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Alan Krigman Gaming Guru - Page 34  How Well Can You Predict Dealers' Final Totals from their Upcards?25 October 2006
When blackjack buffs see dealer upcards of seven, they often think "17"
to themselves. Similarly for eight-up, "18." For nine, "19."
For 10, "20." And for ace -- well, considering the family fun of playing
kitchen-table blackjack for buttons, I won't say.
What about upcards of six and under? Most ... (read more)
What's the Expected Value of your Dollar in the Casino?18 October 2006
Casinos often tout the "return" or "payback" percentages delivered
by their slot machines. You're encouraged to believe that averages such as 96
percent are good, 98 percent better, and 99 percent gifts bestowed by the bosses
in fits of philanthropy.
Are they? Customers wouldn't rush to banks that charge a dollar to draw $0.96,
$0.98, or even $0.99 from their accounts. ... (read more)
You Can Buy Your Way to a Lower Edge, but Beware the Cost11 October 2006
Competent craps players know that taking or laying Odds on Pass, Come, Don't Pass,
and Don't Come bets is a good idea. In general, Odds extra dough wagered to supplement
these bets during "point" rolls give the house no edge in and of themselves.
The combination therefore has a lower house advantage than the same sum were it
wagered at the getgo. ... (read more)
The Bad, the Good, and the Beautiful at Blackjack4 October 2006
Gamblers are naturally pleased to win wagers and disappointed to lose them. In
most games, the odds associated with the ecstasy or agony are ordained before
bets are made, or are established when players pick the propositions on which
they put their pennies. Slots typify the first situation, since the probabilities
and payouts governing all possible results are inherent in the machines. ... (read more)
How Come You Can Win when Edge Says You'll Go Bust?27 September 2006
Many casino games offer players options to increase payout with a smaller chance
of winning or decrease return with a better shot at success, for the same total
bet. One versus several blackjack hands, fewer as opposed to more craps outcomes,
even lesser rather than greater numbers of "matrix" slot machine lines.
... (read more)
Why Few Casinos Have High Odds Multiples at Craps20 September 2006
Casino craps players can augment Pass, Come, Don't Pass, and Don't Come wagers
with bets known as "Free Odds" or, more simply, "Odds." This
is money put into action after the come-out roll, with a point established. Payoffs
mirror the odds against winning (hence the name). As a result, Odds give the house
no edge.
... (read more)
Why and When You May Want to Sacrifice Edge to Bet Lower13 September 2006
Not everybody who goes to a casino with a modest gambling budget fantasizes about
striking it rich. Some folks just want to be part of the action for a few hours,
betting amounts with which they feel comfortable. And, hopefully, earning a nominal
profit in the process. These days, that may preclude table play. ... (read more)
Does Equal Edge Mean Equal Chance of Profit in Different Games?8 September 2006
Make believe the casinos offer two similar games. One, call it 10-10, pays $10
on a $10 bet with a 47.5 percent chance of winning any coup versus a complementary
52.5 percent risk of losing it. The other, call it 9-10, pays $9 for a $10 bet
with 50 percent prospects each of winning and losing on any round. ... (read more)
Why Casinos May Earn Less from High than Low Rollers30 August 2006
Say you enter a casino with $100. What do the bosses expect you to leave behind?
The whole $100, or less? And, if less, do they consider you a better, worse, or
equivalent patron betting $10 or $25 per coup? The devil is in the detail of how
you gamble.
Say you go for broke, playing until you win $900 or lose $100. ... (read more)
Why Gamblers Score before the Law of Averages Says they Should23 August 2006
You occasionally hear about a lucky duck with a few minutes and a coupla bucks
to spare, who drops a token or two into a slot machine and bags a biggie right
off the bat. You've been playing for years and never came close.
Doesn't the law of averages say this shouldn't be? Or, shouldn't be expected?
... (read more)
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