One of the biggest reasons poker players go broke—especially at the low stakes—is not bad luck, but bad bankroll management. You can be a skilled player, make the right moves, and still end up empty-handed if you don’t manage your poker funds wisely.

Whether you’re grinding $5 sit & gos, playing $10 cash games, or entering micro-stakes Master Poker Indoesia tournaments, smart bankroll management is what keeps you in the game long enough to let your skill shine.

What Is Bankroll Management?

Bankroll management is the practice of setting aside a specific amount of money strictly for poker and choosing the right stakes so you don’t go broke from a few bad beats.

Poker involves variance—even the best players lose sometimes. Proper bankroll management gives you the cushion to survive those swings without needing to reload from your personal savings.

Why Bankroll Management Matters More at Low Stakes

Low-stakes games might involve smaller amounts of money, but the risks are still very real:

• Variance still hits hard

• Players often play more loosely, increasing unpredictability

• It’s easy to move up too quickly and lose everything in one session

Good bankroll discipline protects you from emotional decisions and keeps your progress steady and long-term focused.

Recommended Bankroll Guidelines for Low Stakes

Cash Games (Full Ring or 6-Max)

Recommended: 20–30 buy-ins
Example: If you’re playing $0.05/$0.10 NLHE ($10 max buy-in), you should have $200–$300 in your bankroll.

Why? Cash games can swing hard, especially 6-max games. Having 20–30 buy-ins gives you enough room to recover from short-term downswings.

Sit & Go (SNG) Tournaments

Recommended: 30–50 buy-ins
Example: For $5 SNGs, your bankroll should be $150–$250 minimum.

Why? Variance in SNGs comes from bubble play and final-table variance. The more aggressive your style, the larger your bankroll should be.

Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs)

Recommended: 75–100 buy-ins (or more)
Example: For $3.30 MTTs, aim for a bankroll of $250–$330+

Why? MTTs have massive variance. You may go long stretches without a big score. A deeper bankroll lets you stay patient and take advantage of the big wins when they come.

Bonus Tips for Low-Stakes Players

Separate Your Poker Bankroll

Keep your poker bankroll completely separate from your personal money. Use a spreadsheet or a separate e-wallet/account so you’re never tempted to dip into life savings or rent money.

Don’t Move Up Too Fast

Even after a hot streak, resist the urge to play higher unless your bankroll supports it. Moving up too quickly is a common way to go broke.

Track Your Sessions

Use apps, spreadsheets, or poker software to log your results. Knowing your win rate and tracking variance helps you make smarter decisions.

Stick to the Plan

If your bankroll drops below your minimum level, move down in stakes. It’s not a step backward—it’s a way to survive and rebuild.