ONE of the most important cournerstones, of ATE methodology, is the PLUCKING absolute, and I mean ABSOLUTE use of win goals and stop losses!!
Just because people like Roy Cooke, and some others, THINK they don't, does NOT mean that they don't.!!!!
Man, these guys, are so TOTALLY wrong, it ain't even funny.
This is one of the most important things, that I am reserving for my books, so I cannot go into com plete detail, because I have a trademark expression, and I DO NOT WANT ANYONE EVER SAYING THAT THEY INVENTED IT.
So, let's look at this situation, in terms that apply to you
(Ed note: this is a CLASSIC ATE teaching method)
I'm assuming that since you are using the Marine Corps motto, that you are a Marine.
Let's say that you were sent back in time, to say Saipan, circa 1944
There are 10 enemy machine gun nests, and your commanding officier has ordered you to destroy as many as you can, while also trying to stay alive. There will be no reprecussions, if you only take out a few, they trust your judgement and your courage.
You start with a Thompson, and 120 rounds, and 10 grenades.
You take out 5, using up 5 grenades, and half of your ammo. You are not tired, or even injured. Now, while attempting to attack the sixth, your arm is grazed by a bullet
(in poker terms, you just had a bad beat) No serious injury, you can proceed
If looks like the riflemen protecting this nest, are better shots than the last (players are better)
Should you continue?
OR DO YOU PLUCKIN' LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY, HAVING DONE YOUR JOB
AND SAVED MANY MARINES (won a lot of chips)
IF WILLdDEBATE MALMUTH, SKLANSKY OR COOKE, ANy TIME ON THIS
I AM RIGHT, AND MY SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS WHO WALK AROUND WITH SO MANY BENJIMINS, THEY CAN'T FIT THEM ALL IN THEIR WALLETS, FOLLOW THIS PRINCIPLE
And yes, you should always try to stay around the max, unless no one else has this much.