We stay because we have already invested so much. "I can’t quit now," we whisper. "I’m due for a win."

But the house doesn't care if you are "due." The universe doesn't keep a ledger of your suffering. The cards have no memory.

Today, look at your hand. Look at the pot. Look at the players across from you.

The lights will stay on. The cards will keep shuffling. There will always be another hand.

But there is only one you. And you can’t play if you’ve busted out.