Learning to play poker, or at least play it well, is by no means an easy task.
Anyone can learn the hands, understand the bluff and aimlessly bump their way through the odd game here and there, but to become a competent and successful poker player is a different beast entirely.
Of course, there are books, articles, and videos that can all be consumed by the average player to learn about the game and develop their skills – but the credibility of the sources is often left questionable. And besides, anyone can write a book or make a video – who’s to say that they’re the real deal and can actually teach about poker?
That’s where the pros come in and my oh my have they made a splash in the world of teaching poker. If you’re considering an online course from a high stakes player, you’ve got the choice of two really, the big dogs, Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey.
With these two poker pros, you’ll have no question about the credibility of your information supplier – after all, they’re only the two biggest names in the game. But are these courses any good and how will you improve your gaming skills from the courses?
Daniel Negreanu’s Masterclass
Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu’s recently launched masterclass course is one of the most exciting poker products to be launched in the last few years and with Negreanu at the helm – it’s a product you can count on.
Who is Daniel Negreanu?
First off, a little about the main man himself – if you’re not sure about the man behind the course, who’s to say any of it’s true at all?
Thankfully, Negreanu is one of the most successful poker players of all time amassing a total of over $40 million in live poker winnings. He’s managed to bag a total of 6 WSOP bracelets during his career and with the largest single win totaling over $8 million – it’s hardly a secret that Negreanu is not one to mess with at the table.
He’s also one of the best readers in the game making sick predictions about players’ hands (check out this Youtube video), often leading to big wins and better bluffs. So there are no worries around the man in charge.
Daniel Negreanu’s Masterclass
Launched June 2018, Negreanu’s Masterclass walks the average poker player through everything that they could ever need to know with a video series dedicated to teaching the game.
As of current, there’s a total of 38 lessons ranging from the basics of understanding position, working out odds (check out this guide from WeeklySlotsNews), hand ranges and board texture to the most advanced tournament strategies, methods of masking tell’s and player profiling tips to give you the edge in your next game.
The package also includes office hours where members are free to ask questions to the big boss in charge, leaving Negreanu to act as the wealth of poker knowledge that he is to a willing audience. There’s the additional option of download to Android and iPhone for a mobile poker information station – something that’s always good to have handy in the pocket.
Overall, the course is very good and will teach players, regardless of current ability, a little something about poker from the mind of the master.
Phil Ivey’s Masterclass
Looking for an alternative to Kid Poker’s course? You’ve only really got the one choice if you’re wanting to learn from the best high stakes players in the business, Phil Ivey.
Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey is often regarded as the very best all-around poker player at the tables today and with 10 WSOP wins and over $26 million in live tournament winnings.
Often called the “Tiger Woods of Poker”, Ivey was elected into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing his legacy in the poker world for the foreseeable future. But it’s not just the live games that Ivey makes his mark and with an online account on FullTilt, Ivey was reported to win over $17 million in a 4-year stint.
Put simply – Ivey is the real deal.
Phil Ivey’s Masterclass
Moving onto the Phil Ivey Masterclass and we’ll see fewer lessons with only 12 different topics covered in the Masterclass – but that doesn’t mean a lower value for money.
Enter the class and you’ll be able to watch the video series in which Ivey discusses preflop and blind defense, bluffing (great coverage of best bluffs ever here) and post-flop alongside strategies for success and other hot topics in the poker world.
All members will receive a downloadable workbook for the lessons taken, allowing them to take full advantage of the mind of Ivey as he discussed how to increase the skills of the game. There’s even the option of the download onto iPhone and Android devices to set-up on the go – perfect for a listen on the daily commute.
Adrian Sireca, of OnlineCasinoGems, states: “The online Masterclass is one of the best ways to learn to play poker and coming from the pros themselves – it gives peace of mind to players that they’re getting the very best information”.
Again, regardless of ability, the course is good value to those wanting to see into the mind of the poker pro for a glimpse of what it takes for success in the game.
The takeaway
If you’re going to be taking an online course from any of the high stakes poker pros, it’s clear that you’re going to be learning a great deal along the way.
The two courses mentioned are equally beneficial to play, whether that be online or in-person, and with the best pros in the game teaching their secrets, it’s hard to find any source greater for poker mastery.
If considered as an investment, the monthly fee may pay off and the course could pay for itself and with some of the best advice you’ll find about the game – it’s a likely scenario.
With the online casino industry, specifically, industry analysts expect for poker to pick up once more in the very near future – there’s no better time to better your poker skills.