A Bank Roll Quandry...

[mtdoak]

Due to some personal circumstances (moving, getting a full time job, some dumb purchases), I have seen my bankroll go from 500 BB to just a shade over 100 BB. I have dropped down a level, but will soon be back in the 200 BB range for the level I am used to. I am a proven winner at this level, but an immediate downswing would set me back, esp. as my monthly budget requires a certain weekly poker contribution. Also, one of my immediate goals is to have 500 BB for the next level above what i normally play by January. Would it be wiser for me move back to where I usually play once I hit 200 BB or grind it out on a lower level till i have 300 BB?

[Bill C]

Maybe it's worth being patient at the lower level while getting your BR back to where you want it? That way, you're not putting BR pressure on yourself if you step up a level and have a downturn.

bill

[Harv72b]

I wound up in exactly the same predicament you're in a few months ago. I gradually built my bankroll back up to 300 BBs for 3/6, sat in on a juicy game at 5/10 (which I've beaten in the past) and took a 75 BB downswing that nearly put me right back where I'd (re)started from.

You know as well as I do that downswings can happen at any time to anyone. Be patient...you'll get back up there soon enough. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Moozh]

I really think proper bankroll management and discipline is one of the major factors that separates the winners from the losers. I'm sure it's tempting to play underrolled, but the situation you place yourself in is just not worth the risk. With a 200 roll, you're not just worried about a 200bb drop, you're going to be hurting after a 100 or even just a 75bb downswing. If you need to withdrawl monthly on top of that, you should try and be very conservative with your money. Poker will always be there for you, make sure you'll be around for it.

[Petteri]

If you really need weekly income from poker you need to adjust your bankroll management. Playing underrolled you will end up broke sooner or later, probably sooner.

Playing under 500BB is risky for part-time pro. Full-time pro should have even larger bankroll.

Situation is very different if you do not really need poker income. When you can play with smaller bankroll.

[flair1239]

I can't think of any level above 1/2 that I would be comfortable playing as my regular game with 200BB.

If I needed to derive consistent income from the game, I cannot think of a situation where I would play 3/6 or above with less than 450BB.

But I am very risk averse with my bankroll.

[peterchi]

Earlier this summer I had a safe bankroll for 5/10.

Then I made some huge withdrawals because I way overspent this summer (who knew plane tickets and gas could cost so much, even before last week).

I'm currently re-building at 2/4 and 3/6. I still hit 5/10 sometimes now while I'm under-rolled, and I'm on a -80BB swing there. It's amazing how much more that hurts right now.

So basically I'm severly hurting my progress towards rebuilding by playing there while under-rolled.

Yes, the swing could go the other way, but you know the risk is there.

If I didn't start working full-time last month, and actually needed the money, I wouldn't even touch 5/10 right now. I still think it's somewhat stupid of me to, but I still do it anyways because losing doesn't kill me. It's just annoying.

[hellite]

[ QUOTE ]
If you really need weekly income from poker you need to adjust your bankroll management. Playing underrolled you will end up broke sooner or later, probably sooner.

Playing under 500BB is risky for part-time pro. Full-time pro should have even larger bankroll.

Situation is very different if you do not really need poker income. When you can play with smaller bankroll.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with this. I take a very cautious attitude towards bankroll. As I continue to gain experience, I see how bad some of these downswings/bad cards can be. When I first started playing I couldn't believe that people suggested 300BB for a bankroll. Seemed like a lot at the time. Well, a couple large downsings and a large sample of bad cards can really change your perspective. It is just too easy to have 50-100BB swings if you play aggressively. Furthermore, playing passively with a small bankroll would only compound the problem.

200BB simply is simply too risky against even halfway competent competition. Throw in a couple lags and you could go broke. Grind it out, at lower limit. I think this is absolutely necessary.

[krimson]

Having just come out of a 120bb downswing, i'd say this is a bad idea.

How about building your roll back through other means, such as some casino whoring?