Today I hit a milestone in my quest to build my bankroll to a level that befits my cocky stature. I doubled my deposit at Full Tilt in just a couple of weeks and now I have a decision to make. Should I move up in limits?
With my bankroll now a little over $200, my bankroll management strategy allows me to play $10 Sit N Goes. I’m comfortable with these because it’s the level I used to play back in the day, and yet, the thought of potentially losing 25% of my bankroll in a single session (I five-table) is sickening. I also don’t want to stay at the $5 Sit N Goes and miss out on profits, so here’s what I do:
How To Move Up in Limits
Whenever I’m ready to move up in limits, I ease into the new territory. Instead of jumping right in and opening up five $10 SNG windows, I open up four $5 windows and one $10 window. As I start racking up winning sessions, I increase my $10-to-$5 SNG ratio; first two $10 SNGs, then three, then four and finally all five. There are a few reasons this system works well for me.
First off, I’m risking less of my bankroll and gradually increasing my risk tolerance. Instead of jumping from $25 to $50 in a single session, I slowly increase my expose from $25 to $30, then $35, and so on until I finally get to $50. If it turns out that my new limit is too tough, I’ll find out quickly and with a minimal loss.
Second, my system gives me a chance to build my confidence at the new limit. If I were to jump in, I might start playing scared money. After all, when you move to a new limit you’re usually risking significantly more money. That change causes a lot of players to tense up and start playing passively – which, of course, causes them to lose money.
By slowly adding the new limit into the mix, you almost forget which table it is and you continue playing the same game that was a winner for you at the lower limit.
Finally, my system helps me spot limits that are fundamentally different. There’s not much difference in moving from $2 to $5 SNGs or from $5 to $10 SNGs, but I’ve heard that the level of play is much different in $20 SNGs than it is in $10 SNGs. By moving up slowly I can spot these changes and adapt my game quickly and without hurting my bankroll.
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Moving up in limits isn’t just about numbers. Your bankroll can’t tell you when you’re ready. Test the waters in a way that minimizes the impact to your bankroll and maximizes your confidence. Play it smart and the money will come.
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