Having a plan is essential when entering a casino. How much do I plan on losing? How much is enough before I plan on leaving? I've read elsewhere that some poker players say you should never have a set amount you want to win before you walk away from the table. This may be true if you are a professional poker player who makes a living off the cards but for the average player having a set amount for when you walk away is vital. The game is supposed to be for fun, not a chore. Sure, one day you want to transfer to the professional realm but for now set realistic goals and walk away when the time is right. Remember, in the game of no limit you can lose all your chips in one hand.

When it comes to blackjack the same rule of thumb needs to apply. I've walked into casinos before without a set limit of what I want to win. I'd go up big but eventually dump it all right back to the casino. Had I walked away when I thought about it I would have had a good amount of cash in my pocket. Casinos do not get rich off you winning, they get rich off having slightly better odds than you.

Know when to walk away. I cannot stress this enough. If you want to play then play to your hearts content but win and lose on a gradient. You can build up a bankroll in slow increments. The game of poker is based off slight advantages if you are playing with card odds, pot odds, etc. If you are playing right you hold a slight edge over your opponents who aren't playing by the numbers. When you're up enough walk away, you can always win another day.

Cold cards do come, that's also part of the game and part of the strategy. You have to play the hands right when your cards are cold as well. Never force anything as you'll just lose more than you would have had you been patient. I know both beginners and pros go weeks, months, even years with cold streaks. It's all part of the odds. Keep playing the odds and you'll be fine in the long run.

If you need help managing your bankroll there's always the royal flush of spades poker money clip. Put the cash you want to lose in the money clip and head off to play. Leave your wallet and credit card behind.