acquisition of poker skills along with excellent communicative skills, but how do I get on that path to someday be an instructor myself?

Answer: Individuals with impressive documented tournament and cash game records interested in working with players can begin right here in our Coaching/Mentoring program. If selected, they will demonstrate abilities to teach others by first conducting a training session with a senior instructor. If they demonstrate the ability to provide sound advice and counsel to a potential student, they will enter a paid coaching/mentoring program which will give them an opportunity to gain additional skills and eventually begin to assist clients seeking an entry level coach/mentor. Certification certificates will be provided attesting to their successful tutoring accomplishment.