Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 28

Those Double Nines

QUESTION: If I have a pair of 9s in blackjack, basic strategy says I should split them when the dealer has an 8, but stand on my 18 when the dealer has a 7. That seems backward to me, risking a second bet when the dealer has a higher starting card.ANSWER: You have to consider the effect of more than 30 percent of cards in the deck having values of 10...read more

Switching Machines

From Bonnie:Hello!  I have enjoyed your articles for a long time and really enjoy your insight!This is my first time reaching out and would appreciate some direction.  While playing video poker, sometimes I win a lot, sometimes I win some and sometimes I win a little.I was getting frustrated and the bartender suggested I switch games.  I didn’t like that advice and thought about switching machines, that that may give me a better chance.  Is that something you would do or do you have any other thoughts for me?  Looking forward to your answer!Hi Bonnie,I am glad you have enjoyed my articles.Gambling is a series of streaks; some winning, some losing, and some staying even...read more

How the Casino Gets Its Edges

CINDY: All casino players know that the casino has an edge at every game and that in the long run, and also in the somewhat short run for some or many players, those players can be behind never to recover.ABBIE: That’s the truth; unvarnished and real that every casino player faces...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Statistical Decision Making at video poker and game shows

Statistical Decision Making is the technique of choosing the option that has the highest expected value (EV) when you have to make a decision. I learned the technique in the Operations Research class I took in college. When you have to make a business decision, you look at how much each option could be worth and the probability of achieving that outcome...read more

Comps and More Comps

Players get comps with even marginal low-roller play. Just hand in your player’s card and the casino will figure out what you deserve and what you will get – “free.” (Not really “free” as I will explain in a short while without putting the word “free” always in quotes.)Comps are given to players to reward their past play and to keep them coming back to the property...read more

Today's Slots

Long, long ago, when I first played in casinos in the 1980s, I read a piece of advice to slot players that I still take to heart.Before I share, I'll just say it's no mean feat for a piece of advice from decades ago to have value today when so much about the slots has changed...read more

Triple Double Bonus Question

From Neal:Stickman, Hi,I enjoy playing triple double bonus poker, but I have a question. If I am dealt three of a kind that could be big winners (Aces, 2’s, 3’s, 4’s) with a kicker of Ace, 2, 3, or 4, do I keep the kicker or discard it?I normally keep it...read more

The 10 Percent or More Solution

CINDY: I just finished a streak of five rotten trips to my favorite casino. I couldn’t win at craps or blackjack or roulette. It was truly maybe the worst five trips I ever had to the world of Lady Luck. I even spent some time at the slots on the first trip, not knowing what edge the casino had over me on them, because I became somewhat desperate...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Peeking at my video poker neighbor's hand

When someone is playing next to me and they pause to think about how to play a hand, I frequently try to take a peek at their hand to see if I would have any questions about how to play it. I have to be quick because most players don't spend a lot of time weighing their options...read more

To Tell the Truth: The Craps Gypsy

Frank: Let me introduce you to a craps player I will call the ultimate “action” player. This is a one-on-one interview with a man who has a totally different theory of how to play the game of craps. That is, different from mine. I am letting him do his own one-on-one with you now.The Craps Gypsy: I am the craps Gypsy, Frank...read more