Tips For Managing Your Bankroll Across Different Stakes In Online Poker

As your skills develop and your bankroll grows in online poker, it’s natural to explore other stakes.  However, moving between stakes requires careful planning and adherence to good bankroll management practices to ensure continued success.  Here are crucial tips to keep in mind:

General Bankroll Guidelines

Remember, the goal is to always have sufficient funds for your chosen game:

• Cash Games: Aim for a bankroll of at least 20-30 buy-ins for your desired stakes, with 40+ buy-ins being a more conservative and safer approach.
• Tournaments: Due to higher variance, tournament players typically need 100-200 buy-ins for their chosen tournament levels.

Tips For Moving Up In Stakes

Don’t jump multiple stakes at once. Start by mixing in some games at the next stake level while still playing your regular games. This allows you to test the waters and adjust gradually. Only move up if you’re genuinely confident in your skills and feel comfortable risking a larger portion of your bankroll. Track your win rate at your current stakes. A consistently high win rate is a good indicator of readiness to move up. Higher stakes often mean bigger swings. Be mentally prepared to handle potentially larger downswings.

Tips for Moving Down In Stakes (When Necessary)

If a higher stake is crushing your bankroll or causing excessive stress,  temporarily moving down is the wise decision. Moving down allows you to rebuild your bankroll, regain confidence, and potentially identify leaks in your game. Even skilled players experience downswings. Don’t view moving down as a failure – it’s simply a strategic adjustment.

Additional Strategies For Managing Your Bankroll

• Shot-Taking: Taking occasional shots at higher stakes can be acceptable but dedicate only a small percentage of your bankroll to this. Be honest with yourself about whether your skills truly warrant it.
• Record Keeping and Analysis: Track your results meticulously. This helps you identify your ideal stakes and make informed decisions about when to move up or down.
• Lifestyle Considerations: If poker is a part of your income, ensure your bankroll management strategy leaves room for your living expenses, even during potential downswings.