Poker bankroll management for beginners
Your bankroll is the money you set aside only for poker. Good bankroll management means you play stakes small enough that a normal losing streak cannot wipe you out. A simple rule for beginners: keep at least 30 buy-ins for cash games and 100 buy-ins for tournaments at the level you play.
Rule zero: only play with money you can afford to lose
Section titled “Rule zero: only play with money you can afford to lose”Your bankroll is not rent, food or savings. Decide an amount you are fine losing completely, put it on the poker site and treat it as a separate budget. Never deposit more to win back losses.
How many buy-ins you need
Section titled “How many buy-ins you need”| Game | Recommended bankroll | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cash games | 30+ buy-ins (100 BB each) | $300 for $0.05/$0.10 ($10 buy-in) |
| Tournaments (MTT) | 100+ buy-ins | $100 for $1 tournaments |
| Sit & Go, Spin & Go | 50–100 buy-ins | $50–$100 for $1 games |
Tournaments need more buy-ins because you lose most of them and win big only now and then.
When to move up
Section titled “When to move up”Move up when you have the required number of buy-ins for the next level, for example 30 buy-ins of $25 ($750) before you play $0.10/$0.25.
When to move down
Section titled “When to move down”If your bankroll drops below the required amount for your level, move down straight away. It is not a defeat: every professional does it.
Simple habits that protect your bankroll
Section titled “Simple habits that protect your bankroll”- Set a stop-loss for a session, for example 3 buy-ins. Stop when you reach it.
- Don’t play when you are tired, angry or after drinking.
- Use the site’s limit tools: deposit limits, session reminders and self-exclusion.
- Withdraw part of your winnings from time to time.
Bonuses and rakeback help
Section titled “Bonuses and rakeback help”Welcome bonuses and rakeback return part of the money you pay in fees, which makes a small bankroll last longer. See the KKPoker welcome bonus and ask us about club rakeback.
Poker should be fun. If it stops being fun or you chase losses, take a break and look for help at BeGambleAware.org or a similar service in your country.
How much money do I need to start playing poker?
Section titled “How much money do I need to start playing poker?”As little as $20–$50 at micro stakes. What matters is playing levels where that money equals enough buy-ins.
How many buy-ins do I need for cash games?
Section titled “How many buy-ins do I need for cash games?”At least 30 buy-ins of 100 big blinds for the level you play.
How many buy-ins do I need for tournaments?
Section titled “How many buy-ins do I need for tournaments?”Around 100 buy-ins, because tournament results swing a lot.
When should I move down in stakes?
Section titled “When should I move down in stakes?”As soon as your bankroll falls below the number of buy-ins your current level requires.