When you’re a professional player and you can’t control the outcome of your game, you reach the point of no return. Then, superstitions pop into mind and they’re cherry-picked according to your previous gambling experiences.
But is it all just smoke and mirrors?
Gambling superstitions
Nobody wants to lose. Not amateurs, not expert punters. Of course they both give it their all to make sure success is guaranteed, but how can one run the show if there is no way of knowing what’s happening backstage? There’s money at stake and, more importantly, it’s your money.
And that’s the exact moment when superstitions get to become an alternative. The ones we choose to be of assistance depends on what has transpired during previous competitions when luck was on our side. So, what gambling superstitions do you bring into play when playing?
1. Good-luck pieces
Coins you’ve been collecting for several years now, bracelets you’ve received as gifts from loved ones, tokens one can only stumble upon during the most spontaneous city-breaks. We all have them, more or less. And players who are into gambling superstitions are known to rely on their power of charm.
2. Magic numbers
Punters tend to believe in how certain numbers can manipulate the outcome of a game, or of any other unpredictable activity. This comes from the Chinese folklore and it’s been adopted by players from all around the world. Some of them take these things to heart:
- the number 4 is to be avoided since, in Cantonese, it sounds similar to the word “die” (not very optimistic);
- number 8 can become a reliable ally and a best friend if combined with the numbers 3, 6 or 9 (positive combinations).
3. Divine tricks
When everything else fails, turning to higher powers will help you make the cut. At least, that’s what the Chinese bookies are saying. Believing, praying and even making offerings to gods is considered to be helpful.
Weird gambling habits
You might have heard of these gambling superstitions we’ve stated above. But how about the other ones? The more peculiar ones? Sky is the limit when we really want to win, so make sure you really know the drill:
- it’s been said that mentioning the word “books” or touching other players’ shoulders is bad news;
- washing hands during the game is thought to change your luck in a way or another;
- also, not engaging in any sexual endeavours before the game can have a positive effect on your luck;
- red clothing represents good fortune and joy (this idea has been adopted since it first appeared in the Kung Fu Mahjong movie);
- singing, whistling and crossing your legs are to be avoided too.
And if you follow Kenny Rogers’ advice, make sure you don’t count your money while playing: “You never count your money when you sitting at the table, there’ll be time of enough for counting when the dealings done” (the “Gambler” song).
Of course, we’re all wondering how accurate these gambling superstitions really are, and when they fail in helping us, we blame it on karma. After all, we always go back to the same theories we trust, no matter what.
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