RealPokerTraining.com Review

Real Poker Training, one of the original online training sites, dedicated to introducing online poker players with a new innovative method of instruction. Based off the cash game instructions of gotskillz? and one of the original top online tournament players in NSXT2, their goals are to elevate players to the next level.

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Membership Options

Full Access: $24.95/month

Payment Methods:

Poker Site Transfer (UB, FTP), VISA, Paypal

Videos	Streaming?	Downloadable?	Hand Replayer?	Forums?
200+

Instructors

David Williams
Ari “Bodog Ari” Engel
Ryan “gotskillz?” Fisler
Todd “NSXT2” Arnold
David “Seal“ Eisenstein

Guest Pros

Chad “lilholdem954“ Batista
Chris “Fox” Wallace

Video Variety

Freeze-out:	24 videos
Rebuys:	31 Videos
Final Tables:	12 Videos
Sit-N-Go:	15 Videos
Heads Up:	9 Videos
Cash Games:	12 Videos
5 Card Draw:	22 videos
Omaha:	17 Videos
Basic Lessons:	10 Videos
Specialty Lessons:	11 Videos
Limit Holdem:	8 Videos
Amateur Player Critiques:	5 Videos
Release Schedule:	No Set Schedule but new videos are targeted to be released each week.

Notes:
The focus of Real Poker Training is tournament play, with videos created to teach all aspects including rebuys, special scenarios, and final table play. With highly successful MTT pros such as NSXT2, lilholdem954, Bodog Ari, and now David Williams, there is certainly a strong teaching force behind these videos. There are also non playing video lessons such as Poker Tracker training, ICM calculations, note taking, and also beginner lessons for those just starting out.

Rating:

Cash Games

NLHE - 6 Max

Pro: gotskillz, NSXT2, Fox

Notes
A few short handed videos played at a Euro site from gotskillz, and a couple 5/10 videos.

NLHE - Full Ring

Pro: David Williams, Fox

Notes:
David Williams makes his video debut at a 3/6NL table. Fox instructs the rest of these videos.

Rating:

Multi Table Tournaments (MTT)

High Stakes Pros: NSXT2, Bodog Ari, David William, lilholdem954

Notes:
The focus of RealPokerTraining, mtts make up the majority of the video selection. This section is separated by freezeouts, rebuys, Headsup, and also a section just for final table play. NSXT2 instructs the majority of the videos, and therefore the stakes are usually in the higher end. There are a couple low limit tournies and a satellite video, but the rest of the low buyin tournies are rebuy videos. Todd Arnold is a very good instructor and explains all his actions in detail. For excitement, the lilholdem954 videos are a blast. Though his explanations may not be the most detailed, his language sure is.

Rating:

Sit-N-Go's (SNG)

Pro: NST2 and Fox

Notes:
All sorts of sit&go videos here, ranging from FPP (points) to a $225 level. Well detailed lessons on different scenarios such as increased aggression, discipline, tilt, and recognizing opponent mistakes.

Rating:

Other Games (Stud, Omaha, Razz, etc.)

Notes:
A good variety of different Omaha games, though most for Pot Limit High. Most of these videos are instructed by Seal. There are a couple hi/lo videos, and even a couple fixed limit ones. The omaha videos are a mixture of mtt and cash games, and are for relatively lower limits. The HORSE videos are a plus as Fox gives an introductory lesson into the game. There is also a Stud and a Razz video. One game that doesn't receive too much exposure these days is Draw poker, but if you ever wanted to improve your game in that area, RPT is the place to go. They have more quality 5 Card Draw videos than any other site, plus a free 5Card Draw system article to get you off on the right foot.

Rating:

Weaknesses

One of the biggest problems with the Real Poker Training videos is the audio quality. Whether it is mic feedback or just unclear audio, the sound quality can definitely be improved. The total RealPokerTraining roster is another aspect that can be improved. The 4 main instructors make up 95% of the videos, so there isn't as much variety in playing styles. Bodog Ari has only done 3 videos (though he has recently signed on full time), and lilholdem954 will not be doing anymore. The addition of David Williams is a plus, and hopefully more successful trainers will be added. Also due to the video limitations, multi table videos are not viewable, the tables are much too small to see properly.

Strengths

Contrary to the audio quality, the video quality is absolutely perfect. Each video is presented without fault, good brightness. Except when they tried putting more than 1 table on a video, that was a project that didn't work. The menu selection is extremely handy, as you can easily select either the instructor or the type of video you want to see with one action. There are also some extremely helpful articles written by the instructors. Topics such as Bankroll management, bluffing, pot odds, pre and post flop play, and much more. Lower price point at RealPokerTraining is also a bonus.

Expected Value: Is Real Poker Training worth it?

Though the listed price of $24.95 is still definitely worth it, no other training sites offer continuous specials like Real Poker Training. I've seen specials like no initiation fee, buy 6 months get 6 free, 1/2 price monthly fees. Theres also a current special where you get a free 1 year subscription to Bluff Magazine. As mentioned before, even at regular price, becoming a member of Real Poker Training is definitely worth it.

Overall Rating:

7.5/10

Sample Video

Please follow the above link to the RealPokerTraining home page and select Demo Video from the top menu. While your there click join and become a registered guest for free access to the pro's blogs, articles and message board.