It's an interesting coincidence that the topic of coaching "anyone" came up, because I'm currently trying to help someone I know from 2+2 with his game.  He used to be a winner but recently he has had a tough time beating the games.  Some of the better mid and high stakes regulars may be saying, "isn't that the blind leading the blind?  Why would *anyone* want coaching from DoubleFly?!?"  Well, this isn't coaching per se.  I just told him I would look over his database and tell him what *I* think his leaks are.  This is one area of assistance where the person giving feedback doesn't necessarily have to be a world beater.  Because if a meh reg can spot a potential leak, then so may a ton of other players.

Why would I do such a thing?  Helping a potential competitor FOR FREE can't be considered a "plus ev" move.  I have a bunch of good reasons.  First, as long as I've played mid stakes, I've done *zero* deep research into the playing tendencies of some of my peers.  I see the same guys at my tables day in and day out and I haven't sifted thru any of *their* hand histories, reviewed their positional stats, etc.  I think I may need to start spending a little more research, and this gives me a chance to see what I can find.  Second, I think the experience may help me decide if I want to delve into coaching or some other poker-related ventures.  I doubt it, but you never know.  Third, it should make for an interesting blog post or two.  Hey - I got one already!  I guess this may spur on a series of "Database Analysis 101" type of posts, but I haven't decided.  And last, I'm just a good friend and all-around nice guy!  Just ask Mrs. Fly!  Um...  on second thought, don't do that.  as she would say...  Ewwwww.

Anyway, I looked thru some of the basics while I was waiting for Mrs. Fly the other day.  I've already spotted a few major things, and some areas that look fishy, so I think there will be some value added for him.  I'm basically just approaching looking at his database the way I would look at mine when I'm trying to review my play.  I tend to be more methodical and analytical than most other players, so I think I will be able to have a number of "concrete" suggestions, rather than saying generic stuff like "you're leaking from the blinds" or "cbet more."  But we'll see what we uncover.  The nice thing about taking someone with a zero to slightly negative win rate is that there are sure to be a *bunch* of things gone awry.

PS.  This is just a ONE-TIME test run, in case my inbox gets flooded with requests for a database review from a meh reg (moi).  There's a stats thread in the SSFR forum if you want to learn more about analyzing your database - it gets better later in the thread.  And Mpethybridge on 2+2 also offers coaching on database sifting - I've never used him (so this is not a recommendation - I'm just telling you what's out there in case you are interested), but he seems to have some interesting posts in the stats thread.