Even as the online poker industry has shrunk somewhat since Black Friday, the online poker training sector continues to expand.

The latest entry into the field: PokerStrategy recently rolled out a paid version of their online poker training product.  Originally a free bankroll site that provided instruction for members on short stacking strategy, PokerStrategy has now expanded to providing full-fledged poker training via videos, conversations with instructors via the forums and one-on-one coaching.

PokerStrategy offers a tiered membership system that dictates the amount of access members have to various content channels.  They’ve also ramped up their coaching staff, counting such online poker notables as Dusty Schmidt as new additions to their roster.

Another big change: While PokerStrategy was originally a site where only players from outside the US could learn to play online poker, the new version of the site is available to all players (some countries are still restricted from the bankroll offers, however).

Is poker training worth the money?  That’s a legitimate question, as the cost of improving your online poker can really add up quickly.  Between training sites, software programs like Holdem Manager and data sites such as Poker Table Ratings, players can easily spend hundreds of dollars a month, and thousands a year.

The key for making poker training a valuable investment is to have some sort of plan for getting the most out of the site.  That might be a schedule you devise, setting aside dedicated time to review videos or notes from previous viewing sessions.  It could be certain goals you set for posting in the forums or watching new videos.  Whatever it is, you’ll definitely have an advantage if you plan your use of the site consciously.

Learning how to play poker is never easy, but with the help of some tools like training sites –  and a plan for using them –  you’ll be on the right track in no time.