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A Stupid Casino Trick is when we do something stupid in the casino due to impulse, excitement, alcohol or bad judgment. Here’s a list you may have done and should avoid.

Stupid Casino Trick #1 - Blackjack, Doubling Down on 12.

Don’t gasp. I said this would be a collection of bonehead maneuvers.

The “logic” behind doubling down on a 12 count is that: a. the dealer is showing something poor, like a 4-5-6, and b. you’re guessing or counting that the deck is rich in non-face cards and you’re due for something low.

Problem is, there isn’t one basic strategy chart in the world that recommends doubling down when you are in danger of busting. It’s mathematically dumb, and more often than not, based on hunches or instincts. Think about it: even if the deck is stacked with low cards, odds are the dealer will also pull a few low cards. And you’re on the hook to double your loss. Don’t do it.

Stupid Casino Trick #2 - Poker, Coming to the table with a short stack.

I couldn’t leave out this dumb-dumb because it’s so popular and we’ve all done it. I’m going to paint a picture. Tell me if you’re in it:

It’s your first time playing poker in an online poker room or land-based casino. You’ve seen pros on TV and you’re ready to test yourself. But you’re going to start small … $50 sound good?

Do yourself a favor. Don’t go to a table without enough chips to compete. With a short stack, you’re in danger of getting blinded out from the first deal. There are some games like craps and poker that you simply can’t nickel and dime and expect success. Bring enough cash to cover your bets or you’re what’s called “dead money.”

Or better yet, try tournaments. You can buy a huge stack of chips for very little money and play for hours. If you win, you’ll win several times your entry, and often even bonus prizes (like seats to the World Series of Poker). And if you lose, you had fun for hours and gained valuable experience.