Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 532

Why is the roulette wheel at the Sands in Macau missing the 00?

Dear Frank: I saw today a picture of the roulette table at the Sands in Macau, I have noticed that the 00 is missing. Is it a picture mistake or they just created a new single-zero wheel? The single zero has other numbers layout. Thank you, Chris Dear Chris: The single-zero wheel has been around a long time and is a much better game to play than the double-zero wheel...read more

Volatile video poker games comes with a price

Choosing to play video poker during a casino outing is not as easy as it may seem. There's a wide variety of games from which to choose, some of which are better than others in respect to long-term payback based on expert play. The most important fact to take into account when selecting a game to play is the value of the pay table...read more

Deal Me In: The role of Lady Luck at the the casino

Dear Mark: When it comes right down to it, isn't Lady Luck really the deciding factor when it comes to winning in a casino? Mark L. Sorry, Mark, but it isn't Lady Luck nor Jack's Magic Bean that is the deciding factor when it comes to winning...read more

Playing It Smart: How much better are six decks than eight in blackjack?

Blackjack is a game of fine distinctions. Sure, standing with 10-10 versus 10 is a no-brainer compared to splitting or hitting. Both intuitively and statistically. For reference, the math says standing wins 55.80 cents/dollar while hitting or splitting lose 44.02 or 84.76 cents/dollar, respectively...read more

Blackjack basic strategy quiz

It's been a while since I've popped a quiz, and a while since I've delved into blackjack basic strategy. See if you know the best way to play the following five hands, all among the most-often misplayed hands in the game. For all hands, assume a six-deck game in which the dealer stands on all 17s, you may split and resplit any pair except aces, which you may split only once, may double down on any first two cards, and may double down after splitting a pair. 1...read more

Are there magazines for slots and other casino games?

Are there any magazines for slot players? If so, can you give me the names and links where I can order some for my wife? Also are there magazines for other casino games like blackjack, craps etc.? Is there someplace I can get a list of all gambling-related magazines? Thank you. Yes, there are magazines for slots and other casino games...read more

Soft Doubling - Part 2

Last month, in answer to my reader Thomas Moore inquiring about soft doubling, I indicated how to calculate dealer's final probabilities when the up card is a 6. In that article I gave a table listing the probabilities for dealer's final totals of 17 through 26...read more

What is the 5-Count?

Hi Frank: Rookie here. What is the "5-Count" I see you refer to very often? Reading your answers is like going to school. Thanks for all the info. Yours truly, The Rookie Hi Rookie: The 5-Count is a method developed by the Captain, the greatest craps player and theorist who ever lived, to limit the hit on your bankroll from random rollers and to increase your chances to be on rolls by controlled shooters...read more

Planning and Preparation Pay Off

Casino gaming can be fun and exciting. It can be a relaxing getaway from hum-drum everyday life. Casinos work hard to present themselves as a fantasy world where you can forget all your cares. They want you to totally escape from your normal life and spend time (and money) trying to capture the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Forgetting your cares and relaxing for a few days is fine...read more

How should I play a $500 bankroll at craps?

Dear Frank: Got a question to see if you could help me. I have $500 and want to make the most out of it in a short session, winning a little money. I want help. I need the most with what I have. What would you do? Play long shots? Please answer if you don't mind. Sincerely, Jim Dear Jim: Whether you have a little money or a lot of money, playing long shots at craps is a major mistake — these bad bets diminish your chances to win quite a bit...read more