Are some players really luckier than others, or does it just seem that way?
Psychologists at Stanford University say “good luck” and success in life usually stems from certain attitudes. They identified five “luck factors” – every one of which can be applied to precision craps shooting and winning. Let’s look at them:
- An open mind. Focus on the possibilities, not the impossibilities. Exercise your natural curiosity and learn. In every Axis Power Craps seminar we do around the country there is at least one person who is attending the class purely out of curiosity. These individuals are not precision shooters. Many of them have never even attempted a controlled toss. Yet they are open to the possibility that the outcome of the dice roll can be influenced. They are willing to take a small risk in order to possible reward.
- Persistence. Everyone has ups and downs but if you persistently follow your goal and handle disappointment without losing control of your emotions you will do well. For would-be precision shooters, that means practice. Practice quick-setting the dice so you can do so without drawing attention from the pit crew. Practice gripping the dice quickly and gently lofting them down the table. Practice betting strategies to capitalize on your signature trends.
- Flexibility. Although you have a specific goal in mind when you enter the casino be open to variations and new ideas. Recently we added a new dimension to our precision dice shooting seminars. We began teaching players how to shoot from the Don’ts. In the past precision shooters have always been concerned with reducing the number of sevens they toss and having long hands. This new strategy turns that concept on end. Why not have the power of the seven working for you instead of against you? Why not play on empty tables and shoot from the Don’ts? You will still get the dice back quickly. And since you are shooting from the Don’ts you get virtually no casino heat.
- Positive Thinking. Maintaining a positive energy level around the table is critical to winning. Yet every time you go into the casino you’ll hear someone say, “I’m just going to play until I lose these last few chips – then I’ll be ready to leave.” That sort of negative energy is contagious and should be avoided whenever possible. Likewise, if you have had painful experiences in the past, focus on what you gained from them – not what you lost. Like the great Yogi Berra said, “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” It you are going to be a winner you need to think – and ACT like a winner. Which gets us to our last luck factor.
- Risk taking. There is risk in everything you do in life. Eating in an unfamiliar restaurant. Driving to the corner store. Walking across the street. Did you know that the number one cause of tourist deaths in Las Vegas was jay walking? Of course, it’s silly to risk your life by crossing against the light. Yet taking risks makes us more resilient. And to be a consistent winner you have to take risks. Learning when and how to take a risk is one of the major factors in living a charmed life.
Personally, I’d like to add one more luck factor to the Stanford list. Consistency. If you consistently do the right things – luck will follow.
September 2, 2015