Is this phenomenon common?

Hi,
time to time I play some freerolls. When I win I usually play micro 9max SnGs. When I manage to run it up a little I find myself in a spot where I think that I know how to play that level and I am confident that I can beat it. That feeling usually appears when I got first an unusual amount in a session (like 7 out of 10 games).

Naturally I start to peak at the next higher buyin and have no success there coz I play to scared or w/e. So I go back to the cheapest buyins deciding that I need a bigger "bankroll". Now at this point I have a hard time to play profitable at the tables I was crushing before. And it feels like I get hit by a bad beat after another.

So I just wonder if you guys know that phenomenon or if its a classic swing-scenario. To me it feels like something in my mind clicks and my playstyle changes w/o me noticing. If that is true how can I prevent this from happening?

Thank you for reading

Hi te7ris and welcome to Cardschat. You are in the right place to learn the game and be a success at winning. One thing is for sure, you can't rush the process of learning the game. I have worked on my game for 2 years, but been playing online 13 years, and I've only been able to moved up to 10nl. But if I want to keep a BR and make no more deposits, then I have to have good BRM. I don't blame you for being scared when you try a higher level. Ever level is like a different world, and I was scared at every level. I think it is a mistake to change your style very much. Just add a little to it or take a little away from it from time to time. I don't know where you are at in your learning of the game, but you have to start at the bottom with that too. I started with tilt because that was hurting me the most. Then I went to BRM, position, range, and betting with what hands. One step at a time is the only way to learn the game, and I have much more to learn. GL to you.

those sample sizes are to small to get worked up about, i know thats easier said than done

one thing to try if the swings are bothering you is to maintain an oversized roll, then you dont have to worry about the swings

Earn bankroll with the lowest limits there will not be scared to play on the limits above.no need to hurry !!)

If you are a real beginner I would suggest that you keep playing at the level you think you can beat until you have 100 buy-ins for the next level. If you are a little more experienced (i.e. not a total beginner) then you could drop that to 40-50 buy-ins. Then keep playing that level until you have 40 buy-ins for the next level and so on.

If at any level your BR drops to 20 buy-ins then you should go back one level until you have built your BR back up to 40 buy-ins again.

As others have said, don't try to rush moving up. In fact, there are many people that make a comfortable second income from playing mostly 2NL with only an occasional game at higher stakes.

Good luck!