I’m often asked how to win at poker or what the difference is between a winning poker player and a losing one. The first answer I always give is often met with confusion and sometimes a little distain. My answer is of course bankroll management, with no bankroll you are out of the game…. permanently. As Doyle Brunson writes in super system “You’re broke, you’re done!”
You could be the best poker player in the world, you could be Phil Ivey crushing all the games around you but if you don’t have the skills to manage your poker bankroll you will be broke or even worse you won’t be playing in your most profitable game. Its a fine balance you have to strike and when you mix in games like Badugi or Omaha you have to make sure you are playing within your limits and at your limits.
Poker players generally spread into three groups;
Group A: The porridge is too hot.
The casual players that play for entertainment and to gamble! These players want to win big or go home early, it’s not a bad strategy if you can afford to reload and love the thrill of a big score.
Group B: The porridge is too cold.
The nit, the player that has built up his roll to $5,000 and still plays $5 sit and goes. Sure he wont go broke but he has the bankroll to move up and play $10, $20, $100 sngs. He could be costing himself thousands by not moving up.
Group C: The porridge is jusssssst right!
The guy that gets it just right, or at least most of the time! This player knows when to step up and down, not only is this the best way to improve their game its the fastest way to make the most money!
Here are the basic rules for Poker Bankroll management, before you sit down in any game you should have at least:
If you are coming from a hold’em background these rules might see a bit excessive but you have to factor in the added rounds of betting that Badugi has.
Variance.
It’s a heart breaker and an ass shaker, you will have nights when the cards do not fall your way, being dealt rubbish cards all night long and missing your draws. Not to worry, if you play within our rules you can afford it. You wont tilt off your roll and be stuck playing freerolls until next payday!
On the other hand when you are winning and dancing around your computer at 3am you are able to move up quickly into higher limits, your bankroll will sky rocket and you’ll be sitting on a beach sipping cocktails this time next week.
Adjustments
For short-handed Badugi contrary to logic, your variance actually increases when there are fewer players in the game. A looser style of play also brings higher variance. If you see a juicy game its ok to take a shot but be careful not to play scared or chase losses if things don’t work out as planned.
