Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 398

Deep Blue and the slots

In 1997 something magical happened. Well, maybe not magical; maybe more like mechanical and scary. For the first time in history, a computing machine -- which went by the name of "Deep Blue" -- defeated a reigning world chess champion, Gary Kasparov, under standard tournament time controls...read more

Golden Touch announces dice control classes for the spring and early summer by Melissa A. Kaplan

Golden Touch Craps, casino gambling's premier advantage-play school, announced its spring and early summer schedule of dice control classes, which will be given on Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27 in Atlantic City; Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10 in Memphis; and Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26 in Las Vegas. The dice control class teaches all the basic skills a new student needs to develop a controlled dice throw, along with proper betting styles to take advantage of one's edge...read more

Study up on Spanish 21 Before Playing

Spanish 21, or Spanish Blackjack, is a variation of traditional blackjack that is offered in many gaming jurisdictions around the country, including Las Vegas. I've never had the inclination to sit down and play, thinking the game was just another gimmick used by casinos to relieve us of our gaming bankrolls. Popular gaming author Frank Scoblete made me change my mind some years ago with his book The Armada Strategies for Spanish 21. For my money, give me traditional blackjack any day! But after reading Scoblete's book I would feel much more comfortable sitting down to play Spanish 21, knowing that I am in possession of information to help me employ optimum strategies against the house's built-in edge. First of all, a brief outline on how Spanish 21 is played: The object is still to beat the dealer...read more

Paybacks on video slots

As long as there have been slot machines, there have been players looking for the highest-paying games. That hasn't changed in the video age. While we can't tell a big-payer from a coin-gobbler from the outside, it doesn't stop players like Kathy from looking for a few clues. "The video games are fun," she wrote, "but I need to know if they give me a shot to win...read more

Glitch cancels jackpot?

If the RNG is the actual and sole determination of what constitutes a winning spin (because the reels are merely a physical and visual representation of the RNG results), wouldn't a jackpot win (with all the accompanying bells and whistles) be the result of what the RNG has just done? If the jackpot has been "signaled and set off" by the RNG, wouldn't it be a valid win regardless of what the reels display? See the accompanying news article about a denied jackpot. Casino glitch cancels out jackpot winner Thank you, Joe Dear Joe, To answer your questions, the RNG is the sole determinant of the results of a spin...read more

Dinner with Dopes

I was sitting at a table in a wonderful Italian restaurant thinking about how I was going to improve my golf game. I was paying no attention to the other people in our party of eight. I had been out to dinner with this group before. The ladies have been friends with my wife since they were kids...read more

Jest for Fun

"In one African country fish is so plentiful they use it as a means of exchange." "Really?" "Yes." "Boy, they must have a messy time playing slot machines over there." * * * * * "I really don't mind losing at slots. If it just wasn't so darn often." * * * * * Wife to husband: "Dear, I saved $50 by not playing the quarter slots this morning." "That's good," the husband replied...read more

Texas Hold'em A to Z: F Is for Flop

The flop is the first three community cards turned over by the dealer. Choosing to play a starting hand is the biggest decision you will make while playing Texas Hold'em. Deciding whether to continue playing or not after seeing the flop will be your second biggest decision...read more

Are these truths self-evident in blackjack?

Dear Frank: Aren't these true statements? Always figure there is a 10-valued card in the hole for the dealer before you make your decision. Never split aces against a dealer's 8, 9 or 10 up card. Dealers will not bust as often as the player and that is their biggest edge. I have a bet on your answer. Mel Dear Mel: Pay up...read more

Players Pay for Slot Machine Bonus Rounds

We all know what we're up against when we play the slots: A computer program that guarantees a profit for the casino. Players as a collective group are guaranteed to be returned a vast majority of the money the machine takes in. Only a select few share in the wealth...read more