Gambling Psychology 

  by Brian Osborne

Gambling psychology for most people conjures up images of stony faced poker players and their habits and actions (tells) that suggest the value of the cards they are holding.

I contend that there is much more to gambling psychology. When we look at successful gamblers, they all have a sound money management strategy, a sound game strategy, a high level of game skills, distinctive presentation and when appropriate, the ability to psyche their opponents.

You may contend that that some of these aspects of gambling do not involve psychology. I disagree.

The sound money management strategy allows the successful gambler to recover from a number of consecutive loosing gambling sessions. Especially in poker, opponents notice these things and the ability to bounce back has a subtle psychological effect on opponents. This also allows you to approach the next session in a better frame of mind than what you would otherwise be in because you know that if you should loose again, you still have adequate reserves to try again multiple times.

Without a sound game strategy you will be taken to the cleaners regardless of the game you play or where you play it. A sound strategy simply requires you to play the game to take advantage of all the favorable bets and to avoid those bets where the house has an unreasonable advantage.

This allows you to play with confidence because once your strategy has been tested and proven, you know that when you win, your winnings will be reasonable to quite good and on those occasions when you loose, your losses will be relatively modest.

Your game skills give you the confidence to adhere to your strategies when under pressure so that you maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. If your game stresses you unduly, either find a game with lower limits or a different game that you find less stressful. If that is not possible, then it is time to find another past time.

Your distinctive presentation sends a message to your opponents. That message is dependant on where and with whom you play. Many years ago, I worked as a ringer (cowboy) and long wearing western shirts, jeans and polished riding boots have been both my preferred work and casual wear ever since. In the city, that gives me the image of a hay seed (hillbilly). At the poker tables, that's great because most of those who do not know me personally will tend to assess me as an inexperienced and poor player.

To me these are the unnoticed aspects of gambling psychology that all combine to build your personal confidence and allow you to exude confidence during your gambling session.

Virtually everyone has heard about poker "tells" even if they do not really know what they are. Tells are the subtle signs that others pick up on that give them a good idea as to the strength of our poker hand. Hiding these tells from your opponents, requires a great deal of acting skills and practice especially when you suddenly find yourself sitting on a good full house or a royal flush.

I recall playing against this stony faced guy who hardly moved or spoke for hours when suddenly the artery on the side of his neck started jumping like he had just run a marathon. He obviously had a hand that he found very exciting. Whilst he could control his voluntary actions, he could not control his involuntary actions. All those who could see that side of his neck folded in turn. If he had come dressed as 'dandy' complete with a cravat, no one may have noticed his obvious excitement and his pot would have been much bigger.

This incident vividly illustrates the visible aspects of gambling psychology.

Lastly, I thought I should do some research to see what the experts have to say about gambling psychology. After a few hours, of reading those papers, the overwhelming thrust was that we were all exhibiting the early signs of abnormal behavioral patterns and if caught early, the problem could respond to treatment. Unfortunately, there are some in our midst where gambling has become a problem.

I make a point of never gambling when cash is short because it has been my sad experience that whenever I have gambled in those situations, I have almost always lost and such losses are doubly painful. I have always won most whenever I could well and truly have afforded the loss. Being cashed up removes the stress and reduces the mistakes one makes when playing overly cautiously.

To the intelligent gamblers in our midst who have sound strategies in place and who never bet more than they can afford to loose, I say work on the psychological aspects of your game to improbe your edge and Good Luck at the Tables!

About the Author

Brian Osborne is the webmaster at http://wwww.winnersrun.com a website focusing on Gambling Strategy

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Roulette Systems And Odds Of Success  

by sacha tarkovsky

On the internet you will see lots of roulette systems and the opportunity to make huge sums of money consistently by following them.

Here we will look at the facts in realtion to roulette systems.

Roulette systems using the past to predict the future

All roulette systems are based upon the fact that past data can be used to predict what the odds of future spins are likely to be.

Roulette systems are trying to predict the odds of success.

The problem here is that a roulette ball does not have a memory and every spin is independent of every other spin.

This makes it impossible for roulette systems to be of any use in predicting the outcome of future spins.

If roulette systems have no data to work with, how can you have a mathematical system at all.

Roulette odds

The fact that the ball has landed on black 23, or even 103 times in a row does not mean that the chances of landing on red have increased. The odds remain the same there 50 50.

This is the fundamental flaw with any roulette system:

If past data is of no use in predicting the future a mathematical system cannot be applied.

Roulette systems play long enough and you will win in the end.

Some roulette systems work on the logic of increasing bet size after a losing bet until you win. This is referred to as a negative progression System.

The logic behind this type of betting system is it assumes that in every session, the player will be able to leave on a win, if he plays long enough.

The most well known of these systems is the Martingale system.

In theory it sounds fine, but in practice it can be very expensive and does not work, unless you have unlimited bankroll.

Regardless of this a player would lose over time anyway but, the casino gives itself protection by restricting the number of consecutive bets on all roulette tables.

Roulette systems increase bet size when you are hot

Another method roulette system method of betting is referred to as positive progression or more commonly referred to as pyramiding, or letting a profit ride.

Players gamble more aggressively with money they have won, in order to win bigger paybacks.

The downside of these systems remains, the player needs to keep winning and the odds are always against this.

In our view if you have made some money bank it.

You can never beat the house edge The house edge is there before a player applies a roulette system and it is there after he applies a roulette system.

This house edge means that over the longer term the house will make money.

The player may have periods where they can be up, but the odds are in favor of the casino longer term and the player is always destined to lose over time.

This applies to any game of chance. There is no way the house can lose and there is no point in trying to beat something you mathematically can't and this includes using roulette systems.

Roulette put things in perspective

If you want to make money the answer is no, as card games such as blackjack and poker offer you a far better chance of success.

If on the other hand if you want a fun, exciting game for entertainment, then roulette has a lot to offer and incidentally the odds are not as bad as people think, if you know how to bet.

About the Author

More on roulette and other casino games

for more on roulette systems and how to get the best odds in all casino games visit:

www.net-planet.org/gaming.html.

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 Buying Poker Chips Clay, Custom, And Casino Chip Sets
by J Finney

If you're in the market for poker chips, it's a good idea to get the chip which best suits your needs. Poker chips come in varying weights and are made from different types of materials. The intended use should be the primary factor taken into consideration while making your poker chip purchase.

Poker chips come in different sizes which are measured by weight in grams. The most popular chip used in casinos is the 11.5 gram chips which are 39mm in diameter. These poker chips are used for their pleasing weight and size, plus they are not the most expensive poker chips on the block. With the amount of handling and abuse poker chips suffer, casinos would rather not shell out the extra money for the most expensive poker chips.

Actually, who could blame the casinos for wanting to reduce the costs involved in keeping an item which can be put in the players pocket and taken from the casino? Collecting poker chips is growing in popularity, so logically the amount of poker chips leaving the casino premises would also be on the rise.

If you're in the market for a regular game night with your friends type of chip, you may want to go with a less expensive poker chip yourself. If that is the case, then you have the option of going with the low budget ABS plastic poker chip. If you're intent is to impress your friends, or have a local charity poker night gala, then you may opt for the next step up the ladder which is the mother-of-pearl chip. The mother-of-pearl chips are also referred to as ‘plaques'.

The clay chip is next in line, and most of them are made of ABS plastic with a metal insert to give it an extra bit of weight, which makes for a more pleasant feel to the hand. Some clay poker chips are made of a ‘clay composite', and are what is currently considered to be the top of the line in poker chips.

A new poker chip to make it on the scene is called ‘Nexgen', which is made up of a type of clay composite material with a metal insert added to give it a weight of either 13gm or 15gm. It is yet to be seen whether this new poker chip will become the next favorite among avid poker players, or become the new choice for casinos.

You can purchase poker chips at novelty stores, online auctions, casinos and online gaming and hobby stores. Of course the price you pay for your poker chips will depend on the type of chips you choose, and the vendor. Before buying any of the higher end poker chips you should always do your research, and also ask other poker players where they purchase their poker chips.

About The Author:
Read online poker room reviews at http://www.poker-reviews-online.com and get caught up on the latest poker tournament news at http://www.poker-weblog.com.

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 Best Online Poker Rooms Reviewed: Free Tips For Players

by J Finney 
  
 
Finding a good place to play poker is a must. If one is to play online for large stakes then they are going to want to find a poker room that's going to deal them decent hands when it counts. Some poker sites constantly deal crappy hands that can keep a player down on his luck.

Paradise Poker is a great online poker room. Some people know this site as the "World's Premier Online card room", On this site there are constantly tournaments going on and a player will always find some high stakes game to enter. People have mentioned that this game has the most pleasing graphics and yet it is not crowded with all sorts of unnecessary icons. For those players worried about the security of their money, Paradise Poker has shuffle card reviews from a highly recommended company, Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Poker Stars never have a time where there is not a large tournament going on that anyone can enter. Popular with most of the free roll players, the site offers some enjoyable aspects to the programming. Although the site, itself can appear rather chaotic with the extensive graphics that people can use as their icons.

Ultimate Bet may not have the financial status to back it up, but it certainly has a few well-known players such as Annie Duke, Russ Hamilton and Phil Hellmuth. One great aspect about this room is that it includes a rather nice feature where players can minimize their gaming table on the screen, allowing them to play multiple tables easier.

Most of the time, Ladbrokes has encounters worth watching, and for added reliability they are connected with the Hilton Group. Sponsoring a huge tournament in Europe where they don't accept US players is an annual competition known as the Ladbrokes Poker Tournament. Although the software is nothing extraordinary, it can still provide one with hours of poker entertainment.

Poker Room has a variety of options. Of those include multi-table tournaments, as well as Texas Hold'em, 7 Card Stud, Omaha, Hold ‘em as well as a host of other casino games. For those players worried about viruses, don't be, there isn't a download is needed to game on Poker Room. With the addition of a good links section, players are allowed to play a free roll with play money, which includes tournaments.

Prima Poker is more of a group of poker sites rather than a single room and boasts a minimal wait time before a game is available. With twenty-one sites from which they use to collect players for a game, it doesn't matter where you connected to the site from, there will be a game started.

Full Tilt is another great online poker site. Although the graphics may appear slightly childish, Full Tilt's interface can be a lot of fun, especially if the cards aren't flopping your way. With Team Full Tilt, this site boasts some of the best players in the game, including Erik Seidel, Jennifer Harman, Howard Lederer, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Phil Ivey this site has earned its bragging rights.

Relatively new to the scene is Hollywood Poker. Unlike any other site, Hollywood Poker allows players to game along side some of their favorite actors including James Woods, the official spokesperson. The graphics aren't anything special; however, they do offer a cornucopia of options allowing players to maximize their experience.

About The Author:
Visit http://www.poker-reviews-online.com/ for online poker room reviews and http://www.poker-weblog.com/ for poker tournament news.

Copyright J Finney - http://www.poker-weblog.com/
 

Posted by metula at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

5 Texas Holdem Tips!  

 by James Obrian

Texas hold Em tips!

Texas Holdem Tip #1

Don't Fall In Love With Your Start

Another very hard lesson to learn. Who doesn't find it nearly impossible to fold two queens, or AKs? Or even a pair of tens? Who doesn't hate the idea of folding on the turn after flopping two pair? Or a set? Everyone wants to see these great starts to the river. Problem is, there are other people in the game. Though it may make your eyes light up when you get top pocket cards, or have three of a kind after the flop, these hands are no guarantee of winning. Failing to re-evaluate the strength of your hand at every step of the way is a sure way to lose a lot of money.

Texas Holdem Tip #2

Stop To Think

Too often players act without thinking, getting carried away by emotion instead of considering a bet calmly and rationally. This happens especially in live poker, where you may feel vaguely defined urges not to "be a coward," "take a shot," or "to go big." These urges often are setting you up to lose. Texas holdem tip always, when confronted with a big decision, pause to review your reaction, your instinct. Very often our natural instincts need to be rerouted into poker instincts. For the beginner, this process involves a full stop, and an open-minded consideration of the situation. Good players feed on the "natural reactions" of the less skilled. So don't react. Think.

Texas Holdem Tip #3

Consider The Pot

Something I often see, but will never understand, is players using all-in bluffs to win tiny pots. This, to me, is the height of bad poker playing. Pot odds are a huge part of the game. When you're taking a risk, you want to be entirely sure you'll be justly rewarded for it. That's why some players can make a living at holdem. They know the odds, and know consistently staying in on gigantic pots, and quickly giving up small pots, will pay off in the end. This concept is closely tied to expected value (EV). These good players may lose the big pot nine out of ten times, but the tenth time more than pays for the other losses. Factor the current and potential size of the pot into every decision you make.

Texas Holdem Tip #4

Strong Players Bet Big On BIG Hands

This is why they're strong players. If you've made your hand, and are up against a tight player who's raising you big, take a good look at the board. Possible flush, straight, full house? Chances are she's hit something. The best players bet big when chances are very slim that they can be beat. This means you should very often take their implicit advice and get out--especially as a beginner. Unless you've got the nuts, or near it, yourself, that is. In that case, raise the hell out of them.

Texas Holdem Tip #5

Be A Rock, Except...

This is the best texas holdem tip I can give you. Being a rock is a very good way to start out. Though it may seem unexciting to some, who long for the high-stakes stack-pushing (highly edited) drama of the TV-poker world, poker is a game of inches. A waiting game. Throwing 80% of your hands, at least, is the only way to win in multi-player games. Bet only on the best hands, semi-bluff very occasionally, and bluff almost never. This is a winning recipe against 90% of the poker players you'll meet at low-limit tables. As a beginner, consider yourself a hunter sitting calmly in a blind, waiting hours for prey to fly overhead. If you go the other way, take your shotgun and go walking around in the jungle, very often you'll get eaten by a lion.

About the Author

James O'Brian is a writer and a avid texas holdem player. He owns Texas Holdem Advisor located at: http://www.TexasHoldemAdvisor.com and has launched an unbelievable offer for a free 105 page in-depth ebook on Poker Strategy, absolutely Free. Free Holdem Poker eBook

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Blackjack Card Counting - Is It Worth It? Well It Probably Won't Make You Rich!   by sacha tarkovsky

Can you make a lot of money using basic strategy and blakcjack card counting?

If you think about it, the odds are not as good as they may seem.

Here's why..

Basic Strategy

The house edge can be diminished to just less than 1%, if the player uses basic strategy.

Blackjack card counting is then supposed to put the odds really in favor of the player, but does it do it enough to make it worthwhile?

You can play with a small advantage with basic strategy, now lets look how much better we can make the odds with blackjack card counting.

The Myth Of Card Counting

Blackjack card counting was introduced by an IBM computer scientist, Edward O. Thorp who published "Beat the Dealer" in 1962.

The book introduced card counting to a global audience and many were attracted to its logic and method.

Essentially the blackjack card counting Thorpe introduced considered the ten-valued cards and the Aces as "positive", and the cards 2 to 6 as "negative". If the net result in the remaining deck was positive, the player must increase the bet size.

The method had visible results when only one deck was used and very few cards remained in the deck.

You won't get rich card counting!

The casinos now use multiple deck blackjack decks which make the number of cards coming out more and the odds of card counting working decline.

Let's make an assumption

That blackjack card counting, realistically CAN give a 1.5 - 2% advantage to the player over, with the advantage of a single deck, so things can only get worse on games with more decks or unfavorable rules.

1.5 - 2% is a narrow margin if you are trying to make a good income out of it, for the effort involved!

Card counting is NOT a predictive theory

The fact is, blackjack card counting is not a predictive theory as many novices believe; it simply tries to crudely calculate the odds of cards coming out of the pack.

There are huge number of permutations of cards coming out, so even if the odds are in your favor, doesn't mean you are going to win! You need to play for a long time for the odds to even themselves out.

Of course, over a long period of time (and I mean long) things will even themselves out, but there will be a lot of ups and downs in between of equity to smooth out.

If you think about it, when the best advantage you can get is up to 2% in a best case scenario, are you going to make enough money to make the effort you put in worthwhile?

Do the maths and figure it out for yourself.

There is not enough room in this article to cover all the mathematics, but it's a lot of effort for a very small return overtime.

Don't waste your time blackjack card counting

If you want to make big money in relation to effort, you need another game where you can increase your advantage to a level where you can earn BIG money and this means competing directly against other players

A better return for the effort

So forget blackjack card counting and learn poker.

Why?

Not only can you calculate odds and have a strategy, you also have a lot of ways to get the better of your opponent through psychological strategy and win big.

keep in mind, you don't even have to have the best hand to win!

Poker presents a better challenge and a better opportunity to win Big Money.

How many rich card counters have you heard of?

If you believe that there are blackjack card counters who have made huge money, search the net and see how many you find with substantiated winnings.

Next, try a search against poker players who have made a fortune and you will see for yourself.

Find out more about casino games and getting a playing edge...

For more on blackjack card counting, tips, strategies and free e-zines on all casino game, go to http://www.net-planet.org/gaming.html

About the Author

Find out more about casino games and getting a playing edge...

For more on blackjack card counting, tips, strategies and free e-zines on all casino game, go to http://www.net-planet.org/gaming.html

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