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Alan Krigman Gaming Guru - Page 9  Why you can win when the casino has an edge, or lose when it doesn't23 April 2012
Most casino players ultimately blame any losses they suffer on the edge the house has on the bets it offers. Edge certainly is a consideration. And solid citizens would be wise to select games, wagers, and strategies to minimize this factor consistent with their other priorities and preferences. However, ... (read more)
Can you make sound gambling decisions not knowing the odds of winning?16 April 2012
Gamblers selecting games to play and bets to make should ideally consider both payoffs and probabilities. Either might be the dominant factor for individuals picking from among alternatives. One person might opt for scoring big despite adverse odds. Another might choose frequent wins regardless of small returns. ... (read more)
What is so great about taking or laying Odds at craps?9 April 2012
Pass, Come, Don’t Pass, or Don’t Come bets at craps pay flat – even money – for wagers made at the start of the come-out roll. This, whether the win is on the come-out or, subsequently, on the point. The house has 1.4 percent edge on these wagers. That is, the bosses figure you for a 1.4 percent theoretical commission – for instance $0.07 – for every $5 they book. ... (read more)
Why is blackjack better for players when dealers must stand on soft 17?2 April 2012
How often in blackjack have you stood on a total of 16 or less against a six-up, or doubled down and finished at or below this level, thinking you’re still in decent shape because the dealer has a stiff and is probably going to bust? Then, in the most common version of the game, watch the dealer turn over an ... (read more)
The pros and cons of concentrating and spreading your bets26 March 2012
Some casino games offer bettors opportunities to select wagers from along a spectrum between those in which each decision has a strong probability of winning a relatively small amount, and a remote chance of making a fairly substantial score. Few folks consider casino gambling to be a one-shot affair, though. ... (read more)
Why not all unresolved craps bets can be changed once they've been at risk19 March 2012
Most casino bets are resolved by winning, losing, or pushing in every coup or round. After a push, money that’s been at risk can be recovered as well as increased, left the same, or decreased and bet again. Even-money “flat” bets on Don’t Pass, Don’t Come, Pass, and Come at craps may not be settled after a roll, yet are restricted as to what can be done with them once they’ve been up for grabs. ... (read more)
What look like small changes in games can have big monetary effects12 March 2012
Perhaps you’ve noticed marginal differences among nominally similar casino games. Well, caveat emptor – buyer beware. Minor alterations may cause major changes in house advantage, and what seem like attractive features for bettors could well be boons for the bosses.
Single- and double-zero roulette offer a classic example. ... (read more)
Is Basic Strategy at blackjack really right about soft 18s and 19s?5 March 2012
Blackjack buffs have positive prognostications with 19s regardless of the dealers’ upcards. This total beats a dealer’s final 17, 18, or bust; pushes on an ending 19; and loses to a finishing 20 or 21. With 18s, players are in decent shape versus 2- through 8-up. This total is less promising than 19 because ... (read more)
Is there a cap on the chance you'll make big bucks with a small bankroll?27 February 2012
Many casino aficionados try their luck with the idea of investing stakes it wouldn’t unduly pain them to sacrifice, seeking rewards they covet. Establishing targets at both ends of the scale offers these players reasonable guidelines for their action. Guidelines, as opposed to strict criteria, because the ... (read more)
Is the optimum strategy the same for 9-6 and 8-5 video poker?20 February 2012
Video poker is a casino favorite. For many reasons. One of these is the participatory nature of the game. Players have to make decisions during the course of a round – which of the dealt cards to hold or dump. If folks were unfamiliar with poker, in general, this would be mind-boggling. Leading to another ... (read more)
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