Shot taking is the practice of allocating a predefined amount (typically 5-10 buy-ins) to test a higher stake without compromising the total bankroll at the current level. A good shot-taking strategy clearly defines success criteria (buy-ins won to consider permanent move-up) and stop-loss criteria (acceptable loss before returning to the previous stake). Shots should only be taken when the current stake bankroll is sufficiently above the safe minimum to absorb the possible loss. Shot-taking psychology is important: playing with scared money at the higher stake can result in suboptimal play that does not reflect the player’s true skill level.