Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 418

Craps bets for new players

Dear Frank: I have a question. Vegas has 3x, 4x and 5x odds almost everywhere. I usually place the 6 and 8 for $24 each. The 5x times odds is simply too high for my comfort level and yet I know the odds are my best bet. Any thoughts or recommendations? Also, for a relatively new player, your books seem to suggest several methods of play...read more

Blackjack quiz

Here's a simple quiz to test your knowledge of basic statistics about blackjack. See how well you do. The answers will appear on this site next week. 1. Ignoring ties, the percentage of hands that you can expect to win when you play blackjack is about: a...read more

I'm spending my grandchildren's inheritance!

You've seen those car bumper stickers, "I'm spending my grandchildren's inheritance!" Most people who see that statement smile or laugh; after all, those grey-haired older folks have usually worked very hard for their money and deserve to have some fun with their dough...read more

Harrah's Joliet Gets Low Rollers in the Game

I've always been an advocate of low minimum bets at table games. Whenever I'm in Las Vegas, I always enjoy going to the "locals" casinos and other off-the-Strip establishments to play $5 (or less if I can find them) blackjack, roulette, and craps tables. The law of supply and demand keeps $5 tables to a bare minimum at properties in the Chicago area in Illinois...read more

A shuffle through the gaming mailbag

Q. My wife and I decided to take a trip to Las Vegas for our 30th anniversary. We had a wonderful time, but there was something that really bothered me. Usually, we stay at less expensive places, but this time we decided to treat ourselves and stay at Wynn. We'd reserved at $179 a night, but at the check-in desk they told us there was also a $20 a night resort fee...read more

More on soliciting tips

John, For many years I had jobs where I depended on tips to survive. Of course, I would never solicit a tip for myself. That said, when I was a chauffeur and I was talking to a passenger for another driver, I might say something like "gratuities are always appreciated." Where I play poker in Florida, when they pay out a tournament player they always solicit tips for the dealers...read more

Advice for players with limited bankrolls

Hey Frank, After a lot of searching on the Internet it seems you are the top authority on most styles of gambling. The wife and I are heading to Tunica and we are on the limited funds budget, like $400 each. I was wondering if you had any ideas on what to stick with if we are looking for a good time but also to either keep us even. Tables generally seem to take my money but I'm going out to buy your two newest books, Beat Blackjack Now! and Casino Craps: Shoot to Win! It would be nice if we could get our $800 up to $4,500 for a down payment on a house but I'm sure that isn't happening so just wanted to hear ideas if you have the time...read more

When does the 7 count in the 5-Count?

Frank, I've read many of your columns and articles in Casino Player and own two of your books. The article about the 5-count in Casino Player taught me to employ it for quite some time now with much success. My question is that recently I read something on CasinoCity.com where there is a different 5-count than the one I learned not using a craps as a counter...read more

Dealer mistakes: What happens when they occur

Blackjack dealers are human and sometimes they make honest mistakes. For example, when I was playing blackjack recently the dealer inadvertently gave a fellow player a hit card (which was exposed) even though he had given a hand signal to stand...read more

Dream a little dream with me!

I confess! When the New York State Lottery gets to 60 million dollars I will buy tickets. When the Mega-Millions Lottery gets to 200 million, I will buy tickets. Being a stolid, solid gambler I try to put myself in a good position to overcome the house edge; yes, even on lottery tickets there are better and worse times to make bets. So the lottery amounts above make the game a good bet since they are greater than the odds of hitting them...read more