The problem lies in how to get there and this unfortunately is a problem many players have gone through and are going through now. Poker obviously plays different at all levels. At the lowest levels, the quality of play is, well, terrible. At the higher stakes, it is more realistic. When players start out playing poker, they can’t just jump to mid or high stakes games unless they have money from previous endeavors. Most have to build a bankroll and earn their way up. This is where the problem lies.

Good players play good poker, but good poker does not always work at the low levels. As well, a tournament with a $10 buy in is usually going to have thousands upon thousands of entrants, a field even an experienced professional will have a lot of trouble beating. Good players may simply not be able to get up the stakes where they would be good, if that makes sense. So, how can they get there?

BANKROLL BUILDING

Grinding the low stakes doesn’t always go as planned. A player maybe good enough to play $2-$4 NLH, but only has the money for $.10-$.20. Playing at $.10-$.20 can be brutal. Players calling all in with 32 and winning. Bluffing and catching miracle 2-outters. Not only that, but playing low stakes is not good practice for higher stakes since the games are so different. So players need to do a few things other then grind to get up in stakes.

First, always play with rakeback. This will keep money coming into your account from an outside source. Second, try playing on a new site so a player can also work towards a huge first deposit bonus. All online poker rooms give these bonuses. Third, if you can prove your play, try getting backed. Backing can get players the bankroll they need to play in the big games without the useless grind at low stakes.

And remember, when a player does play at the micro stakes, remember who the opponents are. Do not try crazy bluffs or advanced plays. ABC poker is the way to go.