 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! Mark Pilarski Archives
More Strategy Experts
|
Mark Pilarski Gaming Guru - Page 30  Deal Me In: The only game in town30 November 2010
Dear Mark: I know that with strict adherence to basic strategy and a 3/2 payout for blackjack, you can cut the house edge to 0.5 percent. Assuming that I continue to use "perfect" basic strategy, what does the house edge shift to when the blackjack payout is only 6/5? We're going on a cruise, and I've read that this is "the only game in town." Walt I. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Think outside the bun12 November 2010
Dear Mark: I have a glass jar full of chips that I bring home from each casino visit. It's becoming quite a collection and was wondering if they have any value. Donna S. Honestly, Donna, they probably have far less value than what you forked over for them. I recommend, check that, I highly recommend, that on your next casino trip you exchange them for hard currency. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: R stands for right, rong or ravishing5 November 2010
Dear Mark: I read one of your columns online where you wrote, "speed kills in a casino environment." You were talking about the differences in blackjack between a dealer hand shuffling and machines that shuffle the cards. Here is where my question comes in. I play a decent game of quarter video poker at a pretty good clip whereas my wife plays quarter slots at a leisurely pace. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: That skinny path on the up-and-up29 October 2010
Dear Mark: Since big jackpots seldom hit, when you play a three-reel mega-jackpot progressive like Megabucks, can you really be certain that each reel has the top symbol for the biggest jackpot, and if so, can it be programmed to never land on that symbol? Jenny D. Rest assured, Jenny, that if a combination ... (read more)
Deal Me In: When less is more, more or less22 October 2010
Dear Mark: If dealt two pair at Deuces Wild, do you keep both pairs (no deuces) or only one? I have kept two in the past for an easier chance at the full house, but I was told by a fellow player who seemed to know what he was talking about to hold just one pair, then draw. I believe I am right, but I thought I would ask you to confirm. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Putting a pal in the sand trap15 October 2010
Dear Mark: I was going to Las Vegas and a friend gave me $265 (the cost of a driving range season pass for golf he wanted to win) for a pass line bet on the crap table. Since I was playing blackjack previous to making his bet, I used my own chips instead of his cash money. I placed the bet before the dice ... (read more)
Deal Me In: So, to shield her from embarrassment, I took the money8 October 2010
Dear Mark: My last time playing blackjack I happened upon a brand new dealer just out of dealer school. She was paying pushes, and even paid a couple losers. I took the money, but is it illegal to do so? Bob H. Let me guess, Bob. When she underpaid you, you were all over her derriere? Just sayin'. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Getting, and betting, sloshed1 October 2010
Dear Mark: Enjoyed your most recent column where you talked about comps. One thing you might want to mention to your readers is that when ordering drinks at table games, ask for shelf liquor, otherwise you get your drinks from the well. Where I play, you can order Maker's Mark all night long. Ben G. ... (read more)
Deal Me In: When they say, "No thinking allowed," just smile24 September 2010
Dear Mark: Are there any secrets to winning at blackjack? Craig S. Secrets, Craig? Yes, and one that's been around for almost five decades: Counting cards. Counting cards is nothing more than wagering more money when the cards remaining in the deck are rich in 10s and aces. What counting cards does, Craig, ... (read more)
Deal Me In: Over 21 in dog years doesn't count17 September 2010
Dear Mark: I am many years my wife's senior, yet my 19-year-old wife got charged with illegal gambling WHILST I sat with her. I agree, I should have known, asked, looked for, ANYTHING on gambling age limits, but I didn't before I allowed her to play. If the casino and county in Nevada can't make money one ... (read more)
< Previous 10 Articles | Next 10 Articles > Mark Pilarski |
Mark Pilarski |