Gaming Gurus: Strategy Expert Article Archive - Page 795

A Comparison of Chicago-Area Casinos - Part 1: Hotels

For the last several months, I've been making the rounds of Chicago-area casinos, staying in the hotels, eating in the restaurants and checking out the games. Now it's time for a comparison. For the next few weeks, I'll be writing about where to find the best blackjack game, the best buffet, the slot variety, and payoffs and other casino "bests." Usually, when I do the grand tour, I include casinos a little farther afield--Blue Chip in Michigan City, Ind., Potawatomi in Milwaukee and Par-A-Dice in East Peoria...read more

Everything You Should Know about Baccarat, and More

Baccarat is a good choice if you're seeking casino table action but nervous about trying. It's elegant, has relatively low house advantage, and is often offered in mini versions with an affordable minimum bet. It's also simple to play. The dealer does the complicated part...read more

Downright lethal vs. pretty good

Dear Mark, Please explain what you mean by "winning progressive" betting? You mentioned it in a column without an explanation. Does it differ from doubling your bet after each loss? I play in Atlantic City, generally blackjack (I'm relatively new to the game), and $10 a hand (hard on weekends to find anything lower). Keith B. The latter part of your question, Keith, describes the "Martingale system," an historic name for doubling up after every loss...read more

Craps A to Z Series - Z is for Zone

Even when you know how to expertly set the dice, you could still find a problem at certain tables. The boxman or the dealers may talk to you to disturb your rhythm. Suddenly there are beautiful half-naked drink girls all around you. A floor person may start talking to you, asking if you want a free buffet...read more

Laying the Odds

In my last two articles I looked at the Pass Line in the game of Craps and the effect of taking single odds. This month I want to look at the Don't Pass Line and the effect of what is called laying the odds. To begin with, let's see what is involved in the Don't Pass Line; we'll worry about odds later...read more

Slot Machine Hit Frequency, Turning $200 into $2,000

Dear John, I am be keen to know how to estimate hit frequency for 9-reel, 8-payline slot machine? Standard way overestimates this number since it does not account for simultaneous hits! Is there any formula or accurate approximation that I can use -– if yes can you please explain it! And how far from the true number this formula is? Thanks in advance, Iva Dear Iva, The easiest way to get a feel for the hit frequency of a machine is to play about 1,000 spins on it...read more

Tips from Gambling Greats: Howard "Rock 'n Roller" Newman

Howard Newman is big, maybe 6'4" at a minimum, and also BIG, like he could be the bouncer at your local casino and no one would dare step out of line. In fact, in his movie and television career that spanned the 1970s, Howard Newman played cops, mafia strong-arm men, and guards...read more

Heard it on the River

Amenities keep coming to TUNICA RESORTS, giving that new name for our former Robinsonville, a somewhat more attractive cache to out-of-towners whose donations make it all happen. The TUNICA QUEEN sails the river four times daily, TUNICA NATIONAL GOLF & TENNIS CENTER will soon open a world class facility, the RIVERPARK grand opening is right around the corner and now you can even hunt quail on guided shoots behind GRAND...read more

Memories of Other Fires

I've been watching the fires raging through Southern California on the television, and believe me...my heart goes out to all affected by the fires. I used to live in Crestline...above the Devore fire...and I used to live in Big Bear Lake...and am familiar with the horrible plight of fire on the mountain...read more

New Lottery Games Debut

Despite last minute efforts from a group of opponents, on Monday of this week, the Michigan Lottery introduced two new "Club Games" at over 670 different locations throughout Michigan. The two new games, "Club Keno" and "Pull Tabs," went on sale at 6:05 a.m...read more