Semi-Pro Question (First Post)

[borgataboy7]

Hello Everyone. This is my first post so forgive me if I am breaking some kind of forum rule by posting in the wrong section.

About me, Ive been playing semi-professionally for 3 years, first as a limit player, then as an online SnG player, and most recently as a live/online NL cash game player (generally no higher than 2-5). I have just recently returned to my old game, which is limit poker. I still love to play it, but Im having doubts as to whether I can weather the variance storm.

I want to start playing 75% Limit Cash (4 tabling 5/10), and 25% 2-5 NL live and occasional online NL (4 table 1/2).

A major reason to switch back to limit is I feel I can manage 120 hours a month playing 4-table Limit, which will generate a bit over $2k in rakeback for me on fulltilt. Just the rakeback covers my monthly nut (and then some) right there playing only 4 hours a day. Whatever I choose to play above that is up to me.

I apologize, but I have a bankroll question. I dont have an accurate gauge of my winrate for limit anymore, as it has been a while, but I can safely lowball it at 1bb/100 hands. I know this is really low, but I estimate this way to be safe. Assuming this, and that I will have swings of 150 BB or so (again, just an estimate), what kind of bankroll would you recommend if I am 4-tabling?

Does the bankroll requirement increase if I am planning on multitabling?

I know I havent provided much info but I want to get the question out there because I could not find it in my searches (multitabling BR vs. Single Table), especially when it comes to a pro bankroll.

BTW, I have 4 months of expenses saved that are not calculated here. Thanks in advance for any thoughtful answers.

[emerson]

I have a question for you. I had a Full Tilt account before I ever knew anything about rake back. Is there any way I can get converted to a rake back account?

[borgataboy7]

generally not from what ive read. You can perhaps ask around in another thread (not trying to be rude, but its kind of a hijack)

[private joker]

Hi Borg,

Welcome to the forum. Generally 5/10 limit is discussed in the Small Stakes section, but I'll leave this here because it's not really strategy anyway, and we have many wise limit players (both live and online) who should be able to answer your question. But considering you're asking about multitabling online, you also might get some good responses in the Internet Gambling forum (also known as the Zoo, for a good reason).

Good luck with going pro.

[borgataboy7]

thanks for the reply. i decided to put it in Mid Stakes because I feel 5/10 online plays tougher than even 15/30 live in a lot of cases. Plus, the aspect of multitabling makes my bankroll requirements much higher possibly.

As far as "going pro", Im more of a semi-pro, as I make about double my "job" income playing poker (mainly from NL). However, poker isnt a career move for me unless I win some serious cash in a tournament and can play higher stakes. I also struggle with the fact that I dont have friends around I can discuss strategy and other aspects of the game with, so I rely on forums to discuss poker. Im afraid Id be left with no one to vent to when i have bad runs, so I keep my job for stability and a bit of a safety net. Im basically trying to build my bankroll to a really respectable level before Id consider quitting my job.

[jfk]

Traditional bankroll requirements were usually pegged at 300BB for limit play. Newer thinking, taking into account the toughness of internet games, puts the figure at 1000BB (assuming you're multitabling).

The recent 2+2 book, "Winning in Tough Hold 'em Games" advocates the 1000BB standard although the games that they describe are generally higher than 5/10 and often shorthanded. Mason's older title, "Gambling Theory" set the 300BB standard, though his advice predated internet play.

In today's playing environment a win rate of 1bb/100 in a online 5/10 limit hold 'em would be quite solid. It may be ambitious to count on this standard if you've not played LHE recently. Again, the "Tough Hold 'em" book here is informative as the authors describe break even stretches of 100K hands for winning players.

In my own experience, I've found a 300BB roll has been more than sufficient, though I play style that's lower variance (and possibly less profitable) than is typical.