#7: New Year, New Grind: 6 Poker Resolutions for 2025!

#7: New Year, New Grind: 6 Poker Resolutions for 2025!

The new year is just around the corner, and everyone wants to set fresh vows and goals for themselves, to ensure it’s always a better year than the one gone by. For poker players too, it's a time for reflection and setting ambitious goals. But let's be honest, ‘play more poker’ probably isn't the most effective resolution, so let us try to help you with better ideas.

This year, let's get specific and aim for real, lasting improvement, and goals which are well-balanced as well. See below for 6 impactful New Year's resolutions to elevate your game and do better in 2025.

Practical poker resolutions for 2025!

1) Master a new skill: How a general resolution would be to learn cooking, collecting coins / stamps, dancing, etc., you can also dedicate consistent time to learning a new and specific poker concept. This could be anything from advanced hand ranges to exploiting opponent tells.

• Outcome: Depending on the skill you choose, you could potentially sharpen your strategic thinking, improve decision-making when put under pressure (or ‘Under the Gun’), and gain a significant edge over opponents who neglect such fundamental skills.

• Example: Commit to studying GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play for 30 minutes every day for the first month of the year. Additionally, you can utilize online resources, solvers, and even seek guidance from a reputable coach. Both, free and paid resources are available.

2) Bankroll management - Non-negotiable: Whether you’re a low stakes grinder or play at the highest levels, implementing a strict bankroll management system is ALWAYS KEY. Define clear buy-in limits for each stake and stick to them religiously in 2025. But remember, something that works for your friend may not work for you.

• Outcome: You will minimise risk, protect your long-term profit margins, and prevent devastating downswings from derailing your poker journey. Expect a longer poker career if you master this.

• Example: If your current bankroll is ₹1,00,000, only play at stakes where the buy-in is no more than 2-5% of your total bankroll. This ensures you can withstand a series of losing sessions without jeopardising your ability to continue playing.

3) Eliminate leaks in your game: Knowing your strengths is fine but knowing your weaknesses is 100x more important. Identify and address the most common leaks in your game. This could be overplaying premium hands, making a bluff too often, or failing to exploit your opponents’ weaknesses.

• Outcome: This will significantly improve your win rate by minimising costly mistakes and again, maximising your profit margins.

• Example: If you tend to overplay your pocket KKs, track your results with these hands over a few sessions. Review your decisions made objectively and identify patterns in your play. Then, adjust your strategy accordingly for future sessions. Make your goals tangible. If you think you’re playing loose, set a goal to hit a VPIP of 20-25% instead of anything higher.

4) Cultivate mental fortitude: Mental game is most important as we look at poker as a ‘mind sport’. You can cultivate better mental strength through techniques like meditation, yoga, visualisation, and emotional regulation exercises.

• Outcome: Expect to improve focus, control tilt, and maintain composure under pressure. This will once again lead to more consistent and profitable sessions.

• Example: Incorporate mindfulness exercises into your daily routine. Even 10-15 minutes of meditation (preferably mornings) can significantly improve your ability to stay calm and focused during intense poker sessions.

5) Enhance your physical well-being: Mental and physical health are interlinked and can affect each other. Prioritise physical health through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and importantly, an efficient sleep routine.

• Outcome: You’ll experience increased energy levels (especially during long sessions), improved cognitive function, and an enhanced ability for decision-making.

• Example: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. And ensure you're getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

6) Join a study group or have a mentor: Connect with other serious poker players for peer learning and support. Consider joining a study group or finding a mentor who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

• Outcome: You will accelerate your learning curve, gain access to multiple perspectives for every situation, and stay motivated to improve your game throughout 2025.

• Example: Search online forums or local poker communities for study groups or mentorship opportunities. Alternatively, consider hiring a private coach for personalised instructions.

Remember, consistency is key to achieving your poker goals. Set realistic and achievable targets for 2025, track your progress, and don't be afraid to tweak your New Year’s Poker resolutions as needed. Happy New Year and best of luck at the tables in 2025!!!

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Liked today’s newsletter? Please drop a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’ if you didn’t. It’s your time to contribute to the conversation! Tell us some 2025 poker resolutions you will be setting and 2 lucky winners will get free tickets worth ₹1,100 each to ₹6 Lakh GTD Weekend Slick on 29th Dec at 8 PM on A23 Poker. Reply with your answers!

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