Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 270

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

The faster the 'worser'

There are two factors that must be considered when analyzing the various casino games: the house edge and the speed of the game. The two go together like “love and marriage” and a “horse and carriage.”A game with a high house edge but very few decisions might actually be better than playing a game with a low house edge but many decisions.Take a look at the game of mini-baccarat...read more

Should I switch to craps?

QUESTION: It has occurred to me that there is really no good reason – mathematically speaking – for a gambler to learn basic strategy. The most common blackjack game today is six decks, dealer hits soft 17, and no surrender – a fairly lousy game...read more

Class II and Class III video poker games

Norman writes:Hi Stickman,Hope all is well. I have two daughters that live in Mobile, Alabama with their families and when I visit I usually stay in Biloxi at the Grand Biloxi or the IP. It's only about a 45-minute drive for them, and when they go home at the end of the day I get to relax and spend time in the casino alone...read more

Low- and high-variance video poker

Experienced video poker players know to check pay tables before they play, and to pay special attention to the returns on full houses and flushes.On a recent casino visit, I found 25-cent Double Double Bonus Poker with 9/6, 9/5 and 8/5 pay tables on the same slot floor...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Caught using someone else's free slot play

A friend of mine who lives out of state lets me use his slot free play when he's not in town. I was unaware he was coming into town and used his free slot play. He was unaware I had already used it and thought the casino just didn't give it to him...read more

Poo-Bach's hot-hand strategy

There seems to be almost as many gambling systems as gamblers. There are advantage-play methods at blackjack, craps, video poker, casino poker, pai gow poker and, yes, even slots. These can actually work to get the players a relatively small edge...read more

Questions from new players

QUESTION: I have a few questions. Should you tip the cocktail waitress if you only ask for soda or cranberry juice? Why do casinos put their logos on all the complimentary gifts they give you? Why do people stay in the casino and watch you play after they are out of money? Isn’t it bad luck to have someone watch you gamble?As I’m sure you can guess, I’m a new player.ANSWER: Let’s take those one by one...read more

Characteristics of bad blackjack players

I’ve been playing blackjack in casinos for nearly 40 years. That includes casinos in the Midwest, Las Vegas, Mississippi. Louisiana. Atlantic City. Connecticut. New York, and New Mexico. (And many more places that would just bore you if I listed them all.) Therefore, I’m not kidding when I say I’ve played a lot of blackjack and watched many blackjack players during my lifetime...read more

Following supersititions

I’m not at all superstitious, and don’t believe my words or actions have any effect on pure chance situations. Skill and strategy make a difference, yes. Cutting the cards thin to win at blackjack or my brother’s jackpot dance? Not so much.Still, I’m happy to adapt to local custom – when in Rome, and all that...read more