Looking for an honest Run It Once Pads on Pads review? If you’re serious about multi-table tournaments and wondering whether this is truly the best MTT poker course available, you’re in the right place. After thoroughly analyzing Patrick Leonard’s flagship training program, here’s everything you need to know before investing $999.
Quick Verdict: Is Pads on Pads the Best MTT Poker Course?
Pads on Pads stands among the most comprehensive MTT poker courses on the market alongside Bencb789’s Tournament Masterclass and Nick Petrangelo’s Winning Poker Tournaments. With over 220 videos spanning 115+ hours of advanced tournament strategy, this Run It Once course delivers unmatched depth—but only if you’re ready for it.
Bottom line: For advanced MTT players grinding $200+ buy-ins who are prepared to invest serious study time, Pads on Pads is arguably the best MTT poker course for leveling up to high stakes. For beginners or recreational players, look elsewhere.
What Is Run It Once Pads on Pads?
Patrick “pads1161” Leonard’s Pads on Pads (Perfecting Analysis, Decisions & Strategy) is Run It Once’s flagship MTT training course. Leonard, who has earned over $18 million in combined tournament earnings and founded the legendary BitB Staking stable, shares his complete strategic framework through solver-based analysis and real-world application.
This isn’t your typical poker course with broad generalizations. Leonard tackles hyper-specific situations—like playing pocket pairs on Ace-high boards with a 20BB stack—and dissects them with exhaustive detail that serious tournament players crave.
Pads on Pads Course Content Breakdown
Complete Course Structure
The training covers eight main pillars of MTT poker strategy:
Postflop Strategy (The Core)
- In-position play at 20BB and 30BB+ stack depths
- Out-of-position strategy with solver analysis
- C-betting across all board textures (Ace-high, connected, paired boards)
- Donk betting optimal strategy
- Turn and river play with non-standard bet sizing
- 3-bet pot strategy at various stack depths
ICM and Final Table Play
- Independent Chip Model theory and application
- Bubble play strategy
- Final table hand reviews from $1K to $10K events
- Real footage from Leonard’s tournament wins
PKO Strategy
- Progressive Knockout tournament theory with Alex “Pwndidi” Theologis
- Bounty calculations and adjustments
- PKO-specific ICM considerations
Live Play Reviews
- Sunday Million sessions with hand-by-hand analysis
- Deep run reviews in major tournaments
- Guest appearances from elite crushers like Kevin Rabichow
Course Statistics
- Total videos: 220+ (continuously updated)
- Total runtime: 115+ hours
- Average video length: 30-40 minutes
- Skill level required: Advanced
- Price: $999 (lifetime access)
- Monthly updates: Yes, with new meta analysis
Who Should Take This MTT Poker Course?
This Course Is Perfect For:
✅ Mid-to-high stakes MTT grinders ($200+ buy-ins)
✅ Players comfortable with GTO and solver concepts
✅ Serious students willing to dedicate 40+ hours
✅ Aspiring high roller and Sunday Major competitors
✅ Tournament players with solid fundamentals seeking advanced edge
Skip This Course If You’re:
❌ New to MTT strategy or still learning basics
❌ Playing micro or small stakes tournaments (under $50)
❌ Looking for quick tips or easy-to-digest content
❌ Unfamiliar with ICM or basic GTO principles
❌ Not prepared for intensive, solver-heavy study
For beginners, consider starting with Run It Once’s From The Ground Up MTT course ($149) or PokerCoaching.com’s structured learning paths before investing in Pads on Pads.
Pads on Pads vs Other Best MTT Poker Courses
How Does It Compare?
vs. Bencb789’s Tournament Masterclass (Raise Your Edge)
- Both excellent for advanced players
- Bencb’s course ($1,049) offers slightly more structured learning paths
- Pads focuses more heavily on postflop solver work
- Tournament Masterclass includes more preflop range construction
vs. Nick Petrangelo’s Winning Poker Tournaments (Upswing Poker)
- Nick’s course emphasizes deep stack play
- Pads on Pads provides more comprehensive short/medium stack coverage
- Both excellent for high stakes aspirations
vs. Jonathan Little’s Advanced Tournament Course (PokerCoaching.com)
- Jonathan’s content is more accessible for intermediate players
- Pads on Pads demands higher baseline knowledge
- JLittle’s course better for players transitioning from low to mid stakes
Winner for advanced MTT players: Pads on Pads edges out competitors for its depth and ongoing updates, making it the best MTT poker course for serious grinders.
What Makes Pads on Pads Stand Out
1. Unprecedented Depth and Specificity
Unlike courses that paint with broad strokes, Leonard’s approach is surgical. Each video tackles exact situations with complete solver breakdowns. The donk betting section alone—a topic most courses ignore—provides game-changing insights backed by extensive simulations.
2. Elite Guest Instructors
You’re not just learning from Patrick. The course features:
- Alex “Pwndidi” Theologis (PKO specialist)
- Kevin Rabichow (heads-up expert)
- Multiple BitB stable crushers sharing mid-stakes winning strategies
3. Real Tournament Footage
Over 23 live play videos showcase actual sessions from:
- Sunday Millions
- $5K SCOOP tournaments
- High roller final tables
- $530+ regular MTTs
Watching Leonard navigate real decisions in high-pressure spots is invaluable for pattern recognition.
4. Lifetime Access + Monthly Updates
Your $999 investment includes:
- Lifetime course access
- Monthly strategy updates
- Private Facebook community access
- Regular Q&A sessions with Patrick
The massive March 2023 update added dozens of hours, proving Run It Once’s commitment to keeping content current with the evolving meta.
5. Solver-Based Framework
Every strategy is backed by PioSolver and other GTO tools, then translated into exploitable applications against real opponents. You learn why strategies work, not just what to do.
Weaknesses of the Pads on Pads Course
1. Extremely Dense Content
This isn’t passive learning. Each video requires full concentration, note-taking, and likely multiple viewings. Even experienced players find the pace exhausting.
2. Theory-Heavy Approach
While practical application is included, you’ll wade through extensive solver outputs. If GTO theory bores you, the content becomes a slog.
3. Significant Investment
At $999, this represents a major bankroll allocation. For players not yet beating their current stake, that money might generate better ROI through coaching or smaller, targeted courses.
4. Massive Time Commitment
Completing 115+ hours of advanced content will take months. Without disciplined study habits, many students abandon the course halfway through.
5. Facebook Community Requirement
Course questions must be asked in a private Facebook group using your real name—a dealbreaker for players who avoid social media or value privacy.
The Patrick Leonard Difference
Patrick Leonard isn’t just another poker pro creating content. His credentials include:
- $18+ million in combined live and online tournament earnings
- Founded BitB Staking, one of poker’s most successful stables
- Coached 1,000+ players, many climbing from small stakes to high rollers
- Consistent high stakes tournament crusher across all major platforms
When someone with this track record dedicates two years to creating comprehensive training, the resulting product merits serious attention.
Run It Once Pads on Pads Review: Final Rating
Overall Rating: 9/10 (for the right student)
Content Quality: 10/10
Instructor Expertise: 10/10
Value for Money: 8/10 (expensive but lifetime access with updates)
Accessibility: 5/10 (requires advanced baseline)
Study Experience: 7/10 (demanding but rewarding)
Is Pads on Pads Worth $999?
The answer depends entirely on where you are in your MTT journey:
Absolutely worth it if:
- You’re consistently beating mid-stakes MTTs
- You’re ready to compete in high stakes and high rollers
- You have disciplined study habits
- You understand the value of intensive, solver-based training
- Your poker career ROI justifies the investment
Not worth it if:
- Your fundamentals still need work
- You’re playing stakes under $100
- You lack time for serious study
- You’re looking for quick fixes or simple strategies
Think of it this way: If investing $999 and 100 hours of study helps you add even $10,000 to your yearly earnings, that’s a 10x return on investment. For players already grinding $200+ tournaments, this math makes sense.
How to Get Maximum Value From Pads on Pads
If you decide to invest in this MTT poker course:
- Block dedicated study time (minimum 5 hours weekly)
- Take detailed notes and create your own reference materials
- Review concepts multiple times before moving forward
- Apply lessons immediately in your games
- Join the Facebook community and ask questions
- Track your progress and measure results
- Revisit sections as you encounter spots in real play
Alternative MTT Poker Courses to Consider
Not ready for Pads on Pads? Consider these alternatives:
For Beginners:
- Run It Once’s From The Ground Up MTT ($149)
- PokerNerve MTT Training ($697)
- Upswing Poker Lab (subscription-based)
For Intermediate Players:
- Jonathan Little’s Advanced Tournament Course
- PokerCoaching.com Tournament Masterclass
- Red Chip Poker CORE 2.0
For Advanced Players:
- Bencb789’s Tournament Masterclass (Raise Your Edge)
- Nick Petrangelo’s Winning Poker Tournaments (Upswing)
- Alex Theologis’s Bounty Beast (PKO specialist)
Final Thoughts: Best MTT Poker Course for Serious Players
Is Run It Once Pads on Pads the best MTT poker course? For advanced players prepared to do the work, it’s certainly in the top tier alongside Tournament Masterclass and Winning Poker Tournaments.
The depth of analysis, quality of instruction, and ongoing value from updates make Pads on Pads an exceptional resource for serious tournament players. Patrick Leonard has created more than a course—he’s provided a complete blueprint for competing at poker’s highest levels.
But remember: Even the best MTT poker course only works if you commit to the grind. The knowledge is there. The rest is up to you.
Ready to level up your tournament game? Visit Run It Once to learn more about Pads on Pads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pads on Pads suitable for beginners?
A: No. This course requires advanced baseline knowledge. Start with FTGU MTT or PokerNerve’s course instead.
Q: How long does it take to complete Pads on Pads?
A: With 115+ hours of content, expect 3-6 months of dedicated study at 5-10 hours per week.
Q: Does Pads on Pads cover cash games?
A: No, this is exclusively an MTT tournament course.
Q: Can I get a refund if I don’t like it?
A: Run It Once’s refund policy varies—contact their support directly for current terms.
Q: Is it better than Bencb’s Tournament Masterclass?
A: Both are excellent. Pads on Pads is heavier on postflop solver work; Tournament Masterclass offers more structured progression.
Q: Do I need solver software to benefit from this course?
A: No, but familiarity with solver concepts is essential. Leonard explains everything, but basic GTO understanding helps tremendously.
Course Details:
- Price: $999 (one-time payment, lifetime access)
- Content: 220+ videos, 115+ hours
- Instructor: Patrick “pads1161” Leonard
- Level: Advanced
- Updates: Monthly
- Platform: Run It Once Training
- Released: February 2021 (Updated March 2025)
Have you taken Pads on Pads? Share your experience in the comments below and help other players decide if this is the best MTT poker course for them!