Moving on Up?

"What should one expect to encounter when moving up limits...?  Assuming that you have the proper bankroll to finally move up limits, does the play really change that much when moving from the lowest limits to the next one higher...?  I assume that the biggest difference in playing higher limits is that you will see more of the same faces as opposed to a wider range of new players at the lower limits. Is that a plus or a problem?"


...the most immediate thing you will notice is degree of tightness of the tables.  note, however that while there is a general change in what you are up against, it is not a linear change.   To wit:

--> Micro:  VERY LOOSE - expect light calls and many shoves.  Not enough players care, so you can take advantage.

--> Low:  suddenly TEXTBOOK TIGHT - expect grindy play.  These guys worked hard to get here, and they're not giving up their hard earned roll.  Also, just like the OP said, this is a smaller universe of players, and most of them will know the others (classmates) from their days at the lower levels.  To answer OP's last Q, this IS a problem.  "Classmates" respect each other too much, and in a Live game, are probably going to play softly against each other.  All bad news for  overall profitability.

--> Medium:  SLIGHTLY LOOSER again - the grinders are mixed in with noobs trying to get rich playing their entire bankroll, as well as players (or players' wives) just passing the time.  Other grinders at this level already have an arsenal of moves that make them seem loose as well (though they are not, watch out!)

--> High:  SLIGHTLY LOOSER STILL - these limits are where poker mastery meets bankroll bullies.  Massive Bankroll trumps anything less than veteran skills at this level.


II.
The next thing you may notice when you are newly moved-up is how your game changes - often unintentionally. 

--> TOO AGGRO: Your confidence from crushing the lower levels is high, and you ride it into the new level, where you are suddenly encountering a different range of hands.  Keep track of the showdowns and get used to the average winning hand.  The sooner you find those loose screws, the sooner you can settle into your new rhythm.

--> TOO NITTY: You may overcompensate because of the horror stories of how the play is greatly different.  Just remember that it IS different, but not THAT different...at least not yet.


My advice is that you OVERSHOOT your BR targets before moving up.  err on the side of caution - which in this case means "err on the side of the cushion" before moving up.

...and once you are stabbing upwards, TAKE IT NICE AND EASY!  be mindful of your A-Game, don't rush, and don't come crying back to the lower limits at the first sign of distress.

Believe in the skills that got you to the higher level, and your luck will continue to follow!