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Another Year Over.
As each gaming year comes to an end, I always make it a
point to reflect on what the game continues to teach me.
Here is what the last ten years of serious craps
teaching and playing has taught me:
To begin, I have found that it is always a good idea to
regularly review why I am doing what I am doing at the
table. In other words, are the assumptions behind my
decision to play a certain way still valid? I enjoy
employing different betting strategies as much as the
next player, still, one betting approach that proved to
be successful in previous sessions does not always mean
it is valid for use in future sessions. Does using a
particular set guarantee me any type of success over
another mechanical throwing method? Having been involved
with several camps within our dice community for a
significant number of years, I have learned that it is
always good to review the validity of what actually does
works on the craps table versus what should work in
theory. Doing this has saved me a ton of chips.
Next, there is power in just "letting go." When it comes
to elevating my game, I have always felt that the
Buddhists could teach us something about letting go as
we seek any advantage with our play. This philosophy has
a lot to teach about just letting go of what other
people think. To go ahead and temporarily experience a
painful, awkward or "I suck" at this game feeling when
it comes to breaking through toward our next playing
level. What the last several years has taught me is that
in order to have an edge at this game we have to let go
of what no longer serves us. Like a product you would
buy from the grocery shelf, many of us hold on to
practices, associations with players and ideas far past
their "sell-by" date. What worked for us long ago, may
have evolved into or replaced by something more
effective at the table.
Also, players come and go. Too many players are still
stuck in the past. I realize easy and familiar feel safe
in this game, however, as a player you will not
accomplish much. When it comes to players you meet,
remember the often quoted phrase that people come into
our lives for a "reason, season or life time." Each
brings something for us to experience and learn. And,
learning how to let go of outcomes and relationships
whether they be positive or negative is a key element to
our gaming success. Once the gaming session is over,
that experience is over. I've learned to choose my
playmates and gaming sessions wisely.
Since, many view this game as a battle, in that vein;
players should endeavor to pick their "battles" wisely.
When viewing a playing session as a battle, we can push
our boundaries, still, it is better to live another day
to keep fighting a good fight or playing a good game
then say losing all our chips trying to gain back
winnings in just one session. Remember, as players, we
play into the craps "horizon" and every session is
always connected to the next one.
In the grand scheme of things, as I evolve with my
gaming approach and as I go through my life, it is so
important to remind ourselves that "life" on this earth
is truly short. Sometimes one of the benefits of having
a scary illness or a major loss is that it reminds us of
just how much time feels as if it is speeding up and how
important it is to learn from our experiences. As long
as we are in our physical bodies in this life time, we
always have options to make changes if we choose to.
This game has taught me a lot about life and quite a bit
about myself and my behavior in and out of the casinos.
Over time, craps has taught me how to figure out how to
move through my aversion for risk. I have focused on
this issue as it relates to craps for several years and
as a result I have learned what I need to do to minimize
any fear of losing my chips each time I step into the
casino of life.
Have a happy, healthy and abundant new year everyone.
Soft Touch
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Any win is better than any loss … any day. -Pablo- |
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