This week I tweeted about something I call the "10-20-30 Method" for better, more focused tournament poker training.
My followers seemed to love the idea so I thought I'd teach it to you too.
So what is the 10-20-30 Method?
It's a simple 3-step framework that keeps your tournament poker training both focused and specific.
Let's break it down, step-by-step...
Step 1: Spend 10 minutes per week identifying leaks
It's so easy to get caught up in watching the latest training videos and courses believing that they're going to help your game, but what you really need is to identify your biggest leaks or areas where you're struggling.
This means you need a simple way of identifying your leaks or problem areas so you have something to focus on.
If you want to invest, then hiring a coach or signing up for a programme like Train & Play Like The Pros, will be the most efficient solution.
A great coach will be able to analyse your stats, game and thought process and quickly show you where you're going wrong so you know exactly what to focus on in your study and training.
This is exactly what I do in my Train & Play Like The Pros programme where you receive tailored guidance based on your individual leaks.
But what if you're not ready to invest?
Here's one simple way...
When you play an online session, you're probably marking hands where you're unsure what to do. If you're not, make sure you start doing this regularly every time you play.
These marked hands will show you exactly where you're lacking confidence and don't have a clear gameplan or framework for that particular spot or situation.
If you play on sites that don't allow you to tag hands in real-time, make sure you take screenshots or write down hands in a notebook.
Then, at the end of the session, spend 10 minutes running through them all to identify the common themes or spots where you're struggling.
Step 2: Spend 20 minutes per week figuring out how to fix them
If you can identify areas for improvement, you'll now have a list of things to work on.
The next step is figuring out how to do it.
Remember to keep things simple: identify the leak, then find the resources to fix it.
Once again, the most efficient solution is to hire a coach or join Train & Play Like The Pros.
But there are some other ways...
You could join a training site and search for content that's relevant to the leak or area you're trying to fix.
You could filter your database for the exact spot you want to work on and then work through these hands with friends or your study group. The idea is to come up with a very clear framework for that spot to improve your decision making, which in turn should improve your thought process in-game.
If you're struggling preflop, invest in some preflop charts.
If you really want to dig into preflop solutions, grab a copy of Holdem Resources Calculator and aim to run (at least) one sim after every session.
If you're struggling postflop, subscribe to DTO Poker Trainer and drill specific spots. The great thing about this software is that it will continue to give you feedback and highlight the areas of your game you need to work on.
Use code "10COACHGAZ"for a 10% discount on DTO Poker Trainer products. Disclaimer: If you choose to use my affiliate code, I do receive a little kickback.
Finally, if all else fails and you can't figure out how to fix your leak, tweet me and ask.
Step 3: Spend 30 minutes per day fixing the leak
"Show me your calendar, and I'll show you your priorities."
With your leaks and the solutions in mind, schedule 30 minutes per day to fix them.
Use a calendar app (Google calendar will do) and block off the time when you're going to be able to study uninterrupted for maximum focus.
30 minutes is a good target for most recreational players, but if you're already there, and you have room for more, then aim to increase this number.
If you're currently studying for 0-10 minutes, aim to increase this number gradually over the next few weeks until you can hit 30 minutes every day.
This approach will have a big impact on your poker training because you're homing in on the exact problems that are causing you issues at the poker table.
Why?
Because you used the 10-20-30 Method for better, more focused tournament poker training on the things that will make the biggest difference to you.
That's all for today.
See you next week.
Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you:
The Final Table: Play your best poker when the most is at stake. Detailed analysis of over 100 hand examples at different stages of play. Learn how to make great decisions every time and set yourself up for daily progress.
Poker On The Mind: Listen to my podcast with Dr Tricia Cardner as we discuss peak poker performance and tournament poker strategy.
Train & Play Like The Pros: Join the next cohort of my flagship program that will take you from amateur to training and playing like the pros in the next 8 weeks. There are only 12 spots for each cohort, and when they're gone, they're gone and I close enrolment until the next one.
Purposeful Practice for Poker: Gain a clear theoretical understanding of the science of purposeful practice and how you can apply it to your poker study & training. Includes specific exercises designed to create an infallible plan for poker improvement.