Reasons You Should Use a Backer for Poker Tournaments

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We spoke about why you should avoid getting staked in online poker tournaments. While that is not the most popular topic of discussion amongst poker players, this week we will take the opposite viewpoint.

Poker staking is a common practice, particularly amongst tournament players. Some players will avoid using a backer in poker games due to some of the reasons I mentioned last week, but there are indeed advantages of using a backer. This week, we will give you a few reasons why using a back is a good idea.

Backing Helps to Reduce Bankroll Variance

The most commonly used reason by poker players for using a back is to reduce bankroll variance. Regardless of the level that you’re playing at, tournament poker is expensive. If you play in $200 tournaments once a day, you are looking at $2,000 to $4,000 or more in buy-ins per month depending on how frequently you play.

Even online poker can be expensive. If you play $10 tournaments, and average three a day, you are looking at $600 per month. For those playing every day, you could be spending up to $1,000 a month. Imagine the money players are spending online that play 10, 20, or 30 tournaments a day.

Keep in mind that the average tournament player will only cash in out 3 or 4 out of ten tournaments they play. If they aren’t making the top three or winning events, they are likely losing money.

With a backer, your bankroll will not be drained nearly as fast as if you are doing it yourself. While you won’t win as much money when you win, you also will not decimate your bankroll when you’re not playing well.

You May Be Able to Play in Bigger Games

Whether it’s bankroll management problems, fear of downswings, or simply life expenses, some people cannot move above a certain level. A backer can help you play in bigger games, which can lead to broader horizons for your poker career.

Let’s say you play $500 tournaments and are fairly successful, but you cannot move up to $1,000 tournaments and keep the same lifestyle you’re enjoying. A backer can help put up those funs and help you retain your bankroll.

Players at lower limits will often get backing into World Series of Poker events because they cannot afford the high cost of the tournaments. They may have the ability to compete, but their bankroll cannot sustain the expense. A backer can help you take shots at high levels and if you’re able to win or make a few final tables, you could significantly boost your bankroll.

Networking Opportunities

Something that poker players often don’t consider is the potential networking opportunities gathered through backing. When a poker player is successful enough to secure a backer, they are often introduced to others through that backer. This can range from other players being backed to other potential backers.

It’s not uncommon for players in a backer’s stable to form friendships and bonds that can help you further your poker career. It also helps get your name out there. Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. This applies in poker the same as life. Of course, if you’re performing well, other people will take notice and this could open up further opportunities for you as a poker player.

So Which is the Best Course of Action?

After looking at both sides of backing, you may wonder which course of action is best. This depends on your goals as a poker player. For some, the best course is to manage your bankroll and move up on your own. For others, a backer could be the missing ingredient to getting your poker career launched.

As with anything else in poker, you need to honestly evaluate your play, your lifestyle, and the reasons you want a backer. Then make the decision that’s +EV for you.