How to work with a small bankroll

Dear Antonio,

I'm having problems making my big break. I only have a small bankroll ($200) to work with and playing micro-limit players is frustrating. Should I practice patience or go for gold by entering tournaments and hoping to finish well?

Thanks for your time,
Andrew

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Hey Andrew,

You've got to grow a bankroll and it does take time. Tournaments can be good because the downside risk is fixed (you can't blow your hole bankroll at once), plus if you hit, you hit big, but of course the odds against you are always long. Play either cash games or tournaments according to your taste, style and strengths. Try not to put more than 10% of your available cash into any one game or tournament at a time. That's how you protect your bankroll. Also, play a fuck of a lot of heads up freeze outs with your friends for just $5 or $10 a throw. That's a great way to get much better fast.

· Antonio