How Much of a Bankroll Do I Need for Poker?

In order to play poker and have a chance at winning, you need to have a bankroll. A bankroll is the total amount of money that you have set aside specifically for gambling.

It is important to remember that your bankroll is not the same as your monthly income or your life savings. Your bankroll should be an amount of money that you are comfortable losing without putting yourself in a financial bind.

Many experts recommend having a bankroll that is large enough to cover at least 500 big blinds. This means that if you are playing a game with a $1/$2 blind structure, you would need a bankroll of at least $1,000. While this may seem like a lot of money, it is important to remember that poker is a game of swings.

Even the best players in the world can go through long stretches where they lose money. Having a larger bankroll gives you the cushion you need to weather these downswings and still stay in the game.

PRO TIP:The amount of a bankroll you need to play poker well depends on the stakes you are playing. Generally, it is recommended to have at least 100 buy-ins for cash games and 300-500 buy-ins for tournaments. However, as always, bankroll management is up to personal preference.

Of course, the size of your bankroll will also depend on your playing style. If you are a tight player who only plays premium hands, you can get by with a smaller bankroll than someone who plays a lot of hands and is willing to take more risks.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how much risk you are comfortable taking and how much money you are willing to put on the line.

No matter what your playing style is, it is always important to remember that poker is a gamble. You should never bet more money than you are comfortable losing.

If you do end up losing your entire bankroll, take a break from poker and reevaluate your goals before getting back into the game.