Moving up in stakes: When is the right time?

[BillyR23]

I'm a recreational player, still I've always took bankroll management seriously, so I've always avoided to play with my entire bankroll at the tables and/or to risk it in 1 session... I know my approach is a bit 'aggressive' but I usually go for a similar stake of up to 5% for CG buy-in/ 1 MTT buy-in/ (and for some Sportsbook bets); this works well in my case and I rarely have to deposit nowadays on any site because of a few 'bad' sessions in a row...

I'm playing mostly on unibet and the pool of players is bit limited and I honestly prefer to play for example at lower stakes like NL10 against other recreational players than go at higher stakes where it's regs heavy* same with MTTs... so, I guess I'm in the category that likes an old comfortable pair of shoes... still, I play lots of satellites and often end up playing in the higher buy-in games and I'm quite comfortable playing in this events...

 

[Balou1982]

In my opinion it is always better to stick with what you know and were you feel comfortable. If you have the feeling you getting bored at this level and winnings are also possible on higher stakes, so maybe it is the right time to try it slowly and move up, but it isnt a shame when you getting back at you last stage - so i would never recommend other players to play higher stakes. It is a personal thing which should be a decision just by himself/herself.

 

[s0ftdumps]

As a recreational player, moving up in stakes isn't really necessary. A move up is probably warranted if your financial situation improves, and your current stakes feels like penny ante. The right time for a pro to move up is when their bankroll management dictates it. There are plenty of good resources with similar advice as far as the math. For me, I mostly play online microstakes and I just move up on a whim and ignore sound bankroll management because I like fun I rarely play over 25plo online. The biggest game I've every played in person was 2-5-5 plo at the casino. I got stacked for $250 buy in and reloaded and left with $550. That was 20 years ago. I've played 5-10 plo on the old bodog back in the day with buy ins from $400-$1000. I'd guess I was around even. I felt like a total high roller in that game lol. I was in over my head. My biggest deposit was probably $200 back then. Unrelated brag, I deposited $20 once and got up to $1,000 in under two weeks. I was wild back in the day yall.

The way you moved up in stakes just for the thrill, especially without worrying too much about the math, is a reminder that poker isn't just about the money—it's about the fun and the stories that come with it. That 2-5-5 PLO game sounds intense, and it’s great to hear you walked away a winner after the reload! And that $20 to $1,000 run? That’s the stuff of legends.

 

[VVi10]

I believe that much was based on the size of your stack and the quality of your game.If you are already feeling confident to play in higher stakes and have enough cash to look good if you lose, could be a start.

 

[La reytor]

I feel comfortable playing at lower stakes, where I understand my opponents well and manage my bankroll safely. To move up a level, I think I would need to improve my post-flop game and manage pressure better. However, sometimes I think it's better to stick where I feel safe, like with those old, comfortable shoes that always work.

 

[Lucho.riv9]

I believe that once you are a winning player at a certain stake and feel comfortable, the best thing to do is to increase your bankroll so you can move up to the next level. Knowing that even if you lose money at the next stake, you can always go back to a stake you have already mastered.

 

[dompoker]

If you have enough money, that you don't use for your expenses, you should play big tournaments, where the big prizes are.

 

[EvertonGirl]

Even though I only play for fun, I still use a bankroll which is normally 100bb but if it's a massive field I use a 500/600bb

 

[oriole]

When you're consistently winning at your current stakes, you can consider moving up if you choose. Proper bankroll management is key to making that transition successfully.

 

[Stringy]

on 888 I'm currently only comfortable going up to $4 min buy in

 

[RALF_AK]

In addition to skill, technique and knowledge, the important thing is to respect the Bankroll, as I recommend that the buy-in is at least 40x smaller. So the chances of breaking are very small.