Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 127

Double Down Stud Video Poker

A reader recently asked about a video poker game called Double Down Stud. This game is not very common, but has its own “charms.”Stud Poker Versus Draw PokerThe table game of stud poker became popular during the American Civil War. The table game of stud poker can be played with five or seven cards but the 7-card format is more popular today...read more

Short Term Slot Goals

Keeping slot machines fresh and exciting for players is a goal for every game manufacturer, and they’re always looking for new ways to play.One recent development has involved breaking up slot sessions into sets of spins with short-term goals.To show what that means, let’s take a look at new games from Illinois-based Incredible Technologies and Australia’s Ainsworth Game Technology.Incredible Technologies uses “Scatter Blast” sets of eight spins in Happy 8’s: The number 8 is lucky for players in an Asian themed game in which you can accumulate bonuses, progressives and wilds over an eight-spin cycle.You build your extras on the first seven spins, and on the eighth, all wilds are released to the 40-line reel set...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Does shutting down a machine affect its royal cycle?

A member of a video poker message board recently asked if shutting down video poker machines would affect their royal flush cycles. Is a fresh cycle started when a machine is turned back on or will the machine pick up where it left off? Many people responded by saying that there aren't really cycles in a video poker machine...read more

The Fun of it All

Last week I went through some of the irritations that casino players can experience with both dealers and other casino players. Don’t frown. This week let me share with you some of the joys of playing casino games and being in casino hotels and in a casino venue.You go to a blackjack table and the very first hand you get is a blackjack...read more

Gambling on the Water

If gambling on land isn’t enough for you, there are plenty of cruise ships and riverboats that also offer casino gambling.At last count, there are a little over 150 cruise ships around the world that have casinos available. In Europe, you wouldn’t find casinos on riverboats, only the cruise ships...read more

Becoming a Blackjack Expert

You want to get good at playing blackjack! What skills do you need? You want to be good but you don’t want to give up your day job or become a professional, you just want to win more often. Here are some things that professionals do. Consider adapting some of these skills professionals know and understand when it comes to the game of blackjack.1. Master blackjack Basic Strategy: No matter what blackjack skill you want to achieve, you must start at completely knowing and playing Basic Strategy...read more

Pop Culture Machines

Pop culture themes have been part of the slot machine scene for decades, and game makers are ready with new, fun tie-ins for us once we can go back to live casinos.Two of the latest are from Everi, which is rolling out The Karate Kid and The Mask for some silver screen excitement.Let’s check them out, along with a couple of other new games we can hope to check out soon.The Karate Kid: A five-reel, 30-line penny game features the Karate Tournament Bonus...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Finding a casino's payback percentage

Question: How can I find out what a particular casino's payout percentage is? I won't mention its name, but it is on the Idaho-Nevada border, and they have taken a lot of my money, and others that I am aware of. I would recommend avoiding them like the plague. Answer: As the realtors say, it's all about location, location, location...read more

Irritations

I am irritated by dealers who do not know the house edges of their games. Craps dealers should be able to tell players clearly and concisely what edges they face when they make certain bets – if the players ask them that is.How hard is it for blackjack dealers to know the correct basic strategy for the game they are dealing? Seems to me they should be experts in not just dealing but in proper play of the hands...read more

Online Play

QUESTION: I live in Illinois, where the casinos are closed. Can I play gamble online on the legal sites?ANSWER: Only if you’re visiting one of the states where online casino play is legal.If you are visiting New Jersey, you can sign up for an account on an online casino and play while you’re there...read more