Very few UK poker sites offer in-game coaching features, as the primary business model for most sites is to provide a platform for play, not for training. The use of real-time AI advice or heads-up displays (HUDs) is strictly forbidden to ensure fair play. However, some sites do provide tools for post-session analysis, which allows players to review their uk online poker sites game and identify areas for improvement.
GGPoker: The In-Built Analyst
GGPoker is the leader in offering in-game analysis tools that help players learn from their mistakes. These features are not real-time coaches but are instead designed for post-session review.
- PokerCraft: This is GGPoker’s most powerful tool. It’s a comprehensive database that tracks every hand you’ve ever played. You can filter your sessions to see your profit and loss in different scenarios, such as by position at the table, by specific hole cards, or against particular opponents. You can then replay any hand to review your decision-making. PokerCraft also includes a “Luck” graph, which shows you how your actual results compare to your expected win rate, helping you to understand the role of luck in your short-term outcomes.
PokerStars: The Learning Hub
While PokerStars does not provide in-game coaching, it offers a robust, free learning platform called “PokerStars Learn” that is integrated with its site. This platform is a great resource for players of all skill levels.
- Educational Content: The platform provides a wide range of interactive courses, quizzes, and articles on poker strategy. You can learn everything from basic poker rules and hand rankings to advanced concepts like pot odds, bluffing, and tournament strategy.
- Pro Advice: “PokerStars Learn” also features content and videos from top professional poker players, giving you access to expert advice and strategy.
The Role of Third-Party Software 💻
For serious players, the best coaching tools come from third-party software. While you can’t use these programs while playing, they are essential for analyzing your game away from the tables.
- Poker Trackers: Software like PokerTracker and Hold’em Manager import your hand history and provide you with detailed statistics about your play. They can identify your “leaks” (areas where you are losing money) and help you understand how your strategy compares to winning players.
- Poker Solvers: Tools like GTO Wizard and PokerSnowie use AI to analyze hands and situations, providing a mathematically optimal (Game Theory Optimal, or GTO) strategy. You can import hands from your sessions and see exactly where you made a mistake and what the correct play was.
