Phil Ivey MasterClass Review:
Elevate Your Poker Game with a Legend
Last updated on: August 8, 2023, Written by:
Bill Tremlon
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Every game and sport has masters to be reckoned with, and it’s no different with high-stakes poker. Phil Ivey is one of these names that command much respect and admiration. At 46 years, Phil Ivey has amassed a legendary status among the best poker players and enthusiasts worldwide.
After winning different awards, including ten World Series of Poker bracelets, the release of the Phil Ivey MasterClass course is a game-changer. It is an opportunity to learn from the legend himself. I had the chance to take the course, and in this Phil Ivey MasterClass review, I’ll examine the value it offers to aspiring poker players.
So, let’s shuffle up and deal as we explore the secrets behind Phil Ivey’s unparalleled success at the poker table.
Contents
Phil Ivey MasterClass Overview
Phil Ivey’s course delves deep into the mind of a poker legend offering an array of personal anecdotes and strategies. From dissecting winning hand analysis to developing an unbeatable mental game, Phil equips you with the tools to enhance your poker math. The combination of Phil’s expertise and live play demonstrations make this MasterClass review a valuable resource for poker players.
Phil Ivey MasterClass Review Summary
| ⭐ Rating: | 9.4 ★★★★★ |
| 🥇 Category of class: | Sports & Games |
| 📈 Suits best for: | Poker enthusiasts looking to improve their skills |
| 🕒 Lenght: | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| ⏳ Avg. Lesson Duration | 20 minutes |
| 🛍️ Course Essentials: | A deck of cards, poker chips, and willingness to learn |
| 💼 Complementary material: | 42-page class guide and 14-page poker fundamentals guide |
| 📚 No. of Lessons: | 12 lessons |
| 🛒 Payment options: | Individual / Duo / Family |
| 💵 Price: | 10 – 20 $ (billed annually) |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day satisfaction guarantee |
| 🎁 Free trial: | ✅ |
Key Skills You’ll Learn
- Mastering table position and defense;
- Art of bluffing and deception;
- Enhancing deep stack poker play proficiency;
- Navigating post-flop situations confidently;
- Sharpening your mental game;
- Effective betting tactics and strategies.
Who is Phil Ivey’s MasterClass for
This poker strategy MasterClass is designed for intermediate-level poker players. While poker players of all levels can gain value from the course, I find it a bit complex for absolute beginners and too basic for advanced poker players. Nevertheless, the comprehensive curriculum and training video make Phil’s course an avenue for growth and improvement.
Our Evaluation
Total score: 9.4
PROS
CONS
In This Phil Ivey’s MasterClass
Review, You’ll Learn
Phil Ivey MasterClass Instructor Review
About Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey has played poker for over 20 years. Interestingly, his journey in the poker world began as a simple big blinds curiosity at the age of eight. At 16 years, Ivey began playing, and since then, he has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets and one World Poker Tour title.
As one of the greatest poker players, Phil has also appeared at nine World Poker Tour final tables. His strategic poker hand and ability to read opponents have contributed to his legendary status. In his poker class, Ivey gives you an inside look into his own game and the poker strategy that has propelled him to the pinnacle of lifetime live tournament winnings.
Phil Ivey as an Instructor
Phil Ivey’s strength lies in his extensive experience playing with professional poker players. He can break down advanced stuff and share personal anecdotes adding authenticity to his teaching. However, Phil Ivey’s speech and level of audibility are hindered by constant stuttering. But this is understandable, considering he’s no natural teacher.
In addition, he assumes a certain level of background poker knowledge, which can be challenging for absolute beginners. However, mainly this course uses actual poker cash games for demonstrations compensating for such limitations.
About MasterClass
Since 2015, MasterClass brings 180+ online classes from leading instructors in almost any field. It includes pre-recorded video lessons from masters such as Richard Branson, Martin Scorsese, Aaron Sorkin, Gordon Ramsay, and many others.
The video quality equals Hollywood movies, and every MasterClass course is carefully structured. But that’s not all. There are interactive assignments, MasterClass community activities, and an ever-growing video library to enjoy. The sheer amount of content can make it hard to begin. Cursums will help you to choose wisely.
Uniqueness and Freshness of the Content
Over the years, various online sources have attempted to collect and share advice from the legendary poker player Phil Ivey. But finding reliable and well-organized information that comprehensively presents Ivey’s poker history and strategies is challenging. It leaves you with fragmented knowledge, making it time-consuming and inefficient to piece everything together.
Fortunately, I stumbled upon the Phil Ivey MasterClass review that offers a more structured and immersive learning experience. The high production quality and access to Phil Ivey’s mental game made the course invaluable in deepening my poker strategy.
While other online poker courses may be available, the Phil Ivey MasterClass is the most exceptional option. Its unique teaching approach within an actual poker game context sets it apart. This immersive style allowed me to apply the poker strategy I learned directly in practical scenarios, enhancing my poker player skills.
Phil Ivey MasterClass Content and Structure Review
The Phil Ivey MasterClass features 12 video lessons, with an average lesson duration of 20 minutes. The longest training video is lesson 5, which provides in-depth insights on post-flop strategy. This lesson lasts for 27 minutes and 51 seconds.
To complete all the basics of course takes only 3 hours and 30 minutes. While there are no specific assignments mentioned, the course encourages practical application of the poker strategy taught by Phil Ivey.
Fundamentals and Preparing for Success
1-3 Lessons Summary
Phil introduces you to the poker world through his journey in this section. He teaches you about the big blinds defense strategies, hand reviews, and poker table positions. The lessons on preflop strategy and betting tactics discuss value maximization, risk management, and strategic decision-making. By mastering these fundamentals, you can develop a strong base for your poker journey.
Mastering Strategic Play and Deception
4-6 Lessons Summary
While building upon the fundamentals, Phil covers bluffing and post-flop strategy. He demonstrates when and how to execute a successful bluff and how to navigate post-flop situations. You’ll hear Phil Ivey talk about slow playing, floating the post-flop call, and identifying optimal plays based on community cards.
Advanced Techniques and Psychological Key Aspects
7-9 Lessons Summary
Phil then takes the notch higher by exploring advanced stuff such as deep stack poker play and the mental game. Ivey shows you how to leverage suited connectors and pocket pairs in deep stack scenarios effectively.
He then delves into the psychological aspects of poker, sharing strategies for inducing tilt, managing emotions, and using mental game table image to your advantage.
Strategies for Excellence and Growth
10-11 Lessons Summary
Phil Ivey’s MasterClass ends with two lessons where Phil covers his poker strategy for long-term success and personal growth in playing poker. Ivey shares his practice routines, emphasizing the importance of discipline, focus, and continuous improvement. He also teaches effective training techniques and habits to elevate your poker skills.
Exploring Poker Variations
12 Lesson Summary
As a bonus, Phil Ivey delves into the world of Seven-Card Stud, a poker variant. Phil covers different variations to enhance adaptability and gain a competitive advantage in various poker game scenarios. This bonus chapter adds more depth to the Ivey MasterClass review, allowing you to diversify your slow-play poker expertise.
Fast-Track Lesson Plan
Finish Phil Ivey’s MasterClass course in 2 hours and 57 minutes.
| No. | Lesson | Duration |
| 2. | Preflop and Blind Defense | 19:54 |
| 3. | Betting Tactics | 27:46 |
| 4. | Bluffing | 24:27 |
| 5. | Postflop, Part 1 | 27:51 |
| 6. | Postflop, Part 2 | 20:10 |
| 7. | Deepstack Play | 15:59 |
| 8. | The Mental Game | 17:17 |
| 9. | Table Image and Tells | 14:36 |
| 10. | Strategies for Success | 09:10 |
Phil Ivey MasterClass Student Engagement and Retention
MasterClass course review features high-quality videos in all its poker courses. This visual appeal ensures you can follow through with the lessons without eye-straining. I loved how Phil demonstrated his concepts through actual poker games. These lifetime live tournament winnings demonstrations kept me motivated to learn.
You can see the big blinds, small pots, table image, the preflop play, and other poker strategies in action by witnessing actual game scenarios. This makes Phil Ivey’s content material more relatable and applicable. The course’s seamless flow and natural pace contribute to its ease of following along. The captivating nature of the thought process encourages you to keep watching further lessons.
My Personal Experience With Phil Ivey MasterClass
Things I Liked About the Phil Ivey MasterClass
Flexible Learning Pace
One aspect of the Phil Ivey MasterClass that I appreciated was its flexibility in learning pace. I could study at my convenience and progress through the advanced stuff comfortably. The downloadable class resources meant I could revisit specific lessons and review key aspects whenever needed.
This flexibility was particularly valuable in integrating the strategies into my poker practice and allowed me to tailor the course to my individual needs and schedule.
High-Quality Instruction and Demonstrations
Phil Ivey’s expertise and experience shone through in each lesson. His ability to explain complex concepts straightforwardly made grasping the poker strategy being taught easier. I particularly enjoyed his detailed breakdown of the art of bluffing, poker table position, preflop play, and hand example ranges.
The inclusion of live poker cash games allowed me to witness Phil’s decision-making process and analyze his thought process in real-time situations.
Engaging and Comprehensive Content
Lastly, I enjoyed the engaging and comprehensive content of the Phil Ivey MasterClass. I particularly appreciated the in-depth exploration of mastered betting tactics, bluffing techniques, and post-flop play. The use of practical examples and real-life poker scenarios made the concepts relatable and applicable when playing a game.
Things I Didn’t Like About the Phil Ivey MasterClass
Assumption of Prior Knowledge
As an experienced poker player, I found that Phil Ivey sometimes assumed a certain level of prior poker knowledge from learners. While the course covered the fundamentals, absolute beginners may struggle to grasp some concepts without additional explanations or a hand example. For a more beginner-friendly option, I suggest checking out the Daniel Negreanu MasterClass review, as it offers a more beginner-friendly approach. Providing more detailed explanations would bridge the gap between complete novice and advanced gameplay.
Limited Focus on Specific Variants
Phil Ivey’s MasterClass course has a limited focus on specific poker variants. While the fundamentals were covered effectively, I would have appreciated the more in-depth exploration of different variants. This would have provided a comprehensive understanding of the game and expanded the applicability of the strategies taught in the course.
Is Phil Ivey MasterClass Worth the Money
Cost of Phil Ivey MasterClass
The Phil Ivey MasterClass is priced similarly to other courses on the platform, with three annual plans available:
| Plan | Price |
| Individual (one device) | $10 per month |
| Duo (two devices) | $15 per month |
| Family (six devices) | $20 per month |
Joining with friends or family can significantly reduce the overall cost of this MasterClass, making it a more affordable option for an all-access pass to other courses on the platform, such as Garry Kasparov’s chess class or learning how to shoot like Steph Curry. Additionally, if you’re searching for a thoughtful present for an ambitiuos poker playter, consider the value of a MasterClass gift card, granting access to courses taught by renowned figures.
Does the Class Keep Its Promises
The Phil Ivey MasterClass is particularly valuable for intermediate-level poker players. It provides a solid framework to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of playing the game. A complete beginner might need to get some introductory lessons to get the best out of the course.
Phil Ivey MasterClass: What Others Have Said
On Instagram, Phil Ivey MasterClass is a top choice for poker enthusiasts. The course’s popularity and credibility within the poker community validate its appeal and relevance to those seeking to enhance their poker skills and knowledge.
On YouTube, there’s a lot of enthusiasm to learn from Phil Ivey the professional poker player. Even for advanced poker players, the course offers a chance to elevate their skills. There’s also a lot of appreciation for Phil Ivey’s expertise and the value the poker courses will offer those seeking to refine their abilities.
On Reddit, the sentiments are the same as users express their positive impression of the Phil Ivey MasterClass. They acknowledge that the course may not have mind-blowing revelations but value the opportunity to learn from Phil Ivey’s perspective.
Essentials Used in the Phil Ivey MasterClass
While you can learn valuable strategies from simply watching Phil Ivey’s masterclass, I found it more valuable to learn with these essentials at hand.
- Basic Understanding of Poker
- Deck of Playing Cards
- Poker Chips
- Poker Table or Suitable Playing Surface
Alternatives to Phil Ivey MasterClass
Other Sports & Games Courses Available on Masterclass
- Stephen Curry Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling, and Scoring
- Serena Williams Teaches Tennis
- Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess
- Daniel Negreanu Teaches Poker
- Misty Copeland Teaches Ballet Technique and Artistry
- Tony Hawk Teaches Skateboarding
- Will Wright Teaches Game Design and Theory
Alternatives to MasterClass
Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular online learning providers, with a massive choice of various classes. The learning platform covers a range of poker courses for beginner and advanced learners.
Coursera
Coursera is another big name in the online courses market, with a lot to offer in poker-related fields. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge of various fields without spending much money on online learning.
Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on practical courses, with educational videos substituting expensive college courses. The aim is to provide users with marketable skills for finding a job. There are some useful math, game theory, and other poker-related courses.
Q&A about Phil Ivey MasterClass
Blogger | Life-long learner
Bill Tremlon
I’ve spent the last ten years passionately studying various online learning platforms. Udemy, MasterClass, Coursera, and Skillshare are the main ones, but I review lesser-known study tools as well. I test and analyze each course and lesson thoroughly before sharing my research.
Blogger | Life-long learner
Bill Tremlon