After your poker coaching sessions
So you have had your first coaching session. Beyond the experience and knowledge you gained during the session, there are a few ways to capitalize further on the session. By doing some of the things listed below after your first session, you are sure to get the most bang for your buck.
As soon as you possibly can, write down everything you learned during the session. Don’t skip any little detail. I don’t know how many times I have thought to myself, I don’t need to write this down, there is no way I will forget it, just to have a hard time recalling whatever it was just a few days later.
Practice the techniques you learned as soon as possible. We tend to learn by doing, so the greater the amount of time spent practicing, the better you will become. Some of the things you learned may be new or difficult for you at first, so don’t be afraid to move down a level or two from your normal playing limits, or even spend a little time on the play money tables if you need to. I know a few players that would never “lower” themselves to go back to the play money tables. Being too proud and stubborn for your own good will cost you money in the long run.
Practice the things you learned
Keep some paper and a writing utensil with you at all times to write down any questions that come up to cover in your next coaching session. Even when you aren’t able to practice the things you learned, you will be thinking about them and these will lead to questions. Just like the advice above, it is best to write them down as soon as possible so they aren’t forgotten.
Make an honest assessment of your poker coach. This should probably wait until the next day after any emotional feelings will have a chance to even out a little. A good coach will bring out things about your game that you may not like and it is human nature to be defensive and resentful of this. Don’t let this stand between you and the improvement of your game. And just as importantly, you may realize that whomever you have chosen for a coach is not the correct person for your game. If this happens, don’t let this discourage you from finding another one. There are many qualified poker coaches available.