Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 43

Do High Denomination Video Poker Games Have Higher Returns?

From Dan:Hi Stickman,I am new to playing video poker. Slot machines have been my mainstay since I started going to casinos in my area. I read lots of articles saying that video poker is better than slot machines. So, I am thinking about giving them a try.It is my understanding that higher denomination slot machines have better returns than lower denomination machines...read more

Playing Mini-Baccarat

CINDY: A game we play and like very much but one we haven’t written much about is mini-baccarat.ABBY: In some parts of the country mini-baccarat has a large field of players. You will see it is one of the favorite games of Asian players. Many Asian rooms in casinos will have high-limit mini-baccarat tables.CINDY: One thing is true now; you won’t find many or any of the old traditional baccarat games.ABBY: Oh, sure, the long table with totally comfortable seating and several dealers – well-dressed dealers too! – servicing the game...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: How much should I tip for a slot jackpot?

Question: So, I'm sitting there at a slot (Crazy Rich Asians) in an off-strip casino. It didn't take long to be awarded the grand ($12,000!). An attendant comes up to congratulate me, gets my information and leaves. As I'm waiting, another lady (no uniform, nicely dressed...maybe a host?) comes up to me and takes me to a more private area to wait for my money...read more

Fishing Yourself Out of the Deep End II

You and I know that you can’t change the machine’s programming to make it favorable to you. That’s the way things are when you play against the casino. Sometimes the machines are hot and sometimes they are cold and everything in between.Okay, let us say you are a dollar player and you like to play machines that are somewhat traditional and you play full coin, meaning three dollars per decision...read more

Top 10 blackjack tips for beginners

As many of you know from my Casino City bio, I’m a runner who lives in Massachusetts, so it’s only fitting that I tie the sport into this week’s column. After all, it’s Marathon Monday in Boston, and while I won’t be toeing the line in Hopkinton, I’ve learned there are many similarities between running and blackjack that I can share as a newbie to the casino tables that might help you reach your desired payday finish line.10...read more

Keno Odds

QUESTION: I vaguely recall a live keno game that had a big progressive jackpot if you picked all 20 spots. My wife and I used to laugh. There were flyers promoting this game in our rooms when we checked in.We knew there was no way we'd ever picked all the numbers, but there were smaller payouts for picking fewer, and only a few numbers with no payout at all...read more

Quiz: Two-Card Royal or ??

This article contains a video poker strategy quiz. The game is full-pay (9/6 – 9-for-1 full house, 6-for-1 flush) jacks or better.The quiz assumes the maximum five credits is played. The maximum bet produces the highest long-term return because the royal flush pays 800-for-1 (4,000-for-5) rather than 250-for-1 when less than the maximum is bet.Look at the dealt hand below and decide which card or cards you would hold...read more

Busting Out!

CINDY: Last week we discussed how we play a very straight game. We make the best bets at the game, follow careful money-management, and we get to go to the casinos every month for a couple or a few days. We do live, as we say, the casino players’ life.ABBY: Today we introduce you to Donald, sometimes called Donnie when he’s staggering around the bar or casino.CINDY: His philosophy of play, his philosophy of life is…why not let him tell you? Donnie, you're up.DONNIE: I just write it here? My philosophy?ABBY: Yes.DONNIE: I believe in “busting out!” I come to the casino or I go out on the town to blow everything to bits, you know?ABBY: Explain what you mean exactly.DONNIE: I mean I am going to spend my money on making myself happy, you know what I mean? I know how you girls play…CINDY: We’re more than 20 years older than you.DONNIE: But you’re girls to me, ladies...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Why do you play Deuces Wild?

Question: What is the reason you prefer to play Deuces Wild over other video poker games such as higher volatile ones? Answer: You gave one reason in your question: volatility. I had a bit of a problem at the end of last year. I wasn't keeping on pace to re-qualify for upper-tier status in the two chains I play at now...read more

Deep End of the Pool

We have all been there. Yes, we have. Nothing is going right.You try this machine, that machine. You try machines that were hot for other players and they turn ice cold for you. You try machines that have been ice cold figuring they must warm up...read more