My default strategy is to play tight early on, but I’m always willing to adapt and fight for pots when the situation calls for it.
At the start of a tournament, I prefer a disciplined approach, focusing on strong hands and avoiding unnecessary risks. That said, I play to win, not just to...
I strongly believe that early in tournaments, you should be patient, wait for strong hands and focus on extracting maximum value from weaker players.
Tournaments are a marathon, not a sprint. You need to be prepared to play for hours, and a lot can change over that time. There’s no need to...
Personally, I think it’s easier to manage a bankroll in tournaments than in cash games.
I strongly believe this, which is why I play tournaments exclusively.
While tournament variance is higher, I find that downswings are less damaging if you’re properly rolled and disciplined. In contrast...
I’ve been thinking about my bankroll situation lately.
On StockPoker, my bankroll is actually too big for the stakes I’m playing. A big part of that is because, outside of the home games, most of the tournaments are hyper turbos. I still enjoy playing micro stakes though, it’s more relaxing...
PokerStars officially merged Pennsylvania with the New Jersey and Michigan player pools on Wednesday as the U.S. platform officially became part of the FanDuel app.
Both brands are owned by online gaming giant Flutter Entertainment. The addition of PokerStars to FanDuel reduces friction for...
Managing a poker bankroll properly is what separates players who last from those who burn out—even if they have skill. Here’s a clear, practical step-by-step guide you can actually follow for both cash games and tournaments.
1. Define Your Bankroll (and Keep It Separate)
Your bankroll should...
I’m guilty of breaking my own bankroll management rules in the past. But over the last two years, I can confidently say I’ve stayed disciplined, and that’s led to consistent success.
I’ve always had the tools to play well, but my lack of discipline in earlier years held me back.
Have you ever...
I like to keep my poker money separate from my real-life finances. It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I’m able to build my bankroll successfully.
What about you?
I believe being conservative with your bankroll is in your best interest, losses sting less when you’re only risking a small portion of it. I always encourage players to stay strict with their bankroll management.
Do you think a more aggressive approach is better?
I think strong bankroll management is underrated. Discipline should be a primary focus if you’re trying to achieve long-term success at the tables.
Thoughts?
I rely mostly on experience for my mental approach to poker. That said, I’ve also picked up a lot from studying and watching players I believe can help me improve.
How about you?
This is a tough one. I can play my best for a few hours, mistakes happen, but I always battle and grind it out. If I’m playing a live tournament, I go in mentally prepared for a long grind.
What about you?
I think mentally strong players, especially in tournaments tend to run deeper, while in cash games that same resilience helps you handle wild swings and, ideally, crush the tables.
What do you think? What really separates mentally strong players from the rest?
It may not be the fastest way to improve at poker, but I’m confident players of all skill levels will get better by regularly playing in our home games.
We’ve got plenty of strong players who perform well outside these games, along with a welcoming and supportive group overall. Of course...
I always thought I was a good player, but until I developed a solid understanding of the math behind poker, I was really just average.
I also didn’t fully embrace bankroll management until recent years, and I believe it’s been a key factor in taking my game to the next level.
What about you...
I usually stop playing or take a break after losing 2–3 buy-ins (or bullets) in any game.
Sometimes I just need to cool off after a frustrating hand, and I think it’s good practice to reset mentally by stepping away for a bit.
What do you think? How about you?
I’m pretty strict with bankroll management because I hate going broke, so I’d say my risk tolerance is around a 2 or 3 out of 10.
I also stick to tournaments only, I really dislike the downswings in cash games and find the swings hard to handle. Tournaments move at a pace I prefer.
What about you?
I think players should consider what stakes they need to play to reliably cover their expenses if they’re trying to play poker full-time.
What do you think?
I think that, regardless of the stakes, you should always play to win. Otherwise, you risk developing bad mental habits, and maintaining a strong mindset is crucial for long-term success.
Thoughts?