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Alan Krigman Gaming Guru - Page 74  What Do Deviations from Basic Strategy in Blackjack Cost?4 January 1999
Many experienced blackjack buffs follow basic strategy closely. But not completely. Sometimes, they deviate from dogma because they're mistaken about certain marginal decisions. For example, bettors may double rather than hit ace-three versus four, or hit instead of split four-four against six. ... (read more)
How Taking Odds Affects Your Chances at Craps28 December 1998
Craps players have been debating whether or not to take odds when betting on the pass line since before time immemorial. I forget if they were arguing it earlier than that, although I suspect so. One reason for the enigma is the tendency to compare apples with oranges when choosing between larger base bets and greater odds. ... (read more)
When the Pit Bosses Respect You, Watch Out!21 December 1998
Roswell, who's named after the military base where his mother believes Aliens from outer space crash-landed, is a big wheel at roulette. He thinks the pit bosses really respect him for the style of play he's evolved. Momma believes that story, too. Once, I tried to set him straight. The royal treatment he ... (read more)
How to Avoid Common Slot Machine Mistakes14 December 1998
Slot machines are pretty simple. You bet your money and take your chances. Not like craps or roulette where you can lose on one wager while the wise guys are winning on another. And not like video poker or blackjack where you can make the wrong decision -- such as holding or standing -- when any lady with blue-tipped silver hair could tell you "the book says" to discard or hit. ... (read more)
Was It Wrong to Buck the Odds If You Won?7 December 1998
When a blackjack dealer starts a round showing 10-up and doesn't have an ace in the hole, you're the underdog with all but five of the 19 non-blackjack two-card player starting totals. You're favored slightly on a 10 by hitting, moderately on an 11 by doubling, slightly on a 19 and strongly on a 20 by standing, and moderately on an ace-ace by splitting. ... (read more)
You Can Win More Often… By Shooting for Less Profit30 November 1998
Gamblers love "systems" and frequently elevate their favorites to articles of faith. Any number have been developed over the years, and I'd hate to estimate how many hopefuls are working on more. Details vary with the game. However, systems employ three general principles - singly or combined. Some involve multiple results on which wagers of varying amounts are placed at any one time. ... (read more)
What Will You Pay to Buy a Sure Thing?23 November 1998
Casino games have no obscure gambits letting solid citizens make single-stage bets, individually or combined, that either are sure to win or can't lose. Craps and blackjack, however, each have two-step bets offering this feature at the second level. Of course, these apparent gifts from the gambling gods have a hitch. ... (read more)
What Is Resplitting in Blackjack Worth to You?16 November 1998
Blackjack buffs who believe that gambling is more than just dumb luck - the right place at the right time with the right bet - look for favorable rules. When there's a choice among nearby casinos, the two options that most often distinguish one game from another are numbers of decks per shoe and maximum number of hands that can be created by splitting pairs. ... (read more)
Do Rewards Always Balance Risks in the Casino?9 November 1998
Most people think that, carved in the cosmic book of rules, is some fine print ordaining "thou shalt balance risks with rewards." Those who take small chances should only expect success to bring modest returns. Those willing to battle long odds may presume victory will yield correspondingly high spoils. ... (read more)
Perseverance in Gambling Pays…to a Degree2 November 1998
You can get lucky in a casino. You can start any game with a small stake and end up with big bucks. Maybe a gigantic jackpot within your first few tries at a machine. Or a hot streak from the getgo at a table. It's reasonably tough to go home a loser when this happens - although some folks know the secret. ... (read more)
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