Knowing Your Limits Beforehand

[josefina ward]

Whether you are playing poker at the tables in a brick and mortar
establishment or you have ventured into the exciting world of online
gambling, it is always a good step when you know your limits
beforehand. Knowing your limits beforehand can save you a considerable
amount of trouble and financial distress. If you keep your gambling in
check, you will ensure that all of your gambling ventures remain
exciting and fun, not a source of stress and anxiety.
Knowing your limits beforehand helps you in preventing the possibility
that you will become an overzealous bettor. An overzealous bettor
often thinks, (and falsely so) that "just one more hand is all that is
needed to rake in the big winnings." Yet, that next hand can help
break you financially, and poker, even with all the skill and
knowledge that goes into the game, relies on the element of luck. Luck
is not something you should ever base your financial dealings on:
instead, set a limit and stick to it. You'll find that relying on luck
is a bad maneuver each and every time you do so: luck has a way on
turning on the overzealous bettor.
To set a limit for yourself you will need to decide what you want to
spend. Establish a bankroll and do not spend more than you planned. Of
course, this does not mean that you have to spend your entire bankroll
in one sitting. In fact, it is better if you pace your gambling
carefully: create a bankroll that will last you a certain number of
days or weeks. Knowing your limits beforehand can ensure that you get
to gamble again in the future because you are gambling sensibly and in
moderation.
It is also important to know your limits so that you can identify more
significant gambling issues: gambling can become an addiction if it
really gets out of control. Remember, playing poker is not about being
financially devastated by foolish money management, it's about
enjoying the game. If gambling becomes something that is a source of
financial stress, you will need to reconsider your pastime. You should
never be willing to jeopardize your financial position to play poker.
If you find that you have gone beyond your limits time and time again,
it is a good idea to seek help for gambling addiction and to refrain
from gambling at all.