Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 432

Slots un-etiquette

SHE'S hovering behind you, leaning over so you can smell her garlicky breath and hear her tortured breathing from too much smoking, with her never-ending raspy commentary on each and every spin of the reels. "Oh, you almost had a good one that time...read more

Teeing Up for Charity with Golden Tee Golf

Incredible Technologies, the leading designer and manufacturer of coin-operated video games and online tournament systems in the United States, has many reasons to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2010. The Arlington Heights, Illinois based company entered the casino gambling sector this year with its first generation of electronic gaming devices...read more

Expanding on previous columns

I try as best I can to make this column easy to understand, but every now and again I receive an e-mail from a reader that makes it apparent I have to give a few explanations. Take this e-mail, from a Colorado reader: "Hey John, what the heck do you mean by '9/6 Jacks or Better'? What do the numbers mean? I've also noticed that when you write about video poker, you'll say something about a '6-for-1' payoff...read more

Did I switch machines one spin too soon?

My question relates to a bank of machines that are tied together. If I'm playing a machine and switch, and after a few minutes someone sits down and hits a good payout on that machine with one spin, did I just quit one spin too soon or is it more random? Thanks, Truman Dear Truman, It's more random...read more

Advice for a new craps dealer

Hello Frank! I have recently become a follower of yours and have been reading your articles online. I have been training to be a dice dealer in WV over the last several months, and I am on the cusp going live as a break-in dealer. (I am really excited for the opportunity.) As a longtime player and master of the craps table, would you be willing to share your thoughts with those of us that are about to step up to the table? Any nuggets of wisdom you can offer? Best wishes! - T.M. Dear TM: Congratulations on your new career...read more

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