Buy-In

Detailed Explanation

A buy-in is the initial chip purchase that allows a player to participate in a table game or poker game. In table games, the buy-in simply converts cash to chips at the current value — there is no minimum requirement beyond the table's minimum bet, though most players buy in for a multiple of the minimum (e.g., 20–50 minimum bets) to provide meaningful play time.

In poker tournaments, the buy-in is a fixed entry fee that grants a starting chip stack. Tournament buy-ins include a rake component (e.g., a $100+$10 tournament means $100 goes to the prize pool, $10 to the casino). Players cannot rebuy in freezeout tournaments once eliminated, though rebuy tournaments allow purchasing additional chips during specified periods.

Buy-in strategy affects game experience. Buying in for too little at a cash game (a 'short stack') limits strategic depth and fold equity; buying in for the maximum ('full stack') provides the most flexibility and greatest profit potential with strong hands. Many serious players follow a rule of buying in for at least 100 big blinds in no-limit hold'em cash games.