Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 578

Am I wrong about how slot machines work?

John, As a retired programmer (and systems analyst) I got interested in the programming of slot machines shortly after I retired. I learned a lot, and thought I had a pretty good grasp of how the modern slot machines were programmed to exhibit a specific payout percentage over the long term...read more

Should I switch to Blackjack Switch?

Dear Frank: On a recent trip to Vegas, I found a game called "Blackjack Switch" at Casino Royale. Each player plays two hands, and they can switch the top two cards if they desire. Of course, to combat this player advantage, the house takes their edges as well...read more

What is RFB?

You stated that cruise ships function in international waters only, so why do they give 1099 G's when you win? They said that they we need to pay taxes on all wins. That's right. The IRS wants its cut regardless of where you won the money and whether or not it was reported. I don't know why the cruise line was required to give a U.S...read more

Better returns can make for bigger losses

Dear Mark: If a larger denomination slot machine returns more, then how come when I play at a higher limit, like dollars versus quarters, I end up losing more money? Beth S. Even though the house edge is lower when you play larger-denomination-coin machines, you can also have a greater expected loss...read more

Jest for fun

The trouble with being a good loser is that you have to lose to prove it. * * * * * My luck is so bad, I have a black belt in losing. * * * * * Slots have brought together hundreds of thousands of people with one thing in common losing. * * * * * Losing at slots is like two of the Seven Dwarfs...read more

Bigger Deal; Poker Handbook; tourney craps get spotlight

In 1990, Tony Holden wrote his classic look behind the scenes of poker, Big Deal. His update, answering what has happened since and how the game has changed, is the focus of Bigger Deal: A Year Inside the Poker Boom (291 pages, hard bound, $26)...read more

The numbers don't lie

I get a lot of mail from gamblers asking me about this or that; arguing with me about this or that; complaining about this or that. I try to answer all my mail, even the letters that start with "You don't know nothing, Mister Scoblete!" These irate letters usually come from players who are not well schooled in the math of the games...read more

A slot jackpot that was meant to be

Being in the right place at the right time is everything a slot player needs to know about what it takes to hit the jackpot. Just ask Joanne Coventry, who nearly missed her calling at Harrah's Joliet Casino in early March of this year but still won an incredible $125,956.50 on a nickel machine. The object of her affection on this particular outing was the progressive bank of 10 IGT nine-line/five-reel nickel machines, especially because the jackpot had grown to over $125,000, a handsome sum for a $2.25 max coin investment per spin. "I had only played it once or twice on previous visits," Joanne revealed...read more

A shuffle through the gaming mailbag

Q. I'm just learning how to play craps. I know all about the pass line and come and the place bets, and I stay away from the hard ways and the sucker bets. My question is about the odds. My friend who's played craps for a long time says the best place to play is the one that offers 100x odds...read more

Playing it smart - Should you Buy, rather than Place, the four or 10 at craps?

Players who wager on the four or 10 at craps make "Place" bets at the $5, $10, and $15 levels, but generally "Buy" the numbers at $20 and above. They know that buying is supposed to be a break for players who bet bigger. But, few solid citizens understand the why and how...read more