[jkamowitz]

On Staking in General:

As I have moved up (slowly) through the poker ladder, I have been repeatedly offered to be staked. Right now, as I slowly transition from 20/40 to 40/80 (which is a slow gradual shot taking process) I have heard from both dear friends, opponents, and even strangers that they'd be happy to stake me for 40/80 and even 80/160. Each time I politely declined.

I understand the desire to play in bigger games and that it's important to be able to lose the money you put onto the table. However, being staked may also have long term implications as has been hinted at regarding some of the higher stakes Borgata players. You may have a losing session resulting in not only your confidence in yourself but also the confidence of your friend. Also, it will be clear to anyone in the game that you are taking a shot, and are not a regular. This will (as often does) result in people taking more shots at you, pushing back harder, testing you. A suitable bankroll is the only thing that will stop this punishment, along with great play of course.

So, if you really truly want to play bigger and can't wait the few months or so until you get another 500 bucks, by all means take your friends money.

However, if you are serious about improving your bankroll management, and solidifying your assetts, I strongly advise against it.

FWIW, I have never been backed but have in fact borrowed money once when I was running/playing bad only to sure I had more if need be. I didn't even touch it but it was a comfort to feel that my guns still had ammo. So I understand if this is also about that.

If you're always borrowing money, it makes it awfully tough to save.