Buy-In
The amount of money required to enter a poker game or tournament.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Buy-In?
Buy-ins vary widely depending on the stakes and format of the game, from micro-stakes online tournaments costing a few dollars to high-roller live events costing hundreds of thousands. In cash games, buy-ins are usually capped within a range (such as 40-100 big blinds) to keep stack sizes reasonably balanced among players. Tournament buy-ins typically include an entry fee portion that goes to the prize pool and a smaller rake portion that goes to the house.
Examples
A $100 buy-in tournament typically breaks down as $90 to the prize pool and $10 in rake to the house.
A cash game player buys in for the maximum allowed amount to have a deep effective stack against opponents.
Strategy Tips
Choose buy-in levels appropriate to your bankroll, generally keeping at least 20-40 buy-ins in reserve for cash games and more for high-variance tournaments. Consider buying in for the maximum amount allowed in cash games to maximize your implied odds and ability to win large pots. Be aware of the rake percentage taken from tournament buy-ins, as high-rake tournaments reduce your overall expected value. Reassess your buy-in level regularly as your bankroll and skill level change.