Every poker player has a skill level that could theoretically be graded. Player A for example might perform at level 75 (scale 1-100). A coach should have three objectives with this player:
- Gradually increase their skill level
- Insure that the player perform consistently
- Assist in the search for opportunities to play against players that perform beneath his level
Increasing the skill level of a player is a relative task. In basketball; increasing made free throws from 50% to 65% is easier than from 85% to 90%. A poker player that possess top 20% skill levels is probably already proficient in hand selection, reading his opponents, picking up tells, and has knowledge of pot odds. If his experience and skill place him in the top 10%, his skills are even more advanced. Even a good coach can bring very marginal improvement in this skill level. But he should recognize areas where he is weak, and concentrate on improvement in those areas. Clearly an 85% player exceeds 85% in some of his skills and is beneath 85% in others. Reading, game theory, and bluffing theory are common weaknesses; whereas pot odds and hand selection are usually strengths for an above average player. Coaching is often rejected because a player is: “working on their game”. Such players are often attempting to improve by concentrating on the things they enjoy which are usually areas of strength; while ignoring subjects of lesser interest where they are uncomfortable and weaker. A good coach insists on working on problem areas. The fundamental truth about all poker players is: They seldom play as well as they know how or they play their best for a short period of time. A player with a 75% skill level will seldom play at that level. Ironically, the biggest reason that poker is so profitable for those at the top is because the group that they take money from is, while equally skilled, erratic and inconsistent. Winners know that the 75% skill player will become emotional, go on tilt, become bored, or lack the stamina to continue playing his best-and will lose.
The coaches’ job is to identify the life forces that create fertile ground for self-defeating, and self-destructive tendencies to grow. With this identification process completed; preventing these problems from manifesting into poor decisions can be expected. Focus is directed toward the goal of helping a player play their best as often as possible, and for as long as possible. Even the most experienced players are often shocked to learn that a 60% skill level player can make slight improvements in his hand selection, recommit to disciplined position play, then play his best most of the time and outperform the 85% player in NLH. Playing a few hands poorly, or avoiding mistakes, explains this surprising result.
Searching for profitable games, or the best tournament, is not taught in books, is boring work, and is therefore overlooked by most players. If you select opportunities where you have an edge; then your profits will increase. Many excellent tournament players ignore their strengths and weaknesses. They often sign up for the next tournament. Why would a small ball player sign up for a 20 minute round $3000 starting stack tournament? It was there!
