Phil Ivey MasterClass Review
Posted on 16 June 2022
Welcome to Phil Ivey MasterClass review!
Let's face it...
If you want to improve your poker game, learning from the best (and applying in practice) is important.
We've written a Daniel Negreanu MasterClass review in the past, but today we'll talk about Phil Ivey's MasterClass and get inside the mind of another champion.
Phil Ivey’s MasterClass titled "Phil Ivey Teaches Poker Strategy" is an excellent resource for both intermediate and advanced poker players looking to sharpen their skills by learning from one of the greatest players in the game.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Phil Ivey Teaches Poker Strategy
So, what is it?
This is an online course called "Phil Ivey Teaches Poker Strategy" and is aimed for experienced players looking for high-level strategy.
Because it's on MasterClass platform, it is membership/subscription-based ($15/month), but you may be eligible for discounts.
Phil Ivey, with his ten World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, is a true legend.
In this MasterClass, Ivey shares a unique perspective on poker, emphasizing the mental and psychological aspects of the game, rather than just technical plays.
In a nutshell:
Phil Ivey covers a lot of ground and goes into detail, so even if it's not as lengthy as Negreanu's Masterclass, it's still worth your time.
Plus, you will get the opportunity to listen to an actual champ's secret strategies for winning poker games which is priceless.
Many players invest in this poker course because of Phil Ivey's personal brand and reputation in the industry.
Course Structure
Those of you who have previously wondered or took Daniel Negreanu's MasterClass may be asking what sets this one apart.
Even though both classes cover poker, there are several ways in which they differ. The main thing of course the mindset and the playing style of these poker legends.
About three hours and thirty minutes long, this one has twelve video courses and two accompanying workbooks.
Now, let's see what this particular poker training is all about.
The course includes 12 lessons, totaling around 3.5 hours, which are broken down into key areas of poker strategy, such as:
- Table image and reading opponents
- Bluffing and semi-bluffing
- Adjusting your play style
- Bankroll management
- Spotting tells
If you want to get specific, here's the exact course outline.
Module 1: Phil's Story
This course begins with an introduction to your instructor, Phil, so that you can get to know him. In this section, Ivey will share his personal story and explain why he chose to pursue a professional poker career.
Ivey admitted that he was initially hesitant about sharing the strategies and techniques he had developed, as they were like his trade secrets that he had worked hard to acquire. However, as the industry has evolved, he now wants to help more people improve their game, which is why he created this MasterClass.
Ivey also recounts how he stumbled upon the game of poker by chance when he was just 8 years old, after missing the restroom and instead observing others playing cards. That one wrong turn, he says, ended up changing the course of his life.
Module 2: Preflop Blind and Defense
This video lesson covers proven preflop techniques, as this phase of the game can be crucial in determining the outcome. Ivey emphasizes the importance of adapting to one's playing situation, as the opportunities to attack and defend one's hand can vary depending on the player's position.
Module 3: Betting Tactics
Deciding how much to risk and when to fold is a challenging aspect of poker. Ivey will share his exclusive betting strategies to help you increase your winnings, including insights into his thought process on bet sizing and when to go on the offensive.
Module 4: Bluffing
Ivey uses examples from his own past games to illustrate the art of successful bluffing, which he believes is essential for making opponents more prone to mistakes.
Module 5: Postflop (Part 1) and Module 6: Postflop (Part 2)
Ivey believes the real action happens after the flop, and he emphasizes the importance of being observant and recognizing when opponents are likely to make mistakes. He also discusses the crucial skill of knowing when to fold, using a hand he played against Phil Hellmuth as an example.
Module 7: Deepstack Play
Ivey reviews his past matches with Jennifer Tilly to share his strategies for navigating deep-stack situations, where stack size can significantly impact one's approach.
Module 8: The Mental Game
Poker, Ivey explains, is as much a mental challenge as it is a game of skill. He provides tips to help players maintain composure under pressure and stay alert to avoid costly mistakes.
Module 9: Table Image and Tells
Ivey emphasizes the importance of projecting the right "table image" when playing in person, as well as learning to pick up on opponents' tells, which can inform the most effective strategies for beating them.
Module 10: Strategies for Success
In this final module, Ivey shares the exact techniques he used to become a professional poker player, providing insight into the dedication and perseverance required to achieve such success.
Module 11: Closing
Ivey reflects on his early success and the challenges he faced in handling his newfound wealth and fame, acknowledging his past missteps but emphasizing how he has matured and improved his game and money management over the course of his career.
Module 12: Bonus (Seven Stud Poker)
This bonus lesson covers a different variant of the game, as Ivey believes that knowing multiple poker variations can be beneficial for players.
Check it out for yourself here.
Key Strengths
Mental Game Mastery:
Ivey emphasizes the importance of staying calm, controlling your emotions, and reading opponents beyond their cards. He frequently discusses "the art of deception", which is central to his success in high-stakes poker.
Real-World Examples:
Phil Ivey walks through actual hands he’s played, dissecting his thought process. These examples are invaluable for understanding how pros think during live tournaments.
Psychological Insights:
The course has a strong focus on psychological warfare at the poker table. Ivey delves deep into understanding your opponents, hiding your own intentions, and turning weaknesses into strengths.
Teaching Style:
Ivey’s teaching is straightforward and no-nonsense. He has a calm, measured way of explaining his decisions, offering insights that are often overlooked in other poker courses.
Areas for Improvement
Advanced Material:
This course is not ideal for complete beginners. While the lessons are invaluable, Ivey skips some of the more foundational aspects of poker, so players need to have a basic understanding of the game’s mechanics before diving in.
Lack of Visual Aids:
Compared to other poker training programs that offer elaborate graphics, stats, and in-depth breakdowns, the Ivey MasterClass is more conversational. Some players might prefer more visual breakdowns of hand ranges or probabilities.
Who Should Take This Course?
Intermediate to Advanced Players:
If you're already comfortable with the fundamentals and looking to enhance your mental game, table image, and deception skills, this course is ideal.
Players Seeking Elite Insights:
For those aiming to reach higher stakes or refine their tournament play, Ivey's expertise in live reads and psychological approaches will give you a competitive edge.
Phil Ivey MasterClass (Final Thoughts)
Phil Ivey’s MasterClass offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a poker legend.
While it’s not a one-stop-shop for learning poker from the ground up, it’s a valuable tool for intermediate to advanced players looking to understand the deeper nuances of poker strategy.
Ivey’s calm and cerebral approach to the game is both insightful and inspiring, making this course worth the investment if you're serious about improving your poker skills.