Moving up stakes in online No Limit Texas Holdem

Leveling up and bankroll

Variance is brutal. It is recommended that you have at least 30 buy-ins in today’s games 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 your online holdem strategy at all

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 on your new poker competition

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 add more bluffs to your poker strategy just yet

This applies to the micro stakes and most small stakes Texas Holdem Poker games. Trying to bluff a bunch typical players off a 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 in full ring no limit holdem games

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 them. You would be better off opening a suited connector in that case. 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.

No Limit Holdem reg blind wars

You really don’t start fighting hard 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 call.

Flush Whoring in No Limit Holdem

This works great up to about $5 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 poker

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