Recently, I went through a losing run. It was pretty bad, but I learned that the only thing that makes a difference is sticking to your process. I realize how tempting it is to just go all-in every hand, chasing after that elusive win (the one that would flip the narrative of your session on its head!). We’ve all been there, right? You’ll hit that no-good slump at a certain point, it’s certainty. The question is how do you keep your mind on the task at hand and keep going?
Below, you will find a few things I kept in mind as I powered through my latest cold streak at Win Place Casino. It must be noted that the casino itself deserves praise not only for its €14,000 plus 300 FS welcome bonus, but also for its diverse gaming library. That was one of the key factors in how I endured my cold streak. I kept rotating games. Anyway, let’s get back to the top things to keep in mind during a cold streak!
What a Cold Streak Is and Why It Happens
The term refers to a period of underperformance that is statistically anticipated yet mentally and emotionally draining. Correctly defining it is of the utmost importance, so here’s what I can say:
- It’s Not Just Losses. It’s a sequence of outcomes below your expected win rate or average return.
The Culprits are Varied:
- Variance/Standard Deviation. When it comes to games of chance, the outcomes in the near term are quite unpredictable.
- Bad Run of Cards/Dice/RNG. Pure, random bad luck.
- Tilt-Induced Errors. When people are frustrated, they make terrible decisions, which makes the streak much worse.
- Subtle Strategy Leaks. Small flaws in your game are magnified during downswings.
- Increased Competition. Others may be playing more optimally.
How to Measure a Streak Properly?
You cannot measure a streak by feelings; you need data. A three-loss “streak” is meaningless noise. In a game like blackjack, where the odds of winning are 49%, the chance of losing 5 times in a row is (0.51)^5 = 3.4%. It’s far from unexpected. To measure properly:
- Sample Size. Rather than being important over dozens of hands, a streak is only meaningful over hundreds or thousands of hands.
- Variance Calculation. Compare what you got to what you thought you would get based on the size of the sample you worked with. A 2% drop in over 10,000 hands is more important than a drop in over 100 hands.
- Time Horizon. It’s not unusual to have a poor day or two. A bad month, with consistent play, may be an indication of a more serious problem.
Recognizing Cognitive Biases At Play
Your brain will work against you during a slump. Actively identify these biases:
- Gambler’s Fallacy. The thought that you deserve to win after losing. It’s incorrect. Past losses do not influence independent future events. The odds of the next spin are the same, always.
- Recency Bias. Overweighting recent losses as a new, permanent reality, ignoring your long-term track record.
- Sunk Cost Fallacy. The urge to “chase” losses to get back to even, throwing good money after bad because you’re emotionally invested in the initial loss.
- Confirmation Bias. You only pay attention to information that backs up your belief that you are “cursed”. You choose to ignore good signs or good choices that still went badly.
When to Re-Adjust Strategy Vs When to Stay the Course
Don’t freak out and change a plan that has worked in the past. Use my checklist to decide:
Stay the Course If:
- Your decision-making process remains sound (you’re not on tilt).
- The statistical variance is within expected ranges for your sample size.
- The core rules of the game haven’t changed.
Adjust Strategy If:
- Your post-session analysis shows a repeatable, fundamental error.
- You have concrete data proving a specific tactic is failing.
- Bankroll constraints force a reduction in stake size.
Swapping Games Can Help
When I was in a rut with slots, the routine was so, SO tedious. It made me feel sort of numb, which is not a great thing to feel. After reading up all the interesting data on aviator apostas, I saw a way out. I made the jump to Spribe’s hit crash game. I had to utilize a whole other portion of my brain to figure out when a multiplier would crash and when I should cash out. The different mechanics are a blessing in disguise. The goal was not to recoup losses! Truth be told, it was a mental reset I needed so bad.
A change of pace helped me break the cycle of exasperation. It gave me the opportunity to return to my main games at a later time. I came back with a much clearer mind. The whole thing reminded me that gambling should have an element of fun, not just grim determination.
Red Flags That a Longer Slump May Be Developing
Hate to continue on a not-so-positive note, but a cold streak could become a dangerous slump when these warning signs appear:
- Consistently Dipping Bankroll. Your overall funds are trending down over weeks, not days.
- Emotionally Charged Decision-Making. You’re betting out of anger or hope, not because it makes sense to place a certain bet.
- Breaking Your Own Rules. You’re ignoring pre-set loss limits and stop-losses.
- “Just One More” Mentality. Not being able to move on because you think the next hand, game, or spin will make things better.
- Deserting Real-World Responsibilities. The game is starting to negatively impact your life outside of it.
Conclusion
Your strategy and discipline, not your luck, will be put to the test whenever you suffer through a cold streak. You can handle the downswing and emerge as a more resilient player if you concentrate on making sound choices and maintaining emotional control.
