Play Slow
19 November 2008The one that got away can drive you nuts, but the several that got away should get you thinking about what you’re doing wrong. I had a session at a blackjack table where I had been sitting for a few hours, and my attention span started fading out. It took me a while to notice, but I was starting to play automatically and I was missing opportunities that would have made me good amounts of money. This happens often when I’m gambling for an extended period of time, even during my occasional online poker spurts. Thinking back on it still breaks my heart a bit…it’s just obvious stuff, like splitting tens when the dealer shows a six-I saw my twenty and waved to stand before I saw his up card, then I watched him bust and thought that I could have doubled my substantial bet if I was only paying attention. I’d miss double downs that I should have hit, I’d even hit when I should have stood. Sadly, this happened several times before I realized that my brain had taken a siesta. I took a quick break, grabbed some caffeine at the bar, and came back refreshed and ready to go. This may be harder to do on an online poker table, but keep this in mind and you should be able to follow the same trends there as well. Note to self (and to you guys): Play each hand deliberately, whether its blackjack or pokeren. Be slow and make your moves on purpose. When you get automatic, you start missing details that could save or double your money.
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