[Cassidy]

Exact same problem I have.

If I am fortunate I'll pick up a good hand levels 1-4 that holds up and lets me win some chips, usually enough to see me through to level 5/6 comfortably.

Sometimes I'll pick up a half-decent starting hand in position, get to see a cheap flop that I hit and again I'll manage to pick up some chips.

Far more often none of the above happens and by level 5 I'm basically all-in preflop looking to double through. Lose the first all-in that is called and I'm all out, game over.

I only play a few games a night (4 or 5) but it is not uncommon for me to lose all of them in precisely the same way; i.e. shortstacked at level 5, all-in, called, lose showdown, rinse and repeat. On the plus side when I do get some chips I am usually able to convert to an ITM place.

I'm trying to work on my level 1-4 play to try and lessen the level 5 all-in desperation. I'd be willing to exchange HHs with you to get an objective opinion on my game.