Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 536

Should I make the "Match the Dealer" side bet?

Dear Frank: I go to an Indian Casino in Connecticut. I play blackjack. They have a side bet called Match the Dealer. Do you have any thought on this game? Is it worth playing? Sincerely, John Dear John: The answer is no...read more

Craps Table Etiquette

The game of craps is fun and can be very exciting. It can also be very frustrating. When things are going well, shooters are hitting point and players are making money. The camaraderie and good will at the table is something not available in other casino game...read more

Deal Me In: The double down bet outpaces the insurance bet by a mile

Dear Mark: Why is doubling down in blackjack so advantageous for the player? Also, why shouldn't I always take insurance? The worst that could happen is losing half my bet. Hector F. The three main reasons why doubling down is so advantageous to you, the player, is because 1) you know the dealer's up card, 2) the casino is allowing you to bet more money with that information, and 3) your chances of winning the hand, when you should to be doubling, are better than the dealer's. You always want to bet more when the casino is at a distinct disadvantage so as to increase your potential return...read more

Can You Play Basic Strategy Blackjack with No House Edge?

Typical blackjack players give about a 1.5% advantage to the house due to the mistakes they make playing their hands. But even those who get their entire basic strategy down cold still have a 0.5% disadvantage in the typical multi-deck game...read more

Success with the Speed Count

Good evening, Frank: I bought your book on the Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution!, and tried out the Speed Count. My first night was between a 1-5 unit spread with $100 chips. I won over $5,000 in about one hour, but the pit boss didn't offer me any comps before I left the table...read more

'Mr. Monopoly' celebrates 10 years as slot tycoon

The classic board game of Monopoly has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide during its 73-year history. "Mr. Monopoly", the iconic millionaire cartoon character, gained his fame in homes on kitchen and dining room tables when it was time for family and friends to gather together for "game night". For the past decade, Mr...read more

What would make you write off a casino?

What would make you write off a casino? How bad would the experience have to be for you to vow never to set foot in the door again? My casino choices revolve around gaming options. Give me a decent set of blackjack rules and some video poker pay tables that allow me to make a fair run for the money, and I'm happy...read more

Are there any drawbacks for 9/6 nickel video poker machines?

John, I was in Vegas last week and came across some nickel vp machines at the Hilton. Asides from smaller payouts, if they are 9/6 machines for the sake of this question, are there any drawbacks? It seems on 50 or so dollars you could play for hours trying to hit a royal and winning 400...read more

Top-10 tips for enjoying Vegas

Las Vegas can be an intimidating town for first-time visitors and gamblers. Between the glitz, glamour and astonishingly astronomical number of choices of casinos, games and restaurants to choose from, sensory overload can set in quickly...read more

Deal Me In: So much for being a penny pincher

Dear Mark: I would like to share the following with your readers. Recently I lost over $500 in one session, get this, playing penny slots. I don't believe I have ever lost that much playing nickels, or even quarters. Being frugal just doesn't work in the casino...read more