comments welcome

Some great comments here. Almost everyone seems to agree that moving up limits would be a mistake. However, I think this is a perfect time to move up limits. If it were me, I'd cash out a good chunk, probably keep a good portion in a Neteller account for reload bonuses. Then I'd move up one level. You say you have been playing $5-15 SNG's. I'd probably move up to $20 SNG's. I'd set a loss limit, say $100 or $200. If I lose 5 or 10 in a row then I'm probably out of my league. But If I can place in the money in a few of those first 5 or 10 then I'm probably at a level I can compete at. But I would definately make sure I stick to a loss limit. Even if you win or place in the first couple and then go on a losing streak, when you hit your loss limit, move back down.

The game does change at different limits. The problem with moving up limits and then back down is that you might have adapted your play to the higher limits, even subtely, and then you will find you aren't as successful at the lower limits because you have a slightly different play style. This is something that I've experienced. I compete at one level successfully and move up levels and don't have enough success so I go back down and I'm no longer as successful at the lower level since I've adapted my play. So it takes me some time to get back into the groove so to speak at the lower levels. Hope that makes sense, it made sense in my head, but that doesn't always mean much when it comes out!

A grand is likely not a life changing amount for you. Though it makes a pretty nice early Christmas present for just about anyone. So what you do really depends on what your goals with poker are. Do you want to just have some fun and a nice hobby that lets you make a little extra cash from time to time? Or do you want to be able to have a secondary income from your poker skills? If the first one fits you closer, then cash out the bulk and buy some nice stuff for your wife or your friends or yourself and stick to the limits that you are comfortable at and able to play at successfully. If the second one is more along your goals, then you are going to have to move up limits. This is the opportunity to move up without risking losing your shirt. In the end, it's your call, and whatever you decide, I'm quite certain it will be the right decision for you.

Congratulations and good luck with whichever path you choose!

Difinately not a life changing amount for me or most other poker players really.

Maybe just got a bit over excited cause it was my best win so far. lol

I will probably just leave it in for a few months to see how things pan out.

Hopefully it will be a the start of maybe a small second income.

But first and foremost i love the game so it should keep me playing for a while incase i were to hit a bad run.

Good luck to all in your games.

Raymond

Moving up limits also involves looking at your cash percentage(s) at your current levels. You say you win enough to take a little profit and cover yourself. Though I don't know your exact win percentage, that doesnt sound terrifically high. I set both short term and long term goals for myself. I am currently in the money a little over 40% at my game of choice. I'd perfer to be about 60% or more, consistantly. I am playing exclusively $5 single table SNGs. At the moment my bank hovers between 150 and 200. At $300, I will move up to $10, but stay at this venue. Changing venues and limits at the same time involves too many style adaptations. If I drop to a $200 BK, I will go back to the $5 tables, rinse and repeat.

Take a serious look at everyone's comments, your own play, habits and style, and make a decision that works for you.

First of all, huge congratulations Ray. To answer the question (even though others have, but I have not read them), I would do exactly as you say. Cash out $1000. This will leave you with a very comfortable $300. For me, I have a little over $800. My plan is that once I can get that up to $1500, I'll cash out $1000 (and whatever extra) and leave myself with $500.

You really should cash out something, even if it's not that big. Don't just move up limits. The reason for this is that you are used to and comfortable at the limits you currently play. With a big increase in money, you might think that you can play much higher limits. Now, I'm not saying you will not succeed at higher limits, I'm just saying that the higher limits have more talented players, and you have a greater chance of losing it all.

Whatever you feel comfortable with in your bankroll to play the exact same that you are currently playing, whether it be $100 or $500, you should keep that amount in there, and cash out everything else. Again, congrats on the big win.

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