The free odds wager in craps is a rarity, a wager with no mathematical edge to the house. To make it, you have to first make a bet that DOES have a house edge — the pass line, where the 1.41 percent advantage to the house still makes it one of the better bets in casinos.
The Free Odds Wager in Craps Read More »
A slot machine player wrote to say she was intrigued to watch two slot technicians open a three-reel machine. They flipped a switch, hit the play button — and every combination that showed on the reels was a winner, in order. First game the jackpot symbols, then the 7s, then the triple bars on down to the lowest winner, a single cherry.
Slot Tech’s Test Program Doesn’t Change the Odds Read More »
Among the prime attractions of video slot machines are interactive bonus games that are a fun way to pile up credits without making extra wagers. Land three noisemakers on the screen in Jackpot Party, for example, and you get to touch the screen to choose gift boxes containing credits until a “Pooper” ends your party. On many games with free-spin bonuses, you’re first asked to touch an icon to reveal how many free spins you’re getting, and sometimes to touch an icon to reveal whether your winnings will be multiplied.
Choices Make a Difference in Video Slot Bonus Rounds Read More »
A roulette player e-mailed to say he likes to stay with a hot number — if a number is on the board three or more times in recent spins, he’ll keep betting it.
“I’ll bet the surrounding numbers, too,” he said. “If my number is 17, I’ll also bet 16 and 18.”
Hot Number at Roulette Read More »
While playing blackjack, I watched as a player who had an Ace and a 5 signaled to stand. The dealer urged him to take another card. All the players at the table urged him to take another card. He was determined to stand.
The dealer, who had a 10 face up and a 6 down, then drew the card the player WOULD have received: A 5. The player would have had 21. Instead, the dealer had 21, and beat the table. One fellow angrily gathered his chips, shouted at the man who stood on a hand that could have been counted as a 6, and moved to another table.
How to Handle a “Soft Hand” at the Blackjack Table Read More »
A frustrated blackjack player e-mailed me with a familiar lament. “I can’t stand it when another player’s mistake costs me money,” he grumbled. “Why do people insist on taking the dealer’s bust card?”
Blackjack – Don’t Let Other Players’ Mistakes Bother You Read More »
