Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 291

Tight comps and aggressive blackjack

Comps for $25 PlayersFROM PATRICK: I just read your response to the quarter bettor who wouldn't be comped at the coffee house.Personally, I've found the pit supervisors to be generous with comps, but since my average bet is $100 or more, my perspective is obviously skewed.It seems that the pit supervisor in question is being short-sighted or if he's following his casino policy, then the casino is being short-sighted...read more

Free slots and bonus events

QUESTION: I’ve been playing some of the free slot apps through Facebook, on my computer and my phone. I see a lot of games that also are in casinos.My question is, do they work the same way as the casino games? Am I essentially getting the same game as I do in a casino?ANSWER: Free games don’t face the same stringent regulations as casino games, and aren’t programmed in exactly the same way...read more

Playing soft 17 at blackjack

The dealer’s play in blackjack is purely mechanical and quite straightforward. They must draw a card if their hand is 16 or lower, and stand on 17 through 21. There is, however, one dealer rule that could differ from one casino to another, and even amongst blackjack tables within the same casino...read more

It's the little things

Sometimes little things can make a big difference in your day in the casino. With that in mind, every so often I like to focus on short tips, with a few little tidbits to help you get the most out of your gambling dollar.For this edition of short tips, let’s focus on a few for roulette, video keno, baccarat and blackjack.A roulette player e-mailed to say he likes to stay with a hot number -- if a number is on the board three or more times in recent spins, he’ll keep betting it. “I’ll bet the surrounding numbers, too,” he said...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Should I play from a ticket or cash?

In a recent article about slot free play coupons vis-a-vis money, you mentioned that the slot machine does not differentiate between the coupon (free play) and real money. Does that statement also hold true in this scenario: You insert a $20 bill in a 25-cent machine and then, after about $12 worth of play, you are lucky enough to hit and now have, say, $100...read more

Stick to the best bets at craps

FROM CHUCK: I'm 68 years old, never played craps before. Just got started in the game. It is fun and I have mastered the board; the pass line, don’t pass, horn bets, hard ways and so on. I still have problem with C&E and my betting patterns and amounts to bet...read more

Three-card poker and roulette

QUESTION: I’ve been playing three-card poker for many years, ever since I first saw it on a trip to Biloxi. I think Mississippi had it even before Las Vegas or Atlantic City.I read an article right at the beginning that said the best strategy is to bet whenever you have a queen or better, and fold if you have less...read more

Sage advice for the casino gambler

All year long, I write about games and strategies and share readers’ stories about their casino visits. Most of those stories are about big wins because, after all, they’re more fun to remember than the more frequent losses.Once a year, though, I like to sound a cautionary note...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Balancing long-term payback and slot club rewards in NJ

I read your recent column answering a reader's letter about the policy of not awarding players club points for play on some video poker machines at Mohegan Sun, and I thought it might be helpful for your readers to be aware of the following: Mohegan Sun will track your video poker play if you use a players club card when you play...read more

Easy does it craps play and slot message boards

FROM RAYMOND: I just read Michael’s comments about not influencing the dice. I’ve been meaning to contact you for awhile. I’ve been playing craps since AC opened in 1978. I read just two of your earliest books, both very entertaining!I’ve tried every known craps system...read more