The Healthy Poker Bankroll
A poker bankroll is the money an individual is using just to play poker on websites such as online poker 99. These funds should not be connected to any living expenses or any other use. The player must always be playing at their best. If the player is scared they will most likely lose. The entire bankroll should never be risked for one game.
The biggest concern is choosing a game where the betting exceeds the bankroll. The fear of loss will disrupt the player’s game. If a player is used to playing online poker with a maximum of a $100 bet, entering a game with a $5,000 bet is a recipe for disaster. The maximum risk for any game should be 1/20th of the player’s total bankroll. This means if the bankroll is $5,000, the maximum bet per game should not exceed $250.00.
The Tournament Bankroll
When a player is focused on online tournaments the rules are different. The bankroll for a cash game is based on the type of game and the stakes. A tournament has a buy in that must be part of the bankroll. The players in the higher stakes tournaments are fiercer with more experience. Entering any game where the other players have a higher level of skill is a bad idea.
Heads-up and shorthanded games require a deeper bankroll. The type of game chosen must be in line with the bankroll. This is especially true for multi-table tournaments. Even the best of players may play twenty or thirty tournaments before achieving a win. The player should have a minimum of 100 buy-ins in their bankroll before attempting to play any tournament. Unless the bankroll is extremely deep it is a better strategy to play the occasional tournament but predominately stick with table games. This will ensure much better management of the bankroll.
The Players Style
The style of the individual player is an important factor in the type of game that should be played. Some players are not concerned about winning a game or a tournament but with cashing out. Other players are focused on the win. This is where the return on investment (ROI) is important. If the player’s style is to achieve the big win they will require a deeper bankroll. This will keep their bankroll healthy between wins. Every player should have calculated their win rate. This figure will decide how many games they can play, the type of game and if tournaments are an option.
The buy-ins must be proportionate to the percentage of wins. A ten to fifteen percent ROI is average for a good player. A ROI of 25 to 30 percent represents an excellent player. Only the true professionals have a ROI high enough to sustain their numbers. When the ROI is low, a deeper bankroll is required. Sometimes a player with a high ROI will become overconfident and their numbers will begin to decrease. The most important aspect of bankroll management is to be aware of the results. This enables the player to effectively manage their bankroll.
