Lesson 1
Bankroll Management
The #1 reason good players go broke.
Your Bankroll is the money you have set aside exclusively for poker.
Because of Variance (luck), you need a large cushion to absorb losing streaks without going broke.
The Golden Rule: 20 Buy-In Minimum
If you play $1/$2 games (Buy-in $200), you need:
$4,000
If you have less, play smaller games ($0.50/$1.00).
Key Takeaways
- • Never play with money you need for rent/bills.
- • Move down in stakes if you lose too much.
- • Treat poker like a business, not a casino gamble.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- • Taking a 'shot' at a huge game with your whole bankroll.
- • Thinking you are too good to go broke.
Worked Example
The "Pro" Way
Has $5,000.
Plays $0.50/$1.00.
Can lose 10 buy-ins and still be fine.
Plays $0.50/$1.00.
Can lose 10 buy-ins and still be fine.
The "Fish" Way
Has $5,000.
Plays $5/$10.
Loses 3 times, panics, plays bad, goes broke.
Plays $5/$10.
Loses 3 times, panics, plays bad, goes broke.
Discipline protects you. Skill wins the money, but Bankroll Management keeps you in the game long enough to win it.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding to complete this lesson.
Question 1 of 2