Last Updated December 2025
Upswing Poker Review (Upswing Lab 2.0): The “Roadmap” Training System for NLHE
Upswing Lab is built for one thing: structured poker improvement. If you want a clear training path for cash games and MTTs (without drowning in random videos), this is one of the most “do-this-next” poker coaching subscriptions on the market.
Quick Verdict
- Best beginner system: step-by-step fundamentals
- Best intermediate value: cleaner decision trees + ranges
- Experts: good structure, but you may also want solver tools
- Format coverage: cash + tournaments (NLHE focus)
Upswing Lab at a Glance
The fast summary for people who hate long reviews (respect).
| Category | What You Get | PokerStrat Take |
|---|---|---|
| Type Subscription Training | Lab-style membership with a structured path (modules, videos, charts, updates). | Great if you want a roadmap instead of random YouTube spirals. |
| Main Focus NLHE | Core strategy for No Limit Hold’em across cash + tournaments. | Perfect for most players. If you’re pure PLO, look at Upswing’s PLO products too. |
| Study Style “Do This Next” | Roadmap/track-based learning + practical lessons and examples. | Beginner/intermediate players get the biggest ROI from this structure. |
| Community Group Support | Member community features (varies) + discussion and accountability. | Underrated value if you actually post hands and get feedback. |
| Access Web / Mobile Friendly | Browser-based training experience that works well on phone/tablet. | Easy to fit into daily reps: 20 min lesson + 10 min notes. |
Upswing Lab Pricing (Starting Cost)
Upswing typically offers a monthly plan plus discounted longer plans. If you’re unsure, start monthly, run the 30-day plan, then decide if you’re sticking around.
| Plan | Starting Price | Best For | Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $99/month | Testing the Lab + fast start | Do 4 weeks of fundamentals + review |
| 6-Month | $399 (semi-annual) | Players who commit to a real study block | Best value if you’ll actually follow the path |
| Annual | $699 (yearly) | Serious grinders who know they’ll use it | Lock in the discount and build habits |
Ratings (PokerStrat Scorecard)
Quick visual: what Upswing Lab is strongest at.
Who Upswing Lab Is Best For
Upswing is best when you want clarity: what hands to play, what lines to take, how to think street-by-street, and how to stop making the same “standard” leaks.
Best Match
- Beginners: learning ranges, c-bets, bet sizing, value/bluff
- Intermediate: fixing 3-bet pots, turn/river decisions, MTT spots
- Busy players: want a plan (not a content buffet)
- Live 1/2–2/5: strong fundamentals translate immediately
Not the Best Match (But Still Possible)
- Pure PLO grinders: you may want PLO-specific training first
- Solver-only nerds: you might prefer tool-first study (Wizard/PIO) + review
- “I won’t study” players: no course fixes zero reps
What You Get Inside Upswing Lab
Think of Upswing Lab like a poker “training gym.” The value is the system: learn fundamentals → apply them → review hands → level up into tougher nodes.
| Feature | What It Does | Why It Converts |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Curriculum | Step-by-step lessons so you aren’t guessing what to study next. | Perfect for “I need a plan” search intent. |
| Cash + MTT Coverage | Foundational strategy that translates to both formats (NLHE focus). | Broad appeal: online + live, cash + tournaments. |
| Charts / Ranges | Preflop guidance and decision frameworks you can actually use. | Fast “aha” moments = higher retention. |
| Practical Examples | Real hand scenarios to build your street-by-street thought process. | Makes the content feel actionable (not theoretical). |
| Community / Accountability | Where you post hands, ask questions, and stop studying in isolation. | Accountability turns subscriptions into progress. |
Pros & Cons (Realistic, Not Dramatic)
Pros
- Clear roadmap that stops “random study”
- Beginner → intermediate friendly with fast ROI spots
- Great fundamentals that translate to live & online
- Ongoing updates keep the content relevant
Cons (and the honest fix)
- Price: $99/mo isn’t cheap — but it’s cheaper than punting for 6 months without a plan.
- Content volume: can feel like a lot — follow the roadmap and ignore the noise at first.
- Advanced ceilings: experts may add solver tools — pair it with GTO drills if you’re already solid.
Upswing Lab FAQ
Is Upswing Lab good for beginners?
Yes — it’s one of the best “start here” poker training subscriptions because it’s structured. If you’re learning ranges, c-bets, and value/bluff basics, you’ll get immediate EV back.
Is Upswing Lab good for tournaments (MTTs)?
Upswing covers tournaments, but the core strength is overall NLHE fundamentals and decision-making. If you’re a pure MTT endgame grinder, consider pairing it with a tournament-focused program too.
Do I need a solver to use Upswing?
Beginners don’t. Intermediate players benefit from solver tools later. The best combo is: Upswing for structure + a GTO trainer for reps once fundamentals are solid.
What’s the fastest way to get value in 30 days?
Follow one roadmap, take notes, and do weekly hand review. Your goal is not “finish content.” Your goal is “remove the biggest leaks that cost the most money.”
Is Upswing worth $99/month?
If you actually study and apply it, yes. If you binge videos and don’t review hands, no. The subscription isn’t the edge — your reps are.
Educational only: Poker involves risk and variance. No guarantees — focus on long-term decision-making.