Month: December 2023

Poker is a card game in which players bet and raise by putting chips into the pot. Players can also call, or drop, if they do not want to put any more chips into the pot than the player to their left. The goal of the game is to make a winning hand by having five cards in sequence or in rank. The main skill that poker teaches is concentration. If you are able to focus and concentrate on the game for long periods of time, it will carry over into other areas of your life. Aside from the concentration skills, poker also teaches you how to read people. You can learn a lot about your opponents by observing their behavior and betting patterns. It is important to know how to read players in poker because this can help you to understand the odds of making a good hand. Lastly, poker can teach you about risk management. This is an important skill to have in poker and other types of gambling. It is important to know how to manage your bankroll and not spend more than you can afford to lose. You can practice this by playing low stakes games until you are comfortable with the game. One of the biggest mistakes that inexperienced poker players make is to play too many hands. They think that it will be fun to play a large number of hands but this is not a good strategy. A good poker player will always try to get the best possible hand and fold when they have a weak hand. This will improve their win rate and prevent them from losing too much money. Another skill that poker teaches is patience. This is a crucial skill for any player to have because it can often be the difference between winning and losing. A good poker player will be able to wait for the right moment to strike. This will allow them to take advantage of other players and increase their chances of winning. Finally, poker teaches players to leave their ego at the door. It is important to realize that if you play against players who are better than you, you will lose. This is because you will be taking money from the table that could have gone to other players. In addition, you will have to pay more for food and drinks. A common solution to this problem is to establish a kitty, which will be used to pay for these things. In most cases, players will share equally in this fund. Then, when the poker game ends, they can take their share of the kitty. However, if they are not present when the game ends, they will not be entitled to any of the kitty’s money. The kitty may be established by unanimous agreement or by majority vote of the players. It is usually made up of low-denomination chips.

Gambling is a risking of something of value (such as money, property or life) on an event that is determined at least in part by chance and where the winner is awarded something of value (such as a prize, cash or goods). It includes betting on sports events, games of chance and lotteries. The term gambling also applies to activities in which skill can improve the odds of winning, such as playing card games or horse races. People gamble for many reasons, including to experience an adrenaline rush, socialise, or escape from worries and stress. But for some, gambling can become a harmful and addictive habit. People who are concerned that their gambling is affecting their lives may seek help and treatment for their problem. There are a number of organisations that offer support, assistance and counselling for those affected by gambling addiction. Some offer inpatient or residential treatments for those who are unable to control their gambling and are struggling with severe mental health problems. In the United States, laws regarding gambling vary by state. The Federal government regulates some forms of gambling while others are left to individual states to determine their own rules. The majority of states have legalized some form of gambling. The terms used to describe the various types of gambling differ between states. For example, some states refer to games in which the outcome is completely random while others include games that require a certain level of skill. The main symptoms of a gambling disorder are uncontrollable urges to bet and excessive time spent on gambling. The symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, relationships and work. Uncontrollable urges to gamble can also be caused by mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. The condition can also be triggered by stressful or unhappy situations in a person’s life, such as relationship issues, financial difficulties, job loss and death of a loved one. There are a number of treatment options for gambling disorder, including psychotherapy and medication. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including family therapy, group therapy and psychodynamic therapy. These techniques can help a person gain greater awareness of how unconscious processes influence their behavior and can change unhealthy thoughts and feelings. Psychotherapy is typically conducted by a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or clinical social worker. People with a gambling disorder often try to conceal their gambling habits from others. This can lead to a variety of behaviors, such as downplaying or lying about the amount of money they are spending on gambling or hiding evidence of their gambling activity. It is also common for people with a gambling disorder to blame other people or things in their life for their problems, such as stress at work or personal problems. The most important step in overcoming gambling disorder is admitting that there is a problem and seeking help.

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games. Its appeal lies primarily in its simplicity and the fact that it is possible to reduce the house edge to less than 1% (rules dependent). Players can improve their chances of winning by learning basic Blackjack strategies, managing their bankroll and staying aware of game variants. Blackjack rules vary depending on the type of table and casino, but most tables accommodate 7 players and are usually semicircular in shape. Players sit around the table and place their chips in a circle on the table. The dealer stands behind the chip rack and cards, facing away from the players. Each player starts with two cards. The goal is to beat the dealer’s hand either by getting a higher total than his or hers or by not going over 21. There are several playing options, including splitting pairs, doubling down and hitting. Keeping a positive mindset is one of the most important factors in blackjack success. The game can be very stressful, and losing streaks are common, but if you can maintain a positive mindset, you will find that it is easier to make sound decisions. When to hit: The best time to hit is when your cards add up to 11 or lower, because it’s impossible at this point to bust. However, it’s also a good idea to hit when the dealer shows a seven or higher, as this is a good time to get aggressive. The decision to split: When your starting two cards are a pair, such as two nines or two threes, you can choose to split them. This involves placing a second bet equal to your original wager and then playing each card as a separate hand. It is usually advisable to split aces and eights, but you should also consider splitting nines, sevens, sixes and threes. How to double down: Doubling down is an option when your initial two cards have a value of 9, 10 or 11, and the dealer’s upcard is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. This strategy allows you to increase your stake and potentially boost your hand’s value. It also takes advantage of the ace’s dual value as 1 or 11, allowing you to improve your hand based on the next card you receive. When to stand: If your hand is worth 17 or more, it is usually better to stand than to hit. It is more difficult to bust in this situation and you will likely win more money by standing than hitting. The dealer’s hole card: Once all players who want to buy insurance have placed their bets, the dealer will check her hole card (using a special viewing window in the table). If she has a ten underneath, she has a blackjack and everyone who bought insurance loses their original bet. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, she will take everyone’s insurance bets and then play on as usual. This is called a push and everyone wins their original bets.

We’ve all seen those mind-blowing domino setups where, by tipping the first piece ever so slightly, all of the others fall in a rhythmic cascade. That’s called the domino effect and it’s an important concept to understand when you write fiction. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or take your time with a careful outline, plotting your story ultimately comes down to one simple question: What happens next? Considering how to use the domino effect will help you answer that question in a compelling way. A domino is a small rectangular block of wood or plastic that is used as a game object. It has a line down the middle to divide it visually into two squares, with each square bearing an arrangement of dots or “pips” similar to those on dice. The dominoes are then stacked, with each new layer resting on the top of the previous layer, to form a continuous chain. Most commonly, dominoes are used to play positional games. In these games, each player in turn plays a domino onto the table positioning it so that the number showing on one end of the domino matches the number shown on the other end of the domino (e.g., 5 to 1). The other end of the domino may not be blank or it may contain a value that is useful to the player and distasteful to opponents (e.g., 6 to 1). Dominoes are also popular toys for children who learn to recognize numbers and to count by laying down tiles. They can also be used for artistic constructions — curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, or even 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. Some of these creations are very complex, requiring the precise alignment of each domino. Hevesh, who specializes in such artistic constructions, follows a version of the engineering-design process when she creates her installations. As a result, dominoes have a long history in human culture and remain popular today. They are now used in a variety of ways, from the traditional table games to newer applications such as computer programming and online gambling. In recent years, the world of data science has come to appreciate the importance of establishing best practices in coding and software engineering to make it easier to share and manage analytical workflows. However, the tools available to support these processes have not yet caught up with the speed of modern analytical workflows. This gap has created a problem, as data analysis teams either awkwardly graft existing software engineering tools to their workflows or they build their own custom solutions. The Domino data science platform addresses this gap by bringing together the best of data analysis and software engineering into one solution to accelerate and improve modern analytical workflows.

Roulette is a game that can make you rich or lose your money, depending on whether you know how to play. It is played on a wooden wheel that has 37 or 38 slots marked red and black. The zero and double zero slots are coloured green. The dealer throws a small ivory ball in the direction of the wheel and it lands in a slot which determines the winning number for that round. The game has a long history and is renowned for its glamour, elegance and simplicity. The game is simple enough for even the most inexperienced player to get started, although some strategies can help you win more often. You can start by placing outside bets, which cover groups of numbers rather than individual digits. These bets have a lower house edge and offer a higher payout. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the different types of bets, it is important to understand how a Roulette game works. The dealer will clear the table of losing bets and pay winners, then he or she will spin the wheel and throw the ball. The croupier will then announce, “No more bets!” to indicate that betting for the current round is closed. This prevents players from changing or retracting their wagers while the wheel is spinning, which can cause confusion and lead to cheating. After the dealer has cleared the table and paid out any winners, the game will begin again for the next round. The dealer will pause for a while before spinning the wheel and throwing the ball. After the ball stops, the dealer will place a marker on the winning number and payouts will be distributed. When you win, you will be happy with the amount that you have won, but if you lose, you’ll feel the pain of losing your hard-earned money. To reduce the chance of losing, you should only bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each spin of the roulette wheel. You can use a Roulette calculator to determine the expected return on each bet. It is important to know that roulette has a built-in house edge. Unless you have a strategy that allows you to beat the house, your chances of winning are minimal. The best way to improve your odds is to choose the best bet type for your budget. The odds of hitting a specific number on a straight-up bet are 37 to 1, but the payouts for these bets are only 35 to 1. This discrepancy is how the casino makes money in Roulette. Moreover, the odds of hitting a single number on a multiple bet are much worse, so it’s not even worth trying to hit a combination bet. In addition, there are minimum and maximum bets that you must stick to or else risk being kicked out of the table or having your account suspended.

Poker is a card game in which players make bets and attempt to form the highest-ranking hand possible. The winning hand claims the pot at the end of a betting round. The game is played with 52 cards and may include one or two jokers. The game is usually dealt in a clockwise direction, beginning with the player to the left of the dealer. The cards are then shuffled and cut by the dealer before being dealt to each player. The first of several betting rounds then begins. Successful poker players are able to separate their emotions from the game and use reason and analysis to play the best hands. The ability to analyze the game is a learned skill that comes from practice and dedication to improvement. Developing this skill can help players avoid losing money through foolish play, or playing on “tilt.” The first step to becoming a successful poker player is to learn how to read other players. This includes watching their body language and observing their behavior. Beginners should focus on identifying tells, such as a nervous fidget or a smile. They should also learn to watch for a change in a player’s betting habits. A player who calls frequently but then suddenly raises could be holding an unbeatable hand. Once a player has developed an understanding of the game and can read their opponents, they should develop a strategy based on experience. This will involve analyzing their own playing style, taking notes, and even discussing their strategy with other players for a more objective view of their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to a solid strategy, a good poker player should also commit to smart game selection and bankroll management. This will ensure that they are playing in games that provide the most opportunities to win. While luck will always be a factor in poker, skill can overcome it in the long run. There are many skills that must be mastered, including learning how to read your opponent, analyzing your own betting patterns, and deciding whether to call or raise in particular situations. In addition to these skills, a good poker player will have strong discipline and self-control. This is especially important when making decisions during a hand, as it can be easy to make mistakes due to emotion. It is essential for beginners to practice their patience and learn the rules of poker. They should also try to learn as much as they can about the game by reading books and articles. It is also important to remember that it is not possible to be a great poker player in one session; it takes time to master the game. Therefore, it is recommended that beginner players start off with small stakes and gradually increase their bet sizes as they gain more experience.

Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is based on chance or randomness and offers the opportunity to win a prize. This can include activities such as poker, casino games and horse racing. However, in the last few years it has also come to include the use of digital technologies such as mobile phones and online gaming. Historically, the word “gambling” has also been used to describe activities that are considered unfair or cheating. Gambling can be a source of fun and excitement. But for some people it becomes a serious problem that causes them to gamble even when they are suffering losses. This behavior is known as pathological gambling. A key factor in determining whether gambling becomes a problem is the extent to which it interferes with daily functioning and relationships. This can lead to financial problems, credit issues, loss of employment and a wide range of other negative effects on one’s personal life and health. It is important to recognize that gambling is an addictive activity and seek help if it does become problematic. Problematic gambling is a complex disorder with many different causes. It can be influenced by genetics and environmental factors, such as family history of addiction and childhood abuse. Some studies suggest that certain individuals are predisposed to gambling addiction because of biological differences in brain reward systems and impulse control. Others have found that some people are more prone to gambling addiction because they do not understand the risk involved in this type of recreational activity. Regardless of the causes, there are a number of strategies that can be used to help someone overcome a gambling problem. These may include changing the way they think about gambling, avoiding situations that trigger a gamble and addressing underlying mental health problems. Psychotherapy is a term that describes a variety of treatments, including individual and group therapy sessions with a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy can help a person learn healthier ways to handle stress and depression, cope with boredom, and deal with other emotions that might make them feel tempted to gamble. In addition to therapy, there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to help prevent gambling. These might include eliminating credit cards, putting someone else in charge of finances, closing online betting accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on hand. It is also a good idea to find healthy ways to relieve boredom and loneliness, such as spending time with friends who do not gamble or taking up new hobbies. Lastly, it is helpful to join a support group for gambling addicts, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar model to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Gambling is a recreational activity whereby an individual puts something of value at risk in exchange for the chance to win a prize. It can take many forms, including lotteries, casino games, dice, horse racing, sports events, and more. The practice is legal in most countries, with some exceptions. However, some religions strongly discourage gambling, as is the case with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Members Church of God International. The psychological and social costs of gambling are widely contested. Some people may experience gambling as a source of happiness, while others find it to be addictive and destructive. It is important to be aware of the risks and to seek help if you have a problem. There are many organisations that provide support, assistance and counselling for those who have a gambling problem. These include: It is possible to gamble responsibly, but it takes a lot of effort and self-control. To be a responsible gambler, you should set limits for yourself and stick to them. You should also monitor your spending and not use credit cards or other sources of debt to fund your gambling. You should also limit how much time you spend on gambling and keep a fixed amount of money in your bank account. You should also avoid playing online. While gambling is not as addictive as drugs or alcohol, it can still cause serious problems for some people. It can lead to financial ruin, poor health, and even break down personal relationships. Many people who have a gambling problem are ashamed to admit it, so they may try to hide their activities or lie about how much money they’ve lost. A person can develop a gambling addiction when they have a weakness for the thrill of winning and losing large sums of money. Often, they feel compelled to bet because it provides them with an outlet for their frustrations. In addition, gambling stimulates the brain, which can make it difficult to concentrate on other tasks. The economic benefits of gambling are numerous, as both online and offline casinos/sportsbooks generate revenue for local communities. This revenue is used for community services and improvements, as well as education. In addition, online and offline casinos/sportsbooks generate employment opportunities. There are several health benefits associated with gambling, including a decrease in stress and depression, better mental and physical health, increased social networking, and improved performance of the brain due to relaxation and comfort. In addition, gamblers may benefit from a greater sense of control over their lives. This can be a result of the fact that gambling is an activity that is controlled and monitored by a system of rules. In order to overcome a gambling problem, a person needs to make the decision to stop. Some ways to help someone stop gambling include: calling a hotline, getting involved with a self-help group for gamblers, and staying away from casino sites.

Blackjack is a card game in which the player competes against the dealer. The game is played using one or more 52-card decks, with each card having a specific value. Face cards are worth 10; numbers numbered 2-10 are worth their printed values; and aces are either 1 or 11. The goal of the game is to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. The player must decide whether to hit (request more cards) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on a specific set of rules. A player’s hand must beat the dealer’s to win blackjack. The dealer’s hand is made up of two cards dealt face up to the players and one card dealt face down to themselves. The dealer must follow certain rules for drawing additional cards. In a blackjack game, the dealer must follow a specific set of rules for determining when to draw additional cards. These rules are based on the probability that the dealer will have a blackjack, which is a hand consisting of an ace and a ten-value card in the first two cards dealt to the player. If the dealer has a blackjack, it pays the player one and a half times their initial bet. The dealer will also collect the bets of all players who do not have a blackjack. If the dealer has an ace showing, the players can make a side-bet called insurance. This bet is a big money-maker for casinos, and is often misunderstood by players. Some players will even make this bet despite having a good hand just to “insure” themselves, and this is a huge mistake. The ace is considered the best card in blackjack because it can be used to create a blackjack. A blackjack is a hand that consists of an ace and a ten-valued card, which makes it a winning hand against the other players at the table. The other winning hands in blackjack are those with a total of 21, which is the highest possible hand in the game. Although luck is a significant factor in blackjack, strategy has a strong role to play as well. If a player knows the strategy of the game, they can maximize their chances of winning. The game of blackjack is not for everyone, but it is a great way to spend some time with friends. It has a reputation of being the game for intellectuals, mathematicians, and those who like a good chance at beating the house. In the future, it will be known as the game that pushed aside brawny craps in favor of its more intellectual and strategic cousin.

Domino is a flat, thumb-sized rectangular block with one face that’s blank and the other that bears from one to six alternating squares of dots or pips. 28 dominoes make up a complete set. The word comes from Latin, where it denoted a type of blocking game that encourages careful rule-making. The word is also used to describe a line or arrangement of such blocks, and as a name for any of the games played with them. Dominoes are usually placed edge to edge to create a sequence of values, or a chain, which can then be flipped over for scoring or play. In the late 1950s, Domino’s founder David Brandon and his wife began selling pizza by mail order, a service that allowed them to cater to the needs of specific markets. The business took off, and by 1967, the first Domino’s store opened in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A few years later, the company incorporated. The new Domino’s chain focused on high-traffic areas, mainly near college campuses, to target students who were often in a hurry for pizza and other fast foods. Domino’s grew rapidly, reaching 200 locations by 1978. During this time, the business was faced with many challenges, such as high employee turnover and a weak image in the industry. In an effort to boost sales, Domino’s decided to make its stores more attractive and more modern. The company introduced new products, such as pizza appetizers and pasta, and worked on improving customer satisfaction. It also changed the way it trained managers and franchisees. Previously, managers were considered “leaders” and acted as “guides,” but Domino’s now encouraged its managers to act as “dominoes,” or builders of domino chains, rather than mere supervisors. The chain also increased its presence on the internet and made it easy for customers to order online, even if they were far from a Domino’s location. In addition, Domino’s offered a loyalty program that allowed people to earn free pizza and other rewards for spending money at the chain. This approach helped Domino’s stay competitive and attract more consumers. Domino’s strategy was successful, and it has continued to grow today. The company has over 26,000 locations worldwide and generates nearly $7 billion in annual revenue. The chain’s success is attributed to its emphasis on innovation and its focus on the customer. Domino’s is a model for other businesses that seek to become leaders in their industries. The domino effect refers to any action that causes a series of events to follow one another, like a series of dominoes that fall when you tip the first one ever-so-slightly. When it comes to writing, you can use the domino effect to create a story that has a clear structure and builds toward a dramatic climax.

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games around, offering a unique mix of chance and strategy. The game is played by placing chips on a roulette table, with the precise location of each chip indicating the type of bet being placed. Bets are made on either individual numbers, groups of numbers or on the color red or black. Bets on six or less numbers are known as “Inside bets”, while those on 12 or more are known as “Outside bets”. The game’s rules are simple enough for players of all skill levels to understand. Unlike other casino games, where you are betting against other players, in roulette you are actually playing against the house. This means that if you bet correctly, you will win money. This makes the game much more exciting and offers a lot of drama and excitement as you watch the ball hopping on the spinning wheel and eventually settles into one of the pockets. Before you begin playing, it is important to set a budget and choose a roulette table that is within your gambling limits. Each table will carry a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed, so it is essential to read this information carefully. Some tables will require a minimum bet of $5, while others have a higher minimum bet of $10. The maximum bet will also vary, with some tables having a $1,000 maximum for outside bets while other have higher limits for inside bets. It is best to play European roulette if you can, as this has a lower house edge than American roulette. The house edge is higher in the American game because there are two green pockets for 0 and 00, which dramatically reduces the payout for a straight bet. European roulette, on the other hand, only has one green pocket for 00, and this lowers the house edge to 1.35%. If you are a beginner, you should consider using the James Bond betting system to increase your chances of winning. This strategy combines bets to give you the best odds of winning on roulette, but it does require a large bankroll. Moreover, you should make sure that you are dealing with a reputable casino site. The house edge of roulette is calculated as the percentage of all bets that lose. To calculate the house edge, you will need to know the probability of each type of bet. For example, a bet on number 5 pays out 392 chips if it wins, while a bet on the zero costs 17 chips to complete and pays out 235 chips. You can use online calculators to find the probabilities of different types of bets. This will help you determine the best strategies to use while playing roulette. The most common strategy is the martingale, which involves increasing your bet each time you lose. However, this can be dangerous if you are not careful. Therefore, you should only use this strategy with the smallest bet possible to limit your losses.

Poker is a card game in which players place wagers on the outcome of a hand. It is a game of chance, but it is also a game of skill and strategy. While a hand of Poker can be won through sheer luck, the game is generally played by individuals who wish to maximize their chances of winning by using strategic betting tactics and bluffing. Unlike other vying games, Poker is usually played with chips rather than cash. Each player is given a specific number of white and red chips, with each white chip being worth the minimum ante or blind bet, and each red chip being worth twice as many whites. During a hand of Poker, the cards are dealt one at a time, beginning with the player to the left of the dealer. Once all of the players have two cards, a round of betting begins. During the course of the round, players may increase their bets by raising them or folding. Ultimately, the player with the highest-ranking hand takes the pot. To make a bet, a player must first declare their intention to do so. Saying “call” means they want to match the last bet. In most cases, the player must place the same amount of money (either in chips or in cash) into the pot as the person before them. After the first betting round, one additional card is dealt face up to the table. This is known as the flop. Then another round of betting takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. During this round, players can also draw replacement cards for the ones they already have in their hand. A strong poker hand can help you win the pot by forcing weaker hands to fold, which will increase the value of the pot. There are a number of different poker hands, but some of the most common include straights and flushes. Straights contain five consecutive cards of the same rank, while flushes consist of all five cards in sequence but from more than one suit. Other poker hands include three of a kind, which contains three cards of the same rank, and two pairs, which contain two matching cards of the same rank. In most cases, if a player has a high poker hand, they should raise their bets to force weaker hands to fold. This can be accomplished by saying “raise,” which signals that you would like to increase your bet by the same amount as the person before you. Bluffing is a key element of the game of Poker, and a well-written article should describe a few situations in which this occurs. However, personal anecdotes should not dominate the article and should be balanced with solid poker theory. This will ensure that the article is both informative and entertaining. A good article about Poker should also include tips and tricks for improving one’s own play. This will help readers become more confident when playing the game, and will allow them to get better results from their Poker games.

A person engages in gambling when they stake something of value (money, possessions or personal safety) on an uncertain event whose outcome is determined by chance and/or luck rather than skill. This includes, but is not limited to, casino games, sports betting and lottery games. It does not include bona fide business transactions such as the purchase or sale at a future date of securities and commodities, contracts of indemnity and guaranty, life, health and accident insurance, or the purchase or sale at a future date in a game of chance conducted by a state or other governmental authority. Whether they’re in a neon-lit casino or watching their favorite team score a touchdown, humans are wired to seek rewards. When we spend time with friends, eat a healthy meal or win a jackpot, our brains produce a dopamine response that makes us feel good. Unfortunately, for some people, these natural pleasures can become dangerously out of balance. Often, the short-term thrills of gambling can come with long term costs, such as financial ruin or severe mental health problems. Gambling is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to understand and treat. It is characterized by intense emotions, poor impulse control and distorted thoughts. It is also often linked to other psychiatric disorders, such as substance abuse and depression. It can run in families, be triggered by trauma or exacerbated by social inequality. Symptoms may start as early as adolescence or later in adulthood. Men are more likely to be affected by gambling disorder than women. Because there are no approved medications for gambling disorder, treatment must be psychotherapy based. There are several different types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy and group therapy. These techniques help you gain more self-awareness and learn how to change unhealthy behaviors. You can also find support from other people who have the same problem. Some of the more popular support groups are Gamblers Anonymous and various states’ gambling hotlines. Some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behavior, while others develop gambling disorder as a result of environmental or cultural factors. These factors can affect how a person processes reward information, controls their impulses and weighs risks. For example, some people have a tendency to place high-risk bets because they feel they can’t control their emotions or make decisions objectively. It can be especially challenging for people with gambling disorder to recognize their symptoms, as they can be disguised by other emotional problems. For instance, they may lie to their family members about their gambling habits or try to justify it by blaming other circumstances. They may also have difficulty asking for help or accepting that they have a problem.

Blackjack is a casino card game that requires you to have a good understanding of probability and odds. If you know these things well, you can use a betting strategy to maximize your profits. For example, the Martingale system involves doubling your bet after every loss until you win. Regardless of the betting strategy you choose, it is important to stay consistent and not make changes based on your feelings. Otherwise, you might end up losing money rather than winning it. Blackjack’s popularity stems from its simple rules, which have remained the same throughout the years. The game’s house edge is only 2%, and it can be further reduced to less than 0.5% by using the right betting strategy. However, many people are unaware of the fact that blackjack is a game of skill, and that luck plays a minimal role in the overall outcome. The game of blackjack is played with one or more 52-card decks. Each player is dealt two cards, and the dealer gets one as well. The goal is to accumulate a hand that totals as close to 21 as possible without going over. When you get a Blackjack, your bet wins, and you also receive a bonus bet of $1/2. To maximize your chances of getting a Blackjack, you should double down when your current two cards have a value of 10 or 11. Two fives are a great example of a hand that would benefit from doubling. However, you should never split a pair of tens or face cards as they are worth 10 points on their own. In addition, you should always hit when the dealer has a weak showing, such as a six. Using the proper betting strategy is the best way to win at blackjack. Practicing with an online blackjack strategy table will help you learn the basics of the game and how to place your bets effectively. Once you’ve mastered the basic rules of blackjack, you can start playing for real money with confidence. Another important aspect of blackjack strategy is card counting. This involves keeping track of the number of cards left in the deck and adjusting your bets accordingly. There are a variety of card counting systems, but the most common is Hi-Lo. Other strategies involve counting the cards as they are discarded or by calculating their values according to the probabilities of specific permutations. Despite its bad name, insurance is not a terrible bet to make in blackjack. When the remaining deck is rich in ten-value cards, this side-bet can actually be profitable for players. However, if you’re not careful, the house advantage can quickly eat up your profit. The best way to avoid this trap is to play short sessions of blackjack and to stick with a sound strategy. You should also avoid making bets that have a high variance.

Dominoes are an entertaining way to pass the time with friends and family. Whether you enjoy building complex domino chains or simply flicking them over, this popular pastime has become a cultural phenomenon. There are even professional domino builders, who create amazing displays for movies, TV shows and events-such as the recent album launch for Katy Perry. Each domino is a rectangular tile bearing an arrangement of dots, or “pips,” on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other. The pips are often arranged in rows, but some sets also use more symmetrical patterns such as circles or diamonds. In addition to indicating the number of pips on each end, dominoes are also referred to by their color or other symbol on the face. For example, a domino with a number 2 on one end and a 5 on the other is a “2-5”; a tile with the same numbers on both ends is a double, or “doublet”; and a blank tile is called a “zebra.” Like playing cards, dominoes are often grouped into suits (e.g., hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds). The number of cards in each suit determines the number of points a player receives in a game. Each domino also has an identity number, which identifies its location in the set. The identity number is determined by counting the pips on each of two adjacent corners of the domino (for example, a 6-6 indicates that it is in the corner marked “6”). To begin play, the tiles are shuffled and then drawn to determine who plays first. A player who draws a domino with matching ends must then place it onto the board, positioning it so that the open ends are touching other tiles. If a tile is played against a double, it must be placed perpendicular to the double (or diagonally), otherwise the open ends will not match. After a player places a domino, other players may play against it, building a chain that gradually increases in length. The shape of the chain depends on both the whims of the players and the limitations of the playing surface. The first domino played to a double must be positioned so that it forms a cross, or a full square across the edge of the double, but after this initial placement, the rest of the chain can be laid out in whatever shape is desired. Dominoes can be positioned in straight or curved lines, stacked walls and even 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. In the latter, the dominoes are often designed to form a specific image when they fall. In some games, the resulting image is scored in points. Dominoes are also used in artistic creations, such as large-scale landscapes and geometric designs. Many of these creations require several dozen or even hundreds of dominoes, each carefully arranged in the proper sequence before being triggered to collapse by the slightest nudge. In domino shows, builders compete to construct the most impressive setups before a live audience of fans.

Roulette is one of the most famous casino games in Europe, and it draws big crowds at many Monte Carlo resorts. But it is not nearly as popular in the United States as slot machines, video poker, blackjack, or craps. In fact, roulette is in danger of being overtaken by newer casino games that are making inroads into American casinos. The game involves players placing bets on a number, various groupings of numbers, red or black, odd or even, or high (19-36) or low (1-18). A croupier spins the wheel in one direction and a ball is dropped into a series of metal compartments, called pockets or canoes by roulette croupiers. Thirty-six of the compartments are numbered nonconsecutively, from 1 to 36; the other two are green and carry the numbers 0 and 00. Besides the standard bets that are made inside the table (numbers, splits, streets and corner), there are a variety of specialty bets that can also be placed. These bets offer higher payouts, but they generally have a much higher house edge than other bets. After all the bets are made, the dealer will then immediately divide all the even-money bets in half, keeping the half for the house and returning the other to the player (called the “La Partage” rule). The resulting return is then compared with the standard house edge on that particular roulette wheel. If the expected return is higher than the house edge, the player has a positive expectation. If it is lower, the player has a negative expectation.

Poker is a card game that involves betting and requires an ability to read opponents and predict odds. It is also a game of chance, but over time the application of skill can nearly eliminate the luck element. The game can be played in private homes and casinos worldwide for pennies or millions of dollars. To play poker, you will need a table and enough chips to make the bets you want. A typical poker table has a maximum of nine players. You will also need to agree on the stakes before beginning the hand. There are many different ways to set the stakes, but some are more common than others. For example, you may decide to start with a small bet and then raise it gradually as the game goes on. The game is fast paced and the action can be intense. The object of the game is to win a hand of cards by either having a high-ranked one or by continuing to bet that yours is the highest until all other players drop out. The player who wins the hand is awarded the “pot” – all of the money that was bet during that hand. There are several different types of poker, but the most popular is Texas Hold ’em. In this game, each player is dealt two cards, called hole cards, face down. Then, five community cards are dealt in three stages, known as the flop, the turn, and the river. Each player then has the option to check (pass on betting), call (match the previous bet), or raise (bet more than the previous player). The final step is to show everyone what your cards are. You can use a combination of your own two cards with the community cards to form a high-ranked hand, or you can fold and forfeit the hand. The player who has the best hand wins the pot – all of the bets made during that round. If you are playing poker in a real-life casino or at home, the rules of the game will vary slightly from place to place. In a home game, the players usually buy in for a certain number of chips. These chips can range from white, or light-colored, chips that are worth one unit to red, black, and blue chips that have higher values. You will probably want to purchase at least 200 chips for a seven-player game. These will be used to make the bets during each round of betting. These chips will be placed in the pot, which is the center of the table.

Gambling involves risking something of value on a random event, such as a football match or a scratchcard, in the hope of winning a prize. It can also be done with other material things, such as marbles or collectible trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. Some people may have problems with gambling, but it’s important to know that there are ways to get help. Problem gambling is characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable behavior that causes significant distress, financial or otherwise. It is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety, guilt, and depression. A person with a gambling disorder may lie to friends, family, or therapists in order to conceal the extent of his or her involvement in gambling. In addition, a person with a gambling disorder may commit illegal acts, such as forgery, fraud, or theft, in order to finance his or her gambling habits. Problem gambling has long-term negative physical, psychological, and social consequences for the gambler, his or her family, and community. Research has shown that problem gambling is associated with a wide range of harms, including financial difficulties, debt, family discord, and relationship difficulties. It is also linked to substance abuse, poor mental health, and a lower quality of life. In some cases, gambling can even lead to death. Many people who have trouble controlling their gambling tend to experience delusions or hallucinations, which can make it hard for them to realize that they are not in control of their actions. For example, a person may believe that they are more likely to win than they really are or that certain rituals will bring them luck. These beliefs are often the result of cognitive distortions, which can be treated using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Some gambling activities involve betting against others, while others are more focused on playing games for money or goods. In the latter case, the amount of money wagered is called the “margin.” The odds are the ratio of a player’s chance of losing to his or her chances of winning. They are usually expressed in decimal form. The most common form of gambling is wagering on a sporting event, such as a soccer game or horse race. The odds on these events are calculated from actuarial data and set by the bookmakers. Another popular form of gambling is the state-organized lotteries that have been a major source of revenue for governments throughout the world.

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is played on a semicircular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players, usually from five to seven players (or “spots”). Each player has an individual bet placed in a box on the edge of the table. A dealer deals the cards, and the game is based on the ranking of hand totals against the dealer’s. Depending on the rules of the game, the player may have the option to split his or her hand into two hands, or double down on certain hands. These actions can have a big impact on a player’s winning potential. If a player has an ace and a 10 in his or her first two cards, this is considered a blackjack. This beats any other hand and wins the round. The dealer must collect all the bets and then reshuffle and deal new cards to start the next round. Before playing blackjack, it is important to understand the rules of the game. It is also important to learn the etiquette of the game. In addition, a knowledge of the game’s strategy is also essential. This can be gained by reading books on the subject or by taking a blackjack class. A common mistake made by novices is to play their hands too conservatively. This often leads to them missing opportunities to make more money. For example, they might hesitate to hit 16 against a dealer’s 7, or fail to double down when the odds are in their favor. Expert players, on the other hand, will exploit every opportunity to increase their winnings. They’ll hit and double down when the chances are good, and they’ll split pairs more frequently when doing so will benefit them more than hitting. Novices are also more likely to misunderstand the game’s rules and payouts. For instance, they might not know that a blackjack only pays out 3 to 2 if the dealer has an ace showing and doesn’t have a blackjack himself. This reduces the house edge by a considerable amount, but it isn’t standard at all casinos. A knowledgeable blackjack dealer is an asset to any casino, and the best dealers are trained extensively in the game’s rules and strategies. This training is particularly important for new dealers, who must quickly be able to manage multiple hands of blackjack and communicate with other casino staff and players. In addition, blackjack dealers should be able to understand and explain the rules of blackjack, including how they affect each hand and the odds of winning and losing. Moreover, they should be able to explain the game’s different side bets and how they play into the overall odds of winning. This can help casino staff and players make better decisions about how to play the game. Furthermore, it can help avoid confusion and ensure that everyone at the table understands how to play. This can lead to a more enjoyable experience for all involved.

A domino is a flat thumbsized rectangular block that’s either blank or bears from one to six pips or dots, typically arranged in two parallel lines. The pips originally represented the results of throwing two six-sided dice, but modern sets also feature Arabic numerals. Dominoes are used to play a wide variety of games that involve laying the pieces down in straight and angular lines, curved patterns and even 3D structures like towers and pyramids. A large set of dominoes can be a beautiful and intriguing addition to any home or office. They can be used for decorative purposes to form geometric designs, or for a fun way to learn physics and spatial reasoning with children. The most common game played with dominoes is a simple counting game, where each player draws and plays a domino, then counts the total number of spots on its exposed ends. When all the pips have been counted, the players pass the domino to their opponent, who then adds his or her own points. The first player to reach a set number of points wins the game. Many other games can be played with a domino set, which is typically made of bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or ebony and painted white or black. Alternatively, some sets are made from natural materials such as marble, granite or soapstone; metals; ceramic clay or glass. Some are painted with brightly colored graphics, while others have more subdued, muted or antique-looking motifs. The most basic domino game, called double-six, requires a double-twelve or double-nine domino set, which contain 28 tiles that are shuffled and arranged in a “boneyard” or “stock.” Each player then draws seven tiles from the stock to begin playing, placing them face down on the table to prevent other players from seeing their values. Players then lay down their tiles, matching the adjacent sides of each end so that a one’s touching ends match and a two’s touching edges form a double. Doubles are then laid at right angles to the previous tile to form a domino chain, or a snake-line. If a single domino cannot be laid because the adjacent tiles are already in use, players continue to draw until they can lay another tile. The players then score their points by counting the numbers of dots on the exposed ends of the remaining dominoes, or in a variation of the game called Five-Up, by scoring multiples of the total number of dots on all the exposed dominoes, including the first double (which functions as a spinner). Whether you write your book off the cuff or take your time with a carefully plotted outline, if you want to build an exciting story, consider the domino effect. Just like a row of dominoes, the events in your novel should cascade from one scene to the next, influencing each other through cause and effect. If you start with a small change, it can have huge implications for the rest of the story.

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in both land-based and online casinos. The game is easy enough for beginners to enjoy, yet has plenty of betting options to keep experienced players interested. But how exactly does this classic table game work? Read on to learn more about the rules of roulette, and what you can do to increase your chances of winning. The basics of roulette start with the wheel and the ball. Players place bets on the color, number or section of the table that they think will win, then the croupier throws a small white ball into the spinning wheel. After the ball lands, the dealers clear off losing bets and pay out winners. The game then continues with the next round. The history of roulette dates back over 300 years, with French mathematician Blaise Pascal credited as its creator. Some people believe that he invented the game while trying to create a machine that would demonstrate perpetual motion. Others believe that it was derived from the older games of hoca and portique, and was brought to France by Dominican monks. While some of these theories are far-fetched, the fact is that roulette has a long history in casinos and gambling establishments. While it is not as popular in the United States as craps, blackjack or video poker, it still attracts big crowds at European gaming establishments. What is the house edge in roulette? The house edge in roulette is the percentage of time that a player’s bet will lose. It is higher for outside bets than inside bets, but it also depends on the type of wheel being used. The house edge for a European roulette wheel is 2.70 percent, while the American version has a much higher house edge, at between 5.26 and 7.89 percent depending on the betting options. In addition to the house edge, there are other factors that influence a player’s chances of winning at roulette. For example, playing on a crowded table can reduce your chances of hitting the winning number, while selecting a favored bet can help you increase your odds of success. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that roulette is a game of chance and no strategy can overcome its built-in house edge. There are many different ways to play roulette, but the key is choosing a bet type that you are comfortable with and understand the odds of. This will give you the best chance of winning and will ensure that your experience with this classic casino game is a positive one.

Poker is a card game in which players place bets on their hand. The player with the best hand wins the pot. The game can be played between two players or between a large number of people. Depending on the variant of the game, betting can be done before or after the cards are revealed. Some games also use blind bets in addition to or instead of the ante. The main goal of writing a scene with poker is to capture the essence of the game and the reactions of the characters. To do this, you will need to create tension through the use of pacing and character description. You will want to make the narrator seem like they are in the players’ heads, so focus on describing their reactions to the card draws, bets and checks. A typical game of poker is played with a standard 52-card pack, plus jokers if the game specifies that they are to be used as wild cards. There are four suits, with spades being high and clubs being low. The highest rank of a card is the Ace, followed by the King, Queen, and Jack. To build a strong character, you will need to be comfortable with risk-taking. This can be a tough skill to master. A good way to develop this is to start small and work your way up. You can do this by playing smaller stakes games and learning from your mistakes. It is also important to observe experienced players and imagine how you would react in their situation. This will help you develop your own instincts and build your comfort level. You should be aware that poker is a game of chance, but it is also a game of strategy and bluffing. A successful bluff can make the difference between winning and losing. It is essential to understand the odds of a hand in order to be able to determine if you should call, raise or fold. A good rule of thumb is to always bet if you have the best possible hand. In some cases, a player may make an all-in bet, which means that he or she puts all of his or her chips into the pot before any other players have the chance to do so. This is possible in some games, but it is not always legal and the rules of the game should be clear before you decide to do so. After the initial betting round, the players will reveal their hands and the player with the best hand wins the pot. Some games require a “high card” to break ties. This is usually a high pair but can be any other type of hand. A high card is a great way to break ties when players have the same type of hand, such as a flush or a straight. If you have a high card, it is important to know your odds of winning the hand.

Gambling is an activity that involves wagering something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome for the chance to win a prize. It involves placing a bet on an outcome that may range from a small amount of money to a jackpot that could change one’s life forever. This activity is commonly found in places like casinos, racetracks, and even online. Regardless of where it is taking place, gambling has been shown to have many harmful effects on self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance, and communities. Many people who have a gambling addiction may be unable to stop even with the help of treatment. In fact, only about one in ten people with a gambling disorder receive treatment for the condition. However, there are many ways that a person can seek help to address their gambling problem. One option is to find a therapist that specializes in treating gambling disorders. The therapist can teach them coping skills and help them develop a more responsible approach to their finances. A person who is addicted to gambling may exhibit many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize. Often, they hide their habit and lie to friends and family members about how much they are spending. They may also spend time avoiding social events or activities because they feel the need to gamble. Other signs of a gambling addiction include frequent and unsuccessful attempts to control or quit gambling. The most common way to get help for a gambling problem is through therapy. There are several types of therapists who specialize in treating gambling disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. During therapy, patients learn to understand the causes of their gambling addiction and how to overcome it. They are also taught coping skills to help them avoid gambling in the future. There are some risks associated with gambling, especially for those with a history of substance abuse or depression. But it is possible to gamble responsibly if you are careful. If you have a gambling addiction, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid a more serious problem. Besides being fun, gambling can be a great way to socialize with your friends. It helps you to practice observing patterns, mentally task your brain, and study numbers. It can also be beneficial for your mental health, and it is not a bad idea to socialize with people who love gambling as well. This is why some people like to go to casinos and hang out at races or purchase lottery tickets together. They are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend their free time.

Blackjack is a card game that involves a lot of luck. However, many players have found that by following a basic strategy they can cut down on the house edge and improve their chances of winning. The first step is to familiarise yourself with the rules of the game. Different blackjack variants come with different rules and side bets, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into before playing the game. Once you have familiarised yourself with the rules, the next step is to learn about blackjack strategy. This will include the basic rules of hitting and standing, splitting and doubling down. In addition, it is important to understand how to calculate the value of cards in a hand. Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, while the jack, queen and king are each worth 10. Aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on what is better for your hand. When you have a good hand, it is often a good idea to hit. This will allow you to increase the value of your hand and increase your chances of beating the dealer. On the other hand, if your hand is weak, it might be better to stand. This will reduce the risk of busting and will ensure that you don’t lose your bet. If you are dealt a pair of identical cards, you can split them and play two hands. This will double your bet and can lead to some big wins. However, it is important to remember that the dealer will also be able to split his or her cards. When splitting pairs, you should always split aces and eights. You should never split 10s, 5’s or 4’s – in fact, splitting these types of cards will usually result in more losses than gains. Doubling down in blackjack is a great way to increase your bet and improve your chances of winning. However, this is a risky move and should only be used when you are confident that you can beat the dealer’s hand. If you do decide to double down, it is a good idea to count the cards to find out how many high and low cards are left in the deck. This is called the true count and will help you to make more money when the true count is high. Another great tip for playing blackjack is to use the surrender option if it is available at your table. By doing this, you can reduce your losses and recover half of your bet. This is a great way to limit your losses and protect your bankroll. Lastly, it is important to note that some casino sites offer early and late surrender. This means that you can choose whether to surrender before or after the dealer checks for blackjack. Using the surrender option at the right time can save you a lot of money. This is especially true if you have a bad or weak hand, as it can reduce the amount of your losses significantly.

Whether you’re a child lined up dominoes in a straight or curved line and flicking the first one, or an adult building mind-blowing domino art for a movie scene or even a music video, there’s something magical about watching those tiny blocks fall. It’s almost as if they’re reacting to each other, a chain reaction that begins with a little nudge and keeps going. But what exactly is it that makes these small blocks of wood and plastic so fascinating? Today’s WONDER asks a scientist to take us through the physics of the domino effect. Lily Hevesh grew up with the classic 28-piece set of dominoes, and started collecting and building intricate domino sets at 9 years old. These days, Hevesh is a professional domino artist with a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers. She has built amazing setups for movies, TV shows, and events, including a Domino’s pizza campaign and an album launch for Katy Perry. Hevesh’s art requires a lot of planning and precision, but the main force behind her setups is simple: gravity. A domino is a small rectangular block, about half as long and wide as a playing card, with an identifying mark on one side and blank or slightly marked by dots resembling those on dice on the other. The marks, called pips or spots, vary in number from one to six (depending on the domino set), with most of the squares on a domino having two pips and the remainder having only one. The numbers indicate the value of the domino — a domino with more pips has a higher rank than a domino with fewer pips. Standing up a domino gives it potential energy, or stored energy based on its position. But when you knock it over, much of that energy converts to kinetic energy – the energy of motion. Some of that energy is transmitted to the next domino, causing it to push down on its own and start the chain reaction. The rest of the energy is dissipated into heat and sound. Besides friction, gravity is the other force that affects how a domino falls. When a domino is knocked over, it also experiences a magnetic force due to the polarization of its electrons. This can also cause it to move, but not as quickly or efficiently as a freely falling domino. A domino is a fun and educational way to learn about the laws of physics and how objects interact with each other. It’s also a reminder to consider how a single action can have a big impact, or “domino,” on other people and situations. This is particularly important for writers, because no matter how carefully we plot our novels or how many details we write down in an outline, a domino effect can be devastating to the structure of a story. So think twice before you hit the ground running with your next plot point. Your readers will thank you for it!

Roulette is one of the casino’s most popular games. It is easy enough for novice players to pick up and fast-paced, which keeps more experienced gamblers engaged. Roulette can be found in almost every casino that offers table games. The game consists of a spinning wheel and a ball which is spun around it until the ball comes to rest in one of the divisions on the wheel that are numbered 1 to 36. These divisions are alternately red and black. The American roulette wheel also has an extra green zero, which makes the game a worse proposition financially than the European version of the game. Once a player has made his or her bets the dealer clears the table and pays any winners. Then the croupier or dealer will spin the wheel and throw the ball into it. If the ball lands on a number slot, the winner will be paid based on his or her betting odds. Players make bets by placing chips on a special betting mat with the specific placement of the chips indicating the type of bet. Bets on numbers, groupings of numbers or colors are called “Inside bets” and bets on larger groups of numbers like the first, second or third dozen are referred to as “Outside bets”. In the United States, roulette has only a small following compared with video poker, blackjack, or craps, but it is still a mainstay at Monte Carlo casinos and other European gaming establishments. It is also an important element of many online gambling sites. Frank Scoblete grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He spent the ’60s getting an education; the ’70s editing, writing and publishing; and the ’90s and 2000s in casino gambling. He is the author of 35 books and a well-known casino specialist. He lives in Long Island, New York. He is a regular contributor to RPS video and has been the host of numerous online gambling shows. He has won two Emmy Awards and three Writers Guild of America Awards for his work.

Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves skill and psychology. In fact, there are many poker players who have written books on the subject. The game requires patience and discipline to learn how to read your opponents. This will allow you to spot tells and make smart bets. You’ll also learn to manage your bankroll and not risk more money than you can afford to lose. These lessons will help you in life and outside of the poker table. In most forms of poker, one or more players are forced to place a bet before any cards are dealt. This is called the ante or blind bet. Then, the dealer shuffles the deck and deals each player a number of cards face up or down depending on the specific rules of the game. Then, there are rounds of betting where players can choose to check (pass on a bet), raise or fold. The player with the highest ranked hand when all bets are made wins the pot. The first thing that poker teaches you is how to control your emotions in a high-pressure environment. When you’re playing poker, you have to be able to recognize and interpret your opponent’s emotions in order to make the best call possible. This skill is useful in business, as well, where you may have to negotiate a deal or push for a higher salary. Another lesson that poker teaches you is to accept failure. No one goes through life without hitting a few rough patches or having a bad night now and then. But if you can accept that the tough sessions are just a part of the game, you can keep going and come out on top in the end. Finally, poker teaches you how to think strategically and take calculated risks. This is especially important when you’re trying to win a big hand, such as a royal flush or straight flush. If you play your cards right, you can force the other players to fold and leave them with a weak hand that won’t beat yours. It’s not always easy to do, but if you can master this skill, it will give you an edge over your opponents and help you win more hands.