» Sat Feb 19, 2011 2:45 am
I've only gambled in a casino once, but I played quite a bit of poker and blackjack in the military during informal games in the barracks or in the field. Luck is a part of it, sure, but like Balok said, it is not usually the deciding factor in whether or not you walk away with more money than you sat down with. There are strategies and guidelines for best results in every game of chance, and if you follow them and don't deviate from them, even if you are losing, you can usually come out ahead. Poker especially has very little to do with luck, and is more about skill, and being aware of what possible hands the other players are likely to have. Texas Hold'em especially has a lot of strategy involved.
The important thing with gambling is knowing when to walk away. I always have some limits when I sit down at the table. First, I only bring an amount of money I am willing to completely lose all of. Second, I have a set "leave the table" winning number in my head, and once I have won that amount, I walk away, regardless if I am still winning. Using those guidelines, I can count on one hand the amount of times I have lost money gambling.
Also, it pays to be aware that the house always wins. If you play long enough, you are going to come out behind everytime, because in all the table games like Blackjack, craps, etc. the odds favor the house. Do some simple math, and you know that pushing a winning streak is foolish at those games.
And Balok, that is a sweet set-up. Beats me and my buddies' card table and folding chairs from the closet arrangement!