🎯 Bankroll Management in Poker
- rneedham1991
- May 9
- 2 min read
If you're getting serious about poker, there's one skill you must learn early on: bankroll management.
It might not sound as flashy as bluffing or reading opponents, but managing your poker funds properly is what separates long-term winners from those who go broke too soon.
💰 Why Bankroll Management in Poker Matters
Bankroll management means managing the money you’ve set aside exclusively for playing poker. It’s not about how much total money you have — it's about how wisely you manage the money you’re willing to risk at the tables.
Here’s why it's so important:
🔄 Variance Happens – Even great players lose sometimes. A well-managed bankroll helps you survive those inevitable downswings.
🧠 Less Stress = Better Decisions – Playing within your limits keeps you calm and focused, improving your gameplay.
💸 Avoid Going Broke – The number one reason players lose their entire bankroll is playing at stakes they can’t afford.
If you're not managing your bankroll, you're gambling — not playing poker.
🪙Choosing the Right Stakes for Your Bankroll
Stakes selection is all about finding games that match your bankroll size. The goal is to avoid risking too much of your roll in any one session or tournament.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
🔹 Cash Games
Recommended: 20–40 buy-ins
Example: If you want to play $0.10/$0.25 ($25 buy-in), you should have $500–$1,000 in your bankroll.
🔹 Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs)
Recommended: 100+ buy-ins
Example: For $5 buy-in tournaments, you should have $500+.
🔹 Sit & Go’s (SNGs)
Recommended: 30–50 buy-ins
Less variance than MTTs, but still swingy.
🕹️ Move Up or Down Wisely
🎯 Move down in stakes when your bankroll shrinks — this isn’t a failure, it’s smart strategy.
✅ Move up only when your bankroll supports the new stakes comfortably — not after a lucky heater. Remember: poker is a long game. Your goal is sustainability, not fast winnings that vanish with a few bad beats.
✅ Final Tips
Keep your poker bankroll separate from your everyday money.
Track your sessions and results so you know where you stand.
Don’t chase losses by jumping to higher stakes.
Stay disciplined — bankroll management is all about consistency.
If you are struggling with gambling, there are people out there to help:
🧠 In Summary
Bankroll management isn’t optional — it’s essential. It keeps you in the game, helps you improve, and gives you the best chance of winning in the long run.
Treat your bankroll like a business. Respect it, manage it, and it will take care of you.
