Starting Bankroll

[jkamowitz]

When I first started playing I'd usually buy in for three racks or the equivalent of roughly 32BBs.

Clearly you dont need this much money in front of you but it helps new players get accustomed to swings and not have to face the embarassment of taking out new money.

Eventually I got to the point where I buy in for two racks.

Do yourself a favor and buy in for more than you think is necessary. It doesn't mean you have to lose it all if things aren't going your way. It does mean however that you'll never feel desperate or short stacked (and yes I know that this idea does not apply to limit games but I can't tell you how many times I've heard "I needed that", "Had to make something happen" etc.) Just goes to show what emotional impact not having chips can incur.


It's also a good idea because it allows you to cash out chips when your'e done, and not walk away from the table feeling depleted.

[fishyak]

I'd like to point out that a difference in how casino's play cash can make a big difference in chip (bankroll) management at the table. At Commerce, cash plays. Therefore, it is easy to buy in "light" and just reach into your wallet as needed. (I never want to be all-in in limit poker.)

OTOH, Hawaiian Gardens says NO CASH. I have to keep a bigger supply of chips on that table. In LV, where I play the only cash that plays is $100, at that level, I play like I am at Hawaiian Gardens and keep more chips on the table.

So it depends on the rules at your casino.