Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 195

Hidden dangers and hidden pleasures

There is math galore in casino games. The mathematics is the reason why and how casinos have the edge over the players. There are money management systems galore too – just about all players manage their money in some way or other, even if it is just to throw it away.But there are hidden dangers in casino games – germane hidden dangers at that; and there are hidden pleasures as well...read more

The search for the perfect roulette system

The first time I ever played roulette, I kept it simple. It was a $5 minimum table, and I did nothing but bet $5 on red or $5 on black for the hour or so I played.I was alone in my one-bet method. Everyone else at the full table was spreading chips all over the layout, looking for that perfect combination.That search is both eternal and futile...read more

100x odds at craps: great deal or not?

One of the marketing ploys used by some casino managers is to implement 100-times odds in craps. They’ll usually promote it in billboards, TV and radio commercials, in the casinos, and in print and advertising promotions to their loyal customers...read more

Progression betting

QUESTION: I know you don’t like the double-up systems where you keep doubling your bet after losses until you win. What if you do the opposite, and keep doubling wins? Isn’t betting more when you’re playing with house money the way to go?ANSWER: I never look at it as playing with house money...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Do multiple denomination machines have different RNGs for each denomination?

Question: Several machines have optional denominations from 25 cents to $2. Do all these denominations use the same RNG or do they change depending on the denomination chosen? Answer: I've received multiple answers to this question. Some people say that switching denomination causes a new game program, including RNG, to be loaded...read more

Home or away

Do you enjoy going to a casino-hotel for a couple of days or for a vacation? Or do you prefer to drive (or walk) to a local casino and return home after your session is finished? And what about playing on the internet? Are you a fan of sitting in your own home and gambling on the games?JIM: I don’t want to drive to and from a casino on the same day...read more

Learning those soft hands at blackjack

My old blackjack-playing friend Bob has a son named Mike who is more or less a chip off the old block – enough so that he’s working on basic strategy for when to double down on soft hands.“The big things, like when to hit, stand, split and double on hard hands, I have down pat,” Mike told me when the three of us met for lunch...read more

Saving an 8 in video poker

Hi Stickman,With five-card video draw poker, assume you have the following: 7 of spades, 8 of diamonds, 8 of hearts, 9 of spades and 10 of clubs. Obviously you will discard one of the two 8's. My question is, does it matter which of the two you discard?In other words will the same replacement card come up no matter which of the two 8's you discard?WilliamHi William,First off, let me comment that the decision to discard one of the 8’s versus saving only the two 8’s is determined by the specific type of game and pay table you are playing...read more

Playing two machines

QUESTION: Is there any advantage to playing two machines at once? I don’t just mean slots. I mean video poker and video keno, too.My game is keno. I have a set of numbers I like, and it seems to me they come up more often if I’m playing two machines.ANSWER: Your numbers do come up more often, but that doesn’t really help you...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: How many RNGs are there in a multi-hand video poker machine?

Question: A casino near me is offering a bonus for hitting a royal flush. Should I avoid playing video poker at other casinos and on my tablet until I go to that casino? I don't want to waste a royal. Answer: You can play as much or as little video poker as you like without affecting your chances for hitting a royal flush when you go to play at the casino with the promotion. We say that you hit a royal about every 40,000 hands on the average...read more