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John Grochowski Gaming Guru - Page 74  Switch on Blackjack Switch15 October 2015
Blackjack Switch has proved to be one of the more durable variations of 21 on casino floors. There’s a lot to like about it, with the chance to turn weak hands into strong ones by switching cards between two hands, and the house edge of 0.58% in a six-deck game with standard rules is right in line with regular blackjack. ... (read more)
The five-number roulette bet11 October 2015
QUESTION: I’ve read that the roulette bet on the first five numbers is a bad bet. What if I bet the numbers separately? Is there something about the numbers that make them bad, or is it just betting them together? ANSWER: It’s the five-number combination bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 that has a higher house edge than other bets at a double-zero roulette table. ... (read more)
Why paper is better than coins8 October 2015
For my wife Marcy and me, playing slots together is just a fun day out, not to be taken too seriously. We wander the floor, trying new penny games wherever we can find two seats together. We play short sessions, then both cash out and look for something else that might be new and cool. That means frequent ... (read more)
Right moves, wrong advice4 October 2015
QUESTION: Recently while playing Double Double Bonus Poker at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, I noticed a man on my right had four 2s with kicker, then a little later four 3s. Meanwhile I had four 6s and later four jacks. His wife on my left hit four aces with a kicker. I commented that I must be doing ... (read more)
Those magical nights1 October 2015
Most days in the casino are a mix of wins and losses. Maybe you’ve lost some money at the blackjack table, but have that one winning streak that pulls you back to even. Or maybe you’re playing video poker and draw four of a kind early to pad the bankroll, but then fade in a cold streak. There are also days ... (read more)
Should I switch to craps?27 September 2015
QUESTION: It has occurred to me that there is really no good reason – mathematically speaking – for a gambler to learn basic strategy. The most common blackjack game today is six decks, dealer hits soft 17, and no surrender – a fairly lousy game. That gives the house an edge of 0.66% over a player using perfect basic strategy. ... (read more)
Low- and high-variance video poker24 September 2015
Experienced video poker players know to check pay tables before they play, and to pay special attention to the returns on full houses and flushes. On a recent casino visit, I found 25-cent Double Double Bonus Poker with 9/6, 9/5 and 8/5 pay tables on the same slot floor. The best version, the one that pays ... (read more)
Questions from new players20 September 2015
QUESTION: I have a few questions. Should you tip the cocktail waitress if you only ask for soda or cranberry juice? Why do casinos put their logos on all the complimentary gifts they give you? Why do people stay in the casino and watch you play after they are out of money? Isn’t it bad luck to have someone watch you gamble? As I’m sure you can guess, I’m a new player. ... (read more)
Following supersititions17 September 2015
I’m not at all superstitious, and don’t believe my words or actions have any effect on pure chance situations. Skill and strategy make a difference, yes. Cutting the cards thin to win at blackjack or my brother’s jackpot dance? Not so much. Still, I’m happy to adapt to local custom – when in Rome, and all that. ... (read more)
Blackjack busts and slot revenues13 September 2015
QUESTION: What is it about blackjack that makes players bust so much more often than dealers? There must be a cause. It can’t all be luck. ANSWER: Actually, players bust less often than dealers – a LOT less. In a common six-deck game, dealers bust about 29% of the time if they stand on all 17s, and just under 30% if they hit soft 17. ... (read more)
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