BUILDING A BANKROLL
A high majority of online poker players end up losing money. This is based on several factors, but mainly the rake. As every poker player knows, there is nothing you can do about the rake. However, there are some factors which are in a player’s control and this involves building the correct bankroll. The most common mistake a new player makes is how to build, manage and control their bankroll.
If a player’s bankroll is about $100 - $200 then they should be playing stakes around $.5-1.00 limit or playing $5 Sit and Go Tournaments. It should be noted that some of these $5 games have a ridiculous $1 entry fee, which is about a 20% rake. Players will find that they should not really open an online account with less than $150. A player will not be able to build a bankroll with less than that amount of money and will find themselves going bust very quickly if they run into a bad betting patch.
If a player’s bankroll is around $500 - $900, then it is a good amount and is considered a great way to start building up a bankroll. These players can play the $.5-1.00 games to start and once they have built up about a $1000 bankroll, then they can proceed to $1-2 limits and check out the competition. If a player is feeling adventurous they can proceed to $10 games. This is a good move to gain experience and slowly build up a hefty bankroll.
Players should remember that they must always be aware of their bankroll and must set themselves realistic limits. A player cannot build a bankroll if the money is not his to start with. A player should always only play with money that they can afford to lose, otherwise the playing session will be unpleasant and stressful.
Patience is a virtue and this applies to building a bankroll as well. By slowly using skill and strategy (OK, and luck) a player will build up his bankroll in no time