Shot Taking in Poker: When and How to Move Up in Stakes?

Complete Guide to Shot Taking Poker

Every poker player dreams of moving up in stakes and proving themselves at higher levels. But the question isn’t just if you should move up—it’s when and how. This concept is known as shot taking poker, where players temporarily step into bigger games to test their skills, bankroll discipline, and mental toughness.

Done correctly, shot taking can be a powerful way to accelerate growth and earnings. Done poorly, it can drain your bankroll and confidence. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about shot taking in poker—when to leap, how to prepare, and strategies for handling both success and setbacks.

What Is Shot Taking in Poker?

🎯 Definition of Shot Taking

Shot taking in poker refers to playing at a higher stake level than usual, with the goal of testing your abilities and potentially moving up permanently. For example, if you usually grind $0.50/$1 cash games, a shot would be playing $1/$2 or even $2/$5.

🎲 Why Shot Taking Matters

• It accelerates learning by exposing you to tougher competition.
• It allows you to test your mental strength under pressure.
  
• It creates opportunities to win larger pots and grow your bankroll.
  

For a complete beginner-friendly overview of how poker works, check out this guide: What is Poker?.

When Should You Take a Shot?

✅ Signs You’re Ready

• Consistent Win Rate: If you’re beating your current stake with confidence.
• Bankroll Cushion: You’ve built enough to afford a few buy-ins at the next level.
• Skill Growth: You’ve studied and feel prepared for tougher opponents.
  

⚠️ Signs You’re Not Ready

• Struggling at Current Stakes: Losing money or breaking even too often.
• Weak Bankroll: Barely covering your usual games, let alone higher ones.
• Tilt Issues: Emotional reactions to variance may magnify at higher stakes.

Bankroll Management for Shot Taking

💰 Conservative vs Aggressive Approaches

• Conservative: 50–100 buy-ins for cash games; reduces risk.
• Aggressive: 20–30 buy-ins; higher risk, but faster progression.

📊 Example Bankroll Requirements

Game Type	Normal Stake	Shot Taking Stake	Recommended Bankroll
Cash Games	$1/$2	$2/$5	$10,000–$20,000
Tournaments	$50 MTTs	$200 MTTs	$10,000–$15,000
Sit & Go	$20	$100	$5,000–$8,000

Strategies for Successful Shot Taking

🎯 Limit Your Exposure

Take only a few buy-ins for your shot. If you lose them, drop back down immediately.

🧠 Mental Preparation

• Accept variance: Even good players can lose several buy-ins quickly.
• Avoid ego traps: Don’t force yourself to stay at higher stakes if you’re struggling.

Handling Success in Shot Taking

📈 Moving Up Permanently

If your shot is successful, assess your results over a decent sample size. Don’t commit to a permanent move after one or two winning sessions.

🏆 Confidence Boost

Even a small winning streak can validate your skills and motivate further growth.

Handling Failure in Shot Taking

🔄 Dropping Back Down

Always have a plan for when to return to your regular stakes. It avoids bankroll ruin.

🧩 Learning from Losses

• Review hands for leaks.
• Analyze opponent strategies at higher stakes.
• Use the experience as preparation for the next attempt.

Psychological Challenges of Shot Taking

😰 Pressure and Anxiety

Higher stakes mean larger pots, which can increase stress. Learning to manage emotions is crucial.

🧘 Building Mental Strength

• Practice mindfulness before sessions.
• Focus on decision quality, not just outcomes.
• Accept that losing is part of the process.

Comparing Shot Taking in Different Poker Formats

🃏 Cash Games

• Pros: Immediate experience, flexible stop-loss.
• Cons: High variance, bigger pots can cause tilt.

🏆 Tournaments

• Pros: One entry can lead to massive payouts.
• Cons: Longer grind, variance even higher.
  

🎮 Online vs Live Shot Taking

• Online: Easier to multi-table and control volume.
• Live: Higher pressure, but slower pace for adjustment.

Practical Examples of Shot Taking

Example 1: The Aggressive Grinder

A player with a $5,000 bankroll takes three $500 shots at $2/$5. Wins early and locks in profit, securing confidence at higher stakes.

Example 2: The Cautious Tournament Player

A $50 MTT grinder with a $10,000 bankroll decides to play one $200 event monthly. Tracks progress over 12 months, with learning as the main goal.

Tips for Beginners Trying Their First Shot

• Start Small: Move up just one level, not several.
• Set Stop-Loss Limits: Define how much you’re willing to risk.
• Track Results: Keep detailed notes on wins, losses, and mental state.
• Don’t Rush: It’s better to take multiple smaller shots than one reckless leap.

Common Mistakes in Shot Taking

❌ Overestimating Skill

One of the biggest pitfalls in shot taking is believing you’re “ready” when your results don’t back it up. Many players get a taste of success at their current stakes and assume they can instantly crush the next level. But poker skill isn’t just about winning a few sessions—it’s about sustained consistency over a large sample.

At higher stakes, players are sharper, exploit fewer mistakes, and punish leaks more aggressively. If you haven’t yet proven long-term success at your current games, moving up prematurely can be disastrous. Overestimating your skill often leads to underestimating opponents, misreading situations, and making costly errors under pressure.

❌ Poor Bankroll Planning

Bankroll discipline is the foundation of poker longevity. Taking a shot without properly preparing enough buy-ins is like walking a tightrope without a safety net—one slip and it’s over.

For example, moving from $1/$2 to $2/$5 cash games without setting aside at least 10–20 buy-ins for the attempt puts you at enormous risk of busting quickly. Variance is unpredictable; even great players hit downswings. Without enough financial cushion, you’ll be forced to drop back down before gaining real experience.

Smart players not only plan how many buy-ins they’ll risk but also set stop-loss limits to avoid spiraling during a losing streak. Poor bankroll planning turns shot taking into pure gambling rather than a calculated investment in your poker growth.

❌ Ignoring Mental Health

Another overlooked mistake is neglecting the mental side of poker. Playing higher stakes often comes with added stress: larger pots, tougher opponents, and higher pressure to perform. Without emotional preparation, even skilled players can crumble.

Common issues include:

• Tilt: Chasing losses and playing recklessly after a bad beat.
• Fear of Losing: Becoming too passive or risk-averse due to the larger money at stake.
• Confidence Crashes: A failed shot making players question their entire skillset.

Ignoring mental health can cause long-lasting damage to both performance and self-belief. Successful shot takers work on mindset as much as strategy—through studying variance, practicing mindfulness, and separating their self-worth from short-term results.

The Long-Term Role of Shot Taking in Poker

🚀 Career Growth

• Opens doors to higher earnings and sponsorships.
• Builds reputation in online and live poker communities.

📚 Continuous Learning

Each shot offers valuable lessons that shape a player’s journey. Even failed shots can provide insights for future success.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Shot Taking

＼ Where Strategy Meets Luck – Ready to Play Poker? ／

Shot taking poker is not just about gambling bigger—it’s about testing yourself, challenging your limits, and learning from every experience. The key is to approach it with discipline: proper bankroll management, clear goals, and mental resilience.

If done right, shot taking can be the bridge that takes you from being a solid grinder to a respected high-stakes player. If done recklessly, it can damage both your bankroll and your confidence.

👉 To continue improving your poker skills, explore more guides and strategies at Casino Savvy—your trusted source for online poker and casino knowledge.