The cost of playing under stress and with inadaquate sleep

BradRod

Well-Known Member
I keep a journal of my play. In assessing my play for the year recently I found an interesting relationship.

I have played 685 hours since Jan 1. This averages to 25 hours per week. In my assessment I grouped my play into overall uninterrupted winning streaks, overall uninterrrupted losing streaks and streaks of great variation over time. 4 major winning streaks, 4 major losing streaks and 2 major floundering streaks.

My average hours of play/ week for the winning streaks - 16.75, 14.33, 20.89, 11.67. All below my overall average.

Average hours of play/ week for the losing streaks - 26, 40.25, 69.09, 51.34. All above my overall aerage.

Average hours of play/ week for the floundering streaks - 27.25, 35 All above my overall average.

I think that a greater number of hours played per week reflects on longer play without rest or playing through the night often. It also brings greater stress to the game from neglected personal and business relationships and matters.

I am often aware of the futilty that I have felt in playing a hopeless game when I have been playing too long, getting irritated by other players, smoke, etc. And have thought that it usually takes me alot longer to lose a lot of money than it does to win it.

Maybe the distraction or fatigue leads to greater counting errors that I am not aware of at time. I know there are times that I play much longer into poor shoes than I should and this usually seems to occur when I playing for too long a stretch at a time. Also I know that I make bets that are way too large for the count. I call these impulse betting or capitulation betting. Generally I am aware when I start to let my discipline slip and again these are usually in the wee hours or after long hours of play.

Could it be that I have found empirical proof this phenomena in my journal results ?
 

Tom

Well-Known Member
Wicked sessions

One thing I've definitely noticed after evaluating my play(several years ago)was 2/3 of my longest sessions were losers. I correlate this problem from being too aggressive when losing and trying immensely to get my damn money back. After these terrible sessions I used to be exhausted and frustrated. I once lost 3 months of EV in one devasting day. I no longer make these mistakes (or try avoid) and actually bet on the conservative side when my bankroll starts taking a bad hit while patiently riding out the storm. I have made some tremendous comebacks using my strategy. If you get tired (or a headache) just take a break or quit for the day regardless if you're winning or losing.

The losing streaks(per hour) you posted are way higher than the winning streaks,are you winning or losing overall? You said you're losing sessions take longer. What do you mean by that,are you saying your longer sessions are losers or the casino is slowly getting the money when you lose? By looking at the results you posted, it appears the casinos are taking big chunks rather quickly, not slowly.

Good luck,
Tom
 

BradRod

Well-Known Member
libraries are the countriesgreat democratic institutions

I was checking my e-mails while I am away for 2 days of playing. I always check out the local places to eat, local parks or water fronts - for those breaks from playing, and the local library- where I find my computer access. Major hotels are pretty good also but not as predictable. So, I am not able to answer all of your questions until I return to my home computer. The big answer is that I am up nicely for the year.

The analysis was of hours of play per week. I think you are asking about win or loss / hour which tells a different story. Also at this time I cannot tell you how many weeks were winners, losers or flounderers.

I very much agree with you that when you feel yourself starting to lose control it's best to quit whether you are up or down. When I have kept playing in spite of knowing better I find that I am playing into an increasingly stressful situations and then any major comeback is only the result of luck and not of skillful play. Antway it is a good idea to let the casino see you losing evry now and then.

By the way for the current trip which started this morning I am up 12 units after 2 hours of play.
 

BlackJackHack

Well-Known Member
Libraries

Agreed. Try the public library in Tunica, MS - 15 miles from the casinos - but quick down US 61 - free high speed internet access....
 

Tom

Well-Known Member
win/loss rate

I read your previous post too quickly and thought you was listing your average hourly win/loss rate. I dont assume I'm lucky when making a strong comeback from a terrible losing streak,putting the money out in key situations from the knowledge we gain is not what I consider lucky...on the other hand, betting big in the blind and winning back losses would be lucky.

Tom
 
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