Every share purchase in 2011 was a gamble, especially after the markets started to tank. After commodities started to fall, I sold just about everything. I am now full invested again. IMO the markets will be great place to invest over the next three years, especially the small cap shares, as they are really oversold. Anything reasonable should be at least a three bagger over the next three years; that's potentially a 100% gain per year or 44% compounded return per annum.
The trick is not to loose money. It is also to know when to buy and when to sell.