Rule #1: Bankroll Management

Rule #2: BANKROLL MANAGEMENT! (*No, I can’t resist even the most obscure chance to reference Fight Club, so get use to it chickies…)

If this blog goes on for 50 years and I post 15,000 quality posts, I promise that this is the one you NEED to stick with you if you want to succeed in this sport. PREFACE: If you find you’re the type of person that lets “pride” or “arrogance” seep into their decision making process, then I would highly recommend you: a) fix the glitch that’s causing this problem (and it is a problem my friends), or b) throw in the [proverbial] poker towel.

Even the best poker player in the world (that’s right, even [Insert Player's Name Here] can AND WILL go broke without appropriate management of his allocated poker funds). So let’s get this concept out in the open, decide to stick like glue to some basic guidelines, and “going broke” will be something you will only have to watch others (who shrug off rules 1 & 2) do.

The fact of the matter is, whether you’re a newly competent poker player or a seasoned professional, your monetary lifeline must be used appropriately. With proper bankroll management (which I’ll detail subsequently), players are able to comfortably play and increase their levels, take shots at exceptionally juicy games, and avoid the faux pas of a premature poker death (read: go bust).

*Note: The “guidelines” below apply to players who have a good handle on the game. They’ve played thousands of hands, practice concepts such as: table selection & playing in position, and so on… If you are not “there” yet, no worries, it’s only a matter of time & practice– so either practice at penny poker or the “for fun” tables until you’re comfortable with some of the novice concepts.

There’s REALLY no reason to “practice” at levels about $.02/$.04. Don’t make these early “lessons” any more expensive than they really need to be.

POKER BANKROLL MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES:

GAME	HIGH RISK	BALANCED	PRO/CONSERVATIVE
Limit Cash Game	200+ Big Bets	300+ Big Bets	400-500+ Big Bets
No-Limit Cash Game	15+ Max Buyins	20+ Max Buyins	30-40+ Max Buyins
SnG Tournaments	15-20+ Buyins	25+ Buyins	30-40+ Buyins
MT Tournaments	60 Buyins+	80+ Buyins	100+ Buyins