Spin and Go tournaments are fast-paced, high-variance formats that attract both recreational and professional poker players. The allure of large prize pools from small buy-ins makes them exciting—but also financially risky. Proper bankroll management is essential to survive the swings and build long-term profit in this unpredictable format.

Why Bankroll Management Matters in Spin and Go

Spin and Gos are lottery-style tournaments with randomly assigned prize pools. While most spins award smaller multipliers (e.g., 2x or 3x the buy-in), there are occasional high jackpots. This unpredictable structure leads to high variance, making it easy to go on long downswings, even if you’re a skilled player.

Without a solid bankroll plan, these swings can quickly deplete your funds. Proper bankroll management allows you to weather variance and continue playing with confidence.

Choosing the Right Bankroll Strategy

A good rule of thumb for Spin and Go players is to maintain 100 to 300 buy-ins for the stakes you’re playing. The ideal number depends on your experience level, win rate, and comfort with risk.

• Recreational players: 50–100 buy-ins may be acceptable if you’re playing for fun.

• Grinders with moderate risk tolerance: Aim for 150–200 buy-ins.

• Professionals or risk-averse players: 250–300+ buy-ins is safer for handling extreme variance.

Adjusting Stakes Based on Bankroll Size

Dynamic bankroll management means adjusting your stakes based on your current bankroll size. If your bankroll drops below the safe threshold, move down in stakes to protect your funds. As your bankroll grows, move up cautiously, ensuring you maintain proper buy-in coverage.

This approach protects against busting your bankroll and gives you room to recover during downswings.

Tracking Results and Win Rate

To manage your bankroll effectively, you need to track key performance indicators:

• Win rate (ROI): Return on investment helps determine how profitable you are at each stake level.

• Volume: The number of games you play affects your ability to realize your win rate.

• Standard deviation: This measures how much your results fluctuate and influences your required bankroll.

Using poker tracking software can help you analyze trends and adjust your strategy or stakes as needed.

Avoiding Tilt and Emotional Spending

Spin and Go swings can be brutal, often leading to emotional decisions and “tilt” spending. Having a clear bankroll plan helps you detach emotionally from short-term results. If you’re running bad, take breaks, review your play, and stick to your staking rules.

Treat your bankroll like a business account, not a gambling fund. Emotional discipline is just as important as skill at the tables.

Diversifying Play and Income Streams

Relying solely on high-variance formats like Spin and Gos can strain your bankroll. Consider mixing in other game types—like cash games or standard Sit & Gos—to smooth variance. Some players also use rakeback, bonuses, or coaching to supplement their poker income and reduce pressure on their bankroll.

FAQ

How many buy-ins do I need to play Spin and Gos safely?
Most serious players should have at least 150–300 buy-ins for the stake level they’re playing. This buffer protects against downswings and ensures you can keep playing during variance-heavy stretches.

Should I move up in stakes after a big Spin and Go win?
No, a single big win doesn’t guarantee long-term success at higher stakes. It’s better to gradually move up as your bankroll and skill level improve, while maintaining proper buy-in coverage.

How do I know when to drop down in stakes?
If your bankroll falls below your minimum buy-in threshold (e.g., 150 buy-ins for your current stake), drop down to a lower level. This reduces financial risk and gives you space to rebuild.