The purpose of the last several columns has been to show that math drives everything in the casino. While the casinos have a macro approach, the Player has a more micro approach, generally looking at things in shorter sessions. Also, the Player doesn’t really care how any other Player does, only himself. When you are looking at it this way, it all begins with each hand. In the end, the total experience is nothing more than the sum of its parts.
Read MoreThrough the years, a number of betting schemes have been created that are supposed to increase the chances of winning by the Player. To the best of my knowledge not a single one of them has ever been shown to actually work. I'm sure I could spend my time giving a detailed math proof as to why not, but there is actually simpler methods to use to prove it doesn't work. The first is the most obvious one - no casino will stop you from trying to use one.
Read MoreA couple of weeks ago when I discussed the notion that skill based gaming has existed in casinos for many years, I received numerous comments from readers. One that I found to be particularly interesting was because it seemingly relegated video poker into the same category as slot machines. Maybe, even worse. He basically said that video poker "gave the casinos a license to steal and plain irons people out." I wrote back to the writer explaining why I disagreed strongly, but I never got a reply.
Read MoreRecently, I explained a bit about the 32 different ways that a video poker hand can be played. This accounts for all the different ways a Player can discard 0 to 5 cards from a five card deal. Each of these 32 ways is assigned an expected value by looking at every possible draw for that discard combination. Whichever of these 32 ways has the highest expected value is the right way to play the hand.
Read MoreRecently, a friend of mine posted on Facebook the definition of a "mondegreen." Apparently this is one of those situations where you hear a friend belting out the wrong words to a song because they sound a lot like the ones that were actually sung. We've all done it at one time or another. Today is my turn. Who remembers Tina Turner's classic song What's Luck Got To Do with It. Okay, I know the word was "Love" and not "Luck". But there isn't much room for love in a casino. Some of you may be surprised to hear me admit that there might be some room for luck in one.
Read MoreHow often do you throw away all five cards in video poker? The question is NOT how often SHOULD you, but how often do you really do it? Players don't like to lose when gambling. As a result, many do everything they can to hold it off as long as possible. In blackjack, many Players don't like to hit a 16 into a Face Card. They don't want to bust. They'd rather wait the extra few seconds and have the Dealer beat them. In Three Card Poker, about the only way you can really hurt yourself is to NOT Fold when you are supposed to. But this is the biggest single mistake made by Players.
Read MoreIn last week's column, I explained how a bit about the 32 different ways that a video poker hand can be played. This accounts for all the different ways a Player can discard 0 to 5 cards from a five card deal. Each of these 32 ways is assigned an expected value by looking at every possible draw for that discard combination. Whichever of these 32 ways has the highest expected value is the right way to play the hand.
Read MoreWhat I'm about to write might sound like blasphemy to those of you who have been reading my column for years. But, here goes - it is NOT all about expected value. There I said it. But an explanation has to go with it. No, I'm not talking about the importance of liking a game you are playing, which can also override the payback to a certain extent. In this case, I am not talking about any emotional issues, but a purely mathematical one. Let me explain.
Read MoreI guess it's time to see how many of you have been paying attention to my columns. It is time for a little quiz. The name of the game is full-pay jacks or better. How would you play the following hands?
Read MoreOne of the key principles of Expert Strategy is to know which games to play. For the most part, this means play the games with the highest paybacks possible. If this is all that mattered, there would be a very long line waiting to play whatever game has the highest payback. So, I say 'for the most part', because I recognize that if I'm going to argue that casino gaming is a form of entertainment, then the game you choose to play has to be fun for you. This is a subjective decision. You may hate playing video poker, or you may hate sitting around a table playing blackjack having people analyze all of your plays.
Read MoreWe're down to the final hands on the strategy table. For the past several weeks, I have been slowly walking through the strategy for full-pay jacks or better video poker. Along the way, I've been doing my best to provide insights to help you both understand the table and understand the WHY behind the table. So, without further ado, I bring you the final five entries on the strategy table:
Read MoreThe premier consulting firm that has been demystifying casino gaming math for more than two generations.
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