Skill Scale Down 2021

This skill has been impacted by the Skill Scale Down. The impact of this for this skill is as follows:

• This skill remains.

• All knowledge is left as is.

• For how to deal with XP, please see the page Skill Scale Down 2021 for links, information, and a player guide.

• The scope of this skill has not changed. Please ensure that you take this into account going forward.

Overview

Gambling is, simply put, the ability to play games of chance and to bet on games of skill. It includes as part of it the ability to calculate the odds and play the game within the rules. It also allows the individual to work outside the rules and engage in that activity usually called "cheating". Either way, the character with this skill is able to make a living out of playing the odds, noticing form and counting cards.

Types of Games

There are a number of types of game throughout Idalos. Some are specific to races, cultures or cities and others are known across the land. The most common types of games include:

Dice

Cards

Races

Detection Games

Betting on Games of Skill

Fighting

There are a number of specific games throughout Idalos and those wishing for more information should look at the Creating The World forum and consider such as Suits.

Techniques Used In Gambling

There are many techniques used in order to be a professional, or amateur gambler. One thing which is certain is that the odds are always in favour of the house and so the more of these the gambler has, they more likely they are to beat those odds.

Instinct: It's said this can't be taught and, in many ways, that's true. The instinct for games of chance is as much knowing when to stop as it is skill.

Calculating Odds: Especially important when playing games with decks of cards, dice etc. Calculating the odds in games of chance is a vital skill.

Counting Cards: A good memory is vital and the ability to know which cards have been played, which ones are still to go etc are a real bonus.

Sleight of Hand / Hiding Cards: For those who wish to hide cards, perhaps in order to cheat, need this technique.

Following Form: The ability to observe those you are playing against and reading their unconscious gestures etc

Detecting / Following Movement: When playing games like 'find the ball under the cup', being able to follow movement is a true advantage.

Related Skills

Acting

Deception

Detection

Discipline

Psychology

Mathematics

Skill Ranks

Novice (0-25)

A novice gambler is at the beginning of understanding games of chance and the skills involved in gambling. Still only slightly better than a talented amateur, the first thing the pc begins to learn is the rules of games they play; including nuances and loopholes, of course. Also, the beginning of all techniques is available, depending on the focus of the pc. However, the pc has a low skill level and is not easily able to keep up in large group games, or high speed ones. The pc with novice gambling is able to play most games, but is not yet able to break even or make much of a living from their skill as they are still a victim of chance.

Competent (26-75)

The competent gambler is just that ~ competent in their skill. Able to play all games of chance, and to quickly pick up rules of those unfamiliar ones, this person is able to make a reasonable living from being a gambler, so long as they play against the unskilled. It is when facing others with this skill where their weaknesses show, of course. The competent gambler is also, should they wish it, a competent cheat, but should be wary of those with a higher Detection skill.

Expert (76-150)

With expertise in gambling, the pc is able to more than make a living but may, now, devise their own games and win against very poor odds. With a full understanding of all the techniques of gambling, the pc is able to play fairly - or unfairly - in large stake games, fast paced or highly complex. They can apply all techniques with ease and are able to earn a very good wage, making a comfortable living.

Master (151-250)

Mastery of gambling is just that - the ability to play the odds, apparently even against them. With excellent judgement and the ability to predict their opponents' behavior with almost uncanny accuracy, the master of gambling is successful in each game they choose to play.

Development Credit: Faith

Progressing Gambling

• Capstones
• Grandmasters
• Tier 2 PCs

Gambling Knowledge

The collapsible below has examples of Skill Knowledge for this skill. If you are unsure of what Knowledge is, please check the Knowledge Primer for details. Please remember that our Peer Reviewers will be checking to make sure that your Knowledge claim is appropriate to what you have learned in the thread and ensuring that you are not duplicating knowledge.

A guide to knowledge can be found here (this link takes you to the site) and the person reviewing your thread will do so following the steps laid out in the Peer Reviewer Guide. If you wish to use one of these knowledge in your request, please ensure that it is appropriate to your thread.