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Alan Krigman Gaming Guru - Page 55  Why Splitting Eights against a 10 in Blackjack is so Perplexing10 October 2002
To most folks, the ugliest possible blackjack scenario is a pair of eights against a dealer's 10-up. It's not merely that 16 is so weak in this situation. But Basic Strategy says to split the pair, and many solid citizens hesitate to put up twice as much money to buy two obvious underdogs instead of one. ... (read more)
Doubling at Blackjack: The Pros and Cons of too Little or too Much3 October 2002
Winning or losing doubled-down blackjack hands can make or break a session. Basic Strategy dictates doubling when doing so has higher "expectation" or theoretical profit than other options. Some players, however - veterans who prize their wallet-sized gospel tracts as well as greenhorns who ... (read more)
A New Strategy for Craps Fans: What the Computer Says25 September 2002
In Martingale systems, players raise their bets after every loss, hoping for a win to boost them over the top. The usual approach is to double-up on even-money wagers, so each "series" nets one unit profit. This standard progression and its myriad variations are enticing and sources of perennial debate amongst gamblers. ... (read more)
How Much Must You Beat the Odds to Overcome the Edge?19 September 2002
Casino games are structured so the house has an edge. Meaning that the moguls ultimately get the money. Clearheaded folks, among others, rush to the tables or machines anyway. It can't just be for those coveted comps to chow down free at the fabled all-you-can-eat buffets, or for exclusive invitations to queue up and get toaster ovens anybody who really wants one already has. ... (read more)
Even Fighting Edge, You Can Get Close to the Ideal... At a Price11 September 2002
The "rule of inverses" puts an easily estimated ceiling on the chance of increasing a bankroll by any given factor, versus going bust. Simply stated, the probability of success never exceeds the inverse of the multiple by which you wish to increase your stake. Say you start with $500 and won't quit until you multiply it by two (win $500 and finish with $1,000), or bite the dust. ... (read more)
Here's a Simple Rule to Estimate your Chances of Success1 September 2002
Your chances of gambling success during a casino session or visit are strongly influenced by the exit criteria you set for yourself. How far you'll go into the hole, and the earnings level at which you'll be content before you withdraw, put bounds on the likelihood of reaching either of these points before the other. ... (read more)
How other Players at a Blackjack Table Affect Your Game27 August 2002
Enlightened blackjack enthusiasts seem willing to accept what the gurus assert about hands on which to hit, stand, double down, split, and surrender. Usually on faith, without questioning the math behind Basic Strategy. This, despite the counterintuitive nature of edicts such as "always split ... (read more)
Ability to Anticipate Bankroll Swings Is a Vital Gambling Skill20 August 2002
Sophisticated gamblers anticipate the kinds of bankroll swings they may encounter during normal action. This knowledge of volatility helps avoid errors such as starting with too small a stake and consequently busting out prematurely, setting win goals too high and accordingly being unhappy with earnings ... (read more)
Multi-line Machines Add a Meaningful Choice to Slot Play13 August 2002
The slot machines dominant in the '90s gave players little flexibility for tailoring games to meet meaningful personal preferences. Differences like symbols on the reels were cursory, and serious options were accordingly limited. True, there was a pick of denomination - $0.25, $0.50, $1, and so on. ... (read more)
Why It's Worthwhile to Check Video Poker Payout Schedules6 August 2002
Most video poker buffs choose games they find interesting or lucky, or that boast big jackpots. So they go for Double Jokers, Deuces Wild, Triple Bonus Jacks or Better, or whatnot with nary a thought to the payout schedule glaring out from the belly glass. A few aficionados do check the payout lists, shopping for high return percentage and complementary low house advantage. ... (read more)
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