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Coaching vs. beating 50 nl: what's the best move?

Should You Get Coaching or Beat 50NL First? | The Poker Conundrum

By

John Harrington

Sep 18, 2026, 03:08 PM

Edited By

Derek Chen

2 minutes reading time

A poker player sitting at a table, looking thoughtful, with cards in hand and chips stacked in front
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A growing concern among online poker players has emerged, as individuals weigh the choice between seeking coaching and trying to conquer the 25NL blind stakes independently. With over two years playing at CoinPoker and a steady loss rate of -5bb/100 for 30,000 hands, many are finding motivation challenged amid stalled progress.

Context of the Ongoing Debate

The player, facing a psychological barrier, struggles to recognize any possible leaks in their game after dedicating significant time to studying strategies. The prevailing sentiment in forums indicates this is not an isolated experience; other players are voicing similar frustrations within these stakes.

Increasing Voices on Coaching

One user pointedly remarked, "If you really want to continue playing poker and want to be profitable then yes, you will need SOMETHING." Discussions about identifying leaks drive the conversation, highlighting the benefits of coaching as players grapple with their inability to break even.

Challenges at 25NL

Criticism is directed toward the current state of the playerโ€™s game. Notably, one commentator warned that anything below 50NL can be beaten with straightforward strategies, making this stagnation unsettling. Others stressed the importance of addressing table selection due to high rake levels, with one comment stating:

"How strict are you about table selection? Coinpoker rake is pretty high."

Self-Assessment and Moving Forward

Self-monitoring is a clear theme noted across reactions, as players emphasized the need for awareness of oneโ€™s own game weaknesses. "A good coach will help identify these issues with you," reassured another player, reflecting the urgency many feel in this context.

Notable Perspectives from the Community

  • Many players echoed sentiments that stubbornness may hinder progress:

    • "Your pride is not a strategy. Book someone good."

  • Questions surrounding data accuracy arose,

  • Concerns about the increasing difficulty of the player pool were raised too.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Feedback encourages pursuing coaching as a means to identify leaks.

  • โ–ฝ Issues with self-motivation are common among players struggling at 25NL.

  • โ€ป โ€œStubbornness is costing you time and money,โ€ advises one experienced player.

As this saga unfolds in online poker circles, itโ€™s evident that the decision to pursue coaching could pave the way for enhanced playing strategy.

Whatโ€™s your approach when hitting a wall in your game?

For more information on improved poker strategies, check out resources such as Upswing Poker and Run It Once for coaching and insights.

Predictions on the Horizon

Experts estimate that a surge in demand for coaching will likely occur as more players at 25NL acknowledge their struggles. With a high probability of around 70%, many will opt for professional guidance to break free from stagnation. As discussions surrounding self-assessment intensify, an increasing number of players may set aside their pride to seek help, driving the growth of coaching services in online poker. This shift could enhance game outcomes at lower stakes, leading to a revitalized community where players push for improvement rather than settling for mediocrity.

Uncommon Echoes from the Past

An intriguing parallel can be drawn to the tech industry during the dot-com bubble. Many startups faced severe challenges, yet those that pivoted effectivelyโ€”much like poker players realizing the need for outside helpโ€”found success in new strategies. Just as some tech founders sought mentors or expert advice to refine their ideas, poker players today may transform their game through coaching, steering their efforts towards growth instead of remaining stagnant in a sector that demands constant evolution.