Poker Pros Debate: Do Educational Sites Help or Harm the Game?

The debate over the impact of educational poker websites on the game has been ongoing, with prominent figures like Taylor "Green Plastic" Cabi and Eric Seidel sharing their views.

Taylor "Green Plastic" Cabi, co-owner of CardRunners, argues that educational poker sites are beneficial for improving players' thinking and decision-making skills. He believes that anyone, except those playing at the highest limits, can gain from these resources. However, he clarifies that watching their videos does not guarantee immediate success. Instead, the videos teach players to think critically in poker, which is highly valuable.

Eric Seidel, an 8-time WSOP bracelet winner, holds a contrasting view. He argues that educational sites make the game harder by allowing players to improve quickly without paying the traditional "tuition" of losing money while learning. Seidel expresses discomfort with the idea of sharing secrets, as the information can be used against the professionals who share it. He also criticizes trainers who focus on specific situations rather than the creative and adaptive nature of poker.