What Does Roll Mean in Poker?
In poker, ‘roll’ often refers to a bankroll, which is the total amount of money a player has set aside for poker-related betting. It is crucial for managing risk and ensuring long-term gameplay sustainability. A player’s roll should be managed carefully to avoid going broke. Learn more about bankroll management to enhance your strategy.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Roll
Players often discuss their roll when talking about the stakes they can afford to play, or when deciding if they can handle the variance of a game. It’s also mentioned when players talk about building up their roll or protecting it during a downswing.
In-Game Example
A player decides to sit out of a high-stakes cash game because playing it would risk too much of their roll, opting instead to join a lower-stakes table that better suits their bankroll management strategy.
Strategy / Tips
Best Practice: Maintain a roll that allows you to play multiple buy-ins at your preferred game stakes, ensuring you can handle the natural swings of poker without going broke.
Common Mistake: Playing at stakes too high for your roll, which can lead to quick losses and increased emotional pressure.
Pro Tips: Gradually move up in stakes as your roll increases, but always set aside a portion of your roll to mitigate risk during inevitable downswings.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online: Online players often need a larger roll relative to table stakes due to higher volume and variance, while live players may manage with a smaller roll due to fewer hands per hour and generally softer fields. You can play poker online to experience different dynamics.
Alternative Names
Bankroll
FAQs
Q: What is a healthy bankroll management strategy for a beginner?
A: Beginners should aim to have at least 20-30 buy-ins for the stakes they wish to play, adjusting as they become more skilled and experienced.
