Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 695

Craig's Professor, Banker, Suicide King Saga--sold 'inside' look at big-time poker

Not since A. Alvarez's Biggest Game in Town, published more than 20 years ago, has a book detailing a big-time heads-up ($15 million on the table) poker action been written with such insight, gusto and flavor, as Michael Craig's The Professor, the Banker and the Suicide King (282 pages, hardbound, $24.95)...read more

A Simple Question about the 5 Count

Dear Frank, I have a very simple question to ask about the 5 count. What happens or what is the count if the fifth throw is 2, 3 or 11 and not a point, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10? Do I wait until a point is made to start betting? Why if the dice show a 2, 3 or 11 you don't count it as the fifth throw? I know it's a simple question, the reasoning just isn't clear to me yet. Thanks! Don Dear Don: If on the fifth roll a non-point number (2, 3, 11, 12) is rolled you are at the 4-Count and holding...read more

Be Aware of Political Contribution Restrictions

With the construction of three new permanent casinos in the works, at the same time as an upcoming Detroit mayoral election, it is vitally important for any supplier involved in the industry to be aware of the Michigan political contribution restrictions...read more

Craps. Short Bankroll. Whaddya Do?

As introductions go, "Craps. Short bankroll. Whaddya do?" wasn't the smoothest I'd ever heard, but at least it was straight to the point. The gentleman in the buffet line wanted to talk about craps. I asked how he liked to play. "If I could afford to play the way I like to play, I wouldn't have a problem," he said brusquely...read more

Those due slots, soft 17s and plugs

Dear Mark, Are slot machines programmed to pay off a particular percentage of money bet? What I’m trying to say is that after a jackpot is hit, will the machine tighten up to get back into balance, and when a jackpot has not been hit for a long period of time it is overdue and more likely to hit? Dan H...read more

How Likely Are the Best Craps Players' Worst Dreams to Come True?

Craps buffs who prefer the "do" to the "don't" side of the game, and want the lowest possible house edge, bet strictly on Pass and Come. Players who don't "take Odds" on these wagers give the house only 1.4 percent edge. Passes and Comes augmented with Odds pay the casinos less juice as a fraction of the total at risk...read more

Gambler's Survival Kit - Part 2

Any player's casino survival kit has to start with the raw basics to take into the casino --- cash, coupons, player rewards cards, all things we discussed last week. But if you're serious about surviving with your bankroll reasonably intact, you'll also need to pack your kit with a few things for home use...read more

Heard it on the River

With all the new companies coming into Tunica look for changes and facility upgrades, all of which will benefit gamers as the competition heats up. Las Vegas has its singular allure and Atlantic City is popular as well but Tunica still beats 'em all when it comes to plain ol' gambling...read more

Denomination and Video Poker Paybacks

Hi, John, Could you advise if there is a difference in the payout or return on $0.25 video poker machines vs. the $0.05 machines? I realize that the $0.05 slot machines pay out less than the $0.25 or $1.00 machines, but I'm not sure about video poker...read more

How Would You Handle These Hold'em and Omaha Hands?

Flop-style poker has become so popular in casino card rooms that old-style stud poker is practically dead. Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hi/Lo monopolize the poker action with many of their players being newbies to the game. The question is, how capably do the newbies play? If they've adopted their strategy from the do-or-die tournament showdowns they've seen on TV, their chips won't last long in regular open play. So here are some starting Hold'em and Omaha Hi/Lo hands to look at, with realistic basic strategy guidelines for what to do with them...read more