Bankroll management is one of the most critical aspects of long-term success in cash tables. Properly managing your bankroll allows you to minimize risk, survive variance, and steadily climb stakes without the risk of going broke. This guide will outline the key principles of bankroll management for cash games, using the recommended guidelines from the provided table.
Limit (NL)
Buy-in (BB)
Recommended Bankroll (Buy-ins)
Minimum Bankroll (Buy-ins)
NL2
100
40 ($80)
20 ($40
NL5
100
40 ($200)
20 ($100)
NL10
100
40 ($400)
20 ($200)
NL25
100
40 ($1,000)
25 ($625)
NL50
100
50 ($2,500)
30 ($1,500)
NL100
100
50 ($5,000)
30 ($3,000)
NL200
100
60 ($12,000)
40 ($8,000)
NL500
100
75 ($37,500)
50 ($25,000)
NL1000
100
100 ($100,000)
60 ($60,000)
Why Bankroll Management Matters
Cash poker is a game of skill, but even the best players experience swings due to variance. Downswings are inevitable, and without proper bankroll management, even a skilled player can go bust. The primary goal of bankroll management is to ensure that short-term variance does not affect your ability to continue playing and improving over the long term.
Recommended Bankroll for Different Limits
According to the table, the number of buy-ins required increases as the stakes go up. The recommended bankroll for micro-stakes (NL2 to NL25) is typically around 40 buy-ins, while for mid-stakes (NL50 to NL200), it rises to 50-60 buy-ins. High-stakes games (NL500 and above) require at least 75-100 buy-ins due to tougher opponents and higher variance.
For example:
A player wanting to play NL10 ($0.05/$0.10) should have at least $400 to follow a conservative strategy.
A player moving up to NL100 ($0.50/$1) should aim for a $5,000 bankroll to sustain swings.
At NL500 and NL1000, where competition is significantly tougher, a bankroll of $37,500–$100,000 is recommended.
Minimum vs. Recommended Bankroll
While the recommended bankroll provides a solid foundation, some players prefer a more aggressive approach, using a smaller bankroll to move up stakes faster. The minimum bankroll, typically around 20-30 buy-ins, allows for quicker progression but comes with higher risk. A player following this aggressive strategy must be willing to move down if losses occur.
For instance:
A player at NL25 with a minimum bankroll of $625 (25 buy-ins) must be prepared to drop back to NL10 if their bankroll falls below $400.
At NL100, a 30-buy-in bankroll ($3,000) might allow for faster shots at higher stakes but also requires discipline in case of losses.
When to Move Up or Down
A crucial part of bankroll management is knowing when to move up or down in stakes.
Move up when you have accumulated enough buy-ins for the next level and feel confident in your ability to beat the current stakes.
Move down if your bankroll falls below the required threshold for your stake level. It is better to rebuild at lower stakes than to go bust trying to stay at a level you can no longer afford.
Final Thoughts
Bankroll Management Cash Games is not just about protecting your money—it is about creating a sustainable path to success in cash tables. By following these principles and adjusting based on personal risk tolerance, you can maximize your chances of long-term profitability and avoid unnecessary financial risks. Always stay disciplined, track your results, and adapt your strategy as needed.
