Inside Deuces Cracked: The Story Behind The Leading Poker Training Site
Deuces Cracked delivers professional poker training through 1500+ videos, adding fresh content weekly. The platform launched in January 2007 under poker experts Rob Cole, Joe Tall, and Jay Rosenkrantz, establishing itself as a cornerstone resource for serious players.
The content is today totally free to view and includes elite-level instruction from notable coaches like WSOP bracelet holder Vanessa Selbst. The training covers major poker variants including Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. Expert coaches review actual gameplay footage with detailed audio commentary, helping players understand complex strategies and decision-making.
The Birth of Deuces Cracked
Jay Rosenkrantz dominated high-stakes online poker before launching DeucesCracked. His 2007 success as the biggest winner in online no-limit hold’em cash games led to his first poker education venture, 3bet.net.
Building the Foundation
A Forbes Video Network documentary featuring Rosenkrantz and Taylor Caby spotlighted the growing poker coaching market. The exposure proved perfect timing for DeucesCracked’s launch.
Rosenkrantz built a powerhouse founding team in January 2007:
- Rob Cole
- Joe Tall
- Chris Vitch
- Chuck Danielsson
Their combined playing and teaching expertise positioned DeucesCracked at the forefront of online poker education.
Early Innovation
DeucesCracked stood out through unique teaching approaches. The multi-coach format became their signature style, showcased in series like “Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde” where multiple pros analyzed the same hands. “The Home Game” brought coaches together for live strategy discussions, creating dynamic learning sessions.
The platform covered all major poker variants, serving players across different games and skill levels. Popular programs included:
- “MENTOR” – Live coaching sessions
- “Tool Time” – Software and analytics training
- Multi-coach review series
Quality instruction paired with innovative formats drove early success. The team’s commitment to practical, applicable content established DeucesCracked as a trusted name in poker education.
Building the Training Platform
DeucesCracked shaped online poker education through structured video lessons. Hour-long episodes within series break down complex topics for easy learning.
First Video Series
The platform rolled out specialized strategy series following a TV-show format. Each lesson built upon previous concepts, creating natural progression. Members accessed content through:
- Flash streaming
- WMV downloads
- MP4 downloads
- iPod/iPhone compatible formats
Elite Coaching Roster
Top poker minds joined the DeucesCracked team:
- Vanessa Selbst – WSOP bracelet holder
- Emil “whitelime” Patel – High-stakes specialist
- Dani “ansky” Stern – Professional player
- Andrew “BalugaWhale” Seidman – Strategy expert
The platform continued attracting premier coaches, particularly strengthening tournament strategy content.
Teaching Innovation
DeucesCracked pioneered interactive learning tools. Their custom video player enabled students to leave timestamped comments and questions. The training covered major variants:
- Texas Hold’em
- Pot Limit Omaha
- 2-7 Triple Draw
- Seven-card stud
- H.O.R.S.E mixed games
Content served both newcomers and seasoned players. Training ranged from basic concepts to advanced cash game strategy. “The Coaching Tree” series exemplified their teaching success, delivering fundamentals that stood the test of time.
Inside the Video Library
DeucesCracked organizes training content into eight-part series. Members receive 18 new videos monthly through scheduled weekly releases.
Standout Training Series
The Eightfold Path to Poker Enlightenment stands tall among training content. Tommy Angelo and Wayne Lively earned Best Overall Series honors in 2010, focusing on mental game mastery over technical play.
The Coaching Tree from Andrew “BalugaWhale” Seidman delivers timeless strategy. Players still apply his methods against loose-passive opponents at micro-stakes tables. Mathematics of NL Holdem by WiltOnTilt breaks down core mathematical concepts powering winning decisions.
The Thin Red Line series remains a game-changer. Players learn not only winning strategies but understand the reasoning behind each move.
Game Selection
DeucesCracked covers major poker variants:
- Texas Hold’em – Cash, Tournament, Heads-up
- Pot Limit Omaha
- 2-7 Triple Draw
- Seven-card stud
- Stud 8-or-Better
- Razz
Mixed game specialists find dedicated content for H.O.R.S.E., 8-game, and 7-game formats. Cash game training leads the pack, while tournament and SNG content grows stronger.
Hour-long videos suit different player levels. Micro-stakes grinders learn from “Real Life MicroNL Grinder” while pros dig into “Unconventional Wisdom”.
The Deuces Cracked Podcast Journey
Bart Hanson brought DeucesCracked to audio platforms with DeucePlays podcast in 2009. His Los Angeles cash game experience shaped the show’s practical approach.
Podcast Evolution
DeucePlays ran weekly from January 2009 through February 2012, producing 132 episodes. Hour-long shows mixed strategy talk with pro player interviews. Hanson drew heavily from his Los Angeles card room experience for cash game content.
The podcast success sparked two new shows:
- Live Poker Edge
- Small Stakes Edge
These shows targeted specific player groups, delivering focused strategy for different stakes and styles.
Star-Studded Guest List
DeucePlays featured poker’s biggest names:
Strategy Experts
- Tommy Angelo – Mental game specialist
- Dan Harrington – Tournament legend
- Phil Galfond – High-stakes professional
- Cole South – Online poker pioneer
Top players like Terrence Chan, Andrew Robl, Justin Smith, and David Peat shared career stories and strategic wisdom. Guest discussions revealed high-level thinking during crucial hands, giving listeners rare insight into professional decision-making.
The podcast format proved perfect for DeucesCracked’s teaching mission. Audio lessons complemented video training, creating well-rounded learning options. DeucePlays success showed strong demand for audio content, leading to more podcast series under the DeucesCracked banner.
Community Impact and Growth
DeucesCracked forums shape poker education through peer learning and structured discussions. The platform builds winning players through community interaction and expert guidance.
Forum Structure
Key discussion areas reflect poker’s learning curve:
- General Poker Discussion
- Poker Site Discussion
- Micro Stakes Online No Limit
- Full Ring No Limit
- Strategy Development
- Hand Analysis
Micro and small stakes No-Limit Hold’em sections draw the most traffic. Moderators maintain focused, constructive discussions. Players share hands, analyze spots, and build knowledge together. Dedicated sections for video feedback and course questions strengthen the learning path.
Player Development
Student success stories prove DeucesCracked’s training power. Recreational players become consistent winners through structured learning paths combining video content, forum discussions, and peer feedback.
New players find clear guidance through strategy talks and community support. The platform maintains high teaching standards while keeping content accessible. Progress stories inspire members, showing paths from basic concepts to complex situations.
DeucesCracked’s community model influences poker training industry-wide. Professional instruction paired with peer support creates winning players across all stake levels and formats.
Conclusion
DeucesCracked proves quality poker education endures. From 2007 startup to industry leader, the platform shapes winning players through expert videos, engaging podcasts, and vibrant forum discussions.
DeucesCracked stays ahead through constant adaptation and unwavering standards. Balancing basic concepts with advanced strategy keeps the platform relevant for today’s poker players.
