Minimum Buy-In
The minimum buy-in is the least amount that you can start a game with. Cash games and tournaments have a minimum.
The simple explanation
If the minimum buy-in is $40, you cannot sit at the table with less. Many games also have a maximum.
A closer look
The minimum buy-in is usually a number of big blinds, such as 20 or 40. A small stack plays differently from a deep one, so the minimum sets the lowest depth. Some players buy in for the minimum to limit risk, but short stacks are at a disadvantage.
A practical example
A $1/$2 game has a minimum buy-in of $40 and a maximum of $200.
Full explanation
The minimum buy-in is the least amount that you can start a game with. Cash games and tournaments have a minimum.
The minimum buy-in is the least you can start with.
It is often a number of big blinds.
There is usually a maximum.
Short stacks are at a disadvantage.
Alternative spelling: Minimum Buy In, Minimum Buyin, Min Buy-In