loving something but being very bad at it
playing; play (margin between on and off, gap before pressing button or lever has an effect)
to be taught; to learn; to take lessons in
yakuman; win worth 32000 points (or, if dealer, 48000 points)
scoring; score; points made; marks obtained; goals; runs
refreshing; exhilarating; invigorating; bracing
questionable; doubtful; suspicious
gambling den; gambling house
large amount of money; great cost
to tear off; to pluck off; to take forcibly
to wager; to bet; to risk; to stake; to gamble
to increase; to add to; to augment
to turn one's hand to; to reach out one's hand; to get involved in; to make a move on; to strike; to beat
pleasant; delightful; enjoyable; joyful; cheerful; amusing
to put one's life on the line; to risk one's life; to put everything one has into it
self-taught method; one's own way; one's own style
for a short while; for a while; for some time; for the time being
to take a breath; to take a short rest
nonetheless; nevertheless
at any cost; at any price; at any expense
to hold fast; to protect to the end
to stick it out (until the end)
timid; weak-kneed; fainthearted; bearish (e.g. market)
bulky and heavy; massive; solid; dignified; imposing; composed
so much; so often; oh, yes!; that's it; that's right; quite
combat; battle; action; active service; actual fighting
long military service; having experienced many battles
tough guy; wild one; fearless fighter
underling; newbie; small fry; newcomer
fierce attack; furious attack
to ward off (e.g. an attack); to fend off (e.g. a question); to elude; to evade; to dodge; to turn aside (e.g. a joke)
easy to read; legible; clear
losing by being overmatched; being defeated by a stronger opponent; losing by misusing one's powers; defeat as a result of trying too hard
to anticipate; to foresee
backhand blow; backhand chop; backfist (karate)
point; gist; essentials; knack; trick; the ropes
followers; subordinates; being under someone's command