The ultimate goal of online poker is to keep moving up stakes so that you can earn more profits in a shorter amount of time. Of course, this is easier said than done because as you move up in cash game limits, the competition gets collectively tougher. So if you’re going to do this successfully, there are a few different factors to keep in mind.

Starting Bankroll

The first thing to consider before moving up in stakes is your bankroll amount. Suggested advice is that you have at least enough money to cover 20 No-Limit cash game buy-ins. With max ring game buy-ins at 100 big blinds, you’d need $2,000 for $0.50/$1 NL Hold’em.

However, it’s worth mentioning that every player is different when it comes to a starting bankroll. For example, some skilled grinders are completely comfortable even after losing 8-10 buy-ins and will keep their composure; however, others may feel stressed after this and start making -EV plays. So it’s important to consider what type of player you are in this regard.

Move up Gradually

When you have a solid bankroll and are ready to move up, be sure to gradually make the transition. In other words, don’t make the move all at once and never look back at lower stakes. So if you were moving up from $0.05/$0.10 to $0.10/$0.20 NL Hold’em, you could play three hours of 5/10 and one hour of 10/20 in the beginning.

Have Realistic Goals

While playing at new limits, temper your expectations in the beginning and don’t immediately expect to make the same amount of money. Sure you may start off really well and earn the same, if not more, profits than before. However, the average grinder is going to struggle a bit when making the transition to a higher, tougher limit.

Above all, keep learning poker strategy and try to figure out how the new opponents you’re facing are different from previous stakes.