Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 400

Is one variety of video poker better than another?

In video poker, is there any advantage to playing one variety over any other, as in playing Jacks or Better instead of Bonus Poker, etc.? In other words, will the player's chance of winning be better? Two separate questions, two separate answers. First question: Different video poker games have different characteristics...read more

Roulette Evolution

Roulette has never been my game of choice. I'll use it as a diversion at low-limit tables when I'm taking a break from my usual mix of blackjack, video poker and perhaps a little craps. Truth be told, my wife Marcy likes the game a lot more than I do...read more

The best and worst craps dealers

Craps is a communal game where most of the players are rooting for the shooter to make his point, hit a bunch of numbers and win everyone some money. Handling the game are two dealers, a third dealer acting as stick person, and a box person...read more

Ruin Again: Part 2 - Classic Random Walk

As I indicated at the end of last month's article, this month I am going to derive the classic ruin formula for the one dimensional random walk. Though this derivation is available in many, many standard references, these references are probably not among most of my readers holdings...read more

Jest for Fun

Two slot machines got married in one of those quickie Las Vegas wedding chapels. Three months later, Mrs. slot snuggled up to her husband and whispered, "Honey, I think I'm overdue." * * * * * A teacher giving a class on modern inventions asks a gambler's son, "Billy, can you think of anything of importance that didn't exist ten years ago?" Billy: "Video slots." * * * * * A man was playing a slot machine at 3:00 a.m...read more

Casino surrenders at blackjack

There is a new blackjack betting option gaining popularity known as Casino Surrender. It shouldn't be confused with the "old" surrender option, which has been around for a long time, that allows players to forfeit half their bet when they hold a poor hand against a strong dealer's up card (like a 10-6 against dealer ace)...read more

A shuffle through the gaming mailbag

Q. Does the house have an additional advantage when it utilizes shuffling machines? A. Automatic shufflers don't add anything extra to the house edge. In fact, Michael Shackleford has written on his wizardofodds.com site that continuous shufflers, in which cards are shuffled back into the deck after they're played, actually decrease the house edge by a slight amount...read more

Why do slots let you win at first?

It seems that when I first gamble at the slots, I win immediately, and so I continue to gamble and eventually lose what I have won. Is there a 'system' or some method that the casino has in operation that 'knows' about my early win, and can track my activities as I continue to play? No, slot machines do not have any sort of algorithm that rewards players when they start playing and then takes the winnings and the players' bankrolls away as they continue to play...read more

Server-based slots

Server-based slot machines have been in the works for most of the last decade, with technology evolving and systems making their way through gaming labs and state gaming boards for approval and licensing. Regulatory approval for new technology can be a lengthy process...read more

Is Internet gambling a good or bad thing?

I have thought about playing my favorite casino games on the Internet. It is a lot easier to go into my den and play than to travel to the land-based casinos. My wife thinks I am asking for trouble. What do you think? Sam Dear Sam: I think it can be trouble if you start using your "living money" that pays for your house, food, kids' schooling and other important things for gambling...read more