Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 235

Better blackjack play and video poker versus slots

QUESTION: Do you think average blackjack players are improving? It seems to me that I see fewer really terrible players than I used to. There are some, of course, but more seem to play a reasonable approximation of basic strategy, even if they miss some plays.ANSWER: Yes, I do think blackjack players are better, on average, than they were 10 years ago, 20 years ago and certainly better than when I started playing nearly 30 years ago.I think the Internet has had a huge impact on the quality of play...read more

What errors actually cost players

Donald Schlesinger, in his excellent book Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros’ Way, shows what it costs a player in dollars and cents when he deviates from the basic playing strategy. You’ll be surprised to learn which playing errors are the costliest.The definition of basic strategy is this: It is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand dealt to you, assuming the only information you have is your hand and the dealer’s up card...read more

Deal Me In: Video blackjack machines thwart counters

Dear Mark: In last week’s column, you mentioned that it was impossible to count cards on a continuous shuffle machine. Can you instead count cards on a video blackjack machine since, one) single-deck games are a preferred choice to count cards on, and two) there is no one standing over you to bother your play or ask you to leave the game? Jim G...read more

Buy! Buy! Craps!

Craps is a game with enough nuance that players always are looking beneath the surface for ways to win.Take place bets and buy bets on 4 or 10. If you place those numbers, you face a house edge of 6.67%. But you can buy the numbers instead – you pay a 5% commission, but winners are paid at true odds...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Am I wasting money betting the max on a slot machine?

Question: Last week you wrote that "the output from the RNG is used to determine where the reels stop." Wouldn't it be more accurate to say the RNG sends its numbers to the virtual reel, and that determines where the reels stop? Have read you for years and have never seen you mention virtual reels chip. Answer: I made that statement about the virtual reels chip last week answering a letter from someone who was concerned that there was a computer chip in the slot machines he plays...read more

Don't throw it away

People cut out coupons on the Internet to save themselves a few dollars. They go to yard sales to see if they can get a bargain for this or that. They will haggle about prices in those places that allow such haggling. They restrict their dining out to one or two times a week...read more

Progressive blackjack

QUESTION: I was surfing the Web for blackjack insights and I came across this on video blackjack. “Look for games with progressive jackpots on specific hands, and play when the jackpots are big enough.” Is this sound advice? Can you really get an edge, or do they put bad rules on those games so the house makes its money?ANSWER: I don’t see a lot of progressive jackpots on video blackjack, and when I do, they’re on multiplayer games that offer side bets.The same caution that applies to side bets on table games applies to the video versions...read more

Playing 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker

From Eric,StickmanI gamble solely in Las Vegas four or more times a year. I am a top-tier player at one of the major casino chains in Las Vegas. I gamble only at casinos in this chain, but I do gamble both on and off the Strip at this casino chain.I play craps (where I set the dice), blackjack and video poker (mostly Bonus Poker) for points to achieve my tier score rating.I have NOT seen a 9/6 Jacks or Better in years...read more

Deal Me In: The quicker you go, the behinder you get

Dear Mark: If a card counter has an advantage over the casino, wouldn’t it be to their advantage to have more hands per hour via a continuous shuffler? Travis C.You’ve read it here before, Travis, and you’ll read it again: Speed kills in a casino environment...read more

Do opposites detract?

From time to time, readers have asked about betting opposites, and I’ve written about why it doesn’t work.Betting red while partner bets black in roulette doesn’t work because you both lose on the zeroes. Betting pass while a partner bets don’t pass in craps doesn’t work because when the pass player loses with a 12 on the comeout, the don’t player doesn’t win...read more