Changing Machines?

[FloridaPhil]

I'm beginning to doubt if changing machines is such a big deal.  I used to surf the casino looking for a "Hot" machine.  If it happened, I felt like a genius for being so smart.  If the RNG is totally random, I should have exactly the same chance if I stay on the same machine.  I do understand that moving around slows my play and possibly makes me concentrate more, which could lead to better play.  I would like to hear from some of the pros on this.  Should I stay or move?   I think it's totally psychological. 

[shadowman]

Over the long term it makes no difference but you are right about the physiological and psychological effects.

[EDC1977]

You'll lose # of hands/hour played. Maybe you might get on a hot streak. You may find a machine with sticky buttons etc. Bottom line is, there's no advantage

[Lucky Larry]

Over the long term it makes no difference but you are right about the physiological and psychological effects.

I agree with shadowman and Eduardo, it doesn't, wouldn't and shouldn't make a difference. But, it sometimes helps my attitude and my mental framework seems to impact my concentration which may help me play smarter/better/luckier. This weekend was a prime example. See Deuces Finally!! post.

[EDC1977]

as long as it helped you Larry. I'd hate to think you went on a cold streak after it

[kjohn]

Changing machines, oh the drama...If I leave a machine and move to the next one over I live in fear that someone will sit down at "my" machine and hit the big one, so I have to leave that bank of machines so I don't end up killing someone. It would be easier to just stay put, but there are just so many machines to try...Sort of like that box of chocolates in the Forest Gump movie...You just never know what you'll get...

[MarySB]

Let me say first that I will change machines at the drop of a hat.  I am probably the "change machine" champion of Vegas. I agree that it is more mental than anything else. I was at Feista Henderson this past week-end. I started on a machine and after 3 or minutes I was in a downard spiral so I changed machines. Someone came in 5 minutes later and started playing on the machine I just left and hit 4oak on about his fourth deal. I could have screamed. Heck! Now that I think about it I did scream (er-said a dirty word).
 
A hour or so later (after about 5 machines changes) a machine that I had been eyeing came open and I immediately jumped and moved over to it. I swear the second deal...... 4oak. I stood up....hit "cash out" and moved on.
 
And I agree that long term stay/move/change machines it all equals out to the same end. But when I feel a machine is cold...dang!  I just have to move on.

[Lucky Larry]

as long as it helped you Larry. I'd hate to think you went on a cold streak after it

Many times the new machine is just as bad. We both know its timing, fate, and/or luck. But, life is too short to sit at a machine and develop a negative attitude and not enjoy playing. If someone hits as soon as I move congratulations - it was their time.

[EDC1977]

Errr, it was their timing. That exact nth of a second.

[Frank Kneeland]

Well here's my opinion for what it's worth. You either believe machines are random or you don't. 1. If you don't believe machines are random then there's no point to anything, and pro gambling is impossible. If you are in this category any discussion of anything is pointless.2. If you do believe machines are random, then there is no point to changing machines.Changing machines merely places a fabricated signpost in your head from which you can tally results. "Hay since I changed machines I'm winning!" You could accomplish the same thing by merely standing up and stating that you have changed machines without all the effort and hassle of actually doing so. The only difference would be the addition of the word, "said"--""Hay since I SAID I changed machines I'm winning!".Now there's this argument that it doesn't hurt, so go ahead and do it if you like. I disagree, changing machines is at the very least a conscious or subconscious admission that you don't really believe that machines are random.Changing machines is therefore like a gateway drug to other less savory conditions like doubt and self loathing. To have piece of mind you must have faith in the math. Changing machines sets you up for situations that can weaken your faith by bombarding your mind with opportunities to second guess yourself. There's just no point to it, unless you simply like avoidable stress.I know the popular consensus on this issue is "Who cares, go ahead if it makes you happy". I think this ignores the subtle undermining effects this particular casino practice can have on our all too fragile psyche.Sincerely,Frank Kneeland