Buy-In

A buy-in is the amount of money required to enter a poker game or tournament. In cash games, this refers to the amount of chips you purchase to play with, while in tournaments it's the entry fee plus rake that grants you your starting stack.

Key Points

  • Required entry amount
  • Varies by game type
  • Different rules for cash/tournaments
  • Often expressed in big blinds

Cash Game Buy-Ins

  • Minimum Buy-In:
    • Usually 20-40 big blinds
    • Varies by casino/room
    • Prevents short-stacking
    • Ensures meaningful play
  • Maximum Buy-In:
    • Often 100 big blinds
    • Some games uncapped
    • Prevents predatory play
    • Maintains game integrity

Tournament Buy-Ins

  • Structure:
    • Entry fee + rake
    • Example: $100+$10
    • $100 to prize pool
    • $10 to house
  • Variations:
    • Freezeout (one entry)
    • Re-entry allowed
    • Rebuy periods
    • Add-on options

Example Scenarios

Cash Game: In a $2/$5 NLHE game with 100BB max, you can buy in for up to $500. The minimum might be $200 (40BB).

Tournament: A $1,000+$100 main event means $1,000 goes to the prize pool and $100 is the tournament fee.

Strategic Implications

  • Stack Size Impact:
    • Deep stack play options
    • Implied odds situations
    • Post-flop maneuverability
    • Risk-reward ratios
  • Bankroll Management:
    • Risk of ruin calculations
    • Game selection criteria
    • Stop-loss considerations
    • Proper game selection

Common Considerations

  • Cash Games:
    • Table dynamics
    • Stack-to-pot ratios
    • Top-off rules
    • Short stack strategies
  • Tournaments:
    • ROI potential
    • Re-entry budget
    • Satellite opportunities
    • Structure considerations

Common Mistakes

  • Buying in too short
  • Ignoring table dynamics
  • Poor bankroll management
  • Over-extending in tournaments
  • Not considering rake impact
  • Misunderstanding top-off rules

Understanding buy-in structures and their implications is crucial for both game selection and strategy. Whether in cash games or tournaments, your buy-in amount affects everything from your playing style to your risk of ruin. Always consider the buy-in in relation to your total bankroll and the specific game dynamics you'll encounter.