Bankroll
The total amount of money a player has set aside specifically for playing poker. Proper bankroll management is essential for long-term success.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Bankroll?
Bankroll management involves setting rules for how much of your total bankroll you're willing to risk in any single session or buy-in, which protects you from going broke during the natural swings of the game. Common guidelines suggest keeping 20-40 buy-ins for cash games and even more for tournaments due to their higher variance. A well-managed bankroll allows a skilled player to weather losing streaks without being forced to quit or move down in stakes at the worst possible time.
Examples
A cash game player with a $2,000 bankroll following a 40-buy-in rule should play $50 buy-in games.
A tournament grinder keeps 100+ buy-ins in their bankroll due to the high variance of tournament poker.
Strategy Tips
Set strict bankroll rules based on the game format you play, using more buy-ins for higher-variance formats like tournaments and fewer for lower-variance cash games. Never play in a game where losing your buy-in would cause financial stress, as this leads to fearful, suboptimal decisions. Move down in stakes temporarily during a downswing to protect your bankroll rather than trying to force your way back to even. Track your results over time to understand your true win rate and adjust your bankroll requirements accordingly.