Parlaying 1-2 nL into 5-10 nL same session

For people that play at large poker rooms that spread multiple games, how feasible do you believe it is for a player to buy-in 200$ to a 1-2 nL table, run it up to 400-500$ then take that to a 2-5 nL table.. run it up to 1,200-1,500$ and go to 5-10 nL table and cash out for 4,000$

There is not a direct correlation between the higher the stakes the better quality player. Bill Gates only plays 5$ per hand blackjack. You will find 'bad' players at any limit... some just play higher because they can afford it or other reasons. There are amazing players at lower limits, that choose to play 1-2 because of bankroll, comfort level, etc.

Has anybody here tried to do that or have any input on the matter? I have been considering it.

Quote: minnesotajoe

For people that play at large poker rooms that spread multiple games, how feasible do you believe it is for a player to buy-in 200$ to a 1-2 nL table, run it up to 400-500$ then take that to a 2-5 nL table.. run it up to 1,200-1,500$ and go to 5-10 nL table and cash out for 4,000$

There is not a direct correlation between the higher the stakes the better quality player. Bill Gates only plays 5$ per hand blackjack. You will find 'bad' players at any limit... some just play higher because they can afford it or other reasons. There are amazing players at lower limits, that choose to play 1-2 because of bankroll, comfort level, etc.

Has anybody here tried to do that or have any input on the matter? I have been considering it.

I've often seen players with $4 - $5,000 stacks at the 1-3 on the weekends. So, it is certainly possible. I don't think min buy-in corresponds precisely to skill, but if you were a shark, wouldn't you feed in the waters where the fattest seals are found? I think the poor players have a better chance of facing higher quality opponents at the higher stakes tables, but the mix could be two sharks and eight seals. Playing at a higher stakes table only means more variance. You have a chance to get paid more for your premium hands, but you will lose more on your unsuccessful draws. Perhaps the bigger question is, "Are you a shark or a seal?"

No idea how to tell you how likely it is.

But it sounds like a fun night if it works haha. I'd be willing to try it once if my bankroll was large enough for me to want to take a shot like that. But to have the best chance, you can't become timid as you buy into the higher tables.

You original thesis is not correct. You may find poorer players at higher limits, but you will find a lot less of them. I have played at
low limits and had 8 calling station or 4 calling stations and 4 extremely loose players, etc. But not at higher limits. You average low entry fee tournament will have lots of players just happy to play for an hour or 2 for their $50 entry fee. Not so when the entry fee is $200 or 300.

But go for it. It will at least be a real learning experience if nothing else. Keep us posted. PROMISE ??

I agree that as a general rule, there are less 'soft' players at higher limits.

Buzzard I will keep you updated on it. Only problem is... the poker room near me only offers 1-2 nL. The closest big poker room is 2 hour drive (each way) from me. I am not the type to travel that far, "just to gamble".. odds are I will not make the trip until say March :/

That's Ok I will be here in March. Just keep on pounding away until then. But you need to factor in you will have no real line on the players at the other casino. You might just look around and, well, if you can not figure out who the fish is, it's YOU !!!

Haha very good point Buzz.

At very least, if you survive that long before busting out it could be a learning experience.

If you do this, you will have one thing going for you. At ecah level remind yourself all you have invested if you original $200 stake.
Will make tuff calls at higher limits a lot easier.

After Sammy Farha lost to Chris moneymaker in WSOP, Sam said, easy to bluff or make a big call if all you have invested is $40.
Chris had admitted that in the satellite he really need money and was hoping for the $500 3rd place money, not the WSOP entry.


Chris's record in tournaments and live action since his WSOP victory has proven Sammy right.

Quote: Buzzard

Chris's record in tournaments and live action since his WSOP victory has proven Sammy right.

Although he did beat him again 2 out of 3 rounds, in a televised "Grudge Match" heads up tournament last year.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Although he did beat him again 2 out of 3 rounds, in a televised "Grudge Match" heads up tournament last year.

Chris could sweep Sammy in a best of 7, and that still wouldn't say much. Those grudge matches didn't have great blind structures. Moneymaker still may be better than Farha at hold 'em though.

As for the OP, it happens for sure, but most of the time, most people will go bust before quitting. If you wanna take a shot at it, go for it, but just assume your $200 is gone before you hit the table.

' Moneymaker still may be better than Farha at hold 'em though." ROFLMAO

Quote: Buzzard

' Moneymaker still may be better than Farha at hold 'em though." ROFLMAO

They are both terrible. Any real pro would clean up on both of them. The more deep stacked they are, Sammy would do better vs. Moneymaker/others.

You are so lost. Sammy Farha is a great money player. Moneymaker got big time lucky once. It happens.

Farha, after winning the $5,000 Omaha Hi-Lo (8 or better) event in 2006, skipped playing the event the next three years. He then played it again in 2010, after it was increased to a $10,000 buy-in event. He went on to win it, so while not winning the event consecutively, Farha did win the bracelet both times he played in the event.


As of 2010, his total winnings exceed $2,800,000 in live tournament poker,[ although he tends to primarily play in high stakes Omaha cash games. His nine cashes at the WSOP account for $2,540,043 of those winnings.

Sam Farha is known as a professional poker player with the net worth of $100 million. Sam Farha has earned his net worth through his winnings in many poker tournaments, as well as his cameo appearance in the film Lucky You.

And I was talking about Hold 'em. They are two vastly different games. Moneymaker gets crushed by me in an PLO or Omaha8 game, so Farha's record in those games means nothing to the point I was trying to make.

Although I assume both ROI's are in the negative, Moneymaker has $921k in Hold 'Em cashes since 2003 ME. Farha has $357k in Hold 'Em cashes.

Omaha, I would take Sammy over a lot of TV pros, but I didn't mean to imply Moneymaker was better at non-Holdem games.

deleted