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Alan Krigman Gaming Guru - Page 5  Does “mini-craps” differ from the regular game in any important way?4 February 2013
Question: I've occasionally noticed new craps games at the casinos. One type looks like the standard game, except the tables are smaller and the players can sit down. Another is played at what appears to be a blackjack table and uses dice in an enclosed shaker. What's the difference between these games and regular craps? Answer: There are several types of "mini-craps" tables. ... (read more)
Are there exceptions to Basic Strategy in blackjack for certain hand compositions?28 January 2013
Question: Is it true there are exceptions to basic strategy for blackjack, in which players should make different decisions depending on the particular cards in their hands rather than just on their totals and on the dealer's upcard? Answer: This is true. And it's possible to wring a tiny drop of blood out of the proverbial stone by using the exceptions. ... (read more)
What's the difference between taking bets "down" or "off" at craps?21 January 2013
Question: A long-time craps player told me to take my place bets "off on the next roll" but not "down" if one or both of the dice go off the table. He said shooters throw more sevens than normal in this situation. What's the difference between "off" and "down," and is there more chance of a seven when this ... (read more)
Why does the casino charge a commission on winning Banker bets at Baccarat?14 January 2013
Question: I've noticed that bets on Player and Banker at baccarat get paid full value. But, if you win on Banker, they keep tabs of a commission, which you refund before leaving the game. Is this fee charged because you're betting with, not against, the house? Answer: That's a good way to look at it. ... (read more)
Why do some roulette wheels have a 0 but no 00?7 January 2013
Question: Roulette tables where I've played have green 0 and 00 positions as well as red and black numbers. I've heard some wheels have 0 but no 00, and are better for players. Is this true? Answer: There are "double zero" or American and "single zero" or European wheels. Both have 18 black and 18 red numbers -- a total of 36. ... (read more)
Side bets: cheap at the price or expensive in the end?24 December 2012
Many casino table games now feature “side bets.” These long shots usually give the bosses a big edge. But they tempt players with huge progressive jackpots. And wagers are small relative to what must be risked for lower-edge, more regularly hit, smaller returns on the primary action. Caribbean Stud Poker affords a classic illustration. ... (read more)
Why so many gamblers (you?) see patterns in the progress of the games17 December 2012
Many casino aficionados look for, and find, patterns in the results of series of recent rounds in the games they play. At the slots, for instance, bettors’ hopes may rise after several increasingly rewarding spins – interspersed with duds though they may be – believing their machines to be building up to big bonanzas. ... (read more)
Why small wagers on high-edge side bets may not be as bad as some say10 December 2012
Experienced casino buffs – solid citizens who are either ahead of the game or at least have enough moolah still stuffed in their mattresses to be able to afford repeat visits – know that side bets give the bosses an edge for which “usurious” is an understatement. So, maybe you wonder why so many folks – ... (read more)
How often do various outcomes occur in games of chance?3 December 2012
Casino players often wonder about the prospects of experiencing various numbers of rounds before some outcome occurs or between results. The event of interest may be desired or dreaded, depending on the situation. As examples, craps aficionados might want to see lots of numbers before a dreaded seven, ... (read more)
The most enduring casino games are the most elegant26 November 2012
In popular parlance, “elegant” is often taken to connote fancy or elaborate. Strictly speaking, and especially when scientists use the term, it means simple in the sense of uncomplicated – and implies praise. Similarly, the most enduring casino games tend to be those that are most elegant. Even craps, which ... (read more)
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