In part 1 we learned the basics on establishing your poker bankroll. In part 2 we learned how to properly manage your bankroll as your skills develop. Part 3 will show you how to grow your bankroll.

If your bankroll isn't growing then you're in a bit of trouble. Assuming you've made the adjustments that we've covered in the last two installments, it may be time to step away from the game for a bit. Head down to the club or take a short trip. Maybe you're a watch guy and a trip to the Tourneau store in Vegas is just the fix to pick up a new Bell&Ross (http://www.professionalwatches.com/bell&ross-thumb.jpg). Whatever it is that warrants your attention when you're not grinding it out, you should take breaks as often as possible to clear your head and come back to the table ready to dominate.

So you've got your clammy paws on a decent 'roll and you're just itching to click that buy in button for big 100/200 Limit game on Full Tilt. "Dude, 5 large is a lot of cash and look at these fish playing at this level! I can crush this game as long as these morons don't suck out on me."

Living From Your Bankroll And Rewarding Yourself

I know a TG is playing for much more than pennies but the saying holds true. The more you're able to protect your bankroll from damage, the more you've earned. A True Grinder can't live on the virtual felt forever. Bovada Poker is a great site but it doesn't cook for you, it doesn't fly you around, and it can't pick out a new suit to go with the new watch. Your bankroll has to carry that load; it's only a mechanism that if managed properly, can be a virtual ATM machine. So how do you incorporate this into your poker bankroll management strategy?

Here's the math talk again: Set a budget/goal and treat it as such. We're talking about treats here in this article but food, clothing, and basics are vital as well. This must be a running average of what it takes on a monthly basis to keep your ass alive in living in style. This number must stand on it's own as you can NEVER allow this "buffer" portion of your bankroll to be used as a buy in. So if your bankroll is 10K and it takes 3K a month to pay bills, eat, and party then your net playable bankroll is 7K. Just as important, you must play the appropriate number of hours (based on your tracking system) to earn an equal amount each month. All the while you're ensuring that your 'roll meets the minimum buy in requirement for the game(s) that you play.

So I've Paid Myself And I'm Staring At A New 197 Inch Plasma - Now What?

There's nothing wrong with sticking with a game for a long period of time. If you're happy with the lifestyle that it affords you, take your time and ease into the higher levels. Baby steps are a great idea at this point and will help protect your bankroll from big hits. There's no magical formula here, only advice. TG to TG - It's your call to decide when to move up and grow your bankroll. You can certainly do it staying at the current level you're playing. Just do the math based on your stats and you will come up with a reasonably accurate number (hours played X expected win rate = monthly earnings).

Spend time watching the new game and players where you want to play. Let a good tracking tool such as Poker Office record many hours of play so that you get great stats on your soon-to-be opponents. Take notes and prepare mentally for the new challenge of playing a higher level. Go back and read parts 1 and 2 of this installment, then reread it. If you religiously adopt these philosophies and avoid life tilt, you can and will grow your bankroll and continue your journey to becoming a True Grinder.