Protecting Your Bankroll

Bankroll management separates professionals from recreational players. Your bankroll is your career capital, and losing it means returning to the grind outside poker. Buy-ins for cash games should consume no more than 5% of your total bankroll, while tournament entry fees should cap at 2%. Variance affects all poker players. Even profitable players experience downswings where their true skill cannot overcome short-term luck. A 50-buy-in bankroll for your stake protects you from ruin during these inevitable downswings. If you're playing $1/$2 cash games, maintain at least $500 in dedicated poker capital. Tracking your results meticulously reveals whether you're winning or deluding yourself. Many players overestimate their skill and move up in stakes too quickly, busting out their bankrolls. Patience and discipline in bankroll management allow you to compound wins over years and build the stable income poker offers serious players.