Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 660

Points on etiquette and en prison

Dear Mark, In poker, who is supposed to show their cards first at the end of a hand? Is it the one who calls the last bet, or the player who makes the last bet? Justin B. Customarily, Justin, if there has been a bet on the final round of betting, the person who makes the last wager, or raise, has to show first; the person who called waits to see what the others throw down before showing the caller's cards. Occasionally players do check on the final round, so what happens then? Most casinos and card rooms still have the player who made the last bet or raise show their cards first, although, I have seen in a few card rooms that in this situation, the player nearest the button shows their hand first. Dear Mark, If you had to make but one bet on a roulette table, what would it be? You've mentioned in the past playing on a single-zero wheel if you can find one, but is there any bet that is better than another on that table? Frank S. Hip, hip, Frank, always go for searching out a single-zero roulette game, as that little extra effort — if successful — allows you to chop the house edge from 5.26% to 2.63%...read more

Dealt Royals

Royal flushes are always a cause for celebration. When they come on the initial deal in a multiple-hand game, it feels like ample reason to party for days. You can imagine the excitement of a reader who phoned recently to say she has been dealt a royal flush in Ten Play Poker...read more

Are RNGs truly random?

John, I think this is a simple question, but I am having trouble finding out the answer. I am from Oklahoma where our slot machines are somehow hooked to a bingo card. The results of your bingo card determine the amount of credits you will receive...read more

The Return of Star Brooks

Wow, it's been over a year since I have said anything... It's hard to believe! But I have had disaster on top of disaster, blown up two more computers, had a couple of viruses, had internet connection problems, been hospitalized once in ICU with extremely high blood pressure, taken a nasty fall, had more blood pressure problems, lost a grandchild to the "system" under false pretenses and lost every bit of income plus blown up my ability to borrow, broken my glasses and you name it… I've probably experienced it… but I'm not ready to say "die" or "quit." I'm still breathing, still thinking, still trying to write and trying to keep my promises to keep providing Reno gambling information in the "from the gamblers' eyes" format on the www.RenoGamingGuide.com...read more

A Deeper Look at Those Odds-'n-Ends in Blackjack

Last week, we briefly highlighted nine truisms about blackjack that most players, even experienced ones, aren't aware of. You can be sure, though, that blackjack pros and semi-pros alike are keenly aware of them. So today, we'll take a few of those truisms and explain them in further detail, so that you can get a better grip on the real game of blackjack. 1) Basic Strategy is no "be all/end all": The other night I doubled down right off the top of the shoe with A/8 against a 5 and caught a 10, which didn't change my hand...read more

Superstition Dictates Craps Etiquette Rules

Even though craps is a negative-expectation game overall, it can be fun and exciting, and it need not be as intimidating as it looks. I'm hoping that by now you've been motivated to approach a craps game, watch for a little while and even make a small pass line bet...read more

What Is the Preferred Position for Shooters at a Craps Table?

Frank, In chapter 3 of your new book, The Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution, it states that Golden Touch recommends that the shooter stand Stick Right One (SR1). In the next paragraph it recommends that right-handers stand at Stick Left (SL) and left handers at Stick Right (SR). W...read more

History of Slot Machines In Photos; Gaming Technology Focus Of Books

Those who collect antique slot machines and who wonder at the technological changes made from Bugsy Siegel's days (1946) to today are in for a treat with the arrival of two new works at Gambler's Book Shop in Las Vegas titled Reel History (A Photographic History of Slot Machines) by David Mead (439 pages, paperbound, $39.95) and The Casino's Most Valuable Chip -- How Technology Transformed The Gaming Industry by Saverio Scheri (176 pages, hardbound, $29.95). Reel History, written by David Mead, son the late Dan Mead of Las Vegas, is a companion the Loose Change Blue Book, a super source for all collectors, beginners or experienced...read more

All Systems Go, Four Casino Expansion Projects are Underway

All four of the casinos in the Detroit/Windsor markets are moving forward with their permanent casino/hotel expansion projects. MotorCity Casino. Last Wednesday, MotorCity Casino broke ground on its $275 million permanent casino, hotel and conference center at its present location near Grand River Avenue and the Lodge Freeway...read more

The Blackjack Dealing's Good in NW Indiana

My 11/23/05 column highlighted the most important categories for blackjack players to consider when choosing where to play. Today, let's get down to particulars by surveying the following five properties in Northwest Indiana: Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Resorts East Chicago and Trump in Gary. In the minimum bet category, all of the properties offer $5 games: Blue Chip usually has at least one at all times except on high volume days; Horseshoe from 7 am until noon; Majestic Star from 7 am until 7 pm Monday through Friday; Resorts in the morning and Trump based on volume. Resorts and Blue Chip receive high marks for playing with six-deck shoes at all their tables...read more