Poker is a game that requires not just skills but also a proper bankroll management. A bankroll is the amount of money that you have set aside specifically to play poker. It is important to have a decent-sized bankroll to ensure that you can survive the swings and variances of the game, especially if you are playing professionally.
So the question arises – How big should my bankroll be for poker? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The size of your bankroll will depend on various factors such as your skill level, the type of poker you’re playing, the stakes you’re playing at, and your risk tolerance.
When it comes to skill level, if you are a beginner player, it is advisable to start with a smaller bankroll since you’re still learning the ropes of the game. As you gain more experience and improve your skills, you can increase your bankroll accordingly.
The type of poker you’re playing also affects the size of your bankroll. If you’re playing cash games, a general rule of thumb is to have at least 20-30 buy-ins for the stakes you’re playing at. For example, if you’re playing $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em cash games online with a buy-in of $200, then your bankroll should be between $4,000-$6,000.
On the other hand, if you’re playing tournaments, it is recommended to have at least 100-150 buy-ins for the tournaments’ average buy-in cost that you intend to play regularly. This means that if an average tournament buy-in cost is $50; then your recommended tournament bankroll should be between $5,000-$7,500.
Your risk tolerance also plays an essential role in determining how big your poker bankroll should be. If you are comfortable taking risks and don’t mind losing some money along the way, then you can have a smaller bankroll. However, if losing money stresses you out and affects your gameplay, then it is best to have a larger bankroll to ensure you can manage the game’s ups and downs without feeling too much pressure.
In conclusion, there is no one answer to the question of how big your poker bankroll should be. It depends on your skill level, the type of poker you’re playing, the stakes you’re playing at, and your risk tolerance.
However, it is essential to have a properly sized bankroll that allows you to play consistently without having to worry about going broke or losing all your money in a short period. Bankroll management is an integral part of being a successful poker player.
