• How can I learn better code golfing?

Question related to mission Text Holes Golf

 

I'd love to be able to improve my code more. I've gotten to 182 points, but then I see the high score of 257 points and wonder what insane tricks I'm missing. I understand why the code isn't shown, but I'm not sure how I can improve if I don't see examples of what I'm missing.

I'd be willing to share my code with someone that has a better score than me if they are willing to give me some tips. I just don't want to put it here in case that is not allowed.