PLO Bankroll Management: Higher Variance Considerations

## Bankroll Management for Various PLO has significantly higher variance than NLH. The standard deviation in PLO is approximately 100-140 bb/100 compared to 60-80 bb/100 in NLH. This means larger swings, longer downswings, and a greater need for bankroll cushion. For PLO cash games, maintain at least 35-40 buy-ins, compared to 20-30 for NLH. At NL50 PLO, that means $1,750-2,000. At NL100 PLO, maintain $3,500-4,000. These higher requirements reflect the mathematical reality of PLO variance. PLO generates more rake than NLH at equivalent stakes because pot sizes are larger (pot-limit betting plus closer equities lead to bigger pots). This means your PLO rakeback income is higher, which partially offsets the additional bankroll requirement. ## Rakeback and Bankroll Growth Rakeback accelerates bankroll growth by adding guaranteed income on top of your table winnings. At Various, the difference between 27% and 50% rakeback can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars per month in additional income that goes directly to building your bankroll. ## Key Rules - **Never play with scared money.** If losing a buy-in causes anxiety, drop down immediately. - **Track your bankroll daily.** Know exactly where you stand at all times. - **Have clear move-up and move-down criteria.** Set specific bankroll thresholds for changing stakes. - **Factor in rakeback.** Include expected rakeback income when calculating your effective bankroll growth rate. - **Keep poker and personal finances separate.** Maintain a dedicated poker bankroll that is completely independent of your living expenses.