Fixed percentage
Stake = bankroll × fixed %Risk a consistent 1–3% and let the stake resize as your bankroll changes.
Bankroll sizing
Calculate a stake you can stick to.
Choose your method, then use the interactive calculator for the actual numbers.
Open Kelly calculatorQuick answer
What is the 1% rule?
Never risk more than 1% of your total bankroll on a single bet. With a $2,000 bankroll that means a $20 maximum stake. The rule caps drawdowns, keeps variance survivable, and forces stake sizes to shrink automatically after losses.
Used as the default unit size in the calculator below.
Bankroll management methods
Unit-based
1 unit = bankroll × 1%Define a reusable unit, then vary only the number of units you risk.
Kelly criterion
f* = (bp − q) / bSize from your odds and estimated edge; fractional Kelly reduces volatility.
Confidence tiers
Stake = base unit × tierUse small, medium, and large stakes without abandoning a consistent base.
Quick examples+
$1,000 bankroll · 2% fixed
$20 per bet
$1,000 bankroll · 1 unit = 1%
$10 per unit
Kelly result · half Kelly selected
50% of full-Kelly stake
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1% rule in gambling?+
The 1% rule means never risking more than 1% of your total bankroll on a single bet. With a $2,000 bankroll, your maximum stake is $20. It limits drawdowns during losing streaks and automatically scales your stakes down when your bankroll shrinks.
What is a good bankroll for poker?+
A common guideline is 20–40 buy-ins for cash games (e.g. $4,000–$8,000 for $1/$2 with a $200 buy-in) and 50–100+ buy-ins for tournaments, because tournament variance is much higher. Track every session to learn your true win rate before moving up stakes.
How much should I risk per bet?+
Flat staking of 1–2% of bankroll per bet is the standard conservative approach. Kelly-based sizing risks more when your edge is bigger, but most practitioners use half or quarter Kelly to reduce variance. Never increase stakes to chase losses.
What is the Kelly Criterion?+
The Kelly Criterion is a formula for bet sizing that maximizes long-run bankroll growth: f* = (bp − q) / b, where b is the odds received, p the win probability, and q the loss probability. Because full Kelly is volatile, half or quarter Kelly is common in practice.