How to manage your bankroll
Like a Pro
By: Sergio | Updated: Feb 7, 2026 | Reading Time: 5 min | Category: Responsible Gaming
The difference between a player who enjoys poker for years and one who goes bust in a single night isn't just luck—it's Bankroll Management (BRM).
Your "bankroll" is the total amount of money you have set aside specifically for poker. Managing it correctly ensures that the "swings" of the game never affect your real life.
1. Separate Your Finances
The first and most important rule: Never play with money you need for rent, bills, or groceries. * The Pro Tip: Treat your poker bankroll as an entertainment budget. If you lost it all tomorrow, your daily life should remain completely unchanged.
2. The 20-Buy-in Rule
A common mistake is sitting at a table with 50% of your total bankroll. One bad beat, and half your budget is gone.
The Strategy: For Cash Games, a safe approach is to have at least 20 full buy-ins for the stakes you are playing. If you want to play at a $0.05/$0.10 table (where the buy-in is $10), you should have a bankroll of at least $200.
3. Choose Stakes That Match Your Wallet
Don't let ego drive you to the "High Roller" tables. The best players in the world are those who know when to move down in stakes.
The Strategy: If your bankroll drops below a certain level, move to a cheaper table. This isn't losing—it's playing smart and ensuring you can keep playing another day.
4. Avoid the "Chasing" Trap
After a loss, the temptation to jump into a higher-stakes game to "win it back quickly" is high. This is the fastest way to lose everything.
The Pro Tip: Stick to your plan. The cards don't know you lost the previous hand. Decisions should be based on logic, not on your current balance.
5. Use Site Tools to Help You
Most reputable poker platforms offer built-in tools to help you stay in control.
Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit.
Time-outs: If you feel the game is getting too intense, use the "cool-off" feature to take a break for 24 hours or more.
Play Responsibly
Bankroll management is the ultimate form of Responsible Gaming. At Fortune Players, we believe that the best player is a controlled player.
Poker is entertainment: It is not a solution to financial problems.
Stay in control: If you find yourself spending more than you planned or feeling stressed about the game, it's time to stop.
Ask for help: There is no shame in reaching out to professional organizations if gambling is becoming a burden.