Sit & Go (SNG) tournaments are a popular choice for poker players looking for a structured format with manageable variance. Whether you’re playing single-table SNGs or multi-table variations, having the right bankroll strategy is crucial for long-term success. Without proper planning, even the most skilled players can go broke due to downswings and poor financial discipline.

Here’s how to manage your bankroll for Sit & Go play so you can weather variance, build confidence, and steadily climb in stakes.

Why Bankroll Management Matters in SNGs

SNGs offer a relatively stable poker format compared to cash Master Poker Vietnam games or large-field MTTs, but variance still plays a major role. You won’t win every tournament, and even top players experience long stretches of breakeven or losing results.

Bankroll management helps you:

• Survive inevitable downswings

• Play confidently without fear of busting

• Move up in stakes strategically, not emotionally

Without a plan, short-term variance can wipe out your bankroll—even if you’re a winning player.

How Many Buy-Ins Do You Need?

The number of buy-ins you need depends on several factors:

• The type of SNG (regular, turbo, hyper-turbo)

• Number of players (6-max, 9-max, multi-table)

• Your skill level and ROI (return on investment)

• Your risk tolerance (aggressive vs. conservative)

Here are general guidelines for a solid SNG bankroll:

If you’re new to SNGs, always aim for the recommended range rather than the minimum. A deeper bankroll helps you stay in the game during tough swings.

Adjusting Based on Your ROI and Skill Level

A highly skilled player with a consistent positive ROI can manage with a slightly smaller bankroll. However, if you’re a beginner or still refining your strategy, it’s best to be conservative.

• High ROI (10%+): 50–75 buy-ins may be sufficient

• Moderate ROI (5–10%): Stick with 75–100 buy-ins

• Low ROI (<5% or unknown): Use 100+ buy-ins until proven results

Remember, ROI can fluctuate—don’t assume a short-term upswing is a reliable indicator of long-term skill.

When to Move Up in Stakes

A good rule of thumb: move up when your bankroll comfortably supports the next level, and you’ve shown consistent results.

For example, if you’re playing $5 SNGs and want to move to $10:

• Wait until you have at least $750–$1,000 (75–100 buy-ins)

• Ensure you’re beating the $5 level consistently over 500+ games

• Move up slowly—try mixing in higher games while still playing lower stakes

Avoid moving up just because you had a few winning sessions. Patience is key to sustainable progress.

When to Move Down in Stakes

Even skilled players hit losing streaks. Knowing when to move down is as important as knowing when to move up.

Move down if:

• You lose 25–30% of your bankroll

• You’re on a prolonged downswing (e.g., 20+ buy-ins)

• You feel emotionally affected by losses

There’s no shame in protecting your bankroll. Moving down allows you to reset and rebuild confidence.