The Best Poker Coach in the World Has Built
Your Path to Poker Mastery
- Uri Peleg, who coaches some of the world's current best tournament and cash game pros, has personally rebuilt the entire Lab from the ground up.
- Get a clear path to mastery that meets you where you are. Whether you're starting out or ready for high-stakes games.
- Access winning strategies from Uri, Doug Polk, and their hand-picked team elite poker coaches, without paying $700/hour for private coaching.
As Featured In...
Meet Uri Peleg. The Best Poker Coach in the World.
The Guy Doug Personally Chose to Rebuild Lab 2.0
When we decided to completely rebuild the Lab, there was only one person we knew could do it right.
Uri isn't just another poker coach. He's the guy that elite pros call when they want to get better. His students have profited over $25 million, and that's not an accident, it's because Uri reveals strategies that actually work.
He's personally won millions playing high-stakes games, runs one of the most feared staking companies in poker (Guerrilla Poker), and coaches some of the biggest winners in the game today.
- Founder of Guerrilla Poker, one of the most successful staking companies in the world
- Over $2 million in personal cash game winnings
- Magic: The Gathering World Champion (proving he knows how to master complex strategy games)
"When we decided to rebuild Lab 2.0, there was one guy who came to mind as the coach who should lead it. That was Uri Peleg. He's taken this on as his passion project, and he's rebuilt everything under his vision with hand-selected coaches."
Uri's Top Students
Barak Wisbrod
- Total Live Earnings: $3,375,862
- Ranked Top 5 Most Profit in GGPoker Cash Games ($1,900,000)
Owen "PRODIGY" Messere
- High Stakes Cash Game Pro Since Age 21
- Won CoinPoker Cash Game World Championship for $680,000
Tobias "Duddi" Duthweiler
- Total Live Earnings: $4,234,364
- $2,000,000+ in Cash Game Profit on GGPoker
Student stat sources: smarthand.pro, thehendonmob.com, statname.net
Meet Your New Inner Circle of Elite Poker Coaches
These are the players who've crushed nosebleeds, final-tabled majors, and built multi-million dollar bankrolls, now they're handing you the playbook.
Doug Polk
High Stakes Cash Game Legend · 3x WSOP Bracelet Winner · Upswing Co-Founder
Prioritize playing a balanced, aggressive strategy over worrying about reads or exploits.
Doug has beaten the best players in the world for millions of dollars in high-stakes heads-up matches. Known for his surgical analysis and no-nonsense teaching style, he brings championship-level insight to every one of his lessons.
Manuel "Phemo"
High Stakes Tournament Crusher · Advanced GTO & ICM Specialist
A data-driven approach is how you build a deep understanding of spots.
Phemo has quietly built a reputation as one of the most technically skilled online MTT players on the planet. He's trusted to coach one of the world's most lucrative tournament staking operations, and now he's bringing that experience into the Lab.
Gary Blackwood
Live/Online Cash Game Crusher · GTO & Exploit Expert
Play sound poker, but always look for leaks you can exploit.
Gary's been crushing cash games (and the occasional tournament) for years and is widely praised for his approach to coaching. He's a master at breaking down complex ideas into practical and repeatable strategies.
Aaron Barone
Online Tournament Killer
Most players study all wrong. They do it to feel better, not to get better.
Aaron does what every player wishes they could do: win with extreme consistency. He's profited over $1 million in the last 5 years of playing online tournaments, with dozens of wins and hundreds of final tables
Qing "Giraffe" Yang
Elite Cash Game Mind · Solver Integration Master
If you can't explain something in simple terms, you don't understand it well enough.
Known by his 'PokerGiraffe' alias, Qing is an expert not only in advanced game theory, but practical live-specific strategies as well. He's world-class at integrating solver findings into practical play without overcomplication.
Lewis Spencer
High Stakes Tournament Pro
My goal is to turn complex strategy into simple, actionable heuristics.
With strategies backed by nearly $5 million in live earnings and loads more profit online, Lewis brings clarity to complexity. He's helped thousands of players translate strategy into real-world results with clear, practical instruction and smart drills that stick.
Avery "PlayItSmart"
Online Cash Game Beast · Master of Exploitative Tactics
GTO can make a player solid, exploits are what makes a player elite
Counter-strategies are Avery's bread and butter. He's achieved explosive win-rates upwards of 10bb/100 in tough online cash games while playing a hyper-loose-aggressive style (over six-figure hand samples). He reveals his money-printing tactics in his Max Exploit Academy course inside the Lab.
Tim Jenkins
High Stakes Tournament & Cash Game Pro · Poker Strategy Wunderkind
Poker is complex enough - keep it simple and try to execute well.
After joining the original Lab in 2016, Tim quickly climbed the stakes until he was competing (and winning) vs the world's best in high stakes cash games and tournaments. He understands the game at an extremely deep level, making life easy for his students.
Bart "Grindcore" Gort
Veteran Poker Coach · Strategy Mastermind
Winning poker is a combo of understanding theory and your opponent's psychology.
Grindcore is a true poker OG who has been coaching poker players for nearly two decades. As the head coach of Uri's Guerrilla Poker stable, he's quietly helped countless players realize their potential and win millions on the felt.
Here's Everything You Get Inside Lab 2.0...
No More Guesswork. Just Real Progress.
One Level Up at a Time.
Most poker sites overwhelm you with random content and no clear path forward. The Lab 2.0 is built differently, with clear stepping stones that take you toward mastery.
- Climb a structured, interactive path that adapts to your skill level & learning speed.
- ️Unlock quick-win tactics early to hit the tables with more confidence.
- Build your skills through progressive modules that compound your edge over time.
Launch Pad Track
Build your poker foundation step-by-step.
Placement Quiz
LEVEL 1
Terms & Concepts
LEVEL 2
Quick Wins
LEVEL 3
Preflop Strategy
LEVEL 4
Postflop Strategy
LEVEL 5
Intro to Solvers
LEVEL 6
Playing Soft Games
Live Cash Track
Online Cash Track
Tournament Track
Mastery Path
After You Complete the Launch Pad, You Unlock the Mastery Path...
Once you've built your foundation (or if you're an advanced player, you can skip ahead), you unlock the Mastery Path. These are the same strategies Uri's students and the Lab coaches use to win in today's high-stakes games.
Mastery Path Training
Advanced training modules for serious players ready to master game theory, exploitative play, and real-world application.
Game Theory
Introduction
Cash Level 1
vs Bet
Exploit
Introduction
Level 1
Key Adjustments
Play & Explain
Introduction
Cash Level 1
Old School Doug Polk
Plus Get These Bonuses & Tools
Every Lab 2.0 Membership Includes Instant Access To These Extras
Max Exploit Academy
Target common mistakes and win more from predictable players.
Led by revolutionary strategist Avery "PlayItSmart" Nitkin, this Lab 2.0 master class delivers cutting-edge exploitative strategies in weekly sessions. A completely new and exciting format for the Lab.
You'll sharpen your edge with advanced counter tactics, insights into common player tendencies, and watch in-depth hand analysis. It's the fastest way to turn opponent mistakes into your long-term profit.
Live Training Webinars
Learn from the pros in real time, then rewatch anytime.
Get exclusive access to recorded webinars and live training sessions covering the latest strategies and trends in poker.
Every week, a new session is live streamed to members, keeping you up to speed with cutting-edge tactics and expert insights you can put into play right away.
Watch live to ask questions, or catch the replay anytime in the Lab.
Upgraded Preflop Prodigy App
Play every starting hand like a pro with charts that typically cost hundreds.
Get instant access to our premium preflop ranges covering cash games, tournaments, and heads-up scenarios—all from any device with internet.
You'll also get exclusive ClubWPT Gold straddle ranges that aren't available anywhere else, giving you a massive edge in those soft cash games. These charts are the same ones top players use to stay ahead, and they'd normally cost you hundreds to buy separately.
Private Discord Channel
Connect with serious players and get direct access to the Lab coaches.
When it comes to improving at poker, few things beat discussing strategy with fellow players. With thousands of members, 6 active coaches, and dozens of new posts every day, you can pop into the group and expand your poker knowledge in just a few minutes.
Get real-time feedback on hands, dive into strategy discussions, and learn from players who are serious about taking their game to the next level.
You're never wandering. You're always leveling up your game.
What Early Beta Testers Had to Say About Lab 2.0
Honest reviews from players who tested the new Lab 2.0 before launch
OSN
Beta Tester
I have to admit, the praise of you [Uri] being one of the best poker coaches in the world really does shine in these videos already. The continued explanations on how to value hands really made me think 'I wish I had thought this way' when I was getting started. The videos continue to deliver a lot. You are so easy to understand, and your conciseness means the videos don't feel like they drag on and on.
George
Beta Tester
Uri, I’m really impressed by your responsiveness and the way you simplify complex concepts without dumbing them down. It’s a rare skill to make things clear while still preserving their depth, and you’re nailing it. Keep up the great work!
Duncan Smith
Beta Tester
I was really impressed by the depth of knowledge that was provided especially for a novice player. From basic things like “why should you bluff” to more advanced and niche scenarios like how to handle donk bets and multi-way pots, Uri laid things out in a clear and succinct way.
Scott
Beta Tester
Birds eye view, this is a significant upgrade. The previous iteration of the Lab had some direction, but this adds much more structure to what you need to learn and when. The revitalization of the old content is especially useful and I would have normally skipped these older videos altogether while now I can look at them in a new way that helps me gain something from them.
Illsided
Beta Tester
I like the aesthetic and the path is great. Uri is a great coach too. No real complaint I can think of, honestly excited about 2.0 so far!
What Players Thought of Lab 1.0
We've made Lab 2.0 even better based on their feedback.
Adam M
Poker Player
I think the upswing approach is far superior. You have a small number of really well known coaches and they have this solid baseline strategy for you that's very easy to implement and follow. It just sets up a theoretical foundation for your game that will make you a tough opponent no matter what game you sit in.
Dylan Samperi
Live Cash Player
I've been using the lab for the past year now and I have to say it's an incredibly great resource for myself... It's been a really great resource for me to improve from basic strategy to actually implementing solver based strategies.
Alexandra Botez
Professional Chess Player & Streamer
I love Upswing! Their coaches have the best explanations. Better than any other training site.
Mathias Flasch
Amateur Grinder
One year ago I posted my 50NL graph and the feedback was very positive. So now I want to share how my graph looks like one year after... Once again I want to thank the Upswing Team and also you guys in this group! (Lesson: Do not dare to question the Upswing Poker Strategies!) 😄
Dan Ott
WSOP Final Tablist
Without the concepts I learned from Upswing Poker, I doubt I would've made a deep run in the WSOP Main Event. Upswing is great for players at any skill level. It is an absolute must if you are trying to improve.
Heiko Schaffer
Amateur Player
I joined the Upswing Lab last November and I gotta say my game improved significantly... For me, as a relatively new member, it was absolutely worth the money.
Jimmy Gorham
Semi-Pro Player
... I want to give a shout out to Upswing Poker. It's the best training site on the net. It helped my game out. It can help you.
*Jimmy Finished 2nd in this tournament to take home $56,595
Peter V
Live Cash & Tournament Player
I've been playing poker for the last 15 years both live and online. My game has improved massively since joining the Upswing Lab. The course has highlighted leaks in my game and given me additional structure to direct some of my study time to these spots. Since joining, I've bagged multiple live tournament wins. Many of the other modules have been worth their weight in gold, and the value in the community is immense.
Brad K.
Live Cash Player
The value of an Upswing Lab membership is such a steal. Honestly, I feel like Upswing could be selling some of these Lab modules as premium courses for a few hundred bucks each. I bought a $499.99 preflop product from another site and can tell you that the Advanced Preflop Module in the Lab is a lot better quality and obviously better value that you get with just a Lab membership. That's just one module and there are plenty of great ones.
Every Tool You Need to Win. All in One Place.
Lab 2.0 is a complete, battle-tested training system built for serious players who want to win faster. No fluff, no filler. Just proven tools to help you climb the stakes with confidence. Whether you learn best by watching, practicing, interacting, or competing, you'll find your perfect training mix inside.
Your Path to Mastery
Elite-Level Training Videos
Hands-On Practice & Quizzes
Pro Tools & Charts
Live Strategy Sessions
Private Discord
Choose Your Plan To Start Leveling Up Today
Monthly Plan
Includes:
- Complete Lab Training LibraryAccess to all Lab 2.0 modules plus our complete archive of premium poker training content, with regular updates and new strategies added weekly.
- Premium Preflop Charts AppMobile-optimized preflop strategy charts and ranges for instant access during your poker sessions, developed by our expert coaches.
- Private Strategy CommunityAccess to members-only Discord community with advanced strategy discussions, weekly Q&As with professional coaches, and peer learning opportunities.
- Fair Play Satisfaction Guarantee30-day Fair Play guarantee for first-time Lab members. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll work with you to address concerns or provide a refund if necessary, subject to our fair usage criteria.
Annual Plan
Includes:
- Complete Lab Training LibraryAccess to all Lab 2.0 modules plus our complete archive of premium poker training content, with regular updates and new strategies added weekly.
- Premium Preflop Charts AppMobile-optimized preflop strategy charts and ranges for instant access during your poker sessions, developed by our expert coaches.
- Private Strategy CommunityAccess to members-only Discord community with advanced strategy discussions, weekly Q&As with professional coaches, and peer learning opportunities.
- Fair Play Satisfaction Guarantee30-day Fair Play guarantee for first-time Lab members. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll work with you to address concerns or provide a refund if necessary, subject to our fair usage criteria.
Semi-Annual Plan
Includes:
- Complete Lab Training LibraryAccess to all Lab 2.0 modules plus our complete archive of premium poker training content, with regular updates and new strategies added weekly.
- Premium Preflop Charts AppMobile-optimized preflop strategy charts and ranges for instant access during your poker sessions, developed by our expert coaches.
- Private Strategy CommunityAccess to members-only Discord community with advanced strategy discussions, weekly Q&As with professional coaches, and peer learning opportunities.
- Fair Play Satisfaction Guarantee30-day Fair Play guarantee for first-time Lab members. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll work with you to address concerns or provide a refund if necessary, subject to our fair usage criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of poker does Lab 2.0 cover?
The Lab is your all-in-one training ground for every form of No Limit Hold'em.
Whether you play cash games or tournaments, live or online, you'll find battle-tested strategies and step-by-step lessons to upgrade your results at the table.
Why should I join Upswing Lab 2.0?
Whether you're a beginner, an advanced player, or somewhere in between, Lab 2.0 gives you a clear path to sharper and more profitable play.
This isn't just about "knowing the theory", it's about turning your study time into more consistent profits and long-term growth.
Can I try the Lab before buying? Do you offer any trials?
We do not offer any free trials. However, you can try the Lab 2.0 with Upswing Poker's Fair Play Satisfaction Guarantee if it's the first time you've ever joined this edition of the Lab.
Try the Lab for your first 30 days with minimal risk. If the Lab's content isn't up to your expectations, reach out to us and we'll consider a refund or help you exchange it for something that better matches your needs.
Our team makes the final call and we reserve the right to not issue refunds. We are dedicated to maintaining the quality of our community and ensuring fairness. Just like a dispute at any table, our floor manager makes the final call on any refund request.
We're committed to helping you improve your skills and succeed in your poker journey. For more details, please review our refund policy.
How do I access the Lab after purchasing?
After you've joined, you'll get full and instant access to the Lab inside the Upswing Poker Members area for as long as you want to keep your membership.
The direct link to the first page of Lab 2.0 is members.upswingpoker.com/lab-launch-pad. Feel free to bookmark it once you're inside.
Here's how to access it after purchasing…
If you're a completely new Upswing Poker member (i.e. you've never signed up for any free or premium product), please check your email to finish setting up your account after purchasing. After setting up your account, you'll be able to login and instantly access the Lab and any other training you've purchased.
If you're already a past member of Upswing Poker (including if you've signed up for a free product), you simply have to login to access Lab 2.0.
If you run into any issues, try resetting your password or contact support@upswingpoker.com and we'll be happy to assist you.
Does the Lab contain valuable content for advanced players?
Yes, there are many advanced lessons and resources in Lab 2.0 (with more on the way).
After proving your "advanced" status with the initial placement quiz, you'll start towards the end of the Launch Pad map at Level 6 "Playing Soft Games". Uri thought it was important for even advanced players to go through this part of the Lab (because soft games are where the money is).
Note: If you ever feel like a section is too basic for you, skip that section. There are even quizzes at the end of certain sections in the Launch Pad that allow you to "test out" of a given lesson.
Once you complete the Launch Pad (or if you want to skip it), you move onto the Mastery Path – the "end game" of Lab 2.0. The Mastery Path includes intermediate and advanced content that will help you upgrade your exploitative skills and theoretical knowledge.
We'll also continue to build out the Mastery Path content based on member feedback and questions.
The weekly live coaching sessions will often lean advanced, and you're likely to get a lot of value from the Play & Explains.
Critical recommendation: Advanced players would be smart to watch the Max Exploit Academy by Avery "PlayItSmart" Nitkin. It's some of the best advanced content our team has ever seen.
How often do you release new content?
In addition to the Launch Pad, Mastery Path, Discord group access, and Preflop Prodigy app, members get the following every week:
- A new live coaching session.
- A new Max Exploit Academy lesson (released weekly for the first few months after launch).
Poker evolves constantly, and so does the Lab so you're never stuck with stale strategies.
Uri also intends to further build out the Launch Pad and Mastery Path maps based on member feedback and questions.
How much content is in the Lab and how long does it take to complete?
There are hundreds of lessons plus fresh content updates every week. Your pace is up to you, some players binge for hours a day, others chip away steadily.
Example: At 5 hours/week, you could finish the Launch Pad in as little as 21 days, then tackle the Mastery Path in 2 months. But here's the thing: with new lessons added all the time and a community to interact with, there's always more to learn, practice, and master.
What is the Preflop Prodigy app?
Preflop Prodigy is a browser-based app that's easy to use on any device with an internet connection. As a Lab member, you get 6 additional sets of ranges added to Preflop Prodigy.
Whether you play online cash games, live cash games, or tournaments, this app has you covered with sound preflop ranges.
What's the deal with the private group on Discord?
Once you become a member, you can link your Discord account with a few clicks. That grants you access to the private Lab 2.0 channels and forums inside the Upswing Poker server.
Uri and the Upswing team have planned a robust community with forums for every section of the course and more. Crucially, the Lab's team of coaches are waiting to help you.
If you have a question about a specific section, you can easily find the accompanying forum in Discord to ask it. This allows you to browse and participate in targeted discussions relevant to the exact part of the Lab you're working through.
The community also includes channels where you can post your hands for feedback, share content requests, or even start your own blog so everyone can follow your progress.
What if I want to cancel? Am I locked into a contract?
As a member, you can cancel anytime and are in complete control of your Lab 2.0 membership at all times.
While we hope you stay forever, we hate contracts and would never impose them on our members. You can cancel your account 24/7/365 days a year online through your "My Account" portal inside of UpswingPoker.com.
Or you can email support at any time when you decide you're ready to cancel your membership.
What's the deal with the Chip Bonuses, and how many do I get with Lab 2.0?
Chips are the in-game currency for ClubWPT Gold, which you can use to play tournaments for real cash and prize payouts (where eligible). This bonus offer is only available for the 44 US states that currently offer ClubWPT Gold. Currently, ID, MI, MT, NJ, NY, and WA are excluded.
Your Chips bonus depends on your plan:
- Monthly Plan: 10 Chips each month.
- Semi-Annual Plan: 40 Chips every 6 months.
- Annual Plan: 70 Chips every year.
Once you join Lab 2.0, we'll send you quick setup instructions for your ClubWPT Gold account (if you don't have one already). After that, your Chips will be automatically credited by the end of Sunday during the week of your initial purchase or your most recent renewal, not instantly at checkout. The Chips bonus is available to U.S. residents in eligible states. It's not available in ID, MI, MT, NJ, NY, or WA.
Your Chips bonus is included with your Lab 2.0 membership at no extra cost. You can save them in your ClubWPT Gold account until you're ready to play, but putting them in action sooner means more chances to win prizes.
Once I become a member, where should I start?
Before you do anything else, you should join the Lab 2.0 members-only channels on Discord and introduce yourself. Discussing strategy with your coaches and fellow members is an amazing way to improve, so getting involved in the Discord early is critical.
From there, dive into Lab 2.0 here on Upswing Poker and take the initial quiz to get placed at the appropriate point for your skill level. Then, start upgrading your skills with the value-packed lessons.
Intermittently, we recommend taking a look at the Preflop Prodigy app, which is easily accessible inside Lab 2.0. This browser-based app is an awesome resource that will help you play like a pro in every common situation before the flop.
Ready to start improving your game? Jump In at the Best Spot For Your Current Skill Level
Start Training Exactly Where You'll Win the Fastest
Most training dumps you into "Lesson One" like a beginner, even if you're not. Lab 2.0 is different.
Before you start, you'll take a quick Skill Placement Quiz designed by the same pros who built the course. In just 60 seconds, we'll pinpoint exactly where you should start for maximum progress with zero wasted time.
- Your Perfect Starting Point – No rehashing basics you've already mastered.
- Accelerated Growth – Focus only on what will give you the biggest skill jump right now.
- Test Out Anytime – Pass a section and instantly unlock the next challenge.
You're never lost. You're never stuck. You're always moving your game forward.
Step 1: Take Quiz
60 seconds to your perfect path
Step 2: Get Placement
Your personal route to winning more
Step 3: Level Up
Focused training. Better results.
Your Time Starts Now
Don't Just Win, CRUSH!
Join the path to poker mastery and never stop improving your skills.
Fair Play Satisfaction Guarantee
We're so confident the Lab will help improve your game that we back it up with our Fair Play satisfaction guarantee. Whether you're a beginner, amateur, or experienced reg, you can try the Lab for your first 30 days with minimal risk.
If you're not satisfied, simply contact us within 30 days, and we'll work with you to address any concerns or provide a refund if necessary. However, if you consume a significant portion of the Lab's content or meet any of our other criteria, you may not be eligible for a refund. This guarantee is only available to first-time Lab members.
Our team is dedicated to maintaining the quality of our community and ensuring fairness. Just like a dispute at any table, our floor manager makes the final call on any refund request. We're committed to helping you improve your skills and succeed in your poker journey.