DeucesCracked Elite Coaches: The Team Behind the Videos

DeucesCracked has become a go-to resource for poker players looking to improve their game in 2025. The site features expert coaches who review actual gameplay footage with detailed audio commentary. These elite coaches, many of whom are professional players themselves, break down complex strategies into understandable concepts that help players make better decisions at the table.

Founders

Chris DeathDonkey Vitch Founder

Chris “DeathDonkey” Vitch

Meet Chris “DeathDonkey” Vitch, one of DeucesCracked’s distinguished poker coaches bringing expert-level strategy to players looking to elevate their game. As a respected member of the DeucesCracked coaching roster, DeathDonkey specializes in breaking down complex poker concepts into actionable insights.

With a teaching style that combines analytical precision and practical application, DeathDonkey’s training videos cover essential poker fundamentals and advanced techniques that have helped countless players transform their results at the tables. DeathDonkey’s contributions to the DeucesCracked library focus on strategic decision-making, exploitative play, and the mathematical foundations that underpin winning poker. Whether you’re looking to master cash games or tournaments, DeathDonkey’s instructional content offers valuable perspectives that can help you identify and fix leaks in your game.

Join the many successful players who have benefited from DeathDonkey’s coaching at DeucesCracked.com and take your poker skills to the next level with professional guidance from one of the site’s respected instructors.

A person with a beard and short hair is smiling warmly at the camera, exuding a relaxed vibe. Theyre wearing a black T-shirt with DEUCES CRACKED on it, standing against a plain white background that gives off an inviting, home-like simplicity.
Jay Rosenkrantz Founder

Jay “pr1nnyraid” Rosenkrantz

Meet Jay “pr1nnyraid” Rosenkrantz, co-founder and visionary behind DeucesCracked.com. As one of poker’s most respected minds, Jay established himself as a dominant force in high-stakes online poker before launching DeucesCracked. In 2007, Jay achieved remarkable success as the biggest winner in online no-limit hold’em cash games, cementing his reputation as an elite player.

Prior to DeucesCracked, Jay founded the personal coaching company demonstrating his early commitment to poker education. This experience, combined with his exceptional playing skills, created the perfect foundation for DeucesCracked’s comprehensive training platform.

Beyond his poker expertise, Jay has ventured into creative media, producing the documentary “BET RAISE FOLD: The Story of Online Poker”, which chronicles the meteoric rise and dramatic challenges of the online poker industry.

As an instructor, Jay’s teaching style combines deep strategic insights with practical applications, making complex concepts accessible to players at all levels. His training videos offer rare glimpses into the mind of a genuine poker prodigy who dominated at the highest stakes.

Experience Jay Rosenkrantz’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked.com and learn directly from one of the original architects of modern online poker strategy.

Joe “Stoxtrader” Tall

Meet Joe “Stoxtrader” Tall, one of the visionary co-founders of DeucesCracked.com and a cornerstone of the poker training world. As part of the original founding team alongside Rob Cole and Jay Rosenkrantz, Joe helped establish DeucesCracked in January 2007 as a premier destination for serious poker education.

Joe’s strategic insights shine through in his popular video series like What Would Joe Tall Do” and “Late Night Coaching with Joe Tall”, where he breaks down complex poker concepts with remarkable clarity. His teaching style combines deep analytical thinking with practical application, making him particularly effective at helping players understand the “why” behind optimal decisions.

Known for his expertise in tool-based analysis, Joe has created valuable content like “Tool Time – ProPokerTools”, demonstrating his commitment to data-driven strategy development. His coaching sessions frequently feature guest coaches, creating dynamic learning environments where multiple strategic perspectives converge.

Before DeucesCracked, Joe established himself as a formidable player in his own right, bringing real-world experience to his training methods. His background as both a successful player and analytical thinker gives his instruction exceptional depth and credibility.

Experience Joe Tall’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked.com and elevate your poker game with insights from one of the original architects of modern poker training.

Entity

Entity

Meet Entity, one of DeucesCracked’s distinguished poker coaches known for his methodical approach to the game. As a respected member of the DeucesCracked training team, Entity brings a unique perspective that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application at the tables.

Entity’s coaching style stands out for its systematic breakdown of complex poker concepts. His video series delves into the mathematical underpinnings of winning strategies while making these principles accessible to players at various skill levels. Known for his attention to detail, Entity excels at identifying subtle adjustments that can dramatically improve win rates.

What distinguishes Entity from other coaches is his emphasis on exploitative play. Rather than focusing solely on GTO (Game Theory Optimal) strategies, he teaches players how to identify and capitalize on opponents’ tendencies and mistakes—a crucial skill for maximizing profit in today’s games.

His training sessions cover a comprehensive range of topics, from cash game fundamentals to advanced tournament tactics. Players particularly value Entity’s hand history reviews, where his analytical mind dissects decision points with remarkable clarity and insight.

Whether you’re looking to shore up leaks in your fundamentals or develop sophisticated strategies for higher stakes, Entity’s coaching at DeucesCracked offers valuable guidance that can transform your approach to the game. Join the community of players who have elevated their poker skills through Entity’s expert instruction.

Chuck danzasmack Danielsson

Chuck “danzasmack” Danielsson

Meet Chuck “danzasmack” Danielsson, one of DeucesCracked’s most compelling and insightful poker coaches. With a teaching style that balances technical precision and practical application, danzasmack has established himself as a respected voice in the poker training community.

Known for his straightforward communication and no-nonsense approach, danzasmack excels at breaking down complex poker concepts into digestible, actionable strategies. His coaching emphasizes fundamental principles while incorporating advanced tactics that give students a competitive edge at the tables.

What sets danzasmack apart is his ability to identify and address the psychological aspects of poker alongside the technical elements. His training videos don’t just cover optimal play—they explore the mental framework needed to implement these strategies consistently under pressure.

Specializing in cash game dynamics, danzasmack’s content covers everything from bankroll management to hand reading to exploitative adjustments. His analytical approach helps players understand not just what moves to make, but why those moves are optimal in specific situations.

Players particularly value danzasmack’s hand history reviews, where his keen eye for subtle errors and missed opportunities provides immediate, practical value. His coaching has helped countless players transform their understanding of the game and achieve significant improvements in their win rates.

Experience Chuck “danzasmack” Danielsson’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and discover how his unique perspective can elevate your poker game to new heights.

Executive Producers

Vanessa “fslexcduck” Selbst

Meet Vanessa “fslexcduck” Selbst, one of the most accomplished and respected poker coaches at DeucesCracked. As a three-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and the highest-earning female poker player in history, Vanessa brings unparalleled expertise and championship-level insights to her training videos.

What sets Vanessa apart is her aggressive, fearless playing style combined with a deeply analytical approach to the game. Her coaching reflects this unique combination, teaching players how to apply controlled aggression while maintaining a strategic foundation based on sound mathematical principles.

Vanessa’s training covers a wide spectrum of poker concepts, from tournament tactics to cash game strategy. Her particular strength lies in teaching players how to maximize value in marginal situations and apply pressure in spots where others might play conservatively. This approach has made her videos especially valuable for players looking to develop a more dynamic, profitable style.

Known for her straightforward communication and ability to explain complex ideas clearly, Vanessa breaks down high-level concepts in a way that’s accessible to players at various skill levels. Her coaching often emphasizes adaptability and reading opponents—crucial skills in today’s evolving poker landscape.

Beyond technical expertise, Vanessa also addresses the mental aspects of poker, helping players develop the psychological resilience needed for long-term success. Her personal experience navigating the highest stakes and most prestigious tournaments provides unique insights into performing under pressure.

Experience Vanessa Selbst’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and elevate your game with strategies from one of poker’s most brilliant and accomplished minds.

Emil “whitelime” Patel

Meet Emil “whitelime” Patel, one of DeucesCracked’s most respected and insightful poker coaches. With a background as a formidable high-stakes cash game specialist, whitelime brings a wealth of practical experience to his training videos that few instructors can match.

What distinguishes whitelime’s coaching style is his methodical, analytical approach to the game. His videos delve deep into the mathematical foundations of winning poker while remaining remarkably accessible to players at various skill levels. Known for his exceptional hand reading abilities, whitelime excels at teaching students how to construct accurate ranges and make optimal decisions based on incomplete information.

Specializing in No-Limit Hold’em cash games, whitelime’s training content covers everything from preflop fundamentals to complex multi-street concepts. His emphasis on understanding the “why” behind each decision rather than memorizing specific plays helps students develop adaptable strategies that work across different games and stakes.

Players particularly value whitelime’s ability to explain his thought process during hands. By walking through his decision-making in real-time, he provides a rare window into the mind of an elite player, helping students understand not just the correct play but the reasoning that leads to it.

Beyond technical expertise, whitelime addresses the psychological aspects of poker, offering valuable insights on tilt control, bankroll management, and maintaining focus during long sessions. His balanced perspective on the game has helped countless players transform their approach and achieve significant improvements in their results.

Experience Emil “whitelime” Patel’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and elevate your poker game with insights from one of the most analytical minds in the training world.

Aaron Wilt on Tilt Wilt 

Aaron “Wilt on Tilt” Wilt

Meet Aaron “Wilt on Tilt” Wilt, one of DeucesCracked’s most dynamic and sought-after poker coaches. Despite his ironic screen name, Wilt brings a remarkably composed and methodical approach to the game, making him a standout instructor in the poker training world.

What distinguishes Wilt’s coaching style is his exceptional ability to blend technical expertise with practical application. His videos deliver in-depth strategic concepts while ensuring players understand exactly how to implement these ideas at the tables. This balance between theory and execution makes his content valuable for both aspiring and established players.

Specializing in No-Limit Hold’em, Wilt has developed a comprehensive curriculum that addresses all aspects of the game. From preflop fundamentals to advanced post-flop concepts, his training covers the complete spectrum of skills needed for success in today’s competitive environment. His particular strength lies in teaching hand reading and decision-making in complex, multi-street scenarios.

Players frequently praise Wilt’s clear communication style and structured approach to explaining difficult concepts. Rather than overwhelming students with information, he breaks down complex ideas into digestible components, creating a progressive learning experience that builds competence and confidence.

Beyond technical strategy, Wilt addresses the mental aspects of poker with remarkable insight. His guidance on bankroll management, emotional control, and session planning provides students with a holistic framework for long-term success in the game.

Experience Aaron “Wilt on Tilt” Wilt’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and discover how his methodical approach can elevate your poker game to new heights.

Josh Sthief09 Plotkin

Josh “Sthief09” Plotkin

Meet Josh “Sthief09” Plotkin, one of DeucesCracked’s most accomplished and insightful poker coaches. As a respected member of the training team, Sthief09 brings a unique combination of analytical precision and practical experience to his instructional content.

What distinguishes Sthief09’s coaching approach is his remarkable ability to break down complex poker concepts into clear, actionable strategies. His videos are characterized by a methodical dissection of hand histories and decision points, providing students with a structured framework for improving their own decision-making process.

Specializing in No-Limit Hold’em cash games, Sthief09’s training covers everything from fundamental concepts to advanced exploitative tactics. His content is particularly valuable for mid-stakes players looking to move up and high-volume grinders seeking to optimize their win rate. His popular video series, including “King for a Day,” showcases his exceptional talent for explaining his thought process during real-time play.

Players particularly appreciate Sthief09’s focus on the mathematical aspects of poker without losing sight of the psychological elements. His teaching balances GTO principles with practical adjustments based on opponent tendencies, helping students develop a well-rounded, adaptable approach to the game.

Beyond technical instruction, Sthief09 addresses crucial aspects of poker success including bankroll management, mental game optimization, and strategic study habits. His comprehensive approach has helped countless players transform their results and advance to higher stakes.

Experience Josh “Sthief09” Plotkin’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and elevate your poker game with insights from one of the training site’s most respected and analytical instructors.

Young man with short curly hair, wearing a black shirt with an unreadable logo on a white background, taken at home on 27-06-2020. He appears to be smiling slightly.
Ariel FoxwoodsFiend Schneller

Ariel “FoxwoodsFiend” Schneller

Meet Ariel “FoxwoodsFiend” Schneller, one of DeucesCracked’s most technically proficient and insightful poker coaches. With a background in both live and online poker at the highest levels, FoxwoodsFiend brings a multidimensional perspective to his training videos that sets him apart from many other instructors.

What distinguishes FoxwoodsFiend’s coaching style is his remarkable ability to balance mathematical precision with practical application. His videos delve deep into the strategic foundations of winning poker while remaining accessible and actionable for players at various skill levels. Known for his methodical approach, FoxwoodsFiend excels at breaking down complex concepts into digestible components that students can immediately implement at the tables.

Specializing in tournament poker strategy, FoxwoodsFiend’s content covers everything from early stage fundamentals to advanced final table dynamics. His particular strength lies in explaining ICM considerations and bubble play, areas where many players struggle to make optimal decisions. His training emphasizes adaptability and exploitative adjustments, teaching students to recognize and capitalize on the tendencies of their opponents.

Players particularly value FoxwoodsFiend’s hand history reviews, where his analytical mind dissects decision points with exceptional clarity and insight. By walking through his thought process in real-time, he provides a window into the mind of an elite player, helping students understand not just what the correct play is, but why it’s correct in specific situations.

Beyond technical expertise, FoxwoodsFiend addresses the psychological aspects of poker, offering valuable guidance on tilt control, focus, and maintaining composure during pivotal tournament moments. His balanced approach to the game has helped countless players transform their results and advance to higher stakes.

Experience Ariel “FoxwoodsFiend” Schneller’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and elevate your poker game with insights from one of the most analytical and accomplished minds in tournament strategy.

DJ Sensei

DJ Sensei

Meet DJ Sensei, one of DeucesCracked’s most distinctive and respected poker coaches. Known for his innovative approach to the game, DJ Sensei brings a unique perspective that combines technical expertise with creative strategic thinking, making him a standout instructor in the poker training world.

What sets DJ Sensei apart is his specialization in Pot-Limit Omaha, where he has established himself as one of the premier strategic minds. His comprehensive understanding of this complex four-card variant is evident in his popular video series that cover everything from PLO fundamentals to advanced concepts rarely discussed elsewhere. His training sessions, including his appearances in the “Ghost” series and “Late Night Coaching,” showcase his exceptional ability to break down the nuances of high-stakes PLO play.

DJ Sensei’s teaching style blends mathematical precision with practical, exploitative adjustments. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical optimality, he emphasizes recognizing and capitalizing on opponents’ tendencies—a crucial skill for maximizing profit in today’s games. This balanced approach helps players develop strategies that are both theoretically sound and practically effective.

Players particularly value DJ Sensei’s hand history reviews, where his analytical mind dissects decision points with remarkable clarity. By walking through his thought process during challenging hands, he provides students with a framework for improving their own decision-making in similar situations.

Beyond technical expertise, DJ Sensei addresses the psychological and bankroll management aspects of poker, offering holistic guidance for long-term success. His insights have helped countless players transition successfully from Hold’em to the more variance-heavy world of PLO.

Experience DJ Sensei’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and discover how his innovative approach can elevate your PLO game to new heights.

Dan “Ansky” Stern

Meet Dan “Ansky” Stern, one of DeucesCracked’s most influential and accomplished poker coaches. As a renowned high-stakes professional and strategic innovator, Ansky brings exceptional insight and real-world expertise to his training videos that few instructors can match.

What distinguishes Ansky’s coaching style is his remarkable ability to distill complex poker concepts into practical, applicable strategies. His videos combine technical precision with a straightforward delivery that makes advanced ideas accessible to players at various skill levels. Known for his aggressive approach at the tables, Ansky excels at teaching students when and how to apply pressure in spots where others might play conservatively.

Ansky’s training content spans multiple poker variants, with particular emphasis on No-Limit Hold’em cash games and tournaments. His popular video series, including the acclaimed “ZOOM Poker Series,” showcase his exceptional talent for explaining his thought process during hands. These real-time analyses provide students with a rare window into the mind of an elite player navigating complex decisions.

Players particularly value Ansky’s focus on exploitative play and opponent-specific adjustments. Rather than advocating a one-size-fits-all approach, he teaches students how to identify and capitalize on the tendencies of their opponents—a crucial skill for maximizing profit in today’s games.

Beyond technical strategy, Ansky addresses the psychological aspects of poker with remarkable insight. His guidance on tilt control, bankroll management, and maintaining focus during long sessions has helped countless players develop the mental resilience needed for long-term success.

Experience Dan “Ansky” Stern’s transformative coaching at DeucesCracked and elevate your poker game with insights from one of the most respected and accomplished minds in the training world.

author avatar
Scott Jones - Chief Content Chief Content
Scott Jones serves as the Chief Content Officer at Deuces Cracked, where he leads content strategy and development for one of poker's premier training platforms. With over two decades of experience in sports journalism, Jones has established himself as a respected voice across multiple sports disciplines, with particular expertise in poker, football, and basketball analysis.