Buy-in
Rules Level · Beginner Aliases: entry fee, table buy-in
A buy-in is the amount paid to join a game or tournament in exchange for starting chips.
What is Buy-in
A buy-in is what a player pays to enter a cash game or a tournament. In a cash game it converts into chips you can use, usually within a minimum and maximum. In a tournament it buys a fixed starting stack, and the fee may be split between the prize pool and the operator’s service charge. The buy-in is not the blind level, and tournament chips do not convert back to cash at face value. Re-entries create multiple buy-ins that all count toward your total cost, not just the last entry fee. Set a budget you can absorb before choosing a level, and judge bankroll safety across the whole event rather than on a single buy-in.
On the felt
TableCash games and tournaments
PositionBefore sitting or registering
FlopBefore play begins
ActionPay the required amount for cash chips or a starting stack
Example
A tournament advertised as 100+10 usually means 100 goes to the prize pool and 10 is the service fee. The exact split and the starting stack follow the event's own announcement.
Common mistakes
- Thinking tournament chips convert to cash at face value. They only determine your stack and your finishing position.
- Judging a buy-in by the single entry amount. In a re-entry event, every entry has to be counted together.
Related terms
Ante
An ante is a forced chip contribution made before each hand, by every player or by the big blind.
Blind
A blind is a forced bet posted before cards are dealt, by a designated position, to start the action.
Heads Up
Heads up means only two players remain, either at the table or in the pot.
Rake
Rake is the fee a card room takes from the pot or from tournament entries to run the game.
Showdown
A showdown is when the remaining players reveal their cards after the last bet to compare their best five.
Bad Beat
A bad beat is a hand that was a heavy favourite when the chips went in but lost to an unlikely runout.