Moving up from 50nl to 500nl is a big jump so be prepared to deal with a lot of variance and a move back down quickly if you don’t adjust. Typically jumping up to 500nl you will see a lot more aggression and 3 betting. So be prepared to adjust quickly.
5 Reasons Most 50NL Players Never Reach 500NL
1. The Competition Gets Significantly Tougher
The reality is that you will deal with a lot more experienced regulars who understand the game on a high level. Simply sitting back and waiting for premium hands won’t cut it playing 500nl. You need to have a better understanding of 3 betting, 4 betting in some cases, and not get exploited by other players at the table. I’ve noticed that half the players at these stakes when you sit down will be very good to almost semi pro. So, expect to always be on your A game.
2. Bankroll Requirements Become More Serious
I would say the minimum to play 500nl requires a roll of $10,000 preferably more if you can afford it. This is a big difference from 50nl where you can get away with a tenth of that size and still be relatively profitable because most players at 50nl are just recreational. It’s also a bit more dramatic losing 5 buy ins, for example at 500nl is $2500 compared to $250 playing 50nl. So, yea, it’s a bit more serious.
3. Small Mistakes Become Expensive
One of the things I notice the most for people moving up to 500nl is that they try and defend too many garbage hands out of position. Sometimes folding is the best play instead of trying to turn garbage into something better. Another big thing is failing to adjust against regulars at the table and assuming everyone is just another recreational player. Incorrect bluffing frequencies is another issue as well. What I’m getting at here is that small mistakes can really hurt you if you are not paying attention or making the right adjustments
4. The Mental Game Becomes More Difficult
Let me be real for a second. Losing $500 in one hand feels a lot different than losing $50. It just hurts more. Tilting and chasing losses become a lot more damaging so you must have these issues buttoned up to succeed playing higher stake games. Something I try and do on days where things aren’t going my way is just step away and come back the next day. It’s not easy but its saved me a lot of money overtime instead of forcing myself to continue playing when I’m just not feeling it.
5. Most Players Don’t Study Enough to Improve
I’ve often said that you should play at least 50,000 hands at your current stake to see how you are doing. This is a good enough baseline to see what’s going on. If you find that you’re doing extremely well it’s worth considering moving up to the next stake. The problem with most people who play online poker is they don’t bother to study this one aspect or enough to improve and fix the small leaks that are costing them. My advice would be to study your own play more and make it more of a habit to want to improve instead of just telling yourself something you probably won’t end up doing. Sometimes this can be as simple as reviewing your latest session to see what you could have done better.
Can You Make More Money Playing 50NL Than 500NL?
| Stakes | Win Rate | Estimated Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 50NL | 8 bb/100 | $2,000 |
| 200NL | 4 bb/100 | $4,000 |
| 500NL | 1 bb/100 | $2,500 |
How to Move From 50NL to 500NL Without Going Broke
Moving from 50NL to 500NL isn’t something you should rush. Just because you’re consistently winning at 50NL doesn’t mean you’re ready to jump into games where the competition is significantly tougher.
The smartest approach is to move up gradually. Start by building a solid bankroll and proving you can beat 50NL over a meaningful sample of hands. From there, take shots at 100NL before eventually moving to 200NL and 500NL.
Personally, I’d recommend having at least 40–50 buy-ins before moving up, with more being preferable for tougher games. That means having around $20,000–$25,000 set aside for 500NL. And at the very least 20 buy ins of $10,000 can be sufficient for some people.
Game selection also becomes increasingly important. There’s no reason to sit against five strong regulars when you can find a more profitable table elsewhere. Most importantly, don’t let your ego dictate your stakes. If you’re losing consistently, move back down, review your mistakes, and rebuild your confidence.
Does the Poker Site You Play on Matter?
The poker site you choose can make a big difference in your profitability. Some sites have tougher competition, while others offer softer games and better opportunities. Personally, I think game selection is just as important as poker skill. Player traffic, competition, and rake all affect your long-term results. Check out my recommended poker sites to find the best games for your bankroll.
Final Thoughts
Moving up from 50nl to 500nl can be done but it won’t be easy. The money gets significantly better playing higher stakes, but the variance can be too much for some people to deal with. You also must expect to have a lower win rate per 100 hands playing against more experienced players but it’s still possible to get an edge in these games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 500NL poker considered high stakes?
500NL is generally considered mid-to-high stakes in online poker. With $2.50/$5 blinds and a standard $500 buy-in, the competition is significantly tougher than at 50NL. Most regular players at these stakes have considerable experience and a strong understanding of poker strategy.
How much bankroll do you need for 500NL poker?
I’d recommend having at least 40–50 buy-ins before playing 500NL regularly. That means a bankroll of approximately $20,000–$25,000. Having additional buy-ins provides more protection against downswings, especially when adjusting to tougher competition.
Can a winning 50NL player beat 500NL?
Absolutely, but winning consistently at 50NL doesn’t automatically mean you’ll beat 500NL. Players at higher stakes generally make fewer mistakes, defend their ranges better, and exploit weaknesses more effectively. You’ll likely need to improve your strategy before making the jump.
How long does it take to move from 50NL to 500NL?
There’s no set timeline. Some players progress within a year, while others spend several years at lower stakes. Your improvement depends on how much you study, your win rate, bankroll management, and ability to adjust against stronger opponents. The goal should always be becoming a better player rather than rushing to higher stakes.
Edward Pao is an online poker and casino affiliate marketer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He has referred over 30,000 players to major poker platforms and specializes in reviewing the best online poker sites and casino bonuses.