Money and games
Bankroll in poker
Definition
The money set aside specifically for playing poker, separate from the money you need for living.
Bankroll management means playing stakes that your bankroll can withstand, so a normal downswing does not leave you broke. It also protects against tilt, because losses of a small share of the bankroll hurt less.
Move up to higher stakes when your bankroll is large enough for them and move down when it falls below the limit you set.
Try the calculatorWork it out with our free Bankroll Calculator.Read the guideGo deeper in our guide.
Related terms
- Risk of ruinThe probability of losing your entire bankroll given your win rate, variance and bankroll size.
- VarianceThe swings in results caused by luck, the gap between your expected result and what actually happens in the short term.
- Buy-inThe amount of money required to sit down in a cash game or to enter a tournament.
- StakesThe size of the blinds in a cash game, or the level of buy-ins you play; it sets how much money is at risk.