When someone with limited experience achieves better than
expected results it is referred to as beginner's luck.
The term is most often used in reference to a first attempt
in
sport or
gambling. For example, if Mike beats
veteran
golf player Joe in his first game, Joe might attribute
this to beginner's luck. Beginner's luck is also be
applicable to non-sporting activities. For example, if Susan
takes first prize in her first ever
baking
contest, she might have had beginner's luck. The term is
also used when no skill whatsoever is involved such as a
first-time
slot machine player winning the
jackpot.
One would expect experienced players to outperform novices - when the opposite happens it is counter-intuitive hence the need for a term to describe this phenomenon.
Categories: Gambling terminology