To my daughters Sadie and Johnna, Thanks for attending an ... · A husband and wife were in a casino for some gaming. The wife wanted to play the slots and her husband gave her $200

To my daughters Sadie and Johnna, Thanks for attending an affordable college so I could continue my gaming career. Love you both!

Purpose Statement: Playing 4 Keeps™ empowers the player to become a consistent winner. I teach a player to have discipline, confidence, intention, and to control their game. I show the player how to avoid losing sessions. Most importantly, a Playing 4 Keeps™ player will experience benefits that are applicable in the casino and in the game of life. Michael Vernon Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps™ is written by Michael Vernon and is intended to be informational and entertaining. Do not consider the information a guarantee for supplementing or replacing income. Casino games are just that, games to be enjoyed. It is Michael’s intention to provide this information so that the reader may play the games with more enjoyment. Publishers Information: Copyright © 2004 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, Michael Vernon.

LUCK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT WHEN YOU ARE

PLAYING 4 KEEPS!

PLAYING 4 KEEPS™ SEMINARS Presented by Michael Vernon

Copyright © 1997‐2004 Michael S. Vernon P.O. Box 1251

Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557 505‐751‐9381

www.Playing4Keeps.com [email protected]

http://www.playing4keeps.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps By Michael Vernon

Table of Contents Preface 4

She Said, He Said! 6

Jackpot Games - How Much Is Enough? 8

The Wall 14

Break Energy 20

Confidence – Dumbo! 25

Attitude and the Psyche of the Player 29

Slumps Verses Money Management: 31

To Be, Or Not To Be… Rated? 34

When the Wind Goes Out of the Sail: 38

A Ripe Melon in Real Time 42

Are You Ready To Play? 46

They Got You by the Holidays 50

Metaphysics and the Game 52

The Legend of Camelot 57

Just For the Record 59

Some Assembly Required 64

Information From An Unseen Dimension 68

…Stay’n Alive 73

Page 3


Preface

The Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps is a collection of articles composed with the intention of

showing the gaming enthusiast, that there is more to the games than meets the eye.

There are many methods used for playing dice and twenty‐one. The Chronicles of Playing

4 Keeps specifically addresses how to approach the games beyond the rules of play.

Beyond the physical dimension of casino games is the dimension of the metaphysical

world. Practical principles of metaphysics can make a huge difference in the results

experienced when playing a zero sum game.

The Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps is the result of more than twenty years of metaphysical

study and the application of metaphysics to casino games. I have played and studied

both craps and blackjack for fourteen years.

No system will produce a win every time out. At the same time, the application of what

I teach in my seminars, and what I share in this writing provides the player with a

“tool” that is valid in any situation under any conditions. It does not matter if you are at

the casino playing craps or in the boardroom creating a business deal, metaphysical

energy is ever present. It is from that energy that you can glean information about any

situation.

I write about my personal gaming experiences and I exemplify the lessons through

metaphors. It is my intention to instruct clearly and simply, helping the reader to

Page 4


become proficient in the ways of applied metaphysics without complicated or

convoluted explanations. After all, what is the point of having a sophisticated machine

if it is too complicated use?

The information contained within the Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps, is an adjunct to any

method of playing casino games. It is not so much, a “how to” book as it is a book of

empowerment. You add empowerment to any system when you are Playing 4 Keeps™!

I’ll see you at the tables,

Michael Vernon

Page 5


She Said, He Said!

Recently a former student shared a dice theory he had been researching. In the course of

our conversation, he told me a story as a metaphor.

A husband and wife were in a casino for some gaming. The wife wanted to play the

slots and her husband gave her $200 to play. The husband trotted off with $10,000

heading for the craps table. After a while the wife returns and asks her husband for

more money. When asked what happened to the starting $200, the woman replied,

“Well, I lost it.” “You lost it?” the husband repeated, followed by “How could you be so

stupid?” The wife replied, “How did you fare playing craps.” The husband answered

that he had lost the entire $10,000. “How could you be so stupid?” asked the wife. The

husband answered, “Hey that’s different. I know what I’m doing.”

That, my good readers, is as good a metaphor as any about why most players are

separated from their gaming money. They think that they know what they are doing.

Engaging intellect is the kiss of death when it comes to facing the odds of casino games.

Ego is no more a qualifier to win playing casino games than having a driver’s license

qualifies someone to be a good driver.

If it is your intention is to be more than a once‐in‐awhile holiday player, it is wise to

invest a bit of time understanding the game you are playing. There is so much more to

succeeding than ego and intellect can ever support.

Page 6


The Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps are a collection of articles that I wrote explaining the

more subtle aspects of gaming. These subtleties are easily overlooked. However, they

are likely the most important elements to know when playing a zero sum casino game.

It is my intention to empower the reader with a better understanding of the game

behind the “Vail”. The Chronicles of Playing 4 Keeps is the product of fourteens years

of study and first hand gaming experience.

Knowledge is power. Most people playing casino games are like the husband in the

above story. They know just enough about the game they are playing to be a danger to

themselves.

The first rule of gambling is never play games that you do not understand. When

Playing 4 Keeps, you will not only understand how to win, you will also understand

why.

© 2003 ‐ 2004 Michael Vernon

Page 7


Jackpot Games - How Much Is Enough?

What do you consider as a reasonable profit from a game of chance? I am talking about

a zero sum game. You are you expected to lose. The odds against you guarantee it.

The gaming industry has done the best job of successfully brain washing the gambler to

embrace the “jackpot paradigm”. “Risk a few coins, have a few free drinks and hit a

million‐dollar jackpot. Quit your day job and live the ‘life of Riley’. The pot of gold is

just a pull away. Someone is going to win it. You could be next! Step right up and lay

your money down.”

Slot machines, long known as the king of jackpot games of chance, offer the promise of

millions. All you have to do is line up all the cherries across the glass. At least two

television network magazine programs have covered this topic of how casinos can fix

the pay‐out. The programs made it clear that the machines are a player’s worst bet.

Even with the casinos boasting a 98% pay back, the casino is still getting along with 2%

of a “gazillion” dollars, twenty‐four seven. The City of Dreams stands as a testament to

this fact.

“I’m gonna esplain it to you Lucy!” When a casino orders slot machines, they inform

the manufacturer exactly how much they want the slots to pay out. The manufacturer

installs a program chip call a random number generator. The RNG is programmed to

mathematically produce the prescribed percentage pay‐out requested by the casino. It is

a simple matter of probability expressing astronomical odds. It is a known fact of

Page 8


gambling that the average slot player will never win a Jackpot of any sizable

consequence. Casinos are not the business of giving away money.

I can count on one hand the number of times I have actually played a machine. If you

have not guessed by now, I’d rather watch paint dry than play a machine. Sorry if I

offend anyone that loves playing the one‐arm bandits. Oops, I dated myself. I believe

now days all you have to do is push a button. Allow me a moment to sidetrack with a

history lesson.

I can recall receiving a genuine silver dollar from my Aunt Sylvia when she returned

from a trip to Las Vegas. Back in those days, the dollar slots were played with Morgan

Silver Dollars. I still have a few Morgan souvenirs from my aunt. Those were the

days….

Okay, back to my point, how much profit is enough? At some point, the dream of

striking it rich infected the table games. When this actually happened, I’m not sure.

Probably, thirty‐three seconds after the first casino opened.

The craps and blackjack are zero sum games. The odds insure the casino a constant rate

of return for hosting the game. This means that you are not expected to win at the table

games either. However, the player has it embedded in their belief system that, not only

are they going to win, they are going to break the bank.

I have nothing against a strong positive winning attitude. In fact, I insist on it. Here’s

the reality check. Table games simply are not jackpot games. I will honor anyone’s story

Page 9


of a big win on a craps table or a run of hot hands in a blackjack game. Everyone knows

James Bond makes good on the roulette table! However, I must state politely, that the

profits from a table game will mostly be modest. This is the point of my article.

I doubt that the average player knows or understands what a reasonable profit from a

table game might be. Consequently, and because of the lure of the jackpot win, the

unknowing table player is caught up in the casinos “mind game” of “more‐always

more”.

Pursuing the pot of gold, a table player may do one of the following. Either they gamble

away their entire bankroll, chasing the jackpot, or after having won a bit, and not

knowing when to quit, the gambler plays away the hard earned profit trying to win

more. Then, what usually follows, is the loss of the rest of their bankroll, chasing the

lost profit.

It’s funny how a couple of hundred in profit does not seem like much until taking a loss

of a couple of hundred. A little bit of knowledge and a lot of discipline can make the

difference between red and black ink. Never mind the emotions and forlorn memories

of a game gone south.

So, what is the rule for profit? How many units per hour is enough? What percentage of

increase above the original bankroll is acceptable? Do you play until you start to lose?

Do you play until you start to win? Do you play, win or lose, until they offer you a free

breakfast? “How much can I make playing this system?”

Page 10


There is no way to figure an hourly win rate. A session can last twenty minutes or two

hours and twenty minutes. The smart player should not allow themselves to be “caught

out” playing for a predetermined win or believe in an advertised win rate. Any win is a

good win!

The only way to quit “a winner” is to quit while you are still winning. A winning streak

does not continue forever. You must have the discipline to pull out of a game well

ahead of the crash. It is too late once the game turns and you are losing most of what

you won.

Play smarter, not harder. Never chase a loss. That is playing out of control, engaging

emotions trying to win back the money. Gaming is adult entertainment. Sometimes you

will pay for it. Play for enjoyment first. Accept the fact that losing is a huge part of the

game. The risk of losing creates the excitement. You can reduce the amount of money

lost when you accept that losing is a part of gaming.

Think of it like auto racing. A crash is inevitable, but that does not stop the drivers from

entering the race. They race full on knowing that a crash accident is out there in the near

future. Man and machine pushed to the limits while doing everything possible to win

and not crash. Learn to play your game the same way, do everything possible to win

while limiting your losses.

With the odds stacked against you, learn to appreciate any profit. A win is a win!

Because the games do not typically have great shifts from probability, be prepared to

accept conservative profits. From my years of playing, I have seen it all, large and small

Page 11


wins. For both blackjack and dice, the units won, will constantly be modest. This is why

I teach and preach to keep losses modest as well.

If you are a blackjack player, consider six to ten units a respectable return from a single

session. If you can count cards, sixteen to twenty units makes you a hero. Using my

recommended betting stake of thirty units for one session, the net profit would be

between 20% and 60% of the original betting stake. The higher win rate assumes card

counting.

If a player’s unit bet is $10, the profit could be $60 to $180 per session, six to eighteen

units. Play three winning sessions and that will take care of the “rent” for most hotels in

Las Vegas for a day, plus a bit of walking around money. Considering the restrictive

rules now offered on twenty‐one, winning six to ten units is admirable.

Craps is a bit more challenging when it comes to “saying stop”. This game can change

directions in a heartbeat. If the table gets a hot shooter or two, the chips can come at you

faster that you can pick them up. When the dice turn to ice, hell can freeze over. You

must know how to play during these times, when to color up, and leave the game.

Crap games tend to run choppy most of the time. This means, either way you play, your

stack of chips is chopped down. If you find yourself in profit 20% to 30% of your

starting bankroll you are doing great. If you come close to doubling your bankroll, three

cheers and order a drink while the boxman colors you up.

Having the discipline, and an understanding of what a reasonable profit is, will make a

huge difference in how much of the casino’s money you will take home. It is a bit like

driving a Ferrari. How fast, is too fast, and, how fast do you really need to go? Being

Page 12


practical, considering all that goes with speed: tickets, points, insurance rates and

general risk to life and limb; the prudent choice would be discipline. When driving a

speed machine, it is always better to arrive in one piece. There is no percentage in

bucking the odds just because you can.

Never lose more than you reasonably expect to win. Always have a stop loss. Playing 4

Keeps™, the stop loss is a maximum of thirty units per bet made, or one entire session

bankroll. A bankroll of thirty units per wager provides the player with a fair shot to win

20% to 30% above the starting bankroll, and sometimes more. If things don’t go your

way, the risk is limited to the one bankroll and the loss is stopped.

For some individuals, winning a few hundred bucks is not enough. The solution for this

player is with their betting unit and bankroll. To win more, they must bet more. The

average number of units won, will be the same no matter if you are betting $1 or $100. It

is a simple matter of increasing your unit bet. If you want to win $1000 per session

playing Blackjack, you will have to play $100 units. Playing $5 units is never going to

result in a $1000 dollar session. Total dollars won are directly proportional to the value

of the unit played.

It really comes down to your comfort zone. What unit are you most comfortable

playing? Do you have the required bankroll to play at a higher unit? Do you have the

discipline to walk with the profit, no matter what? Table games do not have a jackpot

bonus. Can you be satisfied with any win or are you just another member for the

casino’s “Jack Pot Paradigm”?


Page 13


The Wall

Energy expresses information that can be perceived in every situation. It is possible for

a player to benefit, and even have an edge, using this information in casino games.

The “wall” is a phenomenon that occurs in both in both Craps and Blackjack. Hitting

the wall is an energy experience. You can train yourself to recognize when you have hit

the wall. Doing so may save your bankroll. When hitting the wall, it seems that you are

waiting for something to happen and you feel trapped or stuck in the game. After

playing for a while, the game stalls. Financially, the game is going nowhere. You will

notice that you are not losing and you are not winning. It is a limbo‐like feeling.

There are several ways to determine that you have hit the wall. Here are three

examples.

1. The bankroll is even, no profit no loss.

2. The bankroll is down a bit say minus four to six units.

3. The bankroll is up a bit say plus four to six units (one unit equals your minimum bet).

Say that you are a $5 player. You have won eight units or $40. The $40 level seems to be

a barrier. You are unable to go beyond an eight unit profit. At the $40 barrier the game

stalls and you lose four to six units. You climb back to a profit of $40 only to experience

another loss, and so it goes. It is back and forth when you are at the wall.

Page 14


The same experience can happen when losing. You are down, say, eight units. The eight

unit loss is your “floor”. You claw your way back four or six units and backslide to the

“floor”. Again, up, down, it is a stall at the wall. From my many years of experience, the

smartest, simplest and most profitable thing to do is to leave the game upon hitting the

wall. The energy evident for producing profit is gone. I call it “win one, lose one, push”.

No matter how you adjust your play, nothing works.

I know of no magic that will change or perk up the stalled energy. It is like watching a

football game. Your team is behind 28 to 7 in the third quarter and the other team scores

again. Time running out, you know that there is now way you team will pull it out and

you head for the exit.

Leaving seems like simple advice, yet the tendency is for the player is to engage the

intellect. The player thinks that the doldrums cannot go on forever. Intellect talks the

player into staying with the game.

Perhaps the player thinks, “This game has got to break away eventually. What the heck,

I have only been here forty‐five minutes? I have to show something for my time. After

all, I’m not losing; I can make this table pay.” The intellect provides logical explanations

to keep playing but the energy tells a different story.

I suggest playing sensitive to the energy or the “vibs” at the table. Follow the action

closely. Be present and in the moment. Know what is going on all of the time. Keep

yourself “switched on”, looking for a reason or signal to leave the game. Positive

reasons to stay with a game are obvious enough.

Page 15


More time than not, after hitting the wall, the game tends to break up and go down hill.

Too often, when this shift occurs, it happens very rapidly. The player, asleep at the

wheel is caught with their pants down, and usually leaves the game that way, “down”.

You experience the message to bail out as a feeling. It is a feeling of being in a stalled

state of no progress, going nowhere. I was raised Catholic. The feeling of the place

called Limbo, which Sister Mary Fatima always scared me with, comes to mind.

When you are in touch with the energy, you will experience a “knowing”. You can

perceive the energy and know what kind of game you are playing by how it feels. It

feels comfortable or it feels uncomfortable. Perceiving energy is real. When it is a

negative feeling, ask yourself, “Why am I not feeling good about this experience?” Look

down at your chips and you will see your answer.

You experience this energy feeling all the time in your normal daily life. It is that little

voice. The one you always promise to listen to next time… “If only I had listened to

myself.”

Working with energy requires discipline, quieting the mind and subjugating the ego

and the emotions. Perceiving energy is a subtle technique that intellect, ego and

emotion easily overpower. You have to ask them to step aside while you notice your

perceptions and feelings. It takes practice, but it is something everyone is capable of

achieving.

Page 16


Once the intellect or ego engages, it takes charge of the player is no longer in control.

The player is not paying attention to messages that provide important information

perceived from the energy at the table.

Being aware of the subtle messages and their meaning is what I refer to as “reading the

energy”. Most players follow their emotions not the energy. The ego whispers,

“something good should happen because… because I want it to, because it is due,

because I am one heck of a player, this stagnate game can not go on forever, I want to

win.”

Emotion and intellect fuels the fire for casino’s profit margin. When a player’s

perspective is not focused on the energy, they are at a disadvantage. A longing and

yearning for the win, at any cost, is negative emotion. Desperately wishing that

something good will happen is a sure sign that you do not believe or feel that it will

happen. Negative emotion is like a magnet. It draws negativity.

Detachment from ego, emotion and intellect requires strong will and discipline.

Without discipline, the player is lulled into a kind of dream‐state. Wishing for success

and with the absence of anything positive, the player goes on autopilot. The mundane

rhythm of the game gets boring and play becomes rote behavior. Place the bet, drag

back the win or replace the bet after a loss. It is a bit like having that song that you hate

playing in your head and you can not stop humming it. You are in a trance. You have

hit the wall.

The stage is set, ready for the fall. Without warning, the wind turns cold and in a matter

Page 17


of minutes, losing hand follows losing hand. The chase is on. Ego is not going to accept

a loss. However, an entire betting stake is lost, boom, boom, in minutes.

Well what happened? You see, back at the wall, the player received the warning signs,

from the energy, or lack of energy. Ego or intellect took the helm, and “damn the

torpedoes” it sunk the ship. “Hitting the wall” is a signal. It is a wake up call to pay

extra attention to your game.

Here are a few more ways to work with reading table energy. Be aware of what is going

on with the game and especially with your physical state. Notice your breathing. Pay

attention to your body. Listen to your heart. Are you comfortable? Are you

experiencing any discomfort? How are you feeling? Be in the present moment. Ask

what is going on here? What do I see? What do I know?

Usually, signs of discomfort are not apparent when you are having fun. If you observe

that you are drifting from awareness of the present moment, something is causing that

distraction. It is not important to identify the distraction. It is important to recognize

that you are not “in” the game.

Be honest with yourself and have the discipline to admit when your intention is weak.

It is like boxer in the ring not protecting himself. A knockout is inevitable. Reading the

subtle signs of energy in the game is a way of protecting yourself. It takes a bit of

practice and like anything, the more you practice the more skilled you will become.

No matter if you are winning or losing, look for the rhythm in your game expressed by

Page 18


the energy. When the rhythm changes, you must act. Usually it is a signal that it is time

to leave the game. Relax, casinos never shut. Play it smart and take a break. You can

always find a game with potential, a game with winning energy. It is never wrong to

exit a game. Play from the heart, not from the head.


Page 19


Break Energy

It does not matter if it is blackjack or dice both games develop a rhythm or a pattern. It

is those times when we catch a streak of winning hands that the rhythm really is

noticeable. Everything is going so well when the wheels fall off and the streak suddenly

ends.

So, what happened, and is there anything you, as a player, can do about it?

What happened may have been the result of what I call break energy or breaking

energy. Think of break energy as being similar to a speaker who is in the middle of a

lecture. Suddenly they are interrupted and they lose their train of thought. Their stream

of consciousness was broken. Rudely distracted, the focus of their speech ends, as they

are side tracked. Now, where was I?

Here are a few examples in the game of blackjack when break energy is occurring.

♦ You are playing a good game. You are pulling the hands and the “Break Dealer”

shows up to tap out your benefactor for twenty minutes. Suddenly the game goes

down hill with the interim dealer taking your stack of checks along with it. And

you thought they were called break dealers because they gave the table dealer a

break?

♦ A chip fill arrives at your table and the game stops while the croupier accounts for

Page 20


the delivery of checks to the table. The game resumes but the cards have gone cold.

♦ A new player or two join your table. The money exchange stalls the game breaking

the energy. The additional players can effect the pace of the game as well, the

energy shifts and the good thing is gone.

♦ The pit boss brings new cards to the table. This sometimes has no effect, but if you

were doing well with the old cards and the new cards mistreat you, then this is

breaking the energy.

♦pit boss must intervene to referee, this game is over for sure with the break in

energy.

A disagreement over a hand that stops the game is particularly disruptive. If the

♦ Any other disruption or action that causes the game to stop, stall, or otherwise

rhythm is a warning sign to be on the alert, and perhaps to be looking for

the exit.

Sometimes breaks in energy at a crap table are referred to as superstitions. Some breaks

a

particular dealer. I have observed a few jerks masquerading as crap dealers that really

with the energy.

break the

are similar to that of a blackjack game, chip fills, buy‐ins, or a change of dice. Usually

change of dealers is not much of a concern unless there is an attitude problem with a

messed

Page 21


When a crap table heats up, there is a tendency for the proposition bets to get action. I

hate when this happens. The game slows to a crawl. When so many players are on these

bets during a long hand, they are either replacing the proposition bet after a roll or paid

for a winning bet. Since all the action goes through the stickman, these betters cause the

ame to stall, lose air speed if you will, and the game crashes. 7‐out – line‐ a‐way!

an cross‐eyed and you know the dice have long gone cold. “7 ‐ line down” is the

all.

rumbling from the gallery begins, the energy breaks

own and it is over for this game.

an imbalance in the

force”. This disturbance in the energy is irreversible. Color up.

g

During a good hand, beware of the anxious player. Unable to make enough bets and

unable to keep track of their bets, this individual requires constant attention from the

dealer, who must explain these anxious questions. “What happened to my hard 8? How

much do I have on my horn bet? Did you press up my nine? I thought I told you to buy

the 4 and 10! Where are the odds for my come bet?” Eventually this player has even the

boxm

c

Things are going well. The dice are passing. A new shooter picks up the cubes and

decides to show off throwing the dice with vengeful force. One or both dice keep flying

off the table. The shooter calls for same dice and the game stops while someone hunts

for the lost cube. Frustration and g

d

Because of the high emotions, numerous bets, and the fast pace, arguments are more

common in a crap game than at the blackjack table. The occurrence of disagreement,

when money is involved, is way too volatile and always results in

“

Page 22


An inexperienced dealer, or a dealer that is not working at the same level as the other

dealers, will drag on the energy of the game. Like three horses pulling a heavy wagon

the one not pulling their weight causes the other two to work harder and the pace is

much slower.

,

The imbalance seems to keep the game out of synch and it is “chop dice”

r the night.

e

ed out and recorded. A cool breeze blows across the table and the dice

atch a cold.

position on the

ble, there is no “maybe, baby”. The energy shifts and they are “Out”.

ergy of

.

fo

A count up by the pit boss and floor supervisor in the middle of a hot hand, I believe is

a deliberate act on the casino’s part to effect the energy of the game. Often the game is

allowed to continue, but just as often the dice are held in front of the boxman while th

stacks are call

c

During a chip fill, the game usually proceeds with the check holder placed in the

middle of the table. This barrier or obstacle usually forces the shooter to change their

throw, consciously or unconsciously. Too often the “evil one” follows when there is a

change in the dice toss or end target. When the dice hit or land at a new

ta

What you can do as a player is to be aware of the many factors that break the en

a game. There is not much you can do to supersede or change it. Through your

awareness of what you may expect, you have the edge of knowing when to exit a game

that is about to fall apart. You do not have to leave the table. You can stop playing for a

while to witness whether the break signal results in what you expected. If you are right,

you saved yourself. If you are wrong, you are still at the table, in position to get back in

Worse case, you missed out on some profit. Best case, you played clever and protected

Page 23


your bankroll. It always comes down to money management in games of chance. It is

ever wrong to walk with a profit.


n

Page 24


Confidence – Dumbo!

Intimidation provides the casino with an additional edge over the player. Without total

confidence in themselves and their game, a player is at a disadvantage before entering

the game.

So much of what happens in our life is a result of what we believe. It does not matter

that the belief is necessarily true, only that it is our reality because of the belief. Much of

what we grow up with and hold dear is utter nonsense and has nothing to do with

enriching or empowering our lives.

A family gathered for the holidays and Sarah, the oldest daughter, decided to take on

the responsibility of preparing the family meal. The traditional roast was in the kitchen.

Just before placing it in the roasting pan, the Sarah cut off a corner of the roast. Her

brother, observing Sarah, asked why she had cut off a piece of the roast. Sarah replied,

“Because it’s the way Mom always does it and it makes the roast taste better”. The

brother did not accept this answer and went to the other room to ask his mom the

question. The mother’s answer for cutting off a corner of the roast was so it would fit

into the pan.

The only reason for the ritual of cutting the roast was so it would fit in the roasting pan.

Sarah held a belief that cutting off a corner somehow made for a better roast. She did

not know the reason; none the less, she created a belief that became her reality. Imagine

a hundred years down the road, the roast is still being cut because Great Grandmother

Page 25


Sarah did it that way to make the roast taste better.

This is just a simple story of explaining that what you believe to be true is very

powerful. Although it may not necessarily be accurate, it is none the less, your reality.

Gambling holds a similar duality of thought forms. The casinos have the advantage

over the player. The player knows that they are the underdog and every day, 30,000

people arrive in Las Vegas to defy the odds. Most hold a thought form believing that

they can not win. Most expect that they will lose and still they gamble on the frail whim

that they are wrong. Maybe they will be the “lucky one”. Why play if your belief is that

you cannot win?

There is no maybe when you come from a position of confidence. When you know you

are doing the right thing, nothing can shake your from your mission. When it comes to

gambling, you must play with the absolute conviction of your beliefs. Among the more

important beliefs is the belief to win. It hinges with your skill as a player and that you

are an expert at your craft.

Part of becoming an expert is developing the skill of perceiving metaphysical

information. It is a real experience. It is not hocus‐pocus and anyone can develop the

skill. That is, providing that they believe that they can. You have to trust and believe in

other dimensions in order to see the results. Confidence is the key to any successful

endeavor. If you are going to fly, you must first have confidence in your belief of flying.

Dumbo, the flying elephant, did not need a feather to fly and neither do you to become

Page 26


a consistent winner at table games. The following excerpt is from my book, “Playing 4

Keeps, The Do’s and Don’ts of Dice”.

The Disney story of Dumbo, the flying elephant, holds numerous metaphors. One that

is special to working with energy is from the scene where the elephant and mouse

awaken to find themselves in a tree. With a magic feather, borrowed from a crow,

Dumbo is convinced that holding the feather in his trunk will allow him to fly.

However, there was no magic in the feather. The magic was in Dumbo’s belief that he

could fly. The feather was just a prop that supported the thought form of being able to

fly.

The manifestation of a thought form results when one truly believes. Their confidence

makes them unstoppable. “Believing is seeing the results.” Perceiving metaphysical

energy relies on trusting in one’s ability using the sixth sense or intuitive self. It is

tapping into the dimensions of the metaphysical world and the information held there.

The other way around, “seeing results and then believing,” engages logic and intellect.

It is stuck in the dimension of the physical world. “You show me first, before I will

believe it.”

Working with metaphysics is like the Dumbo story. It takes a leap in faith. However,

once you know you can do it, there is not stopping you.

Thought forms are the basis of your reality. First, you have a thought and then the

action follows. A set of plans precedes the building of a house. The plans result from

inspiration derived from visualized thoughts. The designer sees what the house is to

Page 27


look like in the imagination of the “mind’s eye”. The house is a manifestation of the

designer’s vision in a physical form.

When it comes to reading energy, you do not need a magic feather or anything else

special. You simply embrace the belief that you can perceive metaphysical information.

You have the confidence of your convictions. Working with energy may require you to

have a shift in the paradigm of what you believe is possible. Just like Dumbo, it is most

effective when you allow the shift to permeate your very being. Know it to be true.


Page 28


Attitude and the Psyche of the Player

A player’s attitude and psychological mind set can have as much to do with their

results as knowing how to play the game. The “I don’t care” attitude of “oh, well that’s

the money I came with to lose” is like a gift to the casinos. I emphasize the importance

of confidence, a positive mind set, and having the expectation to win. With this arsenal,

teamed with a complete knowledge of the game, a player can have a fair chance at

profits. Any weakness will erode at the psyche of the player. One cannot afford the

luxury of any weakness or mistakes when playing a game of chance. The odds stacked

against the player. Mental attitude is one of the pillars of your game and it tends to

buckle first.

A person that lives life with the convictions of what they believe exudes the “can do”

confidence that allows for success, even in difficult situations. The person that you are

in daily life is the same person that you take into a casino. Your weakness and your

strengths mirror back to you when you engage in a casino game. You expose your

issues at the tables. Work from the inside out to change that which you wish to improve

about yourself.

How to make that change happen? Step by step, a little bit each day. When I catch

myself doing undesirable behavior, I can say to my self, “Whoa Mike, let’s not go down

this lane again, there is no percentage in it.” It’s called self‐talk. Recognition of a trait

that you wish to improve or do away with, is the beginning process for change. It is a

matter of observing yourself, supported with positive intention and affirmations.

Page 29


Catch yourself in a negative thought or statement and acknowledge that it is not

conducive to your desired evolution. Re‐create the thought or statement to express it as

a positive. Apologize, if need be, to the person to whom you may have directed a

negative comment. This process can be on going. As you improve yourself, you increase

your metaphysical energy. Making yourself a better person in life will make you a

better person at the tables.

My ol’ teacher, Stuart Wilde, use to say, “Your word is your law.” What you think and

say creates your reality. By changing your thoughts and what you say, you can, and

you do, make changes in your life.

Observe yourself next time you make a trip to a casino. See if you can detect any weak

links in your psychological attitude when it comes to gaming. If you find any, see if you

can relate them to your daily life. Do they serve you? Do they nurture you? Do they

support you? Do they honor you? Do they contribute to your over‐all well being and

spiritual evolution?

These principles are reasons why I believe that casinos and gaming involve spiritual

concepts and metaphysical applications. It is why I say there is more to the game when

Playing 4 Keeps. Put your game face on when you go to a casino. Have a positive

psychological demeanor and total confidence in your ability to play. Be at your best. Be

ready to play. Be ready to win! Playing 4 Keeps, you can win them all!


Page 30


Slumps Verses Money Management:

Anyone who plays enough cards or dice will eventually experience a slump. However,

what may seem like a slump could actually have more to do with money management

and controlling the losses.

I recommend keeping a journal of your sessions. Your journal can reveal patterns of

your play and provide reasons why you are having difficulty with your game.

Awhile back, a former student called me about being in a slump. The first thing I asked

about was if they had been keeping a journal of their sessions.

A review of the journal revealed that the student was not so much in a losing slump as

they were losing more money than they were winning. In seven sessions, they had four

wins and three losses. However, in two of the losses, the player went bankrupt losing

thirty or more units in each session.

In my seminars, I teach students to be prepared to risk and play one entire betting stake.

This does not mean to go out and play carelessly losing thirty or forty units. Even if you

are losing, it does not mean you are out of control of your game. You may quit

whenever the energy is not supporting your game or when the “fun” is done.

This student’s winning sessions had resulted in reasonable profit. The problem had

more to do with experiencing the two bankruptcies. The loss of two complete bankrolls

Page 31


was reason enough for a feeling of a slump. I counseled on discipline and about paying

attention to the energy of the game. I encouraged the student to recognize the positive.

The units won were commendable and consistent for the winning sessions.

The student needed to play more alert during the losing sessions. The losses caused the

imbalance and it affected the student emotionally as well. The student felt depressed

and lacked confidence. “It ain’t no fun when it stops being fun!” Willie Nelson wishes

he had said that, but he didn’t ‐ I did.

The defeated depressed feeling is harmful to the psyche. Confidence, as you should

know, is a huge part of the game. Contrast confidence at the craps table to the

confidence of a professional quarterback, a baseball pitcher or a golfer. One difference,

when confidence wanes at the craps table, the craps player has the advantage of cutting

their losses. When it is not going your way, it is better to call it quits earlier rather than

later. It is better to accept a smaller loss than to lose an entire bankroll and risk

additional injury of being demoralized emotionally.

Your battle plan should include minimizing losses. The student’s journal represented an

upside down ratio of loss to profit. It turned out that the slump had more to do with

money management. The student lost more than they had won. Emotionally, it felt like

a slump to the ego. In reality, it was win one, lose two. Do your best not to lose more

than you reasonably expect to win.

In the heat of a game, to go bankrupt or not to go bankrupt is always the challenging

question. It is not wrong to play away one betting stake in the pursuit of a win, if you

Page 32


are in a worthy game. The dice or cards can turn in a heartbeat. Suddenly, someone

rolls seven passes and you can come roaring back. However, if you find that you are

experiencing more than one bankrupt session, out of say ten, it is something to

scrutinize.

Upon a closer look of your play, a slump is not always just a time when you can’t win.

Self discipline and money management often are linked to the losses. Learn to recognize

the difference between a cold streak verses an imbalance with the units in the win/loss

columns.

Paying attention to the energy, in the first place, is the best way I know to keep out of

the negative games. Prevent yourself from engaging in the losing situations. Limit your

losses. It is simple really: lose less and you will win more.

Copyright © 2004 Michael Vernon

Page 33


To Be, Or Not To Be… Rated?

My ol’ teacher Stuart Wilde, use to avoid being rated by a casino. His feeling was that

the last thing he wanted is attention from the casino. It is true, as a blackjack player,

playing incognito is necessary. Yet, having a rating card does not mean the casino has

their “eye” on you in a negative way. He eventually changed his mind about being

rated.

One day, we were having our way, playing blackjack at the Mirage. The cards were just

coming to us. It was a laid back game, and we were having a conversation with the

croupier. At one point, the dealer asked us if we were staying in‐house. We were

staying across the street at the Imperial Palace. I had tried to get us booked in the

Mirage before our trip, but there were no reservations available for our required dates.

Stuart brought up the fact that we preferred to stay at the Mirage but there were no

rooms available.

The dealer asked us if we had Mirage rating cards, which neither of us had. She went on

to say that having a rating card could help us to get rooms, deals on rooms and even

free rooms. Stuart use to say, “The rooms were free anyway because the casino was

going to pay from the tables.” This was true. The hitch was we were at the Imperial

Palace, and we could have been staying in the comfort of the Mirage.

We said, “Okay, how do we become rated players?” The croup stopped the game. She

called over the floor supervisor who asked us for our driver’s licenses. In a matter of

Page 34


minutes, the floor supervisor returned with our licenses and two shiny black Mirage

rating cards. Cool.

My next trip to Las Vegas, I called the Mirage and asked for a couple rooms for five

days. The registrar informed me the rate was $149 per night, but they were sold out for

two of the nights that I had requested. I asked, “So what about my rating card, does it

count for anything?” I was then transferred to a casino host, a guy from New Jersey, by

the sound of his accent and demeanor. He tells me that I am in luck, I can have two

rooms for five nights and the rate was $45 per night.

Please understand a rating card does not guarantee free rooms, shows and meals. You

must put in the time at the tables and play at least the minimum bet required by the

casino. In addition to your time played, your buy‐in is also a consideration.

Remember that you are playing a casino game with the odds that favor the house.

Based on your unit bet, your buy‐in, and time at the table, the casino has a formula to

determine what you are worth to them and that is how you are rated.

Most casinos in Las Vegas require a $25 minimum bet to be rated. Playing $25 units

requires a bankroll of $3,750 for a three‐day trip. This would give you five equal playing

stakes of $750 each and you could play blackjack or dice.

I list a few things important to consider.

♦ First and foremost, are you a $25+ player?

Page 35


♦ Are you skilled at the game at which you plan to be rated?

♦ Never play out of your comfort zone. Given that the rack rate for most Las Vegas

hotels is between $85 and $199, is it worth it to you, to play out of your comfort

zone in the hope of getting free room?

♦more money than perhaps you normally would.

Free drinks, meals, rooms and shows are ploys to keep you gaming and to play

♦ pay from your profits at

the table. No need to get out of balance, chasing a freebie.

♦ d, and pay for it at the back end by playing out

of control or out of your league?

ted to play a rated unit and you do not have to play for the expected four

ours a day.

If you are a solid, disciplined player, perhaps it is better to

Why get a free room in the front en

I think it is important to stay where you like to play. Having a rating card can be handy

to help you get a room where you like to play. Once you have a rating card, you do not

have to activate it every time you play. Just because you have a discounted room, you

are not obliga

h

Often I will hand my rating card in when I buy into a game, but I do not play the

required unit. Sometimes the boxman or pit boss will come over and remind me that I

Page 36


am not betting enough to be rated. Sometimes they just say “Thank you Mr. Vernon,

good luck.” I don’t know if I am being rated when I do this. You have to ask. Usually

your name and number are entered into the computer and time at the table is tracked.

t least they see that I am giving them some action while staying at the property.

I want to stay in, when I want to

tay in it. I will get the rent off the tables, I promise.

upervisor next time you are out or call you favorite casino and ask for

e casino host.


A

For me it is a matter of convenience and a bit of a discount on my room. What I care

about is being able to get booked into the casino that

s

To find out more about how you, as a player, can be rated and what is required, simply

asked the floor s

th

Page 37


When the Wind Goes Out of the Sail:

“When the wind goes out of the sail, the boat drifts with the current.”

‐‐Old sailorʹs truth.

Everything expresses and energy. If you are sensitive to the energy around you, you

will be able to perceive information just slightly ahead of it manifesting in reality. This

concept of using your ability to perceive information from another dimension is at the

heart of what I teach in my gaming seminars.

Let’s say that you are in a game and it is going the way that it “should”. You are

making a steady profit and having fun. However, something changes at the table,

perhaps it is obvious or maybe it is something as subtle as a feeling. In any event, the

change provides you with a message that the streak is about to end. “Oh, oh, the wind

has gone from the sail, it’s time to bail.”

This message is from your perception of an event before it happens. Everyone is capable

of the experience. I have never met anyone that did not relate with a similar experience

of having a feeling of an event before experiencing it. A common occurrence is thinking

of a person just before the telephone rings and when you answer the phone, it is the

person you were thinking of.

Acting on this message takes a bit of experience. The neat thing is, once you have

Page 38


learned the lesson, it’s like riding a bicycle. You won’t forget it. The trick is applying it

to a craps game. Learning to recognize the warning signals before the game breaks

down does take practice.

When you perceive a hint of the game going cold, it is like the sunshine disappearing as

clouds build. This is your early warning of a storm before the rain falls. This early

warning occurs in most every game of craps or blackjack. You perceive it as something

different from what has been occurring. After you recognize the shift, you have to have

the discipline to color up well ahead of the rain.

Sometimes the shift is subtle and happens slowly. The wind’s force lessens, and then

calms a bit before going still. The “boat” (game) continues to move forward, with a kind

of jerking feeling. It may have the appearance of continuing with the remaining

momentum. Nevertheless, in the end, it all comes to a halt. When it does, you will be

long gone because you sensed early on what was coming.

No two games are alike and neither are the early warning signs. Essentially, you are

looking for a shift in the energy of the game, something different from what you have

been observing.

Here is a simple example. Most of the shooters are rolling well, perhaps making at least

one point, with the other rolls being box numbers. Then the shift happens. Instead of

making passes and rolling numbers, the shooter rolls non‐paying numbers, 2, 3, 12, or

11. Good for horn betters maybe, but not good for the line and place betters. Not that I

am superstitious, but the seven is usually not far behind the craps roll. The game sevens

Page 39


out with a short, non‐profiting hand. The next shooter rolls point‐and‐out and the

following shooter does the same, point‐and‐out.

Now, three short, losing hands in a row is no cause for alarm, right? Well actually, it

could be, if the abruptness in the pattern comes with a feeling that the game is on a new

course. It is how you perceive the shift as a feeling that is the key to what you may

expect. Your alertness to sensing the change as a “cold” feeling for example, is the tell‐

tale hint of a game going south.

Now I am fine riding out a little dip in the action. However, when a consistent game

begins to display contrary conditions; that is the time to trust how the “dip” affects me

as a feeling. I am on my toes and looking for the doors when the feeling comes over me

that the game may be breaking down.

Here is another example of sensing the end of a game. Have you ever come upon what

appeared to be a “hot table”? After two short hands, most the other players begin to

color up. You get the feeling that you arrived too late and that you just bought into the

back end of a good roll. The smart money is long gone, but you stayed and played, only

to experience six or seven more losing hands in a row. The “early birds” were present

for the window of opportunity. They were there for the win, they knew when it was

over, and they got out at the right time. When a table empties with players coloring up

their winnings, that is a blatant sign of a game that’s lost air speed and you can feel it, as

well as see it.

Here is an idea for you to reinforce working with this concept of perceiving

Page 40


information. Hang out for a while after quitting a game. Now you are detached and it’s

just a way to verify your perception. That is, to confirm by observation, what you

believe is about to happen.

If the game does break down it reinforces your confidence in your perception and thus

supports your convictions. If the game does not break down: 1) So what? You were

wrong but you are learning to use perception. 2) You are still at the table and may jump

back in if you choose. 3) You exhibit the discipline and a willingness to trust your

perception. It is never wrong walk. 4) Free lessons are best. You can’t lose money

watching a game.

When first learning about table perception, I like the idea of hanging out at the table,

after you quit, for 15‐20 minutes. It is a real confidence builder as you learn to trust your

perception. Trusting the feeling “that the wind has gone from the sail” and then seeing

that it was right on, will empower your play forever!

Working with energy is like any skill. The more you practice it the better you become

using it.

Copyright © 2001 ‐ 2004 Michael Vernon

Page 41


A Ripe Melon in Real Time

The other day I was at the grocery store picking up a few things so I could make a pot

of green chile stew. While in the produce department I noticed a fellow looking over the

melons. I grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, not far from the Melon Capital, Rocky Ford, so I

know a bit about picking a ripe melon. Now, this guy did not know much when it came

to picking a ripe melon. In the end he picked one that I would have left behind, which

inspired me to write this article.

How was it, that the melon shopper missed picking the ripe melon? How did I know

the ripe one and how did I know the one he picked was, well, no good? Perhaps I had

more experience. Beyond that though, was my intuition telling me which melon was

best. It was as if the melon called to me, “pick me, pick me.”

Everything expresses energy. If you allow yourself to believe this, to know this, then

you can become a student of energy. In doing so, it is possible for you to gain

information from your perception of energy.

So, what does this have to do with gaming? Everything!

Learn to read the energy at a craps table or blackjack table and you will have an edge

over the game.

To help you to learn about energy and to teach yourself how to read energy, I though

Page 42


that this idea of melon picking would help explain how it works. In practice, the same

principles apply for picking a gaming table or a ripe melon.

Next time you are shopping for a melon, first ask to “be guided” to the best melon. This

is a silent asking; you do not go up to the produce guy and say “excuse me....” Okay, so

you are asking in silence for what you want. You eyes fall on the table full of melons.

They all look the same, or do they? As you study the melons, you open yourself to

receiving more information from the melons. The information is subtle, it comes from a

feeling and a “knowing”. It comes with practice. In a short time, a few melons will

definitely appear different. You will immediately notice their quality, color, shape, and

over all better appearance compared to the other melons.

Pick your melon. Now, comes your moment of truth. Confirmation of your intuition

manifests in real time. When you get the melon home and cut it open to eat, you will

then know for sure if you have chosen the right melon.

Granted sometimes there are no ripe melons to be had, simply because it is not melon

season, or the converse being true, most any melon in season will be ripe.

If you understand the premise of this exercise, then, you may expand it with other

foods and other kinds of situations where you are making a relatively blind choice.

Choosing the best fresh fish is another good trial.

The more you practice at this game, the more you will increase your success rate. What

eventually begins to happen is that you train yourself to become familiar with the

Page 43


feeling of knowing the correct choice. Thus, you are basing your decision in a feeling

of the energy. Now you have something considerably more reliable than a guess.

To recap: You perceive the energy in a given situation. It comes to you as a feeling. It

has a certain quality that is either appealing to you or is repelling to you. How your

experience with energy feels to you, is the basis of working with information from the

metaphysical realm. If the melon is ripe and enjoyable, you have selected correctly.

Lock in the feeling of the positive experience. It becomes more powerful as you increase

your confidence working with energy.

Metaphysics is a recognized phenomenon. This is not some conjured or made up idea to

explain the unexplained. The concept is foreign to some people, perhaps because

anything metaphysical is not tangible. So, if it can not be touched or seen, does it really

exist? Yes, metaphysics is part of our reality, part of this physical state of being. We

engage the physics and the metaphysics every day in our lives. It is explained in

practical terms with loads of examples.

Science and governments study influences of metaphysics and how or if energy can be

influenced. Remote viewing is just one example. If the government is involved with

metaphysics, you know that it has to be “real”!

I teach applied metaphysics in my gaming seminars and newsletters. Metaphysics is a

fascinating source of information. If you are new to this concept and you desire more

information about metaphysics I recommend that you visit White Dove. Go to my web

site, www.playing4keeps.com, and click on the links icon and find the White Dove

banner. White Dove is the on‐line source for Stuart Wilde books. Metaphysics applied

Page 44



to gaming, it all started with Stuart Wilde.


Page 45


Are You Ready To Play?

There are many techniques casinos use to influence the player. Bright lights, free

alcohol, comps, attractive women, loud music, noisy machines and an atmosphere of

excitement are just a few of the obvious ones. Keeping the players within their clutches

is all by design. Some of the casinos are virtual mazes trapping you inside and without

a map; you can wander aimlessly searching for the way out.

Casinos “rev” on energy unlike any other business or entertainment experience. The

energy churns at a pace several notches above that found outside of the casino. Again,

this is all by design to manipulate and influence the customers. Only in Las Vegas can

one experience Venice, Paris, Rome, the Middle East, and a Polynesian paradise all in a

two‐mile strip. The elaborate plan is to remove you from your comfort zone and

transform you into the comfort zone of the casino.

When entering the arena of play, you are truly out numbered and out‐gunned. The

casino has unlimited funds and more gaming tables and machines than the 30,000 plus

players arriving each day can put a dent in. Your only hope is to play smarter and not

harder. You must be ready to play emotionally, physically, and financially. Your ability

to remain in your comfort zone upon entering the casino is the challenge every player

faces. Casinos control the environment and the games. The player’s only defense is to

control herself or himself.

Critical to being prepared for play is self‐discipline. Having the ability of self control

Page 46


takes away from the blatant manipulation found in most casinos. Acknowledging a

readiness to play requires the player to be honest with their feelings and have the

discipline to act on the information. Perhaps one trap is an anxiousness to get as much

playing time in during a three‐day trip for example. Too often the case, most players are

eager to get into action before they are ready. Some can scarcely wait to de‐board the

plane to play the “loose” machines at the airport.

You are better off to act with the discipline of the patient hunter. Here is a checklist to

consider before entering the casino. Using this list will minimize or eliminate losing

sessions.

Do not play if:

♦ You are tired. Traveling takes a great deal of energy, physically and emotionally.

Never play when you are not physically up for the game.

♦ You are not feeling well. If you are, ill or coming down with a cold it is an

indication of low energy. Never play if you are unwell.

♦ You are emotionally upset. Emotions are powerful and can influence negative

behavior. If you are angry, depressed or experiencing other negative emotions do

game.

not play. Negative emotions express lower energy and will be a determent to your

Page 47


♦

any

the

behavior. It is the detachment of emotion from outcomes, losing or winning.

♦

e game is

to

rself and have the

courage to walk away if you are not truly ready to play.

♦ Examine what is going on in the whole casino and assess the situation before

does

honored? How the unseen energy feels to you is useful information. Use it to your

It is your job to

find it. Be disciplined, sometimes you will have to walk away.

You need money. Playing with “scared money” or with money that you

consciously do not have to risk is an absolute no‐no. This invokes an emotion of

lack and desperateness, not one of abundance and limitlessness. You must play

with money that you are prepared to risk and possibly lose. There must not be

charge of negative emotion on your bankroll. Emotional detachment from

money is imperative. Detachment does not mean not caring or whimsical

You are not ready. This requires an honest check‐in asking yourself if you are

ready to play. It is not the same thing as wanting to play. Perhaps you are feeling

anxious and behind that is a feeling of insecurity or fear. Fear to enter th

valid and it should be acknowledged. It is easy to ignore fear, as fear is

uncomfortable and thus hard to accept. Never play if you are not 100% ready

enter the game. Have the discipline to be honest with you

You do not find a game. Do not jump into the first game that you come to.

committing. Perceive the energy and the action. Is it a winning atmosphere or

it feel like a losing, or negative, atmosphere? Ask questions. What is going on

here? Is there a winning game here for me? Do I like what I feel and see? Do I feel

advantage. The casinos never close. There will always be a game.

Page 48


♦

or

:

iate reaction was “Oh, no, I am being warned not to enter.” I played and I

lost.

. You

und and going through your check‐in,

en you should know if you are ready to play.

self.

power and control. Take your game to the casino. Don’t

t it be the other way around.


You perceive a message not to play. Life is coming at you constantly with subtle

messages. It is possible to get a glimpse of life before experiencing it in real time.

The information comes as metaphors. You notice something that you see or hear

and it translates into information as a feeling, your little voice whispering to you,

“not now, not this game”. I do not present this strategy to cause you paranoia

make you crazy about everything little thing. When you receive a subliminal

message you decide if it has application for the task at hand. Here is an example

Once when entering a casino the door would not open when I pulled on it. My

immed

In addition to a personal check‐in, know your way around the casino. It plays to the

intimidation factor if you do not know where you are. Walk around an unfamiliar

casino. Take your time to learn the layout. Find the bathrooms, the lounge, restaurants,

the cashier and especially the closest exit. The casino is a place for your enjoyment

must feel comfortable and safe in order to play in comfort. Take your time before

entering a game. You have all the time in the world. Never rush or push to make

something happen. After learning your way aro

th

Casinos control the show for the most part; at least you should be in control of your

You decide when to play, where to play, how much to play, and how long to play.

These things are all within your

le

Page 49


They Got You by the Holidays

Las Vegas’s popularity goes without saying. During the holidays, it can be bedlam.

Here is a short list of times of over crowding: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years,

Super Bowl, and big draw sporting events, such as championship fights, auto racing, or

Final Four Basketball tournaments.

Be prepared to pay more for most everything. Higher minimum table limits, higher

room rates and airfares. When Las Vegas books out at these times, minimum table

limits will be $10 with the emphasis on $25 minimum tables. The $10 tables will be

shoulder to shoulder and hard to get on. If you are a Blackjack player, good luck; it is

really tough to find a good game, if not impossible. The casinos know they will be

overrun at these times and the gamblers will be in a feverish pitch to play no matter the

minimum bet. In simple terms, the price of poker goes up. They know that they have

the players captured. What else are you going to do when in Las Vegas?

The downtown joints are where you will have to go if you are a nickel player.

There are a few other times when these conditions are prevalent such as when large

conventions are in town. It seems like there is one just about every weekend. Hottest

convention times are during the cooler months for Las Vegas, October through March.

Las Vegas is one the world’s premier destination for conventions.

Mid‐week is the best time if you can arrange it for your visit. Other good times to visit

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Las Vegas are the weeks before Thanksgiving, in between Turkey day and Christmas,

around Easter, and the week of April 15th for some reason.

© 2001 – 2004 Michael Vernon

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Metaphysics and the Game

Spirituality, the essence of who we are is a limitless energy with connections in other

dimensions. We manifest as human bodies in this dimension, so that our essence as a

spiritual being is able to have experiences. As part of the God force, we are unable to

bump our head and experience discomfort unless we have a physical head to bump. In

short, we are here, in this earth plane, for the experience. Let us make the most of it and

enjoy it.

My ol’ teacher, Stuart Wilde, wrote and taught about Universal Law. Universal Law is

simply the law of energy. You may call it the God Force or the divine being which keeps

all that is in motion. It is that spark of light reflecting beauty in all things. Universal

Law is a neutral yet benevolent concept. There is no good or bad, just energy.

Everything is expressing energy and everything is experiencing energy at its own

special level.

Metaphysically, energy may be qualified at different levels like fast or slow and high

verses low. However, it is not the same as labeling it good or bad. The idea is to not

judge when observing energy. The perception in your feelings informs you about the

quality or quantity of energy expressed.

Perhaps think of it this way. The electricity lighting a 40 watt bulb and a 100 watt bulb

is the same. The bulbs consume different amounts of energy. The 40 watt bulb produces

a dimmer light and the 100 watt bulb a brighter light. Brighter verses dimmer light, it is

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not good verses bad light. In the end, it is still just light and energy being expressed

with different qualities and quantities.

This is why I do not believe in luck, good or bad. I believe in the energy present in a

situation. The energy present can tell me everything that I need to know. One may

argue that good luck is good energy. It is, in fact, energy expressing itself as expanded

and more abundant. When expanded energy manifests in this dimension, the tendency

is to recognize it as a positive experience. Conversely, a less pleasant experience is

negative and is labeled as bad luck.

Defining the experiences in terms of good and bad is judging. Judgment tends to

engage the emotions and lowers the energy. However, by observing the experiences

neutrally, the “bad luck” or “negative experience” is simply a form of contracted

energy. Teaching yourself to recognize the state of the energy present, expanding or

contracting, provides invaluable information for you in a casino game.

Your energy mirrors back to you in subtle ways. The energy that you take to a gaming

table is expressed back to you. An expanded energy mirrors winning while contracted

energy mirrors losing. What you put out comes back or manifests in some way as a

reflections of your own energy.

This condition explains the experience of not having a good day. Contracted energy is a

slower state of being. It draws other experiences that are contracted and in a lower state

of being. It is the reason why you cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought.

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You can influence and expand your energy. There are numerous ways and it is a simple

matter of you making the effort. Judging, criticizing, and complaining are like anchors

around your neck metaphysically. Seeing the beauty in everything and accepting things

as they are, removes you from judgment and negativity. You make the choice of taking

the high ground while others grovel and engage negatively in something that has

nothing to do with their own evolution. Your mission is to work on your own life, to

expand your own energy and heighten your life’s experiences.

You can expand your energy in the way that you dress. You have heard the expression

“dress for success”. Metaphysically, this means that your physical appearance is an

outward statement of the inner you and what you stand for. Your attire expresses

energy and that makes a statement to the world. Your attire makes a statement that you

care about yourself and that you feel good about who you are. Outstanding energy

attracts a bigger energy.

George Washington fought the French during the French Indian War for the King of

England. Although Washington was a successful leader, he was never a commissioned

officer in the British army because he was a colonist and a farmer. Becoming a

commissioned officer was something that he longed to become. Washington got his big

break with the American Revolution. Washington accepted an invitation to attend a

meeting of the Continental Congress. He arrived wearing a military styled uniform that

he had fashioned himself. The uniform, along with his 6’3” stature, so impressed the

members of the Continental Congress that they agreed to appoint Washington

commander in chief of the Continental army. The rest, as you know, is history.

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Washington created an intention, an affirmation, and he created a thought form that

manifested in reality supported by his attire. “I am a winner! I have what it takes to

win! I will never quit!” This is how Universal Law works. It mirrors back the intention

of attire, the attitude, and the character of an individual.

Another way to expand your energy is through your intention. Intention must be

sincere, coming from an inward feeling. It is the knowing that when you totally own

your intention, it is as if it has already occurred. Intentions have energy associated with

them and the bigger the energy behind the intention, the more likely it is to manifest.

Start your day grouchy, cursing that it is a lousy day, and guaranteed, the laws of

energy will deliver to you a lousy day. If you look for the beauty in all things then,

beauty is what you will experience.

It is within you to expand or contract your energy. It is up to you. It takes awareness

and a dedication to being your best. If things are not going your way, the nut does not

fall far from the tree. As you recognize a life with less strife and struggle, take notice of

the kinds of things that you do that expand your energy and creates a more positive life.

In the casino, recognizing the differences in energy, expanded or contracted, provides

you with information as to what you can expect in any situation. The losing games

always have a low energy. Learn to sense the differences in energy and keep yourself

out of the losing games.

To explore more about how energy, intention and beliefs can strengthen your casino

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experience, I recommend Stuart Wild’s book, “Miracles”. Order your copy from White

Dove International. Visit the links page at the Playing 4 Keeps web site,

www.playing4keeps.com.

2003 ‐ 2004 Michael Vernon

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The Legend of Camelot

I am privileged having been trained by the best metaphysical wizard living today,

Stuart Wilde.

This summer I had the good fortune of spending four weeks in Las Vegas. I was

presenting P4K workshops and just having a grand time. In my programs, I teach and

speak of seeing the unseen as a way to glean information from another dimension. This

unseen information will usually and eventually manifest in the dimension of the earth

plane.

As strange or weird as it sounds, perception of metaphysical energies is something

everyone can do. Since metaphysics is not taught in school, the talent is left dormant and

ignored. With just a little insight and practice, it is fairly easy to grasp the concept. Like

anything that is learned, it takes a dedication if you want to get good at it.

Some of my students this summer had a bit of difficulty with this concept at first, as it is

one of perception and feelings, not one of intellect, emotion, and ego. Questions like;

“How do I know? How did I get it? Where does it come from? How long does it take to

learn? Why don’t I get it?” were typical. Well, I did have the answers and various

techniques of showing the good students the ways of perceiving other dimensions and

the application to casino games. In the end, they all got it.

After returning home from the “City of Dreams”, I had a conversation with a friend that

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reminded me of the Etruscans and the city of Volterra in Italy. Stuart Wilde would speak

of the Etruscans in his “Warrior’s Wisdom” programs. Thinking of the Etruscans then

reminded me of Stuart’s audio recording of the legend of Camelot. Few people know the

real story of Camelot, Merlin, Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, and Excalibur. I found my

tape set of the legend of Camelot and listened to it again. Amazed by the wealth of

metaphysical explanation and the esoteric ancient wisdom presented, I became inspired

to share the source of the information.

I receive emails asking the question, “Where do I begin learning more about energy?” I

always reference Stuart Wilde’s books, “Miracles”, “The Force”, “The Quickening” and

“The Little Money Bible” for abundance seekers. These are just a few ways of getting a

great metaphysical lesson pure and simple and they are good short reads to the point.

The two cassette tape set “CAMELOT and its power to the present day”, is an accounting of

spiritual evolution to the present time. I highly recommend this program as a study

course for anyone wanting the spiritual knowledge on the hurry up. It is all contained in

this audio. Camelot is a story about the metaphysical evolution of this cataclysmic time.

You will hear how to perceive other dimensions. You will learn the secrets of masculine

and feminine dynamics. You will understand the positive use of will verses wielding

power, and the story of the legend of Merlin and the time of Camelot.

Call my good friend John Thorpe at White Dove International, 800‐962‐4457 and order

Camelot for same day shipping. Tell John you read about it in Playing 4 Keeps™ and he

will toss in a free gift.

© 2003 Michael Vernon

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Just For the Record

I have a suggestion for a New Year’s resolution ‐ record keeping. Each New Year I pick

up a pocket calendar or journal book. In it, I keep a record of each session that I play. I

have one book for craps and one book for blackjack. I record each session that I play. I

record the casino, the game played, (blackjack/craps) the time of day, the length of time

played, unit bet, buy‐in bankroll, units won/lost, table conditions, and a short account

of each session. This is a required discipline for the player serious about improving

their game. It is easy to keep a running count of profit and loss from each game, thus

providing you with an accurate account of where you stand for the year. It keeps you

honest with yourself.

Keeping a record is essential for tax purposes. Gambling losses are tax deductible

against gambling profits. If you are going to itemize gambling income, you must be able

to defend losses with a record. The casino is not going to write you a receipt for your

losses when you cash out. It is up to you to be able to document your gambling history.

The most important reason to document your playing time is for reference. A journal

can be a powerful resource in helping to identify strength and weakness in your game.

If I get a call for help from a former student that is in a slump, the first thing I ask them

is if they have been keeping their gaming journal up to date.

A player can review their journal, look at the losing sessions, and usually find essential

elements that lead to the slump. When a player is experiencing an unsuccessful streak,

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some typical signs would be playing too long, chasing a loss, engaging in poor

conditions, making mistakes, playing too tight, or playing too aggressive. Probably

playing too long and playing carelessly are the leading telltale signs that will come from

good journal notes.

Playing too long means remaining in a game that is going nowhere and ignoring the

signs that the game has stalled. A game that goes back and forth ‐ wins one, lose one,

push ‐ is a dead game. Eventually, this kind of a game will turn cold and, in less than

fifteen minutes, the entire betting stake is lost. (See “The Wall” chapter three) Playing

too long tends to lull a player into a trance‐like state of mind, believing that the game is

bound to turn around and become favorable.

Playing careless is usually a lack of discipline. The player gets in a game that they have

no business playing. It often is a matter of ego or emotion that causes a player to think

they are invincible and that they can walk up to any table and make it pay. Being too

eager to play and getting into bad games is an unsuccessful habit for both experienced

and novice players. Getting into a game that you have not assessed for positive playing

conditions, will usually rack up a win in the casino’s column. The idea of playing

anytime, on any table, is what built the City of Dreams. The games are always on, you,

as the player, must have charge of your game by being patient. You enhance the

probability of being a winner when you play at optimum times with optimum

conditions. Realize that you are a hunter, if you are going to “eat”, you must hunt

smart.

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Here are sample journal entries.

1/27/00, Mirage, Craps, 7:00am, $5 unit, played 1.5 hr. +28 units, 6‐7 players, Steady game,

back and forth, no one really doing much, short hands, 1 or 2 points or quick outs, treading

water, I broke the ice with a three point hand, next shooter rolled a six point hand, then back to

the earlier game with the other players, colored 28 units up. Never down more than 10 units,

good crew, game moved along, no one playing the prop bets.

1/28/00, Mirage, BJ double deck, 11:00 am, 10$ unit, woman dealer, two other players, 1 hr. 20

min., up 15 units profit. Good start, winning 1‐2‐3 units per shuffle. Count never broke away

more than a exact plus 4, never got a big bet out, did well on doubles, defended splits, Only 3

BJs, made a fair amount of stiff hands without busting, hit the wall after about 1 hr of play

(game stalled), table filled with players, I colored up.

3/18/00, Big Rock, 9:30 p.m., BJ double deck, 45 min., $5 unit, smart ass male dealer, down 23

units, played head to head first 15 min., always just out by one or pushed on my 20’s, losing

after each shuffle, 1 BJ & 1 BJ push, lots of 12’s and 13’s, could not pull a hand, few doubles and

lost them all, smoker sits in at 3rd base, count went plus, lost on a 4‐unit double, followed by a 4

unit loss, lost 12 units in two hands on a plus count.

My journal has shorter notes, but they are enough to remind me of the session. The idea

is to record the key information for your benefit, and then learn from it when you need

a review. When beginning the journal, more information is better.

Let’s look at the second example. It details a winning blackjack session at the Mirage.

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Notice that although the count never really got good, I was consistently grinding out

small profits after each shuffle. This was a good sign. It was an okay game to hang with

until the energy shifted as the table filled with other players and the game stalled. I won

my doubles and pulled stiff hands. Although I was light with the blackjacks, the game

was encouraging enough to play. At any time, the game could have broken away with a

high plus count for increased bets, or it could have broken down with a cold run of

cards. I had won a decent profit for the time invested. With two indicators that I should

quit, I was not about to hang out longer to find out which way it was going to be.

The third entry documents a loss. It is a red flag when you are not receiving a fair share

of blackjacks, (usually 5% of your hands or 5 BJs an hour). Pushing a blackjack is like an

insult. Too many stiff hands that bust, and not winning the moneymaking doubles, are

other red flags. The final blow was losing two hands with increased bets when

conditions were favorable. It was not my day and the signs were present all along the

way. I simple did not react to the messages.

Here is what I could learn from the third journal entry. I ignored the early warnings.

Losing doubles and blackjacks, the hands I should win, were warnings of trouble. I

ignored the fact that the dealer was a jerk, which is also a no‐no. Be it cards or dice, you

can chose your playmates. It is one thing to get stiff hands and bust, but to keep seeing

the same repeating combinations was obvious that the energy was trying to tell me

something. When an undesirable player enters the game, I know that I’d better be on

my toes. Actually, it is better to be on my feet, walking away from the table. There were

enough signals, before the 12 unit hit, telling me to leave this game. Ignoring or missing

the early warnings was a mistake. The mistake cost me at least 12 units, plus whatever I

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lost after the smoker sat down. I should have played defensively with these conditions

and quit the game maybe 8‐10 units down. I ignored blatant warnings and played too

long.

Profit games are usually the result of hitting the plus count or catching a long roll with

the dice. Play like the patient hunter; wait for your time to come. Sometimes you have

to play tight defense while waiting for the opportunity. Learn to recognize the

difference between a game with promise and one that is going nowhere. Record your

sessions and you will document the signals. It will become clearer when it is time to bail

out, and you will recognize the signs of a game worthy of your attention.

Keeping a journal and reviewing wins and losses can accurately paint the picture of

your playing habits. You can honestly evaluate your play, recognizing those things that

you are doing well, and the weakness that needs improvement. The rewards will be

evident as you educate yourself with the discipline of keeping a journal.

2002 ‐ 2004 Michael Vernon

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Some Assembly Required What I am about to share is not so much a secret as overlooked and forgotten elements

of gaming strategy. It seems that there is not enough coverage written on this ignored

subject. It reminds me of the enclosed directions when “some assembly is required”. I

tear into the box, barely glancing at the neatly folded directions written in five different

languages, and proceed with the assembly on my own. After a while, I discover a

problem. I have not put things together in the proper order. Because I have incorrectly

snapped a section together, I am unable to fit the next piece without breaking apart

what I have already accomplished. So it is with gaming and disciplined play. Once

discipline is abandoned, you do not get a second chance to reassemble a mistake.

Discipline: No one can make you play with discipline. Discipline is self‐imposed

action. It sounds simple enough, and like the paper directions, discipline is often quick

to be discarded. The casino manipulates the player subtly and blatantly. Self‐control is

essential for long term success. What do you have control over? You have control of

when you play, how long you play, how much money you put on the line, and the

environment you will accept for playing. Engage discipline and you have control.

When you play: You should be at your best, sharp as a tack. Be well rested and

mentally prepared to focus on the game. Drinking is discouraged. Play your game right,

and you will win an adequate amount for drinks, dinner, and a show later. Emotionally,

you must be centered, not unbalanced by “shoulds” and peer pressure. Do not play if

you are angry or otherwise upset. Pick times to play when you will not have an end

time constraint. To play a game just before a flight or another appointment would not

be my choice. I prefer at least a four‐hour window. Play when you feel free to play. One

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never knows how long a session may take. It can be brief or you may be in for the long

haul. The idea of a deadline restriction can cause you undue anxiety to play in a game

that you were better off avoiding.

How long you play: How long you play depends on several factors, stamina, bankroll,

and of course, the direction of the game. I have won 43 units in twelve minutes and

have played four hours just getting back to even. The longer you play the more

exposure you have to the negative odds. There are numerous distractions in a casino, all

tugging on your energy. I find that after a couple of hours playing at the table my focus

and awareness begins to wane. Take a break with the first sign of fatigue. The tendency

for the weekend warrior is to get in as much action as possible. Big mistake! It is better

to be patient and have a plan for your sessions with designed breaks. It is better to be

selective and cautious in the front end than wishing you had employed more discipline

on the flight home. Remember, being in control, is how to eliminate the losing sessions.

Once in a game, play alert to the direction of the game. Just because you have been in

the game for only a short time does not mean you have to stand there and slug it out in

a losing cause. There has to be some positive energy or financial encouragement to hang

with a game. If not, have the discipline to walk. Have the courage to cut your losses and

to leave a game. Do not allow desperation affect your desire to play.

How much you play: How much you play is a factor of your total bankroll and your

comfort with the table minimum. Never engage games under bankrolled. Never play

over your head financially. Most players enter a craps game under bankrolled. Simply

stated, they do not buy in with enough capital to support the kind of action that they

intend to play. Playing craps requires a lot more capital than other games. Few players

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recognize this fact. I teach my students to think of each bet as a separate investment. As

such, each bet has its own appropriate bankroll. There are numerous opinions on

bankroll.

My suggested bankroll for the blackjack player is 30 times the unit bet. A $10 player

would be encouraged to buy in for $300. For the craps player, I suggest ten times the bet

for each bet wagered. A $5 pass line player with double odds, that also likes to place bet

the six and eight for $12 each, would buy in for $390. This provides the player with two

critical aspects of the game: 1) Having enough capital invested to engage the game for a

reasonable chance at profit. 2) Provides an acceptable built in “stop loss”. Limiting loss

with a controlled session bankroll protects you from ruin. The over all total bankroll is

protected as well as the emotional bankroll.

Reaching into the pocket to pull out more cash is chasing a loss. It is metaphysically and

psychologically weak to buy in under bankrolled and then pull money from your

pocket. It is smarter to put it all out, fully capitalized. Never forget you have the

discipline to walk away at any time. Walking takes discipline and it is the player’s best

defense. Never be afraid to pick up your chips and walk. You do not have to stand

there and play it all away. You are in control and you can quit anytime.

Where you play: You should play at a casino you enjoy and one where you feel

comfortable playing. It is important to perceive a sense of honoring and appreciation

not only from the establishment but from the employees as well. Chasing around for a

game burns energy. I say, “Stay where you like play.” If your action is rated, then you

are there for the discounts and comps. I like to stay at Treasure Island. If there is

nothing going on at T.I., it is a short walk to other favorites, the Mirage and the

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Venetian. Without too much effort, I am minutes away from world class casinos. Where

you play does make a difference, as gaming should be a pleasurable experience.

The hardest part of discipline is to play disciplined. Duh! The reason it is difficult has to

do with being able to come to an agreement with yourself. Ego, intellect, and emotion

tend to over‐ride self‐discipline. Without self‐discipline, it is easy to talk oneself out of

what is best and what is true.

You find yourself in a profitable game and then someone has a big hand. You have

made a handsome profit. You know from experience that a big hand is the exception

not the rule. The smart money is coloring up. If you have the discipline to color up you

will have a tidy profit. However, your mischievous little voice says, “If you play longer

you could have even more.” The agreement with yourself to quit the game takes

discipline. It takes accepting the money you have won and being comfortable with the

knowing that there is always another game. It is an affirmation of abundance. There are

plenty of games. You can only color up winners when you are winning. Walking away

is your best gaming asset. You exercise your freedom of choice and discipline

empowers you. Without discipline, you empower the casino. What’s it going to be

mate?

Some assembly is required. Follow the steps of discipline in your game and eliminate

needless mistakes. When it comes to gaming, the odds against the player do not allow

for the luxury of playing with a mistake. Having the discipline to be honest with

yourself will always separate you, the winner, from the losers.

Copyright © 2003 - 2004 Michael Vernon

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Information From An Unseen Dimension There is an invisible, yet perceivable, dimension and subtle information can be found

there. Somewhat like sitting in a movie theater watching previews of coming

attractions, subliminal messages provides a glimpse of events that are about to happen.

Perceiving the energy can show you the hidden truths, as you experience events in the

present moment. Perception of energy also provides you with lessons of events after the

fact, as you look back and relate the metaphysical information acknowledged or

ignored.

Almost everyone has had that experience of saying, “I knew that was going to happen;

why didn’t I listen to myself?” I do not suggest using intuition to guess or manipulate

events during a dice or card game. My point is for the reader to acknowledge and

simply relate to having had the experience of knowing about something before it

manifested in reality. Perception of subtle information is an ability everyone has. With

practice, you can strengthen the ability and provide an additional powerful edge to

your game.

A way of explaining energy is to think of it as a vibration. It is a known fact of science

that everything organic and inorganic is vibrating at the atomic level. Metaphysical

energy is not measured in terms of “good” and “bad”. Instead, you can think of energy

in terms of “high vibration” or “low vibration”. A football game expressing high energy

is exciting and fun to watch. A game expressing low energy is boring and lacks interest.

Energy or vibrations are happening in every situation. It is possible for you to sense the

vibrations and glean information.

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The next time that you decide to watch a televised sporting event, try this experiment.

Turn the sound down so you cannot hear the score announced. Ignore the score if it

appears on screen. The experiment is to simply watch and observe both teams and

decide which team has a BIGGER energy. Silently ask which team has the upper hand,

who has the lead, and which team is going to win. Once observed, your answer will

come back to you as a feeling. The feeling is a perception of what is going on which

leads to the foundation of what is about to happen. When you turn up the sound, check

your “read” of the energy. At the end of the game your understanding of the energy

will be confirmed one way or the other.

Everyone has the ability to perceive energy vibrations and discern information from

other dimensions. Confirmation of your perception occurs in real time, right or wrong.

When you are right, then you can know that you are “dialed in”, thus validating your

perceptive interpretations.

It is possible for a dice or blackjack player to benefit, and have an edge, using energy

perception in casino games. Does the table have a winning or a losing feel to it? Perhaps

the feeling is neutral or “don’t know”. This is a tool to use before and during your

session. The dice and cards can turn in the blink of an eye. Your perception allows you

to follow the energy and can provide you with an early warning system. By the way,

“don’t know” means don’t go.

Okay, this sensory receiver is your sixth sense. The sixth sense is a sensory preceptor

that incorporates input from all of your senses from the energy present. This sixth sense

goes by several names, among the more common are, intuition, inner voice, higher self,

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divine knowledge, and the one I like, “I knew that was going to happen”. The sixth

sense perceives metaphysical information and translates it in such a way that it makes

sense in the physical dimension. It is a knowing without the ability to tell how you

know, because your sensory perceptions are so subtle. What you do with the

information, can make a difference in the outcome of your game.

The translation takes place on a feeling, experiential level, rather than on an intellectual

or emotional level. This is an essential point and may be the more difficult aspect to

understand. You have to get the mind to free itself and trust feelings, not intellect. It has

nothing to do with what you think is going to happen or your emotional yearning. It is

all about how your perceptions of a situation affect you as a feeling or sensing how the

effect communicates a message. Do you feel safe and secure or do you have feelings of

insecurity and doubt, for example. Either feeling experience allows you to make a more

informed and appropriate choice of action.

The five physical senses cooperate with the sixth sense to enhance the perception of

one’s ability to read energy. Take the examples of “this does not look right, this does not

sound right, this does not smell right, this does not taste right, this does not feel right”.

The “this does not feel right” is the leader of the pack. In these examples, the senses

provide an advance notice that something is amiss yet you might not be able to explain

what it might be. You will experience the perception of energy as a feeling and

whatever it is that you are feeling, you are doing so because there is a reason for it. It is

important to pay attention to the subtle cues.

At the craps or blackjack table, you may want to buy‐in and play right away. The

difference in success or failure can be a matter of the prevailing energy, not your desire

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for playing. This is like Sir Intellect and Captain Ego taking over like charging bulls in a

china shop. Allowing the energy to come forward without the influence of ego and

intellect provides for the truth in any situation. Does the present energy support a

positive feeling for playing? It is within the perception of the energy that you will glean

the metaphysical information. This does not infer “seeing the future” necessarily. It is

more like reconnaissance, providing information before entering a battle. If

“outnumbered”, the feeling may be scary and uncertain. The prudent move would be

no move or no play. On the other hand, after perceiving no “danger”, proceeding

onward may prove to be correct.

Reading energy, feeling, and perceiving the information at hand provides an invaluable

edge when playing craps or blackjack. Learning to push out with your feelings is to

reach out into a field of energy and touch on information found there, before it

manifests in this reality. This is how you are able to read energy. You push out,

extending with your feelings. Kind of like sonar, you send out a ping and it bounces off

something then returns to you. When it comes back, the ping informs you about what it

encountered. Whatever the ping encounters, you can then recognize as a feeling.

You perform this sonar reading all the time and probably do not recognize or

acknowledge doing it. Let’s say that you have an important business client and you are

going to entertain them for lunch. You visualize the best setting for the occasion and

you glimpse the scene in your mind’s eye. You finalize your decision because of how it

makes you feel as you peer into the future. You may envision your confidence,

impressive ambiance, and most importantly, the success of a winner. You certainly are

not going to the Downtown Diner when your destiny is at the Top of the Mark. You push

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out with your feelings and what comes back is “first class elegance”. Take the client first

class! You can feel the possible result before having the experience. It is all a simple

matter of perceiving the metaphysical energy and preparing for the feeling of success.

Engaging a craps or blackjack game is not any different. When you allow yourself to

look around for the subliminal signs, the feeling from the energy provides you with an

edge. The edge is valid for entering a game and most importantly for the advance notice

that “the wind has gone from the sail” and it is time to color up. I emphasize the power

of this advance knowledge, feeling that a game is breaking down and getting out ahead

of the crowd.

On an energy level, you receive an early warning that the game is about to end. Instead

of suffering through the losing hands as a game is breaking up, you get the “wink and a

nod” that it is time to go. You keep additional profit because you knew what was about

to happen and acted on the information. Think of it as having insider’s information

when making a stock trade. The only way to quit as a winner is to quit while you are

still winning. It’s hard to quit a winner when you have stayed past the peak of the

action and find yourself tumbling down the losing side of the curve.

You will have more profitable sessions as you learn to develop your sense of knowing

when a game is about to turn cold. The subtle signs are always present. The trick is to

have the discipline to walk away when you perceive them.


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…Stay’n Alive

I often write about “playing detached”, but what does that phrase mean?

Detachment is a self‐imposed discipline. Playing detached keeps you from becoming

emotionally involved and distracted. It is especially targeted to mean being involved

with those things that have nothing to do with you and those things you have no

control of in the first place. An example is when you play detached from the loss. You

have no control over the out come. You accept loss as part of the game and you avoid

the imbalance of reacting emotionally.

You make the choice to play, you make the decisions, and you take the necessary

actions that might keep you out of the fray. In a craps game, this means that you play

your game. You stick to your battle plan. You play centered and when you do, you can

not be pulled off balance. You play alone, even in a crowd, indifferent to worldly

concerns.

Detachment is maintaining your focus on the priorities. You are still subject to the

conditions that cause other players’ imbalance. However, you step aside from them, as

in a Martial Arts maneuver. You do not take on the energy of the blow as it comes at

you. You move out of the way, redirecting the punch, allowing the force to go on its

merry way.

Like walking away from a fight, detachment means never having to defend. You are not

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pulled into things by your opinions. Allow the other person the evolutionary process of

their opinion. If you really believe in your truth, it is not necessary to prove it through

argument or to convince others you are right. You demonstrate your truth when you

are able to detach from the need to argue or convince.

Walking away from confrontation is your best asset. When you are able to separate

from your emotions, you free up more of your personal energy. It is the difference

between the draining effects of an argument and the joy of enlightenment. When you

walk away from a confrontation, you consolidate your power.

From the parables of Don Guangoche, comes a metaphor of natural detachment. It’s the

story of the coyote and the jackrabbit.

Everyday, the jackrabbit wakes up and says to himself, “Jack, today you will have to out

run the fastest coyote if you are to survive.” Everyday, the coyote wakes up and says to

himself, “Wilie, you will have to out run the slowest jackrabbit if you are to survive.”

Both animals are naturally detached from being emotionally involved in the external

influences they face to survive. Their focus, their one goal, is to live by being the fastest.

It does not matter if it is too hot or if it is too cold. Both animals are detached from the

elements. There is no compromising. It may be sunny or blowing snow straight out of the

west, yet both animals will run because their life depends on it.

They are detached from the kinds of things that often distract or confuse humans from

their course of action. All that either animal has to do is to run faster than the other one,

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in order to stay alive. That is their game plan and as long as they tend to their business,

they satisfy their goal.

When playing craps or blackjack, you must be detached like the jackrabbit or the coyote.

Your business is playing for the win. Playing detached means that you separate from

the kinds of things that distract or confuse your attention. Playing detached enables you

to focus on the priorities necessary to survive and win.

Here are just a few priorities when playing:

1) Exist in the present moment. Play with an awareness about what is going on

in the here and now.

2) Align to a sensitivity that informs you that you have positioned yourself in a

winning or losing situation.

3) Recognize early in the game whether there is a threat to your survival.

4) Sensing that things are not going your way, run for it, “Jackrabbit”. Leave the

game. It is never wrong to walk away.

At the table, you have to detach from emotion, ego, and distracting thoughts. You play

the part of the hunter, focused on your goal, patiently waiting for your time to come. It

is all about you and your ability to settle into the present moment of a game. This is not

to say that you are not aware of things going on around you. You do notice everything.

You just don’t let events affect you with emotion. It is all about avoiding peripheral

influences like intimidation and distractions, while maintaining your priority of

focusing on the game through detachment.

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♦ Playing detached allows you to get into the flow of the game. You are able to

perceive, feel, and identify the direction of the game. When you are detached, your

perception is not obscured by emotions and you tend to “see” things as they really

are.

♦ Playing detached means that your sensors are raw and alert. You are sharp. You

focus your attention on the subtle messages of the game. You keep yourself out of

the rapids, yet still going with the flow of the energy.

♦ Playing detached does not mean you win. Playing without detachment does not

with any skill, it facilitates success, rather than guarantees it.

mean you will lose. It is an added skill. It assists you in the game and in life. As

♦

of an additional tool. As you disengage from the “clutter”, you are more able to

observe reality.

♦ Playing detached is minding your own business.

serve

consolidating your energy. You

an then focus that energy like a laser on the game.

Playing detached is an exercise in empowerment. It provides you with the power

In the motion picture, Apollo 13, unnecessary systems where shut down to con

energy on the crippled space ship. Playing detached is like shutting down an

unnecessarily waste of power. Detachment is a way of

c

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Through detachment, you are more able to perceive the subtleties that bear the

important information. This information supports your confidence. Feeling in harmon

with the messages you are recei

s

y

ving, you can continue to play or heed early warning

igns that it is time to quit.

2004 Michael Vernon

h Beau ʺThe

ice Coachʺ Parker, Michael co‐produces Dice Busters™ craps experience.

his

Mexico along with their mini farm of

igs, ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs.

letter and other books by Michael Vernonʹs, visit his

web site, www.playing4keeps.com

©

ʺThe Professorʺ Michael Vernon, is the creator of Playing4Keeps™ Gaming Seminars,

ʺThe Do’s and Don’t of Dice™ʺ and ʺBlackjack for Winners™ʺ. Together wit

D

Michael has been teaching his gaming seminars for over nine years. He has authored

numerous gaming articles for craps and blackjack. He has published e‐books and

own on‐line newsletter, Playing4Keeps™. He has over 20 years of metaphysical

training, including 16 years with metaphysical wizard Stuart Wilde. Michael says,

“when it comes to energy, you can see what others cannot, and know what others do

notʺ. Michael and his wife Lin reside in Taos, New

p

For seminars, workshops, free news

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Testimonials:

Michaelsʹ approach to the game of dice reveals the hidden dimension behind the action.

His money management discipline guarantees that you will be in the game when the

big energy hits. Combining this with the metaphysical aspect you are taught to know

who the true players are and when itʹs time to play or walk away. I came away from a

Doʹs and Donʹts of Dice seminar feeling a total winner, confident in the knowledge that

I had learned the finest Dice/Money management/Metaphysical system being taught

today. Michaelʹs teachings not only showed me a greater understanding of winning dice

but also how to apply what I learned to every aspect of my life. Thank You, Michael, for

a great weekend.

David Whitaker, Castro Valley, California.

“Playing 4 Keeps is like getting a golf lesson from Tiger Woods. I already had a pretty

good swing, but the tips from a pro like Michael, allow you to take the game to a whole

new level of intelligence, confidence, and discipline. There are a lot of good swings out

there, but the difference is in a grip and stance you can count on. Playing 4 Keeps is just

that!”

Ted Guggenheim, Boulder, CO

ʺMichael Vernon has done it again! His craps symposium was much more than I had

expected and I expected a lot. The information was excellent but the hands on coaching

was the real key. The money I made playing craps was nice, but the metaphysical

teaching by Michael was worth many times more to my career and life in general. He is

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a winner and a leader. Michaelʹs down to earth approach in which he used the

microcosm of playing dice to assist our group in applying this game to the macrocosmic

game of life was truly valuable. Thanks Michael! I canʹt wait for the next seminar.ʺ ‐

Miles Yeagley, MD, Colorado Springs, CO

Michael ‐ I would like to express my gratitude for all of your ʹsageʹ advice, over time,

regarding craps and blackjack fundamentals and principles as well as the all important

ʹreading the energyʹ of the tables. Your excellent newsletter is a wonderful inspiration

and helps to bring me back to earth when I get to far a field in my own game. Please

keep the information and advice coming my way. Best regards, Robert Jacobs, Taos,

NM

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To my daughters Sadie and Johnna, Thanks for attending an ... · A husband and wife were in a casino for some gaming. The wife wanted to play the slots and her husband gave her $200