Poker Bankroll Assessment

If you're smart you are constantly keeping an eye on your bankroll. Aside from your ability to play the game at a high level it is the single most important thing a poker player has. Without a bankroll you have no game and you have no opportunity to take advantage of your skill at the table. So you need to guard your bankroll with a great deal of caution. Too many times I see players both online and brick and mortar that enter tournaments that are outside of their budget. Yes, I said the word budget. The rule of thumb is to buy-in for no more than 10% of your bankroll. That can and does fluctuate from time to time but generally speaking we should all stick to it.

On those occasions when you do decide to step up in stakes you must be disciplined enough to know when to step away from the game and cut your losses. Taking shots at higher stakes is a normal thing to do. Losing half your bankroll while taking that shot is not. Be smart and manage your bankroll correctly and with a little luck it can and will continue to grow with your poker game.