Poker Bankroll Management: Don't Go Broke
What is Bankroll Management?
Bankroll management is the practice of managing your poker funds to ensure you can survive the inevitable downswings without going broke. Proper bankroll management is the difference between a sustainable poker career and going bust.
Bankroll Guidelines by Game Type
Cash Games
No-Limit Hold'em: 20-30 buy-ins for the games you play
- NL2-NL5: $500 minimum
- NL10-NL25: $1,000 minimum
- NL50-NL100: $3,000 minimum
Tournaments
MTTs: 100 buy-ins (higher variance)
- $1-$5 tournaments: $500 minimum
- $10-$30 tournaments: $3,000 minimum
- $50-$100 tournaments: $10,000 minimum
SNGs
Sit & Goes: 50-100 buy-ins
The 5% Rule
Never have more than 5% of your bankroll at risk in any single session or tournament. This prevents a single bad session from devastating your poker career.
When to Move Down
Move down in stakes when your bankroll drops below the minimum for your current level. There is no shame in moving down - it protects your bankroll and lets you rebuild.
When to Move Up
Move up when you have enough buy-ins for the higher stakes AND you have consistently won at your current level for at least 30,000 hands (cash games) or 500 tournaments.
Emotional Bankroll Management
Beyond the numbers, manage your emotional relationship with money. Play for the right reasons, take breaks when tilted, and never chase losses. Your mental state affects your decision-making as much as your bankroll size.