How to recognize the "drain" moment and get out on time
It is important to understand from the very beginning
There is no objective "drain indicator." Slots have negative expectation (RTP <100%), and a series of failures is part of the variance.
Getting out on time is not "guessing the phase," but strict adherence to predetermined thresholds (bankrupt, spins, time, emotions).
Below are clear, working rules.
Basic exit triggers (set before the game starts)
1) Stop-loss
Low volatility: exit with a drawdown of -20-25% of the session budget.
Average volatility: exit at -30-40%.
High volatility: exit at -50-60%.
* Explanation: the higher the dispersion, the wider the drawdown tolerance, otherwise you will be "shaken out" on standard fluctuations.
2) Time/spin limit
Time: 30-45 minutes per slot (or timer on the phone).
Spins: set a hard limit, for example 300-500 spins for volatile games; 150-250 is enough for low volatility.
* Reached the limit - stop, regardless of the result. *
3) Bonus doesn't come too long
Rate the "normal" distance to the bonus by game/experience and set the threshold for "patience":
- Low volatility: If there is no bonus after 1. 5 × of your usual distance is the way out.
- Average: after ~ 2 ×.
- High: after ~ 2-2. 5×.
- * Example: think that the bonus in this slot is on average once a ~ 200 spin - no bonus to 300-400 - output.
4) Abnormally long series of "dead" spins
Set the rule: if the series without hits> 3 × of your average interval between hits - stop.
* Example: usually "something" comes across once a ~ 3-4 backs → a series of 12-15 empty in a row is a sufficient reason to leave.
5) Quality of bonuses
3-4 consecutive "empty" bonuses (less than 0. 5 × of 100 bonus bets in total) - exit.
* This is not a "drain phase," but simply a session with poor variance implementation. *
6) Emotions and behavior (main signal)
Caught yourself on the catch (raise rates, speed up your backs, demolish the plan) - an immediate way out.
There was irritation, haste, a desire to "beat off right now" - a stop crane.
How to set thresholds for your style
Step 1. Break bankroll in session
Divide the total bankroll into 30-50 sessions (2-3% per session).
Select the rate so that the session budget covers at least 200-300 spins (low/medium volatility) or 400-800 (high).
Step 2. Set pairs of stops: loss and profit
Stop-loss: according to the table above (-20... - 60% of the volatility session).
Take-profit: + 40-60% of the session. Reached - fix at least half of the profit or close the session entirely.
Trailing stop: with a growth of + 50%, pull up the stop loss to -10% of the new peak.
Step 3. Bonus Buy attempt limit (if using)
2-3 minus buy bonuses in a row - stop.
After a major drift (≥ 200-300 ×) - mandatory pause/exit; do not give back.
Ready control thresholds (quick start)
| Parameter | Low Volatility | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------: | ------: | -------: |
| Stop-loss from session | 20-25% | 30-40% | 50-60% |
| Spin limit | 150-250 | 250-400 | 400-800 |
| No Bonus - Out | ~ 1. 5 × normal distance | ~ 2 × | ~ 2-2. 5× |
| Dead Spin Series | > 3 × Mid-Hit | > 3 × | > 3 × |
| Empty bonuses in a row | 3 | 3-4 | 4 |
* Use your slot-specific notes below "normal distance" and "medium spacing." *
Real-time mini-accounting (so as not to guess)
Keep counters by slot (in notes/table):
- Backs: Total/Session
- Hits: Qty and% in last 100 spins
- Bonuses: back number, payout amount
- Session balance: peak, current, maximum drawdown (MDD)
- Rate: changes along the way
Rule: if any of your thresholds worked, go out instantly. Do not transfer the plan "for another 50 spins."
One-screen solution algorithm
1. Before the start: select a slot → assign a rate, budget, stop loss, profit, spin/time limit.
2. During the game: record hits, bonuses, balance.
3. Any trigger (drawdown/limit/series/emotions) → feet worked.
4. There is a profit ≥ the target → fix, do not "twist to a round sum."
Typical Exit Errors
Shifting thresholds "in place." You can't. Thresholds are committed to the session.
Dogon bet. Increased risk does not change matwidding, only accelerates drainage.
Ignoring time limit. Fatigue = errors and tilt.
Belief in "giving back after the episode." Independent events do not "have" to compensate for anything.
Session plan template (copy and use)
| Slot :\_\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\\\_ | Volatility: Low/Medium/High |
|---|---|
| Rate :\_\_\\\_\_\_\_\\_ | Session (amount) :\_\_\_\\\_\\\_ |
| Stop-loss: \_% () | Take-profit: \_% () |
| Spin Limit :\_\\\_\_\\_ | Time Limit :\_\_\\_ min |
| I go out without a bonus after :\_\_\_ _\_\_ spins | |
| Empty Spin Series (Stop) :\_\_\_\_\\_ | |
| Empty bonuses in a row (stop) :\_\_\_\\_\\_ | |
| Emotional triggers (stop right away): tilt/dogon/rush |
FAQ short
"Is the slot in the drain a phase?" No, it isn't. There is variance. We manage risk, not catch "phases."
"If a trifle drips - continue?" Only if no threshold worked. Any trigger is an exit.
"When to come back?" Not before the next scheduled session. Do not "beat off" right away.
Result
You do not recognize the "drain" mystically - you indicate the boundaries at the intersection of which you always exit. Clear thresholds for drawdown, time, distance to bonus, series of empty spins and emotional triggers - this is your radar and brake.
