Overview
Name: James "SplitSuit" Sweeney
Current Role: CEO and Co-Founder at Red Chip Poker
Specialization: Poker Coaching and Training, specifically in NL cash games with 6+ players
Professional Background
James Sweeney, widely known as "SplitSuit," is a prominent figure in the poker community with over a decade of experience in poker coaching and training. He co-founded Red Chip Poker, a poker training site dedicated to making poker training accessible, affordable, and enjoyable. His primary focus is on helping players improve their qualitative and quantitative understanding of the game.
Education and Career Path
James began playing poker in college at Syracuse University and transitioned to playing online poker during the early 2000s. After the significant events of "Black Friday" in online poker, he shifted his focus back to live poker. While still in college, he started coaching fellow poker players and discovered a gap in full ring poker coaching, which led him to focus on this niche.
After college, James continued to play poker part-time while building a coaching career. He became well-known for his expertise in NL cash games and his unique approach to poker instruction.
Contributions to Poker
- Books and Publications: James is the author of "Dynamic Full Ring Poker: Beyond The Basics," a well-received book that has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage of poker strategies.
- Coaching and Videos: He has coached approximately 500 students and has produced a variety of premium poker strategy videos available through his site, [SplitSuit Poker Store](https://www.splitsuit.com/poker-store).
- Courses: He created the "Hand Reading Lab" course, which has been pivotal in helping players understand and master the art of hand reading in poker.
Red Chip Poker
Goal: To democratize top-level poker training through accessible, affordable, and engaging content.
Role: As CEO and co-founder, James oversees the creation of high-quality, strategically valuable videos and training sessions. His content is designed to be both entertaining and educational, ensuring that players of all levels can enjoy and benefit from the material.
Achievements and Impact
James has successfully guided several of his early students to become coaches and even start their own poker-related ventures. His teaching methods focus on practical applications, game theory, and exploiting opponent tendencies to maximize player potential.
Personal Insights
Location: Originally from a suburb outside Chicago, currently residing in Vancouver, WA.
Playing Habits: Frequently plays at card clubs in Portland on weekends.
Proud Achievements: Writing and receiving accolades for his book, "Dynamic Full Ring Poker: Beyond The Basics".
Coaching Philosophy: Emphasizes the enjoyment and educational balance in poker. Aims to foster a love for the game while improving players' skills.
Hobbies and Interests
- Video Games: Enjoys playing Halo and Destiny.
- Outdoor Activities: Family hiking during summers.
- Other Interests: Graphic design, marketing, video editing, and consulting.
Relevant Links and Resources
- [James Sweeney's Articles on Red Chip Poker](https://redchippoker.com/articles/james-sweeney/)
- [Interview with James Sweeney](https://redchippoker.com/our-coaches/james-sweeney-splitsuit/)
- [Dynamic Full Ring Poker: Beyond The Basics](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-chip-poker-james-splitsuit-sweeney/1144747856)
- [SplitSuit's Coaching Store](https://www.splitsuit.com/poker-store)
Contact: [James on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-sweeney-79b8836b)
Twitter: [@SplitSuit](https://twitter.com/SplitSuit)
James Sweeney's extensive experience, coupled with his innovative approach to poker coaching and dedication to creating valuable educational content, makes him a key figure in the professional poker community. His efforts through Red Chip Poker have made a significant impact on many poker enthusiasts and professionals alike.