What stakes should a beginner play in online poker?
Start at the lowest stakes the room offers: NL2 or NL5 in cash games, or tournaments costing $1–$5. Play a stake only if you have enough buy-ins for it, move up when you have more, and move down if your bankroll drops. Learning at low stakes is cheap and the players are weaker.
Bankroll per stake (beginner guide)
Section titled “Bankroll per stake (beginner guide)”| Cash stake | Buy-in (100 BB) | Bankroll (25 buy-ins) |
|---|---|---|
| NL2 | $2 | $50 |
| NL5 | $5 | $125 |
| NL10 | $10 | $250 |
| NL25 | $25 | $625 |
| Tournament buy-in | Bankroll (100 buy-ins) |
|---|---|
| $1 | $100 |
| $5 | $500 |
| $10 | $1,000 |
See bankroll management and cash game basics.
When to move up
Section titled “When to move up”- Your bankroll covers the next stake with your rule (for example 25 buy-ins).
- You’ve been winning over a meaningful sample, not just one good night.
- Try a shot: play a few buy-ins at the next stake, and move back down if you lose them.
When to move down
Section titled “When to move down”- Your bankroll falls below the rule for your current stake.
- You’re on tilt or playing scared because the money feels too big.
Why start low?
Section titled “Why start low?”- Mistakes cost little while you learn.
- Opponents make more mistakes, so value betting wins more.
- Freerolls are a free way to start: see freerolls.
Not sure where to play? See best poker sites for beginners, or message us for a club with low stakes and a welcome bonus.
What stakes should a beginner play?
Section titled “What stakes should a beginner play?”The lowest available: NL2 or NL5 cash games, or $1–$5 tournaments.
How much money do I need for NL5?
Section titled “How much money do I need for NL5?”About $125, which is 25 buy-ins of $5.
When should I move up in stakes?
Section titled “When should I move up in stakes?”When your bankroll covers the next stake by your rule and you’ve been winning over a meaningful sample.
Is it OK to move down in stakes?
Section titled “Is it OK to move down in stakes?”Yes. Moving down when the bankroll drops protects your money and is normal for good players.