Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 252

Tales from the darkside

FROM TOM: I just finished reading your article "Handling a darkside bettor at a rightside table" and wanted to share an experience with you.Several years back I was playing a $5 craps table in Atlantic City. It seemed like the sevens were coming every third roll, but everybody was screaming for more sevens!You see, the ten players at the table figured it was a cold table and we were ALL playing the "don't" side...read more

The five-number roulette bet

QUESTION: I’ve read that the roulette bet on the first five numbers is a bad bet. What if I bet the numbers separately? Is there something about the numbers that make them bad, or is it just betting them together?ANSWER: It’s the five-number combination bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 that has a higher house edge than other bets at a double-zero roulette table...read more

How to play Blackjack Switch

Suppose you’re playing blackjack, you hold a K-6, and the player next to you has 4-A. Wouldn't it be nice if you could switch your six with his ace so you would have a blackjack? Of course, you wouldn’t try to switch these cards in a casino because if you were caught you would be in a heap of trouble (switching cards is a cheating maneuver)...read more

Why paper is better than coins

For my wife Marcy and me, playing slots together is just a fun day out, not to be taken too seriously. We wander the floor, trying new penny games wherever we can find two seats together. We play short sessions, then both cash out and look for something else that might be new and cool.That means frequent ticket-printing, and it was a cash out that led to a conversation with a complete stranger who had been playing at the same bank of games.As we hit the cashout buttons, our machines made jingling sounds, as if coins were dropping into a tray...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Did a Class II slot cheat me?

About twice a month my work sends me past an Indian casino. I have been playing the Monte Carlo Royale slot machine there. So far I am ahead of the game, but I wanted to know if you could provide your advice on if or when to place the max bet ($5)...read more

Dear Mrs. Ploppy

Hi Mrs. Ploppy, or Ms. Ploppy, depending on whether you are proud to be married to that blubbery hair-coated guy in the torn, stained wife-beater shirt who obviously doesn’t bathe and really made it impossible to concentrate on playing blackjack...read more

Right moves, wrong advice

QUESTION: Recently while playing Double Double Bonus Poker at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, I noticed a man on my right had four 2s with kicker, then a little later four 3s. Meanwhile I had four 6s and later four jacks.His wife on my left hit four aces with a kicker...read more

Ten simple tips

Playing in a casino can be fun, exciting and even profitable; on the other hand, the profitable part can be difficult at times.If you are an occasional player, one who just likes to enjoy the fun and excitement that a casino visit brings to you, but you would like to have a better winning experience while playing, there are a few simple things about some of the rules and odds of various games that you should know that will allow you to play more successfully and more likely end up as a winner.The 10 simple and winning gambling tips listed can be used in any casino in the U.S., including riverboats and Native American facilities...read more

Those magical nights

Most days in the casino are a mix of wins and losses. Maybe you’ve lost some money at the blackjack table, but have that one winning streak that pulls you back to even. Or maybe you’re playing video poker and draw four of a kind early to pad the bankroll, but then fade in a cold streak.There are also days when you just can’t win for losing, when you’re up against your loss limit for the day far too soon.But rarely, there’s a day when everything goes right...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: I'm a lucky charm for other slot players

QUESTION: I have been dealing with the issue of big spenders winning on their max bets to my measly minimum bet and it pisses me off they always seem to be sitting next to me. I feel like their "lucky charm."I actually do win small amounts with my bets but have a problem leaving when breaking even or up a little...read more