Bankroll management is the most important skill for long-term poker survival. Without it, even winning players go broke.
What Is a Bankroll?
Your bankroll is the total amount of money dedicated exclusively to poker. It’s separate from your living expenses — never mix the two.
Why Bankroll Management Matters
Poker has variance. Even the best players experience losing streaks. Bankroll management ensures you survive these downswings without going broke.
How Many Buy-Ins Do You Need?
Cash games: 20-30 buy-ins minimum (conservative: 40+)
Tournaments: 50-100 buy-ins minimum (high variance format)
Sit & Go / Expresso: 50-80 buy-ins
The 5% Rule
Never risk more than 5% of your bankroll on a single game or tournament. This simple rule protects you from catastrophic losses.
Moving Up and Down
Move up when you have enough buy-ins for the next level AND you’re consistently winning at the current level. Move down immediately if your bankroll drops below the minimum.
The Emotional Component
Bankroll management also protects your mental game. Playing with scared money (stakes too high for your bankroll) leads to poor decisions driven by fear of losing.
Common Bankroll Mistakes
Playing stakes too high too soon
Not moving down when on a downswing
