Learning When to Walk Away

[pokerpokerpoker]

I try to limit sessions to two hours (maximum time allowable by the wife), or 800 credits - which could be $200,$400 or $800.

With a limit of 800 credits, if aces or quad with kicker hits, the worst I will be is even. If they do hit, I leave. If they don't, I will likely bust out well before the 2 hours are up.

Going any deeper than 800 credits means I would need a royal, a big winning streak of smaller hits or AWAK to get back to even.

[Tedlark]

Luck is especially important when playing short term sessions. If I wanted to be a successful long term player I would look to hit something decent short term into the session and then have the discipline to leave. When I do decide to play more after cutting back on work I will be focusing on making small hits (between $200.00-$500.00) a couple times a monthand being happy with that. If I get LUCKY and hit AWAK while playing TDB or hitting a royal then that's even better.

But optimally I will keep my play on the recreational level and not gamble with money that I cannot afford to lose. Any gambling winnings will supplement but losses will be kept minimal to not detract. Don't chase the losses...

[FAA]

I am also a two hour hour drive to my closest casino.Ditto. That seems to be the common travel time. I can do four hours if I was intent to bang during my day trip. But I like to visit two casinos, even if I choose the one next door. That kills some time, as does ordering a shake nearby or just strolling. So maybe 2.5 hours of gambling. I chase quads. Somewhat bummed if I leave with a healthy profit derived without a quad. Sometimes I'm not even happy with two quads, especially if from two coin short play. I recently chased a third. An hour later, it miraculously comes but barely brings me back to what I put in. If I knew it would have been that stressful, I would simply have ordered a nice drink and enjoyed it on the boardwalk. Already up 700% from the pittance I brought. SMH.  

[Tedlark]

But FAA, a profit is a profit. Everyone loves the big hits but I'm also happy if I get dealt a full house while playing 10 play too because it's usually 400- 450 coins.

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=Tedlark]But FAA, a profit is a profit.[/quote] For sure! Playing Cheap Strategy I have come home a winner many times with only wild royals to show for it.  Take it any way you can. 

[olds442jetaway]

I am trying, but may never learn exactly when to walk away. I am getting better though. My preferred approach would be this.....Like Phil, I love to just play and play. When a jackpot hits on your machine, I would love it if the denomination would change to a 1/4 cent game. Same paytable of course. You would not be able to change it, and if security sees you heading for a different machine with your spoils, they immediately escort you to your car with your winnings and grab a coffee/and for you on the way out. The biggest one hangs around the elevator in case you decide to head back in unless it is just to use the restroom.

[Lucky Larry]

   Luck is especially important when playing short term sessions. If I wanted to be a successful long term player I would look to hit something decent short term into the session and then have the discipline to leave. When I do decide to play more after cutting back on work I will be focusing on making small hits (between $200.00-$500.00) a couple times a monthand being happy with that. If I get LUCKY and hit AWAK while playing TDB or hitting a royal then that's even better.

But optimally I will keep my play on the recreational level and not gamble with money that I cannot afford to lose. Any gambling winnings will supplement but losses will be kept minimal to not detract. Don't chase the losses...

Ted,
A couple of quick points. First, I concur that Luck is a crucial element. Second, retirement made a huge difference because now we have more time/opportunity to play but less money to play. No longer do I play the $1 single hand VP - now its $6.50 -$12.50 50 play 5¢.      One because psychologically I need the feel that I've gotten at least something for my Coin In on a play (thus multi-hand) and two I can generally play for hours on a couple of hundred dollars. Keep those pre-retirement investments going.   

[Lucky Larry]

When do you walk away? Not soon enough many times. Like others most of our play is 2 1/2 hours away so we usually play/stay.   Being recreational players we approach gambling as entertainment.   First, we each have our own 401G account and a "Community State" gambling philosophy. If one of us hits big and the other is down we re-fund the other's bank roll. Second, we both play only VP and stay within our own comfort level in our play. Sweet C has a difficult time playing high denominations and high/hand amounts. I'm a little more risky but usually have a larger bank roll since I still work part-time since retirement to help fund our 401G and 401T (travel) accounts.

I have found a few helpful hints that help me though get away. First, I drink lots of water when I play. This helps keep me hydrated and then having to take a break which is usually good for my mental/physical condition. I generally play low volatility DW/DWB games at a high level of accuracy. Finally, if I get up a lot I try to pull a ticket and set aside money to equal my original bank roll so I at least go home with bank roll amount.

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=Lucky Larry]Finally, if I get up a lot I try to pull a ticket and set aside money to
equal my original bank roll so I at least go home with bank roll
amount.[/quote]Great tip!  I use a similar plan, but I try to do this as I play and not just when I am up. 

[FAA]

A profit is a profit is a profit. I somehow became a Quad Snob. Casting pearls before swine. It didn't hurt me last week, but setting a reckless philosophy in motion can be devastating. I could have used the hour much more pleasurably than pining away for the quad.