Setting poker goals that actually help you improve
“Win $1,000 this month” sounds like a goal, but you don’t control it — variance does. Good poker goals focus on what you can control: your decisions, your study and your discipline.
Three types of goals
Section titled “Three types of goals”| Type | Example | Useful? |
|---|---|---|
| Result goals | Win $500 this month | Weak: depends on luck in the short term |
| Process goals | Fold all offsuit A-2 to A-8 from early position | Strong: fully in your control |
| Volume and study goals | Play 10,000 hands; study 3 hours per week | Strong: builds skill and sample size |
See poker variance.
A simple monthly plan
Section titled “A simple monthly plan”- One skill goal: e.g. “c-bet less in multiway pots”. See continuation bet.
- One discipline goal: e.g. “stop after losing 3 buy-ins in a session”. See tilt.
- One volume goal: e.g. “play 12 sessions of 90 minutes”.
- One study goal: e.g. “review 5 hands after every session”. See review your hands.
Make goals SMART
Section titled “Make goals SMART”Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. “Get better at poker” isn’t measurable; “review 20 big pots this month” is.
Review and adjust
Section titled “Review and adjust”- At the end of each month, check what you did, not just what you won.
- Use your poker journal and results tracking.
- Keep goals that worked, change the ones that didn’t, and add one new skill focus.
See also poker study plan and how to learn poker.
Are money goals good poker goals?
Section titled “Are money goals good poker goals?”Not on their own: short-term results depend heavily on luck. Focus on goals you control.
What is a process goal in poker?
Section titled “What is a process goal in poker?”A goal about your decisions or habits, like folding weak offsuit aces from early position.
What goals should a beginner set?
Section titled “What goals should a beginner set?”One skill, one discipline, one volume and one study goal each month.
How often should I review my poker goals?
Section titled “How often should I review my poker goals?”Monthly, checking what you did rather than just what you won.