I just came back from 4 days in Vegas. I had a goal in mind. I was out to find a table that played well for me and attempt to come away a winner. I played for four days with that one goal in mind. I was going to battle one shot at a time and try to stay focused during the trip. I was going to try starting out slowly and work my way up to a more aggressive approach as I saw the results. I learned several things in the process. I thought I would share them with you. I want to say first that I have been trying to develop my mental approach to the game as well. If this is a little too cerebral for you, stop reading at any time. If not, please feel free to offer your thoughts as well.
I play the Big Skinny rather aggressively, depending on how the dice look and feel. I may go up to four come bets on occasion before I wait to see if anything repeats. The first day I was a little shaky so I held back and played a little more conservative as I had planned. It worked well and I played a couple sessions ending the day plus 150 dollars. I got some of the jitters out and it felt good. I spent a lot of the day scouting out the tables eliminating many (too much bounce or not ideal conditions, usually too many players). The second day I had a couple of nice profitable rolls and started to gain some confidence. I found a couple of tables that I felt I could beat. I went to bed plus 600 for day two.
On the third day I decided with my 401g that I would graduate to the 25 dollar table and see how I handled that mentally. I was alone in the morning at my favorite table and casino with a very helpful crew. I played full odds and had a nice couple of rolls. I cashed out with 2700 dollars more in my pocket. I tipped well and they thanked me for playing. We did have a good time.
Now I would like to tell you what happened to me after that. Because I do learn from my mistakes.
I had not been sleeping well the whole trip. My adrenaline was driving me nuts. I would go to bed at 10 and get up at 4a.m. By day 4 I was exhausted. I didn’t realize it at the time because my adrenaline was telling me to keep pursuing the goal. I started out rolling on the 10 dollar table and was even at the end of an hour. I just couldn’t seem to get anything going. The dice were off. I threw lots of craps dice. Too many 1’s and 6’s coming up. I kept with the plan and went to the 25 dollar table and it just didn’t feel right. It was here that the little guy on my shoulder noticed my heart just wasn’t into it anymore. I couldn’t focus and didn’t have the energy to pursue. I lost about 1500 dollars in two more session before admitting that I was done. There was nothing left in the tank.
I know now that I need to really find some activity that relaxes me and gives me a break from the sensory overload that I experience on a trip like that. I didn’t realize how tired I was until I stopped shooting and said it was enough. It was a good lesson and one I will write down for future reference.
I returned with a nice deposit for my 401 g and learned a couple valuable lessons. I did only play under Ideal conditions (table and crowd wise). I just played too long without proper rest. I did take breaks, but couldn’t relax or sleep.
I went with the goal of winning each day. I didn’t play perfect but I did come home a winner. I had some nice profitable rolls and did have some money winners. I look forward to class in Vegas to get a few steps closer. Good rolling and Happy New Year.
Replies:
Posted by: brothelman on January 5, 2018, 11:19 pm
The partner must understand the game your game and his, like wise with you, you must like to play the same places, eat the same times, and eat the same kind of food to find harmony in the group!
The eating keeps your sprits up because you feeding your endorphins in your pleasure zone of the mind.
Wanting the same food and to eat at the same times provides total harmony between you and your partner.
Two people in the group relives the pressure of having to preform it on your own.
Posted by: Skinny on January 6, 2018, 12:55 am
Another suggestion is to get a second game. Pick one where you can relax without pressure. One that gives you a chance to unwind at a relaxing pace.
I liked Pai Gow Poker. It is a social game, easy to play, one where you can sit and relax. If you have other friends playing with you it can be a lot of fun. But even alone, I would play for hours relaxing, talking with the other players and dealer. It does not require a lot of thinking and it is a slow game that can be played at your pace. I developed a way to play that can even give one an edge when the conditions are right. Even when they are not ideal, it can still be played as an almost even game where the house only has a very slight edge over you.
Video Poker is another game that some folks like where you can get an edge, play basically even or with a very low edge against you. It can be played at your pace and be very relaxing if you do it properly.
Blackjack is another game some folks like. I don’t like it because it can be a very fast game with big swings in either direction. Basic strategy will keep the edge low but you need to count cards in order to get an edge on the house. Speed Count is very easy to learn and perfect with a little bit of practice. But I don’t like the cat and mouse game you have to play when you are counting cards. All the casinos are looking for card counters and they make it difficult to do. I also find, bj does not help to lower the adrenaline which is what I am looking for in a second game. Having said that, it does work well for many folks so it is something to consider.
Posted by: brothelman on January 6, 2018, 7:43 am
Posted by: MrPiP on January 8, 2018, 7:04 pm
Posted by: Dominator on January 9, 2018, 3:14 pm
Having a second game is the way to go. You are attending the advanced class this January and I am teaching Speed Count at it. It is a very small blackjack class and I know you would gain a lot from it and have a game that you can sit and relax with. In August in Vegas, we will be doing Video Poker, another great game to relax
If interested give me a call, I am here all week in the office
Dom
Posted by: Carey1001 on January 9, 2018, 11:25 pm
Posted by: Goddess on January 10, 2018, 10:24 am
Goddess
Posted by: TheLion on January 14, 2018, 3:59 pm
— I hear and understand what you’re saying about the importance of meals — that’s why I assigned Chevy to be in charge of that aspect of the team
