Top 10 signs a poker player is ready for higher limit tables

Playing poker is largely about pushing the envelope and playing as high as you possibly can to maximize your win rate. You always want to move on to the next limit as soon as you can, because that is the best way to ensure you're making the most money possible.

However, taking on higher limits doesn't come without inherent risks. There are many things to consider before you decide to take that jump, and sometimes it is hard to know when you're really ready to do it.

Below are 10 signs that you might be ready to make the move to higher limits.

10. You're crushing it at your current stake
The first thing to consider when deciding to move up is whether you're one of the best players at your current level. Whether you play live or online, winning at poker becomes progressively harder as you move up in stakes. Higher levels usually mean better competition, and you need to be sure your game is where it needs to be.

If you're crushing your current stakes, you're probably ready to move on.

9. Your bankroll can handle it
No matter how good a player you might be, you must have a good bankroll to take on higher limits. If you’ve managed to build up your bankroll at your current stake and now have something like 50 or more buy-ins for the next level, this is the position you really want to be in. You’ll not only have enough cash to battle the variance, but you’ll also be much more confident at the tables.

8. You continuously work on your game
Many players tend to get comfortable at their current level and stop studying. If you aren’t in that group and constantly work to improve your game by analyzing the hands and poker stats of yourself and your opponents, you’re likely ready to play at higher levels. Players who have the constant drive to improve their game are usually the ones with the best results. If you’re willing to put in the hours to work on your game away from the tables, you’re setting yourself up for success.

7. You aren’t afraid to drop back down
Sometimes when taking on higher stakes, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes it is because of variance, but sometimes it's because the games are more difficult than you initially thought. Whatever the reason, you need to be mentally prepared to go back down to your old level for a while to grind that bankroll back up and regain your confidence.

6. You’re happy with your game
Although you need to constantly work on your game and look for the best poker sites to make the most money at the tables, you need to be confident about your overall game and the way you are playing. You’re only really ready to move to the next level when you reach the point where you don’t question your every decision and you have full confidence in your overall game plan. Although some adjustments are required as you move up, it is still the same game, and if your play was good enough to crush on lower levels it is likely good enough to at least give you a solid starting point. If you catch yourself questioning yourself in every important pot at a higher level, you’re probably not ready just yet.

5. There aren't any leaks in your current game
While this may be hard to define, you should be aware if there are any significant leaks in your play before you move up, especially if you’re playing online. When you move up, you’ll likely face off against tougher competition, and some players will be looking to take advantage of any leaks they can find. Take time to analyze your play and look for any glaring errors before you move up.

4. You know how to use poker software to your advantage
In online play, poker software has become a crucial part of the game. If you know how to use it properly, pick out different stats and create custom HUDs that work for you, you’re more than likely ready to take on the next level. Being good with poker software and tools can give you a significant advantage over the competition and compensate for your lack of experience at a particular stake.

3. Your ego is in check
The mental game is a vital part of a player's overall game, especially when considering moving up in stakes. It is important to have your ego in check and not go in thinking you’ll be the best player there. More likely than not, this won’t be the case, so it is important that you are cool-headed and have realistic expectations.

2. You're prepared for an adjustment period
If you play poker for a living, you could depend on your winnings to pay for things such as rent, bills and food. Moving up to higher stakes often entails an adjustment period during which you might be losing or breaking even. Ideally, you want to have some money on the side to cover for your basic needs for at least a few weeks before you move up. That way, you won’t be under too much pressure and will give yourself the best shot at actually surviving this initial period and becoming a regular at the next level.

1. You’re ready, willing and able
All of the items mentioned in this article actually come together to define your success. You need to be ready to do whatever it takes to succeed, from adjusting your game strategy and analyzing your play to dropping back down if required. At the end of the day, you’re only really ready to move up if you have the will and determination to succeed. You’re almost guaranteed to run into various bumps along the road, and you’re the only one who determines how to go about them. If you’ll give up on the very first roadblock, you probably aren’t ready to move up just yet.