In poker, managing your bankroll is as essential as mastering strategy and reading opponents. A well-managed bankroll allows you to play consistently, handle losing streaks, and ultimately build long-term success.
Bankroll management is about more than just setting aside cash for games; it’s about creating a disciplined system that protects your funds and lets you grow over time. Whether you’re a recreational player or aspire to play professionally, building and managing your bankroll effectively can make the difference between thriving and going broke.
This guide will cover the fundamentals of bankroll management, strategies for growing your bankroll, and tips to keep your funds safe. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to handle your poker money like a pro. If you’re just starting out, check out our guide to start playing poker online for beginners.
What Is a Poker Bankroll?
Your bankroll is the money you set aside specifically for playing poker. It’s separate from the money you use for everyday expenses, as poker involves risks, and no one should ever gamble with money they can’t afford to lose. The purpose of a bankroll is to ensure that you can keep playing through the ups and downs of the game without dipping into personal finances.
Why Bankroll Management Matters
- Stability Through Variance: Poker is a game of skill but also has inherent luck elements, leading to winning and losing streaks. A solid bankroll allows you to weather these swings.
- Disciplined Decision-Making: Managing a bankroll instills discipline, helping you avoid high-stakes games that may be outside your comfort level.
- Long-Term Growth: Effective bankroll management helps players play consistently, gradually building their bankroll without unnecessary risks.
Step 1: Determine Your Starting Bankroll
The first step is to set a starting bankroll. The amount depends on your personal finances, goals, and risk tolerance. Here’s a basic guide for different levels:
Recreational Players
For casual players, a bankroll can be smaller, depending on how much you’re comfortable risking for entertainment.
Serious Amateur or Aspiring Pro
For those looking to play regularly and make a profit, a minimum bankroll of 20–30 buy-ins for cash games or 100 buy-ins for tournaments is usually recommended.
Professional Level
Pros may have a bankroll with 50–100 buy-ins or more for cash games, and even higher for tournaments, as they rely on poker income to support themselves.
If you’re starting with limited funds, consider lower-stakes games that require smaller buy-ins to build your bankroll gradually. You can also become part of our Bluffing Monkeys membership to access exclusive tools and challenges for growth.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Stakes for Your Bankroll
Cash Games
For cash games, a common recommendation is to have at least 20–30 buy-ins. For example, if you want to play $1/$2 games (a $200 buy-in), a bankroll of $4,000–$6,000 is advisable.
Tournaments
Tournament variance is higher, so you’ll need a larger bankroll. Aim for around 100 buy-ins. For example, if you’re entering $50 tournaments, a bankroll of $5,000 would be ideal.
Sit-and-Gos
For Sit-and-Go tournaments, a bankroll of at least 50 buy-ins is generally recommended, as these games have moderate variance.
If you encounter a prolonged losing streak or see a significant reduction in your bankroll, consider moving down to lower stakes temporarily to rebuild.
Step 3: Adjusting Your Bankroll Based on Game Type and Variance
Different poker formats have varying levels of variance. The higher the variance, the larger the bankroll you need:
- Low-Variance Games: Games like full-ring cash games (9–10 players) usually have lower variance.
- High-Variance Games: Short-handed games (6-max) and tournaments involve more aggressive plays and larger swings.
Always be mindful of the type of game you’re playing and adjust your bankroll requirements accordingly.
Step 4: Setting Win and Loss Limits
Setting win and loss limits helps protect your bankroll from emotional decisions and maintains your focus on long-term growth. Here are some guidelines:
- Session Loss Limit: Stop playing if you lose 3–5% of your bankroll in one session.
- Daily Win Limit: Helps you leave the table on a positive note and prevents overplaying.
Step 5: Reinvesting Profits into Your Bankroll
When you start seeing profits, it’s tempting to withdraw and enjoy your winnings. While taking occasional profits is fine, reinvesting a portion back into your bankroll is key to long-term growth. Here’s how to approach it:
- Set a Reinvestment Goal: Decide on a percentage (e.g., 50%) of your profits to reinvest.
- Build Up for Higher Stakes: Grow your bankroll so you can move up and access higher profit opportunities.
- Occasional Withdrawals: Enjoy small wins, but prioritize bankroll expansion.
Use tools like our Poker Bankroll Management Calculator to plan your reinvestments more precisely.
Step 6: Tracking Your Bankroll
Tracking your bankroll is vital. It allows you to monitor your growth, spot trends, and stay accountable.
Ways to Track:
- Spreadsheets
- Bankroll Tracking Apps
- Hand History Tools like PokerTracker or Hold’em Manager
Step 7: Practicing Bankroll Discipline During Downswings
Downswings are part of poker. Good bankroll management during tough times helps you survive and recover:
- Move down in stakes temporarily
- Stick to your limits and avoid chasing losses
- Maintain mental discipline
Step 8: Avoiding Common Bankroll Management Mistakes
- Overestimating Skill: Don’t play stakes you’re not ready for.
- Mixing Personal Finances: Keep poker and daily expenses separate.
- Avoid Playing Under the Influence: Always play with a clear mind.
Step 9: Knowing When to Move Up or Down in Stakes
Progressing in poker means moving stakes wisely. Here’s how:
- Only move up when your bankroll supports it.
- Move down during downswings to protect your funds.
- Test new stakes before full commitment.
Step 10: Setting Long-Term Goals for Your Bankroll
Have a long-term goal, like playing higher stakes, building a side income, or going pro. Set milestones and adjust based on your progress. For a brain-health boost while you play, see the health benefits of poker.
Final Thoughts
Building and managing a poker bankroll is a skill that goes hand in hand with mastering poker strategy. With a disciplined approach, you’ll gain stability, growth potential, and peace of mind. Remember—bankroll success is a marathon, not a sprint. To explore more strategy, challenges, and player insights, visit Bluffing Monkeys.
