Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 423

Removing your slot club card

Hi John, I have a friend who exclusively plays the Cleopatra machine, 9 lines, 1-3 coins per line. He constantly stops the wheel by hitting his start button of choice twice. He states that it changes the machine's outcome. I told him that since the outcome is determined as soon a button is hit and the spinning wheels are fluff, he cannot change the outcome...read more

Atlantic City - The Next Generation

Everyone knows the news from Atlantic City is grim. The economy and competition from neighboring states is devastating the casinos' bottom lines. In the strongest properties monthly profits continue to decline. The weaker properties are watching their losses mount and barely hanging on...read more

My Name is Jumbotron Ron and I Am a Dice Controller

My Sicilian grandfather taught me how to play craps for coins on an Amtrak train from New York to Florida in 1983 when I was 7 years old. I have been in love with the game ever since. I played it in school, on street corners, in gambling houses, and finally in the casino...read more

Texas Hold'em A to Z: E Is for Evaluating Players

Many players will sit down in a Texas Hold'em game and play as if they are wearing blinders. They see only their own two cards and the cards on the board. They give little or no regard to the other players at the table. This is not the way to play winning poker...read more

Cruising with slots

Since 1993, my wife the beautiful AP and I have been longing to travel to Alaska. We'd seen documentaries about our 49th state, including a mind-boggling one titled "Braving Alaska," which is available on DVD and highly recommended. Unfortunately, something always came up to prevent such a trip, not the least of which was my writing, touring and playing schedule. But this past summer we finally decided to go on a cruise ship up Alaska's inner passage with eight of our friends...read more

Craps success with 5-Count and controlled shooting

Frank: I just wanted to say a big thanks for all the insight you have given on your websites and in your books. I am a recreational craps player and have read your books and articles. Even though I only get to play maybe 3-4 times a year, I always walk away on the plus side thanks to the 5-Count and controlled throwing...read more

The blackjack dealer's ace

I've played blackjack for a very long time, and I can recall dealer's referring to deuces as "the dealer's ace" going back at least to the 1980s. No doubt the reference goes back much farther than that. So I wasn't at all surprised when a reader e-mailed to say he'd heard both dealers and players call the 2 a "dealer's ace," and describe the situation where the term is commonly used. The player had a 20, and lost when the dealer strung out a long series of cards for a 21...read more

Banned for taking money left on machines

I WAS a frequent visitor for several years at the Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, OK. In the last 12 months alone I have gambled away over $10,000 at the bare minimum at this one casino. Today, I was banned for a 24-hour period, humiliated and incredibly insulted by this casino's security staff...read more

On the origin of 'monkey'

Mark Pilarski and I received this letter about the origin of the term "monkey," which is often heard at baccarat games and at blackjack games. The term refers to the 10, jack, queen and king. But where did the term come from? I have written about this several times, but here is a reader, Mel, who has done some research and written us a strong letter...read more

Frank Scoblete Presents: My philosophy of advantage play by Dr. Crapology

When I think about betting systems I reflect back on my business history. I have been in the life, health and disability insurance business for almost 41 years. When I started out I did all the "grunt work" that was required. In other words, I made phone calls, studied, held as many interviews as possible to improve my skills and all the other very difficult work that needed to be done...read more