Bankroll Management That Actually Works
6 min read
The best poker player in the world goes broke without bankroll management. Variance is real. Your job is to survive it.
The Golden Rules
| Game Type | Min Buy-ins | Conservative |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Games | 20 buy-ins | 30-50 buy-ins |
| Tournaments (MTT) | 50 buy-ins | 100+ buy-ins |
| Sit & Go | 30 buy-ins | 50 buy-ins |
Understanding Variance
Even a player with a solid 5bb/100 win rate at cash games will experience downswings of 20+ buy-ins. This isn't bad luck — it's statistics. Over 100,000 hands, your skill shows. Over 1,000 hands, anything can happen.
Risk of Ruin by Bankroll Size
10 buy-ins
40%
20 buy-ins
13%
30 buy-ins
5%
50 buy-ins
1%
Moving Up and Down
The best players move between stakes fluidly. The rules are simple:
- ↑Move up when you have 30+ buy-ins for the next level AND you're beating your current stake.
- ↓Move down when you drop below 20 buy-ins. No ego. Protect your roll.
- ⏸Take a break after losing 3 buy-ins in a session. Tilt is the #1 bankroll killer.
Separate Your Bankroll
Your poker bankroll is not your rent money. Keep it in a separate account. Never deposit more than you can afford to lose. Treat it like a business — because it is one.
“Bankroll management is the difference between a poker player and a gambler.”