What Have You Done to Improve Your Poker Play?

armoko

armoko

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Oct 13, 2019
Total posts
1,971
Awards
29
Poker Chips
806
  • #51
I’ve watched a lot of different tournaments on Poker TV with commentary, and I think it’s a great way to improve and understand different situations. It definitely helps your game, but it’s not enough on its own. What’s just as important is actually playing, applying what you’ve learned in real games, and then analyzing your hands afterward.
 
nabmom

nabmom

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Dec 24, 2009
Total posts
8,409
Awards
15
Poker Chips
1,462
  • #52
Matt_Burns88 said:
I wouldn't say that I have done anything just yet, but January has been a bit of a reset for me in terms of poker as I have just returned to the game after barely playing for the last few months due to the arrival of my son.

I have a couple of resolutions to try to improve my game this year and beyond:
  • Have a realistic schedule and stick to it
    • This will be to play one evening session a week and study two hours a week. If I can fit more in around family and work life, great, but there's no point saying I want to grind 100 hours a week when it's just not possible.
  • Study more effectively
    • Stop watching videos that don't apply to me or are too advanced for my game at this time
    • Full database review and leak finding
    • Post session hand reviews
    • Opening and facing an open range drilling
    • BvB drills
    • In position v BB and out of position as BB postflop
Congratulations on the new baby!
 
SPANKYSN

SPANKYSN

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Sep 5, 2007
Total posts
2,079
Awards
6
CA
Poker Chips
1,167
  • #53
nabmom said:
It's that time of the year when we reflect on our behavior over the past year. Let's share any tips or steps to take that can make you a better player.

So, in terms of improving your poker game, what have you done in 2025 to increase your skills?
When playing online, I wear mirrored sunglasses to simulate live play.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: nabmom
ratbat615

ratbat615

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 27, 2017
Total posts
1,644
Awards
5
JM
Poker Chips
394
  • #54
I have been studying range’s from the different positions that players sit and what cards they play from that seat. I hope that it helps my game.
 
okeedokalee

okeedokalee

Glory To Ukraine
Loyaler
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Total posts
5,979
Awards
24
NZ
Poker Chips
1,349
  • #55
Play less poker and devote my time to other more rewarding activities, like meditation.
 
  • Love
Reactions: nabmom
Mantinhoo

Mantinhoo

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 24, 2023
Total posts
386
Awards
1
LT
Poker Chips
315
  • #56
In 2025 I focused more on playing fewer tables, reviewing hands regularly, and working on my mental game. Less autopilot, more intention, and that’s probably helped more than any new strategy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nabmom
Sebbour

Sebbour

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Total posts
1,370
Awards
8
HR
Poker Chips
386
  • #57
To be totally honest, I have done big fat nothing in 2025 to improve my poker skills. I had so little time for play and no time to improve anything. Actually, I'm pretty sure my skills have degraded.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: nabmom
rei signo

rei signo

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Jul 23, 2021
Total posts
362
Awards
1
BR
Poker Chips
495
  • #58
Decision of 2025: don't bet and lose everything with AK because they are great cards for the game, but in live play, in online games there are many losses!
 
  • Like
Reactions: nabmom
TeUnit

TeUnit

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Total posts
6,044
Awards
21
Poker Chips
481
  • #59
I read a bunch of poker books, joined several training sites, have had a few poker coaches, and have used GTO and ICM tools to review my play.
 
  • Love
Reactions: nabmom
iwont20

iwont20

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Jun 10, 2017
Total posts
5,795
Awards
20
BY
Poker Chips
1,215
  • #60
I did nothing. Haven't opened a poker table since like July-Aug 😄
 
  • Sad
Reactions: nabmom and zorro222_zorro222
CDNMAN 42

CDNMAN 42

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Feb 1, 2017
Total posts
2,035
Awards
16
CA
Poker Chips
56
  • #61
nabmom said:
It's that time of the year when we reflect on our behavior over the past year. Let's share any tips or steps to take that can make you a better player.

So, in terms of improving your poker game, what have you done in 2025 to increase your skills?
I am not totally sure if my improvement has been successful or not but primarily I have starting taking notes especially with players I see a lot, as well I have tried to psych my self into paying more attention to what the opponent could have. I also have a large note attached to my computer screen saying. " THINK before you ACT." .I am not big on ranges, however there are usually a lot of tell tale items in the betting, the timing and their position of players for the hand as well as history...Basically. winning in Poker requires Patience, Luck and maybe a little skill...Patience probably the most important, as for 2025. in the
later half of the year I did fairly well financially with on line poker.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nabmom
zorro222_zorro222

zorro222_zorro222

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Dec 26, 2019
Total posts
4,654
Awards
18
CA
Poker Chips
1,320
  • #62
Not very much at all, the only learning I've done is by listening to poker streams while playing and occasionally discussing hands with peers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nabmom and iwont20
ammje

ammje

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Feb 25, 2018
Total posts
6,052
Awards
41
Poker Chips
554
  • #63
So far I haven't had much to improve, I've been busy, but I would like to study more, and add more volume to tournaments and level up.
 
pirateglenn

pirateglenn

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Apr 17, 2018
Total posts
4,371
Awards
5
GB
Poker Chips
193
  • #64
I have got back to playing more and the consistency is starting to return which is pleasing.
 
R

Roosrigo

Rising Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Jan 23, 2026
Total posts
1
AR
Poker Chips
38
  • #65
Read, watch, study
 
kunkgreen

kunkgreen

Legend
Bronze Level
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Total posts
1,372
Awards
4
BR
Poker Chips
712
  • #66
Nothing, to be honest.

Aside from life and personal events, I haven't had much time left to dedicate to poker.
2025 wasn't a very good year in terms of progress, at least not for me. At most, I reviewed some pre-flop scenarios on GTOWizard, some ICM tips, etc...

I even watched quite a few tournament reviews with coaches on YouTube, but not much more than that.

This year I intend to go back and review my tournaments and dedicate more time to it, but we'll see... Life is a box of surprises! haha
 
tihomir_kula

tihomir_kula

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 31, 2013
Total posts
1,398
Awards
10
BG
Poker Chips
380
  • #67
I`ve took a rest for a month. Just like in my work. I feel tired of poker and think 1 month out of games will recover me.
 
sibkaz

sibkaz

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Oct 27, 2023
Total posts
2,119
Awards
4
KZ
Poker Chips
798
  • #68
The best experience is losing and realizing it makes you wiser)))
 
Mig32

Mig32

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 26, 2025
Total posts
224
BR
Poker Chips
322
  • #69
I focused on tightening my fundamentals and playing more disciplined. I reduced the number of hands I played, paid more attention to position, and stopped chasing marginal spots just out of boredom.
I also started reviewing my sessions and learning from my mistakes. Thinking about why I lost or won certain hands helped me control tilt, become more patient, and make more consistent decisions over time.
 
gabryyyel31

gabryyyel31

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Jun 1, 2015
Total posts
1,952
Awards
9
RO
Poker Chips
1,082
  • #70
I'm trying to mastering preflop ranges, studying hard my hand histories with helping software like Holdem Manager, and managing a strict bankroll management.
 
Toruk Makto

Toruk Makto

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Total posts
1,031
Awards
2
BR
Poker Chips
171
  • #71
I started studying and observing the mistakes made... and then persisted and only stopped after crashing my first tournament. Then I saw that it was possible to have fun and win money in poker too!
 
finaltable1

finaltable1

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Total posts
2,547
Awards
11
Poker Chips
764
  • #72
I upgraded my poker and CAD/CAM setup from two 27" QHD monitors to two 32" 4K monitors.
I often play at 12+ tables, and large, high-resolution screens have significantly improved my table management and gameplay.

I follow several streamers on Twitch for their GTO Wizard analysis tutorials. I've learned the biggest problem spots in my game.
Until last year, I hadn't used Twitch as a teaching tool.
 
LuTsu

LuTsu

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Sep 20, 2022
Total posts
307
Awards
3
BR
Poker Chips
322
  • #73
I do a lot of preflop drills, review my tournaments, watch video lessons to learn new concepts
and I’ve been putting in long walks to improve both my body and mind.
 
F

farahonloveshad

Enthusiast
Bronze Level
Joined
Oct 23, 2025
Total posts
64
EC
Poker Chips
118
  • #74
In 2025, many players sought to improve their poker skills through concrete steps. Some focused on studying advanced theory and hand ranges, while others used analysis software to review their games and identify mistakes. Practicing emotional discipline—learning to control tilt and remain calm under pressure—was also common. Furthermore, dedicating time to observing opponents' patterns and working on bankroll management proved key to playing more consistently. In short, progress stemmed from a combination of technical study, consistent practice, and mental control.
 
M

martDdart

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 20, 2023
Total posts
617
Awards
1
NO
Poker Chips
869
  • #75
I use past mistakes and experience to improve my game.Listen to my gut feeling in the middle of making decisions,inner focus.
 
Top