campus_chic13 wrote:
> In any event, choosing to play less than max coin isn't an option
> for me - know a little too much about the math, I guess - but don't
> see anything wrong with changing bets if the EV is the same. I
> think it pleases that gut instinct that doesn't really understand
> the nature of randomness, and also does a fine job of preserving
> bankroll.
>
> Should I be wrong, and there is some way changing number of lines is actually detrimental, please speak up.
I wouldn't use the term "wrong", but I do think you're giving short shrift to the increased pain that could result from a "bad streak" as a consequence of shifting wagers.
Mind you, I'm sensitive on this number, having been a recent veteran of a 5-year losing streak that included, among other things, two 200K+ hand RF droughts.
Nonetheless, it goes as granted that bad streaks to happen. Oddly, experience of many bears out that what often compensates for them is a spate of good luck. What you lay yourself open to in "shifting bets", it the potential that the bad streak happens at higher wagers, but the offsetting good luck strikes largely at lower wagers.
There's no way of predicting what will happen (and the opposite might well come to pass). But bankroll preservation (the name to staying in the game) centers on minimizing unnecessary risk. I count bet shifting among the greater "risky behaviors" some players engage in.
The bottom line is that if you bankroll readily accommodates the long-term risk associated with the highest wager amount you tend to shift into, then there's little foul here ... you're simply moderating your overall risk to your comfort level. However, if the higher wagers overextend your bankroll, then it's not advisable.
For myself, I'm strictly a 5-coin wager player. For single line bets, 90% of my play is $1 play. I have the bankroll for $2 play, but am satisfied (because most of my sessions are easily accommodated with $1 play) to stick with $1 demon. (The key exception to this is when I have a very strong promotion at hand and find it beneficial to sharply boost session coin-in.)
> there is also the benefit that I think it makes me look like I
> believe in luck, and I'm of the opinion that casinos like
> superstitious gamblers more than smart gamblers.
For multiline play, most reviewing the play will only note the average wager and not give further thought to it. Want to "look like <you> believe in luck"? Place a rabbit's foot on the corner of your machine.
- H.
