Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 329

Deal Me In: Your chances of busting are not as great as you think

Dear Mark: Why would my blackjack cheat sheet tell me to hit a pair of 6s when the dealer is showing a 2, and possibly bust, but it tells me to split those same 6s if the dealer is showing a 4-6? Tim R.A blackjack strategy card – your cheat sheet – is based on the mathematical probabilities of the game, and it provides you guidance on the best decisions to make with every possible situation during each hand.One of the most misunderstood aspects of playing blackjack is that of splitting a pair of cards, especially 6s...read more

A "fishing trip" for John and Marcy

A couple of weeks ago, I managed to clear my calendar for a few days for a little getaway, so Marcy and I could celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It was just a short trip to lake country, overlooking the water on weekend that was decidedly not beach weather...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: When a slot machine differentiates between coupons and currency

Your column has helped me understand the slot machines overall, however I had an experience recently that irritated me. I received a coupon for $35.00 in the mail to play at my favorite casino. I inserted the coupon into a slot machine, then noticed that the slot machine next to me was giving a lady lots of bonuses...read more

Half craps tables and playing both ends of match play

Dear Frank:I just read your newsletter and thought you might like to know that several Laughlin casinos use these half table setups every day. The Colorado Belle and Edgewater use them in the morning and maybe the whole graveyard shift. The River Palms seems to always use a half table when they have their craps table open (which seems to be only occasionally).It is an interesting game and takes getting used to if you have never tried it.---BrettDear Brett:Thanks for the information...read more

Ten Play video poker and face-up two-deck blackjack

QUESTION: Should I use the same strategy on Ten Play Poker as on video poker games with one hand? I ask because one of my favorites is Double Bonus, and I have one casino where I can get 9-7-5 Double Bonus on a Ten Play dollar machine.I was dealt a full house, three aces and two 7s...read more

Placing the 4 and 10 at Craps

Dear “Stickman,”I really enjoy playing craps. However, because I am a low roller my funds are limited and I am not able to “buy” the 4 or 10 so I place them. At my betting level, I cannot afford a $20 or $25 or more for a buy bet. I feel this is still a great bet because I get paid 9 dollars for a 5 dollar bet...read more

Deal Me In: Are casino-style social gaming slot machines trustworthy?

Dear Mark: My wife has taken to the casino slot games on the Internet, not the money games, but the FREE games. Are these games regulated as to wins and loses similar to actual slots in a casino? John M.For anyone who likes the thrill of playing slot machines, the Internet offers you the opportunity to play any type of casino game that you can think of...read more

Slot tips that can save you money

On any casino trip, the little things count. Just a few little ins and outs about how the games work can make a difference in your bottom line and your enjoyment of the gaming day.This week and next, let’s explore a few of the little things, with some short tips for casino trip...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Is inserting currency luckier than inserting tickets in a slot machine?

I live in the Palm Springs, California area and play at one of the six Indian casinos that are located here. If I just won several hundred dollars on a video game slot machine, would I have less of a chance to win again at the next machine I decide to play on if I use my redemption ticket versus putting cash into the game machine? I often wonder if the chip software is designed to recognize the value of someone's ticket and somehow re-program the random selection process in such a way as to affect the outcome...read more

Match play, bad manners and two great casinos in Vegas

Hi Frank:Ref: match playAt Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut they wouldn't allow me to place a $10 match play on the Don't Pass line but on the Pass Line it was OK. Why? In the past I was able to do it on all even money bets. Are they getting so cheap that the difference of a 10th of a percent means that much to them?--GeorgeDear George:The casinos can do what they want with match play...read more