Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 174

Comp secrets of the undeserving only I know

Now I’m going to share with you the secrets of getting much more than you deserve in comps. Most of these secrets are only known by me and everyone I’ve ever talked to about comps. But some of the following secrets are actually being revealed here for the first time because that’s the kind of guy I am – a blabbermouth!If you are a tipper — and you should be, because if you don’t tip the dealers, they will hate you — then always tip on top of your bet, not next to it or in front of it or wherever the casino wants the bet placed (like directly in the dealer’s bank account).Let us say you are still that $25 blackjack player, still solvent, alive and kicking, and you want to give the dealers a $5 tip...read more

Playing the multi-hand games

Independent inventors and small companies have left their mark on video poker, usually by licensing their creations to larger companies — mainly IGT.The multi-hand games that began with Triple Play Poker were devised by Ernie Moody at Action Gaming, then licensed to IGT...read more

A different game: Video poker

Video poker is a fast, fun and exciting casino game, but it requires a lot on the part of the player. To play it you have to think! Unlike a regular slot machine, this game offers player participation.Take a simple five-card draw poker game, just like you would play at home or in a card room...read more

House edge and element of risk

QUESTION: I was going through the page on Mississippi Stud Poker at wizardofodds.com and got to the part on the house edge, and it lists a house edge of 4.91% and an element of risk of 1.37%.Can you explain what that means? A 4.91% house edge seems to say this is a pretty bad game, almost as bad as the 5.26% on roulette...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: What is a penalty card in video poker?

Question: I have seen some video poker pocket guides that talk about a penalty card. Can you explain what they mean by a penalty card? Answer: Considering penalty cards in video poker strategy is the perfect example of the 80/20 rule...read more

Even more on comps

If you really want to be a savvy comp commander, I’m going to show you a secret way that only I know about to discover what exact formula the casinos you play in use to rate you. Here goes: Ask them!Yes, no one knows this secret, but you can actually ask to see your rating...read more

Their first time

For every player in every game, there has to be a first time.In craps, there are many players who were reluctant to take that first plunge. There are dozens of betting options and it takes time to get the hang of multi-roll bets such as pass and don't pass.I recently contacted several craps players of my acquaintance and asked them if they were wary of the game at first, and how they overcame any reluctance to play.GARY: I never even thought about not knowing the rules...read more

Beating blackjack tournaments

If you are planning to enter your first blackjack tournament, here are some tips to help you win.1. Read the tournament rules.When you arrive at the tournament and get your seat assignment, ask for a copy of the tournament playing rules. Carefully read them before the tournament begins...read more

Payout differences

QUESTION: You've written a number of times that there are different pay tables on Pair Plus in Three Card Poker, and that the most common one isn't as good as it used to be. Why is that? Why isn't the pay table standard?ANSWER: There are very few games in which payoffs are standard in all casinos...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: How bet size can legally affect chances for a bonus on a slot machine

Question: We've always wondered how it works when a machine says, "Higher Bet Improves Chances for Bonus." For example, Triple Quick Hits has three games going plus the moneybags on the side. Something must change in the programming in order to give you more chances at the bonus...read more