Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 420

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

Should I bet max coins?

It used to be so easy advising players on whether to bet maximum coins on slot machines. You'll get the highest payback percentage when you bet maximum coins, I'd tell them. Stay within your budget, but if you're going to bet less than the max, don't play progressive slots, and don't play buy-a-pays where you need to bet the max to unlock all the winning symbols. That's really about all there was to it back when the casinos were filled with slot machines with three mechanical reels. In the age of the video slot, things are different...read more

Following up on player card reader problems and disappearing comps at the slots

Regarding the lady who could not get her player's card to register: I have noticed that some metals interfere with registration. When I have my card on a keychain it will not register. I suspect that your comment on her jewelry may be correct. Also, she should consider her watch. I hope she finds the cause. Fred Dear Fred, Thanks for sharing your experience with players card problems and keychains...read more

Betting on Other Controlled Shooters

When betting on other controlled shooters there are various factors that should be taken into consideration. Is the shooter demonstrating any level of control over the dice? Do you want to bet on the shooter like a controlled shooter or a random roller? Is the shooter in the right position? Does the shooter appear to be fatigued or intoxicated? How is the shooter betting on himself? 1...read more