Play the Odds!

Happy Monday!

  

I went to Las Vegas for the first time about 6 months ago. (Yes...the first time!)

  

We stayed at the Palazzo and loved the décor, the food, and shopping of the Vegas experience. 

I was upset that Celine Dion wasn't there...(no comments please!)

  

" Brandon...did you gamble?"

  

Anyone that knows me, knows I hate wasting money. Gambling feels like a big waste of time and money...unless you win!

  

People that know me also know I hate...not knowing!   

 

I am not a "know it all" but if I have something on the line, I want to be smart enough to win graciously or lose with dignity.

 

So I walked by the tables several times a day as they are conveniently located on the way to EVERYTHING!  I saw smiling faces of winners and disgust of losers.  The allure of the lights, bells and chips being thrown around was too much.  I was eager to join in...

 

Guess what I did?

 

No...I didn't gamble.  I took a blackjack class! 

 

1. Before spending money, allow someone to "show you the ropes"!

 

Tony was my teacher.  For some reason, I was the only person there for class...odd!  For 45 minutes (class is normally 15 minutes but I am an inquisitive student!) Tony ran me through several scenarios.  Armed with basic knowledge I was more confident...

  

Guess what I did?

  

No...I didn't gamble.  I went and spent $2 on one of those Blackjack scenario cards. 

  

2. Before spending money, get all the knowledge and insight you can!

  

It had numbers all over it...most too small to be read without my reading glasses (Hey, it's also dark in the casino!).  I was becoming more comfortable realizing that there was a scientific element to gambling...who knew?  Now that it was beginning to make sense...

  

Guess what I did?

  

No...I didn't gamble.  I downloaded a Blackjack app.

  

3. Before spending money, practice!

  

I played over 1,000 hands by the pool.  I tried to use my "instincts" for the first 500 hands and was down $1,000 on $5 dollar hands.  I HATE GAMBLING!

  

Then I played 500 hands using the card and insight gained from Tony.  I was up $750 on $5 hands, splitting cards, buying insurance and doubling down!  I LOVE GAMBLING!

  

Guess what I did?

  

I walked up to a Blackjack table, $50 of chips in hand, sweat on my brow and Blackjack card in my hand...

  

AND I SAT DOWN!

  

Hey, you can laugh if you want to, but with my preparation, dedication and learning I felt ready to...

  

PLAY THE ODDS!

  

Are you?

  

Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!