The 1–5% rule
Never stake more than 1–5% of your roll on a single round. 1% is the conservative-pro number; 5% is the upper bound for recreational play. Over 5% and a normal losing streak can wipe you out before variance has a chance to even out.
Math example
Bankroll $500. 2% stake = $10 per round. A 10-round losing streak costs $100 — painful but survivable. 10% stake ($50) on the same streak costs you $500. Done.
Session limits
- Loss cap. Pick a number before you start (say, 20% of your roll). Hit it, walk away. No exceptions.
- Time cap. Tilt loves long sessions. Set a clock, honor it.
- Win cap (optional). Some players cash out a fixed % at a win threshold. Locks in the run.
What "bankroll" actually means
Money you've explicitly set aside for play. Not rent. Not bills. Not your emergency fund. Bankroll is entertainment-budget money — if it vanishes, your life is unchanged.
Stake selection at the table
On Rollit, every table shows its buy-in before you sit. Use the 1–5% rule to filter: a $500 bankroll fits $5–$25 tables comfortably. Higher than $25 and one bad round is a disproportionate hit.
Re-buying after losses
Don't. Re-buying is how recreational players turn a bad evening into a bad month. If you've hit your session loss cap, the round is over. Tomorrow is fine.