Bankroll
The one topic that every poker book talks about is bankroll and specifically “Bankroll Management.” Most of the time they are talking about the total amount of cash you have available for you poker playing. The first thing everyone says about bankroll is that you should have one. That is not meant as a joke but a very strong suggestion that you set aside from the very beginning an amount you are going to use to play poker.
By establishing a Poker Bankroll you will be more aware of the amount you are playing and winning and losing. You will be more dedicated to growing that bankroll and you will make decisions about which games to play based on your bankroll. That last item is worth hearing again and taking to heart. You should play poker at limits and levels that are within your bankroll. Nothing wrong with “taking a shot” once in awhile at the higher limits but if you continually play above your bankroll limit than you will go broke and then you play no poker at all.
The mostly commonly accepted standard for a bankroll is 300 big bets. Meaning if you are going to play 2/4 than you should have a 1200 bankroll. Now let’s be clear here. If you are on vacation and want to play some poker, then go ahead and play. But if you are looking long term at having a poker hobby or a poker career than you should establish a bankroll and play within its limits.
Playing above your bankroll is the quick road to no bankroll. Growing your bankroll to the size that means you can and should move up a limit is a goal to be pursued with a steadily improving game. Bankroll management provides you with a barometer of your own game and a clear guide to your improvement.
-This is Beginner’s Poker Blog Post #19
