Poker is a game of skill, of strategy, and of chance. However, winning depends on keeping your wits about you and knowing exactly how to manage that bankroll. Read on for some tips on how to play poker smarter – that is, how to save your money.
1. Setting a Budget
Set budgets on poker sessions before playing. This helps prevent one from spending more than he can afford losing. Stick to your budget even though the temptation is large to chase your losses.
2. Choose the right games
Variance levels vary according to different poker games. Higher variance games, such as tournament poker, are said to have bigger swings in your bankroll. If you are a novice player or you only have a small bankroll, it is better to expose yourself first to lower variance games, which include cash games.
3. Learn Bankroll Management
The key to bankroll management is how long it will last. A basic guideline is that you need 20 buy-ins for games you play at. This will help protect you against bad runs without risking the whole bankroll.
4. Play Within Your Limit
Don’t play in games that are beyond your bankroll. Games that carry high stakes when you cannot afford to lose much money can easily drain the funds within a short time frame. Stick to games you feel comfortable and confident.
5. Be Patient and Disciplined
In poker, a marathon is better than a sprint. Do not fall in the trap of seeking to recover your losses or forcing wins. Be patient and wait for your good hands. Poker discipline means learning to fold when your hand is just weak, no matter how it feels to miss the big pot.
6. Practice Regularly
More you play the better you become. The practice gives you a chance to perfect your skills, learn more about the game, and get a good handle on it. You can play free poker online to gain experience without risking your money.
7. Tilting
Tilt is a psychological state of players that often result in irrational moves given the frustration or anger being felt. It is really easy to commit mistakes and hence lose money when you are tilted. When you feel like you are becoming tilted, just take time off from the game.
Follow these simple instructions and you are on your way to winning more often in a game of poker without destroying your bankroll. The thing to remember about poker is that it’s a game of skill and patience. Provided you keep the proper mindset, you may enjoy many years of poker well played.
