Bob Dancer on Losing

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=Onenickelmiracl]If it costs someone $25,000 every time they see a royal, why wouldn't
they rather spend $2500. Especially if they're not playing expecting to
win like Dancer.
[/quote]As most members of this forum know, I am a proponent of cheap video poker play.  However, I have come to realize that many players play for the thrill of a meaningful jackpot regardless of the cost. Very very few players actually make money at this game.  Sure you can value comps or "adjust" your personal balance sheet to justify a win, but the truth is playing video poker is probably going to cost you something.  No one knows if anyone profits from video poker alone as these claims are never accompanied with documentation.  I'll leave that up to each individual to decide.The difference is your definition of a meaningful jackpot.   A nickel player might get excited over a $200 royal, whereas it might take $50K to do the same thing for a corporate CEO.  I can create math equations all day long that prove playing low denomination single coin is cheaper for most players, but it doesn't do any good if playing that way takes the fun out of the game.  I don't think high rollers play big stakes to boost their ego.  Nobody needs a million dollar car or a 50,000 sq. ft. house.  Wealthy people have those things because it gives them enjoyment.  If you are playing to experience jackpots, you need them large enough to get your heart pumping whatever that number is.Where ego enters the equation is when you share your win with others. As everyone knows, gamblers only talk about their wins never their loses.   It's pretty impressive to tell someone that you won $100K playing video poker.  If you do this enough, players will naturally assume you are an expert even if you lost $200K on each one.  High rollers are good for the game as are nickel and quarter players.  If video poker wasn't profitable, the casinos would pull the game.  If any player consistently beat the casino out of six figure jackpots without losing at least that much they would be banned faster than you could order your next Grey Goose Martini. 

[alpax]

Casinos have hired people who posses psychology degrees throughout the years to design the whole process in many aspects.

They are able to get some people to part ways with several thousands of dollars by providing the comps allowing them to live like a millionaire for a few days.

They are able to design games volatile enough in which gives the players a big win they'll be able to remember and have them come back for more. Or to design games that will get people chasing for a win.

They are able to get people to give out tips to table game dealers who do not deserve them, or to spend on luxury items they normally cannot afford because they won.

Any poor gambling habit that gives the house a greater edge is very expensive. The good players look past the smoke and mirrors, and are not looking to have fun but to complete their mission.

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=alpax] The good players look past the smoke and mirrors, and are not looking to have fun but to complete their mission.[/quote]I guess that makes me a bad player because I want to have fun and my mission in life is not playing video poker.   If anyone thinks that's so, I'm fine with it.  

[alpax]

I am implying that good players do not fall into the psychological traps set by the casinos. They know the nature of each game and what they are doing when they visit, almost business like. I mentioned "fun" because Vman mentioned earlier in the thread about it.

If you are happy in life overall, that is a bigger win. Sometimes winning a ton of money from the lottery does not guarantee happiness when you have to change your life.

[billryan]

Phil seems to feel that because he is happy in his life,the fact that he is a bad video poker player is irrelevant.
I think he's a bad VP player, and what occurs outside the casinos is irrelevant to that.
The world needs more Phil's. If the only people who played were students of Dancer, they'd be no games left to play.

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=billryan]Phil seems to feel that because he is happy in his life,the fact that he is a bad video poker player is irrelevant.
I think he's a bad VP player, and what occurs outside the casinos is irrelevant to that.
The world needs more Phil's. If the only people who played were students of Dancer, they'd be no games left to play.
[/quote]Bill, I think you're a naive imbecile for getting sucked in by Bob Dancer's fantasy stories, but there's one born every minute.  If his BS was actually true he wouldn't be teaching rookies in the back of a casino, he would be cruising on the Riviera.   If that makes me a bad player, I am happy to pay your bills although I don't believe that's happening except in your dreams.  Call us in 10 years and tell us how your video poker professional career worked out...   

[billryan]

[quote=alpax] The good players look past the smoke and mirrors, and are not looking to have fun but to complete their mission.I guess that makes me a bad player because I want to have fun and my mission in life is not playing video poker.   If anyone thinks that's so, I'm fine with it.  


[/QUOTE]

Phil can't even remember what he posted yesterday. Then he was fine with people thinking he's a bad player. Today he insults me for deciding the leading authority on the game knows a thing or two more than he does.
What a waste it is to lose ones mind.

[FloridaPhil]

Bill, why don't you ask Bob if he will give you a job kissing his backside.  It seems that's all you know anything about.   I'm on my way to Vegas to have some fun.  I'll make a deposit for you while I'm there. 

[billryan]

I'm sure you will. I hope you hit a Royal. $62.50 will get you two dinner buffets.

[alpax]

I'll give credit where credit is due. There is a difference between a good/bad VP player and a gambler with good/bad habits. Phil is a decent VP player, at least trains for hours on Video Poker for Winners software that this site sells and claims to be able to get 99% of the Advanced level difficulty hands correct. However, the gambling habits are not as good to say the least.

Admits to two pitfalls in Airport Deuces Wild which the first one costs significant amount:

1. Does not go for inside straight draw. (Happens 1 in 25 on average, cost being 0.1 coins).

At 600 hands per hour over the long run this will cost:

Quarters - 60 cents
Half Dollars - $1.20
Dollars - $2.40

2. Holds Ace High Suited cards (1 in 3008 hands, 0.02 coins)

Not going to bother with that.

There is a long list of bad gambling habits most common recreational player has, but here are a few of them:

* Not playing the games with the highest return available at a particular casino
* Not betting maximum coins
* Not being aware of the full financial implications of playing the casino game where the player allows just 1% increase in house edge
* Not being completely aware of the full benefits casino's player club card.
* Not being aware of when to play and when not to play
* Chasing until a player hits a significant jackpot

Phil has improved upon some of the habits. Based on what I saw from hundreds and hundreds of people, they'll make major mistakes on their video poker play. Phil is in good shape and ahead of the curve, but unfortunately has the biggest voice about what casino gmabling has costed.

I have seen many more gamblers across various gaming forums who wager 10-20 folds larger and stand to lose several thousands, but they do not complain at all. They really enjoy their trip.

Yes the good players need many people to play bad to have the good VP games available, but I have as of late refrained from using Mr. Dancer's video poker teachings as an excuse to bash people.

I think the biggest hurdle most people here have to get over in order to be successful is they have to understand "Today's Score Does Not Matter" when you adapt good VP skills and good gambling habits.