Bankroll Management — How to Survive and Move Up

Why most players lose money in the long run

GGPoker statistics show that more than 85% of players finish the year with a negative balance. But here is the paradox: many of them could have been profitable if they had only managed their bankroll correctly. They played above the level their wallet could handle, ran into a completely standard negative streak, and simply busted.

The golden rule — at least 20 buy-ins

Before moving up to a new limit, you need at least 20 buy-ins at the level you are moving into. Playing NL10 (big blind of ₪10)? You need at least ₪2,000 in your bankroll. Moving to NL25? You need ₪5,000. The reason: short-term variance can drop you 10-15 buy-ins even if you are the best player at the table.

When should you move up a limit?

Move up to the next limit only when your bankroll is ≥ 20 buy-ins of the new limit, and only after a sample of at least 20,000 hands at the current limit with a positive ROI. Don’t move up because "I’m on a good streak" — that’s variance, not skill.

When do you have to drop a limit?

If your bankroll falls below 15 buy-ins of your current limit — drop a limit immediately, with no second thoughts. It is not shameful, it is survival. Professional players regularly move up and down between limits.

The inevitable negative streak

Even the best players in the world go through negative streaks of 10, 15, and even 20 buy-ins in a row — not because they play badly, but because that is how statistics work. Your bankroll exists exactly for these moments.

• Cash games: 20-25 buy-ins minimum
• MTT tournaments: 100-200 buy-ins (a much bigger cushion)
• SNG / Spin & Go: 50 buy-ins