Betting.
What's it all about? Perhaps, more importantly, how does it make you feel? I guess so many people consider emotions the gambler's worst enemy because it makes them act irrationally.
My good friend Eric Winner loves his unique speed ratings because they are objective and he doesn't have to think between the lines. Although, that doesn't stop him from thinking about the emotional side of betting. He said to me on many occasions that he cannot bet outside his comfort zone. So those ''dreaded'' emotions are at play.
How do you bet when confident? How do you bet when stressed after a few narrow defeats or a losing run? It can affect the mind and how you think. You try to play safe and miss a big price winner. Instead of resolving the situation you inadvertently make it worse. You try to be more positive and shake the monkey off your back and the next bet loses. That ''dreaded'' cycle of peaks and troughs.
What is the answer?
We all have our own strengths and weakness. Are you like the elegant swan who is paddling like a demon under the water?
It's an interesting topic of conversation.
I know a lot of people don't like betting each-way. In truth, I know that I would be better off betting straight wins. But more often than not I bet each-way. Why? Because, although at times it is a frustrating bet, it is a confident bet, too. So often if a horse loses, but placed, you don't feel the hurt.
''It was placed, so that gave me a small profit or a small loss.''
There is no right or wrong because it is an individual thing. My brother hates each-way bets. But it is dependent on your performance. I try to bet as safe as I can and they are very consistent. I'm not struggling with my emotions if five horses are beaten by a nose but I would be if they were singles.
Also, to protect my interests I follow a lot of guidelines. They are very good at helping keep me on the right path, especially if you have to think on your feet with seconds to spare. A knee-jerk reaction is never a good idea because you are caught up in the emotions of the moment.
It's a funny one but I have found that the foundation that I bet is just as important if not more than finding winners. In ways that sounds crazy because so many punters just have the mindset of thinking it's all about winners and strike rate. However, any gambler with experience knows they mean little. Someone could have a 10% strike rate and make more money than someone who achieves 50%.
Discipline is the biggest strength any gambler can have.
It can even help minimize emotions.
Emotion - The Gambler's Enemy https://www.talkbet.co.uk/talkbet/2018/11/emotion-the-gamblers-enemy.html
Posted by: 4fav5 | Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 01:32 AM