Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 739

Megabucks Odds

In a previous column, a reader asked about a Dyna 3. Dyna is one of several manufactures of "8 liner" machines commonly called "Cherry Master" machines. These are typically found in taverns. Here's a few facts about 8 liners in general: These machines are available generally with paybacks setable between 55 and 90%...read more

Splitting Tens

Dear Frank: I play blackjack in online casinos for fun with other players. I see them breaking all the basic and advanced strategy rules but one has me curious. I know that a player should NEVER split 10's but I have seen this done with the dealer showing a 3, 4, or 5 ( 2 and 6 too risky)...read more

Wild about Jokers

I have to be honest, I've never really enjoyed playing Joker Wild version of Video Poker. As a player, I can simply choose to 'ignore' it. While few, if any, Video Poker players set out to lose, the reality is that MOST players play to have FUN first...read more

Four Card Poker 101

Dear Mark, I just saw a new game called "Four Card Poker." I do not believe you have written anything on the game yet. Is the game anything like Three Card Poker? Also, any chance of a quick summary of the game? Dominic B. The game, Dominic, is akin to Three Card Poker, but as the name signifies, you use four cards instead of three...read more

Side Bet Shuffle

Some years ago I received an e-mail from a perplexed casino boss asking why he was losing so much money at the Super 7's game. Three successive jackpots had been hit. I replied that I did not usually assist casino personnel, but since his request was courteous and the answer could not harm advantage players, I told him that Super 7's is rather a volatile proposition that, while favouring the house in the long run, would see dramatic fluctuations along the way during which the house could be hit quite hard. Now I'm not so sure...read more

Trivial Pursuit Slot Tests Your Luck and Memory

In anticipation of attending a trivia night fundraiser soon, I decided it might be a good idea to play Mikohn's Trivial Pursuit video reel slot game. That way I could test my knowledge of completely unimportant facts and possibly take home more money than I brought with me to the casino...read more

Put Craps Bets onto a Common Ground before Comparing Them

Most casino bets are resolved on every round. You drop money on the table or into the slot then win, lose, or push -- completing the coup. Not always so in craps. Some tosses may not yield decisions, but are deemed irrelevant or "no action" rather than pushes...read more

Ask Larry: House Advantage with Multiple Odds

Hi, Larry, Many of the casino advantage tables provide percentages for casinos with single or double odds. But more and more casinos, especially in the Midwest, are allowing up to 5x or 10x odds. I would assume that your casino advantage would be even better than 2x odds (which is at .6 percent)...read more

Playing the Soft Eighteen

One of the frequently misplayed Blackjack hands is the soft eighteen, that is, a hand comprised of an Ace and a count of seven. Clearly if the dealer shows a bust card, that is, a two through six, then the player is in a favorable situation if he just stands with the eighteen...read more

Ask Frank: Must Hold 'Em Winners Show Their Hands?

Frank: During a recent Hold-em game, one of the players - he had won the hand, showed only the the one card, that would make him a winner. The guy that called him demanded to see both cards, but the winner claimed he only has to show the one that won...read more