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What is a Bankroll?

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What is a Bankroll?

What Does Bankroll Mean in Poker?

The total amount of money a player has set aside for playing poker. It is essential for managing risk and ensuring a player can continue playing without going broke. Learn more.

When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Bankroll

Players often discuss their bankroll when planning buy-ins for tournaments or cash games, adjusting stakes, or managing poker-related finances.

In-Game Example

A player with a $2,000 bankroll decides to play $1/$2 no-limit hold’em cash games, ensuring they have enough funds to handle variance without risking their entire bankroll.

Strategy / Tips

  • Best Practice: Maintain a bankroll that allows for at least 20-30 buy-ins for cash games, or 50-100 buy-ins for tournaments, to manage variance effectively.
  • Common Mistake: Playing games with stakes too high for your bankroll, leading to potential financial ruin.
  • Pro Tips: Regularly review and adjust your bankroll based on performance and financial goals. Diversify your stakes to manage risk better.

Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online

While online poker often requires a larger bankroll due to faster play and more hands per hour, live poker typically involves higher expenses such as travel and accommodation. Explore options.

Alternative Names

No common alternative names for the bankroll in poker.

FAQs

  • Q: How much of my bankroll should I risk in one session?
    A: It’s advisable to risk no more than 5% of your bankroll in a single session to manage risk effectively.
  • Q: What should I do if my bankroll starts to dwindle?
    A: Consider moving down in stakes to preserve your bankroll and rebuild your funds.

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