What I share here is not so much a secret as it is overlooked gaming strategies. It seems that there is not much written about these ignored, yet essential frameworks for a successful game.

It reminds me of the enclosed directions when, “some assembly is required.” I tear into the box, barely glancing at the neatly folded step-by-step directions, written in five different languages, and I proceed with the assembly on my own. My spontaneous assembly seemed simple enough, until I discovered a problem nearing completion. I did not put things together in the proper order.

Because I incorrectly snapped a section out of order, I am unable to install key pieces without breaking apart what I have already accomplished. I wasted my time by carelessly ignoring the obvious step-by-step directions.

Unlike taking something apart to install a missing piece, in a casino game, there is not a second chance to reassemble a mistake. A mistake is going to cost the player money.

Discipline: No one can make you play with discipline. Discipline is a self-imposed choice. The person holding the dice or cards is in charge. However, just like the paper directions, discipline is easily discarded.

The casino purposely manipulates the player subtly and blatantly to be distracted with a feeling of euphoria. Emotional self-control is challenged by the casino’s distractions because self-control is essential to successful play. The good news is a player has control of several important aspects.

What elements can you control? You have control of where you play, when you play, how long you play, and if you play. You control how much money you bet, how much money you lose, as well as the playing conditions you accept. Engaging discipline, you have control of these critical pieces for successful gaming.

When you play: You should be at your best, sharp as a tack, and ready to play. Be well rested and mentally prepared to focus on the game. Alcohol is discouraged. Play your game right, and you will win an adequate amount for drinks, dinner, and a show later.

Emotionally, you must be centered, not unbalanced by intimidating environmental influences and peer pressure. Do not play if you are angry or otherwise upset. Play when you have the necessary time allotted for a game, without a time constraint. Playing a game before a flight home or some other appointment constitutes a time constraint. Allow at least a four-hour period for the session.

Once in a game, it’s like an amusement ride, you never know how long a session can take. It can be brief, or you may be in for an enjoyable game. Playing with a restricted deadline can cause undue anxiety tempting you to play a game that you were better off avoiding. There is always a worthy game, and it is your responsibility to find it.

How long to play: The length of a session depends on several factors, stamina, bankroll, and of course, the personality of the game. I have won 43 units in twelve minutes and have played for four hours just getting back to even. The longer you play the more exposure you have to the casino’s odds. Never be timid about accepting a profit. A win is a win.

There are numerous distractions in a casino, all tugging on your energy. I find that after a couple of hours, standing at a craps table, my focus and awareness begins to wane. I take a break at the first sign of fatigue or boredom. The tendency for the weekend warrior is to get in as much action as possible. This is a big mistake. It is better to be patient and have a plan for your sessions with designed breaks. It is better to be selective and cautious, than wishing you had employed more discipline on the flight home. Eliminating losing sessions means playing smarter, not harder.

In the game: Once in a game, notice all things. Be alert to the direction of the game, identifying its personality. Just because you have been in a game for only a brief time does not mean you have to stand there and slug it out in a losing cause. There has to be positive energy and financial encouragement to continue playing. If not, the answer is in your shoes. Have the discipline to walk away. Have the courage to find a better game. Do not allow desperation to affect your desire to play.

How much do you bet: Your bet is a literally a factor of your total buy-in. It is determined by your comfort level with the table minimum. Never engage in games with table minimums greater than your comfort level. Never play over your head financially.

Craps Players who enter a game, without the necessary funds to support their betting style, set themselves up for failure. It is imperative to buy in with enough capital to support the action in order to sustain the intended play. Playing craps requires more capital than blackjack for example. Each bet requires the same financial backing.

When playing craps, think of each bet as a separate investment. As such, each bet has its own appropriate supporting bankroll. I suggest ten times the unit bet for each bet wagered. A $5 pass line player with double odds, who also likes to place bet the six and eight for $12 each, would buy in for $390. ($150 for the pass line bet with double odds and $240 for both place bets.) This buy-in supports the betting with two critical aspects of the game: 1.) Having enough capital invested to engage the game for a reasonable chance at profit. 2.) It provides an acceptable built in “stop loss.” Limiting loss protects the player from ruin. With a dedicated buy-in, the player’s total bankroll is protected from temptation, and the emotional buy-in-bankroll is limited to bankruptcy, which naturally stops the loss.

A player’s total bankroll is the money set aside for gambling purposes. The emotional buy-in-bankroll is the money invested in a game and is at risk of losing.

In the above example, the player is limited to losing $390 and the betting plan is supported with enough funds to make ten set-ups, seeing ten shooters. This gives the investment a reasonably chance to win a hand or two. The maximum price of admission is $390, win or lose.

Without enough funds for the intended betting and reaching into the “pocket” for more cash is known as chasing a loss. Buying in, under-bankrolled, is metaphysically and psychologically a weak strategy. The thought form is scarcity with a fear of losing. The player’s inner voice says, “I don’t want to lose more than $200, but I can always get money from my pocket if I wish to continue.” This is a negative thought, affirming the loss. (It’s the action plan, not just the words thought.) You may be thinking, what is the difference between $200 in the rail with $200 in the pocket and $400 in the rail. I leave you with that thought for the moment.

It is smarter to put it all out, buy in fully capitalized. The buy-in is committed to the win. It’s not a weak promise of maybe baby. Never forget you have the discipline to walk away at any time. You are in control, and you can quit anytime. Walking takes discipline and it is the player’s best defense. Never be afraid to pick up your chips and walk. You do not have to stand there and play it all away. But most importantly, with a proper buy-in, you give your money a reasonable chance with an assured stop-loss.

Buying in for less than the required buy-in, as a precaution, to limit expected losses, makes no sense. (I will only lose $200.) Here’s the question to answer. Why buy into a game timidly, doubting success? Why not find a better game with winning energy instead?

Why buy into a game for only $200 hoping it’s all you can lose? It’s like shooting an arrow straight up into the air to see how close it lands next to you. Why would you want to know the answer to that experiment?

Where you play: Play at a casino you enjoy and one where you feel comfortable playing. It is important to perceive a sense of honoring and appreciation not only from the establishment but from the employees as well. Chasing around for a game burns energy. When I travel, I stay where I like to play. If your action is rated, then you are present for the discounts and comps. Sometimes I stay at Treasure Island. If there is nothing going on there, it is a short walk to my other favorites, the Mirage, and the Venetian. Without too much effort, I am minutes away from three world class casinos. Where you play does make a difference, because gaming should be a pleasurable experience.

Before a game, I always meditate visualizing myself winning, no matter what game I am going to play. I visualize the casino, the gaming table, the position I am playing, winning hands, and scooping up cheques. This piece should be in your session plan.

Listen to your heart, not your head: The hardest part of discipline play is playing with fidelity. The ego, intellect and emotions

Some Assembly Required

tend to override self-discipline. Without self-discipline, it is easy to talk oneself out of what is best and what is true. You find yourself in a profitable game and then someone has a big hand. You have made a handsome profit. You know from experience that a big hand is the exception not the rule. The smart money is coloring up. If you have the discipline to color up, you will have a tidy profit.

However, your mischievous inner voice says, “play longer, you can win more.” An agreement with yourself to quit requires action. Accept what you have won and be comfortable affirming that there is always another game. It is an affirmation of abundance. There are plenty of games. You can only color up winners when you are winning. Walking away is your best asset. Discipline empowers you. Without discipline, you empower the casino. What’s it going to be?

Putting all the pieces together means some assembly is required. Follow the steps of self-control and eliminate needless mistakes. When it comes to gaming, the odds against the player do not allow the luxury of mistakes. Having the discipline to be honest with yourself will always separate you, as a winner, from the losers.