A-Game Poker Masterclass: An Inside Look
In late April of this year, Run It Once partnered with renowned poker mindset coach Elliot Roe to release his newest course called “A-Game Poker Masterclass.”
"I think that my two main weaknesses were worrying about making mistakes and an inability to put in the volume of hands that I wanted."
The course, which consists of a series of videos, webinars, and private forum access, seeks to address the intangibles and off-table work required to master the psychological aspects of poker and maintain the highest level of focus when it comes time.
Julian Kopanskiy, a longtime Run It Once coach and professional poker player who focuses primarily on low and mid-stakes NL games, decided to give the course a shot over the last few months. Though initially skeptical of how a course of this nature could improve his bottom line, Julian quickly became a believer as his results on the table saw a significant spike in the month immediately following his start of the course.
In an effort to get a sense of a player's journey through the A-Game Poker Masterclass, we wanted to allow Julian to describe the experience in his own words.
Can you give us an overview of your poker history?
I play under the screen name ''k11u” on PokerStars, and I have been playing professionally for nearly ten years now. Most of the time, I play at full-ring tables because I feel those games suit my playing style and personality. At the moment I play all available stakes at full-ring, which is usually NL100 – NL400. I have been a Run It Once coach for two years and still watch all of the new videos.
What do you like to do outside of poker?
I enjoy traveling as well as hiking and mountain climbing. Last year I climbed Mount Kazbek located at the southern border of Russia and Georgia with my father and girlfriend. In a few weeks, we have a trip planned to Montblanc in the Swiss Alps. Hiking helps distract me from poker and the everyday monotony that comes with the pro poker lifestyle. I love animals, especially my cat.
What types of mental game issues have you struggled with in the past?
I think that my two main weaknesses were worrying about making mistakes and an inability to put in the volume of hands that I wanted. This led me to playing a straightforward style and limited my results.
"The monthly calls with Elliot are really valuable."
What were you expecting to get out of AGPM when you started watching?
I was looking for practical advice on how to spot and overcome my main psychological weaknesses.
Have you read or watched material in the past on mental game issues? If so, how is AGPM different from previous experiences?
Before AGPM, I had worked a bit on my mental game with Jared Tendler’s books Mental Game of Poker 1 and 2. I found these texts helpful, especially at a time when there was less information available on this aspect of poker.
I think AGPM is differentiated from other courses by the structure and the ability to diagnose and fight your problems from all angles including mental roadblocks, energy issues, time usage, goal setting, and creating a vision. I love that I have the opportunity to interact directly with Elliot and ask questions in the forums to discuss thoughts with other participants. The monthly calls with Elliot are really valuable.
Can you talk about one or two specific concepts or exercises that really stood out to you?
The focus on warming up before a session and cooling down after a session has been incredible for my motivation and mental stability. The B.R.A.V.E. concept has enabled me to spot mental roadblocks and offered ways to overcome them, which I’ve found to be really helpful.
How have your results been since starting AGPM?
In the first month after the course, I completely crushed. After that, I found myself getting a bit overconfident and needed to take a step back. Overall it’s been a positive boost to my results.
"In the first month after the course, I completely crushed."
Have your poker goals changed since starting AGPM?
Right now, I am working on playing a lower volume than I would typically want to. I live in Kiev, and good games for me start at night. I am learning how to adjust my life to accommodate this and have the energy required to play my best at night. Elliot suggests changing time zones for serious players, and I have already booked my flight to Argentina for the winter, which will give me a good opportunity to test this out.
Who do you think can benefit the most from this course?
I think this course will suit anyone who is willing to work hard to improve. If you are ready for BIG changes in your life and ready to experience some discomfort, pain, and struggle to get you to where you want to be then welcome aboard!
For more information about A-Game Poker Masterclass check out runitonce.com/courses/a-game-poker-masterclass/.
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