Comp Psychology
 

While this subject may not be as fascinating as a chance meeting with Sklansky while he is buying-in at the Bellagio chip counter or as breathtaking as a deadly asteroid cascading toward the earth (while the Unabomber is asking Cindy Crawford if he left his cell phone with diamond trim over her apartment last night)............


Here goes......


Comp Psychology: Or better yet maybe comp philosophy is the better term.

I had a friend tell me yesterday, "If you're any good at poker, you don't take comps. You buy your own meals with your poker winnings".

It got me to thinking (a dangerous thing at times). I've seen this same sentiment in some old 2+2 & rgp threads as well.
Posters will say something like, 'real poker players eat steak & lobster and would never consider accepting a food comp in any way, shape or form'.

In addition to these posts, I also personally know several everyday players (ranging in skill level from mid-limit pros to super-fish) who never get a food comp (even though they play everyday & know that they are available).

On the other end of the spectrum there is this from Frank Scoblete's Guerrilla Gambling book:

"Commandment 6 - I am going to take advantage of every possible casino promotion. If the casino is giving away a free pen, I am going to accept the free pen, even if I own a pen factory."

While I admire Mr Scoblete's zest for life, if someone is offering me something I have no use for, I'll either take it and give it to a friend or pass. My aim is not to settle a score with a casino.

I don't know how it is in your room but where I play there are a lot of card rooms in town. The Flamingo poker room is the only Vegas room I am aware of that has a no-comp policy.

Binion's is about the easiest place in the world to get a comp. Though if you are a "regular" in any room (with a few exceptions) they practically throw them at you.

With a lot of the rooms going to the swipe cards, it's even more absurd to refuse to sign up for a swipe card if you are a regular in a swipe card room (though I know some who will not lower themselves with a swipe card even though they do play everyday).

If two players play 6 full days a week at the Orleans, One swipes, One gripes......

Our swiper has $54 in comps at the end of the week.

Our Griper has $0.

At the end of 51 weeks (let's figure they took a one week vacation to the Commerce)....

Orleans swiper - $2,754

Orleans wiper - $0



***************************


Of course our Orleans griper/wiper has every right to do things his way. I respect that. I just don't get it when some Vegas players (and posters out there in poster land) imply that we poker players who take what they're giving, are one step removed from welfare recipients.


What say You?


Thanks in advance for any feedback.


Howard

Re: Comp Psychology
 

Since I don't eat steak and lobster every day, I happily accept comps from Mirage and Bellagio at least once a week. Who said there is no such thing as a "free lunch"? I guess if you loathe buffets and "casino food", it's fine to refuse a comp. Personally, I like 'em (and your math makes sense, Howard). LGPGEG, Babe [img]/forums/images/icons/heart.gif[/img]

Re: Comp Psychology
 

Babe said, "LGPGEG".


Let no one ever say the Babe has no sense of humor.


Rock on Babe!

Best

Howard

Re: Comp Psychology
 

I get a comp every day I play poker at Muckleshoot. Refusing a comp for pride's sake is just silly.

Re: Comp Psychology
 

Howard,

How could you say that this subject is less interesting than meeting David Sklansky, or an asteroid attack, or a call from the Unabomber to my old girlfriend, Cindy Crawford? Oh, I never told you about Cindy and me? Some other time.

Anyone who is too full of pride to take comps that he has EARNED is just plain dumb. He is essentially saying, "The casino doesn't take enough of my money. I shall give them a charitable donation." They may also be too dumb to take frequent flyer miles from the airlines. Why fly free when you can pay for it?

If they are that dumb, I want them in my game. Let them make some of their donations to a much more worthy cause than casinos and airlines, namely my retirement fund.

Al

Yooo! Howard! The other posters are correct!...
 

U EARNED those comps! And if a player is too PROUD to accept any,then he will USUALLY NOT FOLD a losing hand to U--even if he knows that he is beat---PRIDE,U know!
BTW,unfortunately,my casino offers the players NO comps! [img]/forums/images/icons/frown.gif[/img] Since I refuse to pay the inflated price for the meals/hot dogs/Etc., I bring my own dinner/lunch. [img]/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]
Happy pokering, [img]/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]
SittingBull

Re: Comp Psychology
 

no reason not to take them as long as you want to eat at the place they give them. but a good reason not to take a comp is that many floor people expect a big tip for giving what you deserve, and it may better not to even deal with that mentality. also sometimes it can get like begging as the floor person relishes his position of power over you. then let them stuff it. another reason may be you have to wait at the counter for a time to get it, and your time is precious, and you would rather not spend you life waiting for a ten dollar meal pass.

Re: Comp Psychology
 

Quite an interesting post, Howard. Comps for poker player in AC are not as easy to get as in some poker rooms in LV. In AC, depending on the limit you play, you earn $0.50-$1.50 per hr. but can still accumulate to a sizable sum. In Taj, for example, accumulated comps can be used for food in any restaurant including the gourmet ones, for rooms, and goods from the gift shop. While we are still considered as second class citizen comp-wise compared to regular table and slot players (we cannot use comps in the noodle bar on weekends), it's nothing to sneeze at, IMO, as I have used my comps to get nice ties for my work, entertain friends or give gifts for free which are being appreciated. Your friend and the people you said who refuse to take advantage of this little casino generosity which they are entitled to and paid for anyway must have the same EGO in their game that others may take advantage of on the felt arena.

Re: Comp Psychology
 

Al,

If they are dumb enough not to recognize the value of a comp for ego's sake, they maybe dumb enough not to recognize a value bet. [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Comp Psychology
 

I could pay for my meals out of my poker winnings, but then I would be limited to the 99 cent corny dog at the corner Hamburger Stand, once every three months. [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

The way I look at it, the poker room has arranged to have comps available for their players. Comps are there to be given to players and there is no reason why I shouldn't get them as a friendly player who consistently tips the dealers. I might as well do my part to get those nice comps out of the manager's hot little hands.

When I am traveling, I often will ask for a comp but then give it to a friendly local if I know I will not be able to use the comp. (Have I mentioned that I am currently in Vegas??? [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Tonight, however, I will be using my own Mirage comp, sorry guys.)