Deciding buy-in amount for cash game

This might be more of a bankroll question than a strategy question but I thought I would get the best answer in here.

If I am going to play 01/02 for a while ( I usually play $1 SNG) would I want to put down $1 at three tables or $3 at one table? Or some other combination?

Where will i get most value. I know that at the multi table play I will see more hands? But I will also not be able to concentrate on play. Is this the best deciding factor?

Your ability to multi table in more important in this case, imo.

If you don't already multitable, then don't do 3 until you're comfortable with 2. If you already multitable, then do as many as you feel you still play well.


If the rest of the table only has $1 or less, $3 isn't going to make a difference because the effective stack size is $1. On the other hand, if you have a fish with $5, then buy in to have him covered if you can.

I think most people will tell you to always buy in for the max (100BB) to maximize your potential pots. However, buying in for the minimum can have its advantages if you're playing a smart short-stack strategy. The SS game differs from standard ring play, so I wouldn't try it before reading a few articles.

Recently, I regularly bought in for 60BB at the pot limit tables. This was mostly due to bankroll considerations, and the fact that I was playing 4-5 tables at a time. However, as soon as my BR was healthy enough, I began buying in for the max.

If I were you, I'd buy-in for the max at one table. As soon as you start posting a profit at those stakes, you should be able to successfully add 2 or 3 tables without affecting your play too much. Just make sure you're winning first, or you could just end up tripling your losses.

Appreciate reading the comments thanks all and keep em coming

Check the average stack size at the table, some poker rooms calculate it for you. Try to aim for around the average at the very least. If you're at a table with a bunch of guys who have more than the max buy-in and you're planning on buying in for cheap, my advice is don't do it, because you might as well have a target for an avatar.

Why don't you try out the small stack stragety(buy-in with 20 big blinds) . That way you can play at many tables and do not have to buy in with too much money. You just have to be patient and wait for some quality hands and not play typical cash game hands like 10 9 suited.

I have been doing the one table $3 and I thin I am going to give two table 1.50 each a try in a few days to see how it goes.

Keep the replies coming. Lots of great ideas here.

My advice would be to buy in FULL at as many tables as your BR will allow and you are comfortable playing. If that is one table, so be it. But always buy in full.

For the .01/,02 microstakes the ideal buy-in amount would be $2 ..You can start playing 2 tables then increase...Play most your hands in late position

Theres so many bad players at 2NL that not buying in for the full amount (so you can conver all the fish and maximise your profits on your big hands) is like burning money. Seriously, if your any good at poker, know anything about hand values and position then buy in for the full amount and reap the benefits. My advice, start with 5$ on one table, once your comfortable with that move to 5$ on two tables ect and build up.