Mentor / Poker Buddy
A few months ago I joined a poker study group with a few friends. Some were at my level while may were much further ahead of me. Unfortunately, due to "life" and scheduling, it was very diffcult to keep this group going on a consistent/productive basis.Â
Prior to joining this group, I had been picking the brain of one of the better players on a semi-regular basis (and still do). I find myself needing to bother him less as I learn, but I still find his experience and insight very beneficial. I had a few "shattering" revelations while discussing various topics with him, and it definitely helped my game.
I also discussed poker with a number of my friends, and went over hands and playing styles, and other topics of interest. This casual discussion was valuable, but after the start of this study group, I hit it off with one of the other players who was close to my level of play. While the group started winding down, we started discussing things more and more, and "growing off each other". It also provided a bit of competition to grow more quickly, and some support through some of the bad swings. While there are many poker topics you can chat with anybody about, some are far easier to discuss with a select few. You don't have to worry about sounding too cocky when you brag, or too embarrassed when you really screw up. The other trick is that you share so much that this player becomes a serious threat to you at the table, since you have shared so many "secrets" with them (although the reverse is also true
).
For me, I've found that both were very helpful, and provide something books just can't. A mentor can help with trickier questions that your poker buddy simply can't answer, and they can help you make occasional leaps in skill/understanding. A buddy can help you with the more mundane issues (as well as some of the "emotional" ones), and spur you to steady but consistent growth. I've seen both recommended in various places, but you realize the value a lot more when you experience it. This is all probably pretty obvious, but it wasn't to me until I saw the results personally, so I thought I'd post it.
If you can, latch onto a mentor who can teach you, AND somebody at your level who you can grow with. You'll be a better player for it!
Prior to joining this group, I had been picking the brain of one of the better players on a semi-regular basis (and still do). I find myself needing to bother him less as I learn, but I still find his experience and insight very beneficial. I had a few "shattering" revelations while discussing various topics with him, and it definitely helped my game.
I also discussed poker with a number of my friends, and went over hands and playing styles, and other topics of interest. This casual discussion was valuable, but after the start of this study group, I hit it off with one of the other players who was close to my level of play. While the group started winding down, we started discussing things more and more, and "growing off each other". It also provided a bit of competition to grow more quickly, and some support through some of the bad swings. While there are many poker topics you can chat with anybody about, some are far easier to discuss with a select few. You don't have to worry about sounding too cocky when you brag, or too embarrassed when you really screw up. The other trick is that you share so much that this player becomes a serious threat to you at the table, since you have shared so many "secrets" with them (although the reverse is also true
).For me, I've found that both were very helpful, and provide something books just can't. A mentor can help with trickier questions that your poker buddy simply can't answer, and they can help you make occasional leaps in skill/understanding. A buddy can help you with the more mundane issues (as well as some of the "emotional" ones), and spur you to steady but consistent growth. I've seen both recommended in various places, but you realize the value a lot more when you experience it. This is all probably pretty obvious, but it wasn't to me until I saw the results personally, so I thought I'd post it.
If you can, latch onto a mentor who can teach you, AND somebody at your level who you can grow with. You'll be a better player for it!
Comments
I don't have a mentor, but have learned a great deal from people on this forum, as well as some people who I play regularly with who have put up with my questions, and patiently explain "fold equity" for the 4th time, or why QJo isn't a good raising hand.
HUSBANDS DON'T COUNT!!!
C'mon Greg - don't start messing with me now!
Sure they do! Plus they have other benefits
STOP!!! Do NOT want to know! ???
Like taking out the garbage, or cleaning the kitty litter.
Having another person to discuss hands with is great, it is always good to get honest feedback about certain plays you made and then discuss if it was good or bad and what you were thinking at the time and whether or not you thought process was correct.
"poker friend" with benefits? Ugh....
Considering the ratio of men : women at the average table?
YIKES
Mark
I have some friends that I play with occasionally, but they're really not into it as much as I am, so i've outgrown them all quite handily...
Gladly. if I wasn't tied to school here for 3 more years. I'm not a big fan of toronto, I'll be out of here as soon as possible. Maybe once schools out I'll move next door to you and teach you how to play