Money and games
Stakes in poker
Definition
The size of the blinds in a cash game, or the level of buy-ins you play; it sets how much money is at risk.
Stakes are written as small blind/big blind, for example $0.25/$0.50 or $1/$2. Players often use the name of the stake, such as NL10 for no-limit with $10 buy-ins at 100 big blinds, or NL200 for $200.
Higher stakes bring better players on average and bigger swings, so it makes sense to move up only when your results and bankroll support it.
Related terms
- Big blind (BB)The larger forced bet, posted by the second player to the left of the button; it sets the minimum bet of the first round.
- BankrollThe money set aside specifically for playing poker, separate from the money you need for living.
- Cash gameA poker game played with real money chips that you can buy and leave with at any time, with fixed blinds.