Before I took my first class, I had no clue what DI was all about and had a brief knowledge of the game. I came in with an open mind and I wanted to learn anything and everything that was offered. However I did have a huge notion that I will be able to walk up to a table after that and win lots of money. That's not from anything that the brochure said or from any conversations I had with HEAVY prior to the class but just my own notion. When I actually made it to my first class, I saw a mixed group of veterans and starters like me. However what transpired during the class confirmed to me I made a good choice by actually taking a class.
When the class starts, introductions are made and everyone talks briefly about their experiences with the game and what they would like to get out of the class. This is always a good way to get to know others from the forum that you have had conversations with but never actually met. It is also a good venue to pick up the long timers in the game from the "baby"
After the introductions, each student will receive a handbook and a CD. HEAVY will go thru the handbook explaining basic fundamental instructions about DI (Basic dice sets, Table position, Body position, Grip, etc.) This usually takes a couple of hours and there are always questions and answers going on during that period. Theses are all the basic foundations. What I was amazed at the first time I took the class was that both veterans and new comers were engaged in the conversations. No one went to the corner and started doing their own thing. Everyone was there as a team.
The next phase of the class is the Toss Improvement Plan. This is where all the students take turn tossing the dice while everyone watches (students and teachers). HEAVY will provide feedback on all aspects of the shooter (dice set, grip, body position, etc.) and helps each student with whatever he sees or what they ask for help. This is good because EVERYONE learns from the exercise. You don't have to wait your turn in order to pick up on something. You can watch and listen then adapt something to your own toss. Also HEAVY will not try and divert you to a different grip or toss unless absolutely necessary. What usually happens it that he will work with what you brought and try and make it better.
Also a worksheet is prepared for each student with remarks, observations and things to work on. This makes is a bit easy when you get home to look at and see what you need to work on. (I still have my first one and I shake my head every time I look at it
).The final phase of the class is basic game information and betting strategies. Again this is all ground work information (odds, payout, etc.). The great thing about this exercise is that students chime in with how they play and bet and sometimes what someone is doing can be a good play for you to use. Also at the end of the class, HEAVY will work with the folks that have signed up for live sessions on what positions they need to take at the table and other information.
So this is what the class is at a very high level. As someone who has had many of them, please allow me to offer the following advice:
1- Come in with an open mind
2- Watch & Listen
3- Bring your glass empty or half full
4- Provide HONEST feedback to HEAVY (in private during the breaks in the class or in private after the class).
5- Take what you have learned and work at it. Success is measured by the amount of effort you put in.
I will have more posts on what my suggestions for you is AFTER you have taken a class and also my suggestions during live sessions.
