Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 478

Video Poker Maverick Is a Man on a Mission

Arizona resident and self-styled video poker maverick Rob Singer is out to prove that video poker machines do not play as randomly as the manufacturers of the games claim they do. His independent research is being ridiculed by the mainstream of video poker authorities who base their playing strategy on mathematical probability and the random operation of the games. Singer is conducting what he calls fifth card "flip-over" testing on video poker machines throughout Nevada...read more

Misplayed blackjack hands

The first time I ever played in a casino, I went straight for what I thought was a familiar game. Turns out I didn't know it all that well. I don't remember the cards when I made a bad play, but I heard a woman behind me say, "He shouldn't have done that, should he?" A man responded, "Shhh." I knew I had more to learn if I was going to play the game, so I studied basic strategy before my second trip to Las Vegas...read more

Are the amounts I win in bonus rounds predetermined?

John, Enjoy the column. It makes me a more knowledgeable slot player. If only it could make me luckier. Your comment about VLTs choosing an outcome when a game is initiated reminded me of a question I've had for a while. I know the outcome of a spin is determined when you push the button or pull the handle, but what about bonus rounds? In particular, I'm thinking of bonuses where you have to pick, say, one symbol from three, or the ones where you keep picking symbols until you hit a stopper...read more

The "slot spin principle" is brilliant

Dear Frank: I just read your article on the "Slot Spin Principle." It is brilliant. However, I THINK you made a mistake. The slot player MUST spin the die in front of the slot machine being played, preferably within 18 inches of the reel window...read more

Blackjack card counting 101 - part 1

Do you remember the blackjack scene from the movie Rain Man? You know that's where autistic Dustin Hoffman is card counting at the blackjack tables at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and telling his selfish brother (Tom Cruise) how to play and how much to bet...read more

Why don't they listen?

I have many good friends who are gambling writers and they are fun, intelligent and humble people — after all they are, when all is said and done, merely writing about games that people play. They aren't discovering cures for cancer or ways to get into outer space...read more

Side Bets Are a Side Show That Won't Go Away

The one table game that has the most side bets associated with it is blackjack. It seems as if inventors and gaming companies are always coming up with new, gimmicky ideas about how to relieve players of their money. The reason for this is simple...read more

Thoughts on the record craps roll

Every once in a while something happens in gambling that is unusual enough to capture the public imagination and grab mass public attention. That seems to have happened with Patricia Demauro, a New Jersey woman shooting craps for only the second time in her life...read more

Does your knowledge of slot operations give you an advantage?

John: I have often wondered if someone with your knowledge of slot machines could likely do a better job of winning at a typical slot. Better job than who you ask. I mean the guy off the streets who does not make his living in gaming...read more

How would you play $500 in free table play?

Hi Frank, You are a straight shooter. Question: If you had say four or five hundred in free table play, how would you max that out? Would you just play safe and go red and black, covering the 00 and 0, or pass, don't pass covering the 12 and settle for half? Or would you play the 6 and 8 and just let them ride until they hit? Other ways are blackjack - (iffy) - Would I be stupid to just let the don't pass bet ride? The problem seems to be that you cannot take them down when you want to...read more