Last Updated December 2025
Run It Once Review: Elite Poker Training Videos for NLHE, MTTs, PLO (and More)
Run It Once (RIO) is the “watch a killer explain exactly how they think” training site. If you want high-level hand analysis, a deep library, and coaches who actually battle, RIO is one of the strongest poker coaching subscriptions — especially for intermediate → expert players.
Quick Verdict
- Essential: best budget library for building foundations
- Elite: serious grinder tier with the full firepower
- Coach depth: stacked roster (RIO advertises 180 pros)
- Best use: weekly video routine + notes + HH review
Run It Once at a Glance
Fast summary before you go down the rabbit hole.
| Category | What You Get | PokerStrat Take |
|---|---|---|
| Type Training Video Library | Massive coaching library + new videos added weekly (tier dependent). | One of the best “watch elite thought process” platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Games NLHE / MTT / PLO | Wide format coverage: cash, tournaments, live play, hand analysis, meta/mindset topics. | Great if you don’t want a site that only speaks one poker dialect. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Coaches Elite Pros | RIO markets a deep roster (180 pros listed on their site). | Huge variety of styles and formats. Find 2–3 coaches that “click.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Best Level Int → Expert | Beginners can learn here too, but the biggest value is in nuance and depth. | Perfect as soon as you’re past basic ABC and ready for real node decisions. |
Run It Once Pricing (Starting Cost)
RIO typically offers a free/basic option and paid tiers. The big decision is simple: Essential for value + volume, Elite for the full grinder package. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
| Plan | Starting Price | Best For | Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0/month | Testing the site + community/forum access | Use it to see if RIO’s teaching style fits you |
| Essential | $24.99/month | Low/mid stakes building a foundation + routine | Pick a learning path + 3 vids/week + notes |
| Elite | $199.99/month | Serious grinders (advanced study volume) | Elite is “full library + new vids” mode |
Ratings (PokerStrat Scorecard)
What RIO is best at (and why people stick).
Who Run It Once Is Best For
RIO is for players who want deeper thought process: how good regs choose lines, build ranges, and make turn/river decisions without punting.
Best Match
- Intermediate players: you know basics, now you need “why” + cleaner nodes
- Advanced regs: refine ranges, lines, exploits, game selection
- Multi-format players: cash + MTT + PLO/mixed content
- People who learn by watching: “show me the hand, talk me through it”
Not the Best Match (Yet)
- True beginners: can feel overwhelming; start with a roadmap-style course first
- Tool-first learners: you may prefer drills/solvers early (Wizard) then add RIO
- Zero-note takers: you’ll forget everything by tomorrow
What You Get Inside Run It Once
RIO’s core product is the video library — tons of formats and coaches, with new content added regularly. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
| Feature | What It Does | Why It Converts |
|---|---|---|
| Huge Video Library | Deep catalog across NLHE cash, MTTs, PLO, live play, and analysis. | People searching “best poker training videos” land here and stay. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| New Videos Weekly | Fresh releases each week (by tier), so it doesn’t go stale. | Gives members a weekly study routine instead of aimless browsing. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Elite Coaches | RIO markets a large coach roster (180 pros on-site). | More styles = easier to find “your” teacher. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| Discussion / Community | Forum/discussion layer for questions and clarifications (plan-dependent). | Accountability + feedback = more actual improvement. |
Pros & Cons (Real Talk)
Pros
- Elite thought process: learn how strong regs actually think
- Library depth: cash + MTT + PLO/mixed coverage
- Coach variety: different styles for different brains
- Great “pause & decide” training: watch hands like a drill
Cons (and the fix)
- Overwhelm risk: too much content — fix by following 1 learning path + 2–3 coaches only.
- Elite price: $199.99/mo is real — most players should start Essential first. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Beginner ramp: if you need step-by-step basics, start with a roadmap course, then add RIO.
Run It Once FAQ
Is Run It Once good for beginners?
It can be, but it’s not the most beginner-structured platform. If you’re brand new, start with a fundamentals roadmap, then use RIO to level up your thought process.
Which plan should I start with: Essential or Elite?
Most players should start with Essential because it’s insane value for $24.99/month. Upgrade to Elite when you’re actively grinding and you want the full library and higher volume. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Is RIO good for tournaments (MTTs)?
Yes — RIO includes tournament content and deep hand analysis. If your focus is specifically MTT endgame/ICM, pair RIO with a tournament endgame product (like Raise Your Edge) for max ROI.
How do I get value fast on RIO?
Don’t binge. Pick 2 coaches and one format (cash or MTT). Watch 3 videos/week. Pause often. Write down one adjustment you’ll apply in your next session.
Does Run It Once include PLO training?
RIO has wide format coverage (including PLO content) across the video library. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Educational only: Poker involves risk and variance. No guarantees — focus on long-term decision-making.