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Moving up stakes in online No Limit Texas Holdem
Bankroll
Variance is brutal. It is recommended that you have at least 20 buy-ins for the
limit that you are playing. A bad run can take away nearly that entire account
through no fault of your own. When bankroll falls below 15 buy-ins, you should
drop back down. There is no shame in this and it is not necessarily your fault.
Let me prepare you now - this WILL happen to you from time to time.
Don’t change anything right away
The first thing I would recommend when it comes to moving up in poker
stakes is not to change anything. Yes I know that the new stakes often play a
bit different based on the player types and their habits, but now is not the time
to be applying new moves. Your ABC game that helped you beat your current
level will work fine in the next. Get some hands under your belt and be
comfortable within that level before you try to make any adjustments or new
moves.
Take notes
This is more important than you might think. Since Texas Holdem is best
played by adjusting to each player, it is important to know just how to make
that adjustment. Heads up displays often fall short of the post flop information
you need. Take notes on a players betting patterns and what they limp with
and from what position. It will help your hand reading. Figure out what your
opponent will stack off with, raise the flop with, call down with, etc. Start a
solid database of notes with each level.
Don’t bluff yet (with few exceptions)
This applies to the micro stakes and most small stakes Texas Holdem Poker
games. Trying to bluff a bunch of fish off your hand is a very fast way to go
broke. They don’t understand what you are representing and they don’t fold
nearly often enough.
Small Pocket Pairs
Should you play them from early position? It depends. Only play them if you
are at a table with players that might give you their entire stacks if you hit.
Most regulars will fold if you give them too much action, so if you see a bunch
of “regs” in front of you, just fold. Another thing to consider is if you can get
away with limping. If the game is passive, go ahead and limp. If the better
players are raising up the limpers, however, you will do best to get away from
small pocket pairs out of position.
Blind Wars
You really don’t start fighting for the blinds until $100 no limit or so. Again, pay
attention to your players. Often times, stealing the blinds require c-betting
which is similar to bluffing – and we know that this will not work against
players who don’t know how to fold. Forget defending your blinds until your
game is at the expert level. If you feel you are getting there than defend with 3-
bets when you have the right cards to do so and not flat calls.
Flush Whoring
This works great up to about $10 no limit then starts losing its value. In
passive games being able to limp with AXs is a monster. In tight aggressive
games it’s a leak.
Don’t play stressed out or scared.
Just play your normal game. Chances are that the increase in rakeback
alone, combined with a break even or slight win rate will surpass your
earnings at your previous levels. Take it easy and be patient. Don’t be afraid
to get the chips in the pot when you have an edge. You will likely find fewer
players who will stack off to your monsters. This means your bad runs will last
much longer. Be patient and stay on your game.
McStackn
Bankroll
Variance is brutal. It is recommended that you have at least 20 buy-ins for the
limit that you are playing. A bad run can take away nearly that entire account
through no fault of your own. When bankroll falls below 15 buy-ins, you should
drop back down. There is no shame in this and it is not necessarily your fault.
Let me prepare you now - this WILL happen to you from time to time.
Don’t change anything right away
The first thing I would recommend when it comes to moving up in poker
stakes is not to change anything. Yes I know that the new stakes often play a
bit different based on the player types and their habits, but now is not the time
to be applying new moves. Your ABC game that helped you beat your current
level will work fine in the next. Get some hands under your belt and be
comfortable within that level before you try to make any adjustments or new
moves.
Take notes
This is more important than you might think. Since Texas Holdem is best
played by adjusting to each player, it is important to know just how to make
that adjustment. Heads up displays often fall short of the post flop information
you need. Take notes on a players betting patterns and what they limp with
and from what position. It will help your hand reading. Figure out what your
opponent will stack off with, raise the flop with, call down with, etc. Start a
solid database of notes with each level.
Don’t bluff yet (with few exceptions)
This applies to the micro stakes and most small stakes Texas Holdem Poker
games. Trying to bluff a bunch of fish off your hand is a very fast way to go
broke. They don’t understand what you are representing and they don’t fold
nearly often enough.
Small Pocket Pairs
Should you play them from early position? It depends. Only play them if you
are at a table with players that might give you their entire stacks if you hit.
Most regulars will fold if you give them too much action, so if you see a bunch
of “regs” in front of you, just fold. Another thing to consider is if you can get
away with limping. If the game is passive, go ahead and limp. If the better
players are raising up the limpers, however, you will do best to get away from
small pocket pairs out of position.
Blind Wars
You really don’t start fighting for the blinds until $100 no limit or so. Again, pay
attention to your players. Often times, stealing the blinds require c-betting
which is similar to bluffing – and we know that this will not work against
players who don’t know how to fold. Forget defending your blinds until your
game is at the expert level. If you feel you are getting there than defend with 3-
bets when you have the right cards to do so and not flat calls.
Flush Whoring
This works great up to about $10 no limit then starts losing its value. In
passive games being able to limp with AXs is a monster. In tight aggressive
games it’s a leak.
Don’t play stressed out or scared.
Just play your normal game. Chances are that the increase in rakeback
alone, combined with a break even or slight win rate will surpass your
earnings at your previous levels. Take it easy and be patient. Don’t be afraid
to get the chips in the pot when you have an edge. You will likely find fewer
players who will stack off to your monsters. This means your bad runs will last
much longer. Be patient and stay on your game.
McStackn
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