Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 50

The Power of Slots II

[Please note: I still like using the ancient title “one-armed bandits” despite the fact that almost no one uses that term anymore. It accurately described those early slot machines. I give tribute to them. They started the slot machine revolution which has come to fruition today...read more

Some Blackjack Strategies

QUESTION: I've just about gotten used to hitting soft 18 when the dealer has 9, 10 or Ace. I haven't really studied strategy, but I think I've picked most of it up, and I read to hit those hands often enough that I do it even though it makes me a little uncomfortable.What about doubling down, though? I was playing at the same table as a guy I work with, and he doubled down a few times with Ace-7...read more

About Those Strategy Quizzes

From Mark:Dear Stickman,I enjoy your articles about video poker. I especially enjoy the video poker quizzes. But I have noticed that at times the difference between the best hold and others is a very small amount. My question is, why should I even bother about the small difference...read more

Disappearing Pay Tables

From Randy:Dear Stickman,About 6 or 8 months ago I found a single 9/6 Jacks or Better machine (25-cent or higher) at the bar at a local casino here in Illinois. I was surprised because that casino–as well as others in the area–had removed its full-pay Jacks or Better machines years ago...read more

Playing Slot Machines

CINDY: There is no question that slot machines are the preferred games of casino players. The casino floor is littered with such machines that can go from a penny to hundreds of dollars per spin.ABBY: I am guessing that just about every single casino player has played some coins or credits in slot machines over the years they have been casino players...read more

Ask the Slot Expert: Questioning Wheel of Fortune Pink Diamonds payout

Question: I hit a hand pay of $61.00 playing wheel of fortune pink diamonds quarter machine I had 2 blue 7 and a pink 7 the lights are flashing on the top screen it said line one 600 line two 800 ect I ask why a hand pay for $61 the attendant didn’t say I show them the top screen they pay me I walk back a few feet I over heard them say something like he didn’t know that Answer: I'll give you two puzzles to work on today...read more

The Power of Slots

“I’m just a slot player,” some slot players will say as table-game players look at them with pity, concern, contempt.Slot players sometimes feel that they are less-valued casino players than other casino players. How do I know this? I’ve asked them once they have warmed up to talking about their play...read more

Bonus Deluxe Video Poker and Splitting 5/5 at Blackjack

QUESTION: I've been playing a lot of Bonus Poker Deluxe. We don't have top of the line pay tables, but there is 8-6 Bonus Deluxe. I play twice a month and have hit two royals this year, so I've done OK.Last week, I was dealt a full house with three Aces and two Jacks...read more

Reader Disagreement with Video Poker Strategy Quiz: Two-card Royal Flush

Note: The article in question “Quiz: Two Card Royal Flush” was posted 19 August, 2023From Darren:I have to disagree big time on this one.Yes, dumping the 10 gives you a tiny bit higher outcome overall, but that's because now you're drawing four cards as opposed to three, so there are more chances of getting two Kings.Two Kings is simply a break-even...read more

Should She Play Craps?

CINDY: Last week we wrote about a woman who wanted to learn how to play blackjack but she was afraid to go to the tables for fear of being slow and making mistakes in her strategy.ABBY: She had a friend with her who came over as we were talking and enjoyed the conversation...read more