{"id":124910,"date":"2023-05-26T08:12:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T15:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lasvegasadvisor.com\/gambling-with-an-edge\/?p=124910"},"modified":"2023-05-23T15:24:17","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T22:24:17","slug":"its-a-young-persons-game-or-is-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lasvegasadvisor.com\/gambling-with-an-edge\/its-a-young-persons-game-or-is-it\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s a Young Person\u2019s Game \u2026 Or Is It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

[Editor’s Note: This post is penned by Rick “Night Train” Blaine, veteran advantage player and author of our book Blackjack Blueprint<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, the most comprehensive book ever written on playing blackjack for profit.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was recently asked this question in the title of this post, the first thing that came to mind wasn’t beating casinos, but boxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recalled 24-year-old Leon Spinks becoming the heavyweight champion in 1978 by winning a split decision over Muhammad Ali, who was 36. Was age a factor? Yes. Physical ability is crucial to boxing. At the age of 36, a fighter is in a declining stage, while at age 24 he\u2019s typically in peak form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many players in their senior years who are still out there taking money from casinos will agree that both the physical and mental toll is much more challenging than it was when they were in action 30 years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s address the mental toll first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that our cognitive skills reach their peak somewhere in our 30s or 40s, then begin to decline. Typically, the rate of decline picks up its pace after the age of 60, where it becomes more evident. Many seniors experience frustration when this occurs and it\u2019s not uncommon to be in denial. If you\u2019re realistic and able to grasp such decline, you can sit down an do a self-evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One method is to take note of what\u2019s frustrating you and ask yourself two questions: 1) Am I doing something that\u2019s causing this or is it the natural aging process? And 2) Is there something I can do to minimize these effects or slow down the decline?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few thoughts others have shared that may be helpful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n