Foreword

Many players, after accumulating profits at micro stakes (NL2-NL10), attempt to move up to small stakes (NL25-NL100) but hit a wall. Micro stakes opponents are generally passive and full of obvious leaks, while small stakes opponents are more balanced and harder to exploit. This list outlines the key techniques needed to successfully transition from micro to small stakes.

1. Strict Bankroll Management

• Minimum Requirements: Before moving up to NL25, have at least 50 buy-ins (e.g., $1000). For NL100, 100 buy-ins are recommended.
• Drop-Down Rule: If your bankroll falls 20 buy-ins below the next lower stake, immediately move down.
• Avoid the "Trial" Mentality: Do not mix stakes when your bankroll is insufficient, otherwise variance can wipe you out.

2. Opponent Type Identification and Exploitation

Micro stakes are full of "calling stations" and "maniacs," but small stakes feature more "tight-aggressive" (TAG) and "loose-aggressive" (LAG) players. Quickly tag them:

• Passive (doesn't fold postflop): Increase value bets, bluff less.
• TAG (high fold equity): Increase continuation bet frequency, bluff them off their hands.
• LAG (high frequency): Trap with strong hands, play marginal hands cautiously.

3. Preflop Range Adjustments

At micro stakes you can enter pots wide, but at small stakes you need to tighten up.

• Position First: In early position only play top hands (TT+, AQ+). In late position you can raise medium pairs, suited connectors.
• 3-Bet Strategy: Against TAG opponents, 3-bet for value (AK, QQ+). Against LAG opponents, you can use a linear range (including bluffs).
• Fold Marginal Hands: Facing a raise, don't easily defend with KTo, AJo, etc. from out of position.

4. Postflop Bet Sizing and Structure

Micro stakes often use fixed sizing (e.g., 1/2 pot), but at small stakes you need to adjust based on board texture:

• Dry Board: Use smaller bets (1/3 pot) to induce calls.
• Wet Board: Increase sizing (2/3 or full pot) to deny drawing equity.
• C-Bet Frequency: From in position on the flop, continuation bet around 70%, but adjust based on opponent's fold equity.

5. Understanding Fold Equity and Range Construction

Bluffing at small stakes requires more precise calculation:

• Required Fold Equity: Break-even point for a bluff bet = bet size / (pot + bet size). For example, a 2/3 pot bet needs opponent to fold 40% to be profitable.
• Build Balanced Ranges: On the river, the value-to-bluff ratio should match your bet sizing (e.g., for a 2/3 pot bet, value:bluff = 2:1).

6. Emotional Control and Game Selection

• Avoid "Stake-Up Excitement": You're winning at your current stake, but after moving up a few losing hands you tilt – immediately take a break.
• Choose Comfortable Tables: At micro stakes you can sit anywhere, at small stakes avoid players who are clearly stronger than you (high VPIP with high profit tags).
• Use Data: Use a HUD to track opponent stats, such as preflop raise frequency, c-bet frequency, and adjust your strategy.

7. Common Mistakes

• Thinking you still need heavy exploitation after moving up: Small stakes opponents will adjust; first play a solid GTO framework, then exploit specifically.
• Ignoring hand combinations: For example, mistakenly thinking AKs always wins on a flop all-in; you need to analyze blockers in opponent's range.
• Defending blinds too loosely: Calling with weak hands from the small blind usually loses postflop.

Summary

Moving from micro to small stakes requires these core skills: bankroll management, opponent identification, range adjustments, bet sizing, and fold equity calculations. Master this checklist, practice it in real games, and you'll transition smoothly. Remember, moving up is not the destination – it's a new beginning.