THE LEONARD BENSON COMPANY

Even the most unsophisticated traveler makes some kind of plan before taking a trip. Whether it's a day trip or two-week voyage, making a simple checklist of what to take and what to do on your trip can make it a success or not.

So why not make a similar plan for your gambling trip? Shouldn't you know what to take and what you should do to make this trip successful? Call it a game plan if you like, but the professional gambler knows precisely what he wants to achieve on his trips to the casino and what he needs to bring to win.

That said, I have found two types of game plans for you to consider. The first I call The Day Tripper game plan. This is for the player who is going to the casino just for the day. He is not looking for entertainment. He is simply looking to hit the tables, win some money and then go home. Typically these players live a couple of hours from the casinos and look at gambling as a business. If they plan their day right, they consider their time in the casino as their time in the office.

The second type is The Vacation game plan. This is for the player who is going on an extended trip where gambling is always present. A boat trip, a stay on a Caribbean island or a trip to Las Vegas fits this category. Gambling is mixed with a vacation and can lead to many hours in the casino.

Unfortunately, The Vacation game plan rarely leads to success. This is because no matter what your plan, the compulsion to play usually wins over time. You cannot really follow any sound departure rules because you cannot escape the casino. Below I present a typical Day Tripper and Vacation Plan for your review. They provide sound advice for each type of trip.

DAY-TRIPPER PLAN

1. Never bring more than two buy-ins.
2. Never play more than two sessions if you are losing.
3. Always play at your unit size. Increase your unit size only under very strict conditions when looking to win back money.
4. Follow departure rules. A good winner is a good loser.
5. Never allow yourself to lose big.
6. Leave yourself enough time to gamble at a normal pace. Don't rush your gambling because you have to get back home.

VACATION PLAN

1. Always bring a bankroll for your total time on vacation.
2. Make sure your bankroll is half or less of what you normally play. Therefore, if you play $25 units, then bring a bankroll for $10 units.
3. Know your win goal for this smaller unit. You can play many sessions. You must take some kind of break.
4. Follow departure rules to the best of your ability.
5. If you play more sessions at the lower level you will win as much as your normal unit but without the added risk.