Does strategy really work when gambling?
I want to talk about something I see on gaming sites a lot – strategy versus a system. Now, to me the difference is simple, but that’s because I have my own definitions for the two. For me a gambling strategy is one that helps me play better and may influence the odds in my favor. A gambling system is a load of bull crap that promises to tilt the universe in my favor and ensure that I can win thousands or even millions at a particular game.
The critical point here is determining the difference between the two. For example, blackjack has a playing strategy that’s based on the card deck and the mathematical probability of going over 21 based on what’s in front of you. Video Poker games have strategies based on trying to land the royal flush while keep winning hands in a 52 card deck. Following these strategies increase your odds of winning. But they don’t promise that you’ll break the bank and hit the news as the next gambling millionaire.
Systems usually promise that. Okay, they don’t promise you front page of the NYtimes, but they tend to guarantee that you can’t lose using their method. And that you’ll make a fortune. And if you look at something like Roulette systems, you’ll find that the folks offering them usually want you to pay money for their fool proof system.
There’s a reason for this. The best way to make money using a gambling system is to get the fools to pay for it. Think about it. If I had a sure-fire gambling system for roulette that guaranteed I’d win thousands whenever I visited the casino, know where I’d be? At the casino winning money! I’m not going to kind-heartedly offer it to you for a small payment of $29.95. Heck no, I’m keeping that a secret and winning as much as I can.
So, just think of the old adage – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Systems always sound too good to be true. Strategy often just sounds like lots of work and memorization to better learn the game.
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