Let It All Hang Out?

5 June 2021

By Royal Flushes

CINDY: Now, tell me the truth.

ABBY: Uh, oh.

CINDY: Do you ever want to let it all hang out when you are in a casino? I mean just throw the money into the game, play kind of crazy…I mean play a lot crazy…and see where it goes?

ABBY: You mean like go after a lot of money by making bad bets that win you a lot of money if you win them even though the casino has a big edge on those bets?

CINDY: Exactly. I mean when we play craps we always stick to the low house-edge bets which is to preserve our bankrolls. But we see the “action” players throwing their money out on awful bets. They are looking for a big score and they rarely get it. You just can’t overcome double digit edges. Even during a short period of time those edges will get to you.

ABBY: Are you saying “no” to that idea?

CINDY: The idea is what you are feeling, not what you are doing. Actually doing it is a no-no to me. I work too hard for my money to just throw it away but the idea of letting it all hang out at times has a certain appeal.

ABBY: After how many drinks?

CINDY: There are times when I think, “Why not go for the gusto?” I know I will never make a load of money; that just can’t happen with my betting levels and how many bets I make and how much those bets are in terms of money.

ABBY: You therefore take it all and just go with it no matter what happens?

CINDY: That’s the thought.

ABBY: But not the action.

CINDY: Not the action. Do you ever have those thoughts?

ABBY: Yes, I do but they are totally in control. I am not going to play foolishly to itch a tickle or scratch an itch.

CINDY: Do you think the players who really let it hang out are happier than we are? Seriously.

ABBY: Interesting question. No, I don’t. I think most sessions end poorly for them because they can’t control what they are doing. Even with crazy bets there is a time to pack it in and not keep throwing good money after bad. I think the wild players can’t follow any rules of discipline.

CINDY: They go for it but it goes for them?

ABBY: It goes for them exactly. It being all the bad bets. Okay, now fantasy is another thing. I know when the lottery gets really high, I will buy a ticket, a single ticket, and dream what I would do with that money should I win it.

CINDY: I think a lot of people do that. I do; except I buy ten tickets. Is that the same thing as letting it all hang out?

ABBY: Not really. How many times does that happen in a year? Maybe six times?

CINDY: I never won a thing! Although I don’t consider that much of a gamble.

ABBY: I won a couple of hundred once.

CINDY: Don’t rub it in Ms. Action lottery player.

ABBY: I think fantasizing about winning big is normal but I think actually going into the casino and planning for it? I think that might be a mistake especially if you go to the casinos as much as we do. Fantasy really can’t win you anything. Intelligent, solid play is the real way to go. Yes?

CINDY: Yes, indeed.

ABBY: Still.

CINDY: Still.