I am here in Las Vegas to judge the LIA Awards. I am on the 'Creative Strategy and Business Transformation' jury. This is our second day of judging. I have seen about 350 pieces of work along with a highly accomplished jury led by Suzanne Powers, former global chief strategy officer, McCann Worldgroup.

The shortlist is already done. Tomorrow, we decide the winners. And this is where Las Vegas makes a difference. Because whether we like it or not, sometimes winning is a gamble. And luck is the 'x-factor'. Ask the folks who lucked out in the casinos. Ask the jury who’ve seen the vote move up and down, and round and round, till it settles on the winner you least expected.

Sometimes it takes just one person’s conviction to turn a shortlist into a Gold. And sometimes just one emotional statement about the company and its ethics can change the sentiment in the room. Anything can turn the tide. Winning! It’s luck! It’s Vegas!

Have you seen ‘12 Angry Men’? The film tells the story of a jury of 12 men as they deliberate the conviction or acquittal of a teenager charged with murder based on reasonable doubt. Disagreement and conflict among the jurors force them to question their morals and values. You see lady luck lurking in the shadows.

So how do you invite lady luck to sit at the table with you? Here’s what seasoned winners are known to do at casinos to invoke luck:

Blowing on dice: Blowing on your dice is a long-standing good luck trick in casinos.

Use a lucky charm: Having a lucky charm can help you feel more confident at the table. Lucky rabbit’s feet, small trinkets and personal items can all work.

Have a ritual: Crossing your fingers, chanting or tapping the slot machine are all rituals you might see at the casino.

Wear lucky colours: If you’re down on your luck, try wearing red to the casino. It is associated with prosperity and life-giving energy.

Don’t whistle: Whistling at the table is thought to invite bad luck. If you’re a habitual whistler, try staying quiet at the table.

These are mere suggestions. There is no guarantee whether this will work or not!

Of course, the greatest known lucky charm or ritual that gives you the best chance of winning is to have an idea. An idea so different, so audacious, so insightful, so connected that it wins because everyone loves it - the audience, society, the jury. An idea so big, it makes Las Vegas and LIA look good!

It’s time to chill! Let’s whistle!

(The author is BBDO India’s chairperson and chief creative officer)