$1/$2 no-limit hold'em is the most popular live cash game in the world, and the first question most players ask is how much money they need to play it seriously. The short answer: between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on your buy-in size and how much risk you're comfortable with.
Start with your buy-in
Bankroll rules are measured in buy-ins. A standard full buy-in is 100 big blinds, which is $200 at $1/$2. Many casinos allow buying in for up to $300 or more; if you always buy in for the max, use that number instead.
How many buy-ins for $1/$2?
| Approach | Buy-ins | $200 buy-in | $300 buy-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 40 | $8,000 | $12,000 |
| Moderate | 30 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Aggressive | 20 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
Live $1/$2 games are usually softer and less swingy than online games of the same stakes, which is why many recreational players get away with 20 buy-ins. Players who rely on poker income, or who can't easily reload, should stay at 30–40.
Recreational players can use less
If you have a steady income and play a few times a month, your "bankroll" can be smaller because you can top it up from your salary. The rule that matters most is simple: never play with money you need for bills, rent or savings.
When to move up to $2/$5
A $2/$5 buy-in is typically $500. With a 30 buy-in rule you'd want $15,000 before moving up full-time. Many players take a "shot" earlier: they set aside 3–5 buy-ins to try the higher game and move back down if they lose them.
When to move down
Decide your move-down point in advance — for example, if your bankroll falls below 20 buy-ins for your current stake. This is the rule players break most often, and it's the one that keeps them in the game.
Check your own numbers
Use the free poker bankroll calculator to see exactly how many buy-ins you have and the biggest game you can play. If you know your win rate and standard deviation, the risk of ruin calculator gives an even more precise answer.
Track it so you know it
A bankroll only works if you track it. Log every session — including losing ones — so you always know where you stand. Read more about poker bankroll tracking and our full bankroll management guide.