Bankroll6 min read • Beginner
Bankroll Management: The #1 Rule Most Players Ignore
90% of poker players go broke. Not because they're bad at poker — because they don't manage their bankroll. This article will make sure you're not one of them.
The 30 Buy-In Rule
The golden rule: Never play a stake where you have fewer than 30 buy-ins.
| Stake | Buy-In | Min Bankroll |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | $2 | $40-60 |
| $0.02/$0.05 | $5 | $60-150 |
| $0.05/$0.10 | $10 | $150-300 |
| $0.10/$0.25 | $25 | $300-750 |
| $0.25/$0.50 | $50 | $750-1500 |
Session Rules
STOP LOSS
3 Buy-Ins
Lost 3 buy-ins? Stop playing. Come back tomorrow. No exceptions.
TAKE PROFIT
1-2 Buy-Ins
Up 1-2 buy-ins? Lock in profit. Don't give it back.
TIME LIMIT
2 Hours
After 2 hours, your focus drops. Quit while you're sharp.
When to Move up Stakes
Moving up too fast is the #1 bankroll killer. Follow these rules:
- ✅ Move UP when you have 30+ buy-ins for the next level AND you're winning at your current level.
- ✅ Move DOWN when your bankroll drops below 20 buy-ins for your current level.
- ❌ NEVER move up after a big win. One hot session doesn't mean you're ready.
- ❌ NEVER move up to “win back” losses. This is tilt, and it will destroy your bankroll.
⚠️ The #1 Mistake
Jumping stakes after winning. You win $20 at NL5, so you move to NL25 thinking “I'm on a heater.” One bad session later, your entire bankroll is gone. Discipline beats talent every time.