Kinda on thread, I keep about 40 BI than I start paying my self (and adding to move up). But I have been thinking about short buying at 1/2 for 200 instead of 300 to cut down my variance since its more about making money from small ball not shoving stacks, but shoving stacks happens time to time. So my question is would that be a big -EV trying to avoid allot of variance or am I kidding my self?

I think that's gonna depend on your poker room. When you sit down how many other players have more than $200 in their stack and how often do they go all in?

If you're not doing this as a profession then there aren't really any requirements. Its what you can afford to play with I suppose. I think if you're not doing this to support yourself dont wait till you save $4000 which = 20 BI's for 1/2nl, play with a couple buy ins and try to build a roll. Playing on scared money aside its not going to make a difference if you have 20 or 2 buyins really its not a job for you that you are depending on. The cards arent going to fall any different based on youre risk of ruin. The only other thing is you might consider is psychologically you might play different with less buy ins, like playing on scared money. Other than that Good luck.

BTW As a professional I would probably have more than 20 BI's for a bankroll + a few months of rent/mortgage and cost of living.

Thanks for the link Brain!!! I think I read this a while back, but am not sure 100% sure.

^^^^^^ This, Comfort level.........