Find a Poker Mentor:

To become a great player, there’s a mountain of information to gather. While there’s a wealth of poker information available on the internet, in books, and in poker magazines, a poker mentor can dramatically speed up the learning process for new players. For players who already know the basics, finding a player you respect to become a mentor can help bring your game to new levels.

Different from a coach, a poker mentor doesn’t earn cash in exchange for the time they spend with their students. While a poker coach can be another great resource for quick and effective training, a mentor will generally provide more time and personal attention. Poker coaches can cost anywhere from $50 – $250 per hour, while a mentor will give you their time for free.

Poker mentoring for online players has become very popular because it’s easy for mentors to amass a large amount of information in a relatively short period of time. There are no hand history reports at a live game, and sitting beside you for hours on end is not realistic in a live casino. Online players can play many more hands in the same period of time, and hand history reports with several thousand hands recorded can tell a mentor a lot about how you play. After they’ve analyzed your game, they’ll point out the leaks and teach you more profitable strategy concepts.

If you primarily play online poker, finding a mentor is easier than you might think. Players can often find a great mentor by posting a message at a popular poker forum. Describe your goals, your favorite games, and your current skill level. Then, use your favorite instant messenger to discuss strategy on the fly.

For live players, keep an eye out for successful, middle to high stakes players and ask them for some help. When you’re capable of winning consistently, a mentor may be willing to stake you in bigger games in return for a percentage of your profits. Others may do it because they take a liking to you and/or because it makes them feel good to help another person.

There’s another benefit that poker mentors get from the trade. Teaching strategy to another person is a great way for players to keep their game sharp. Most people that are willing to be mentors have a natural desire to provide the best information they can, and the responsibility alone drives them to find the best answers possible.

Have a friend or relative who consistently beats the game? Ask them to start mentoring you over dinner and a beer once a week. Who would turn that down?

However you set it up, there are benefits for both the player and the mentor. For players, your game should improve at a rapid pace. For mentors, personal satisfaction and potential financial gains are possible. It’s a win-win for both parties.