[hachkc]

For limit, I generally adhere to the rule of 20-30 big bets ($2 for a $1/$2 game) as a good buyin. I usually have a bit more in my pocket but if I drop $60 in a 1/2 limit game, might be time to take a break and look at my play.

For NL, I advice against a 100XBB buyin for newer players. I'd probably look at the players and decide how much they'd lose at twice the max buyin. If its a decent chunk of change for most of them, try lowering the stakes or lowering the max buyin. Personally, I like to buyin for around 50-70xBB and leave some buffer money in my pocket.