Dear Mark,
You mentioned to avoid playing slots in airports but didn't say why. An explanation
would be appreciated. Levi R.
I've known a few players, though they'd never admit it, who when
they
arrived home from their carefree gambling trip, didn't have money in hand
(careless) to get their car out of long-term parking. They blew their
remaining dough on an airport slot machine. That pell-mell disappearance is
because an airport slot machine payback is notoriously low. With low
paybacks, airport machines will gobble up your money in a hurry. Players
should always distance themselves from poor paying machines, but in an
airport, you are a captive audience for a short time, waiting to board a
plane and get the hell out of there, and they know you ain't coming back.
Dear Mark,
On my pre-drawn video poker hand, I received four cards to a royal flush, but
also a pair of Jacks. I decided to keep the Jacks. The player next to me said
I played the hand wrong. In the future, should I discard a high pair in favor
of four cards to a royal? Shirley G.
Always, repeat ALWAYS, break a high pair (Js, Qs, Ks, or Aces) not only for
a four-card royal, but also for any four-card straight flush. As for when to
discard a low pair, follow this strategy: Break your low pairs (2s-10s) against
any four-card flush or straight flush, or any three-card royal flush. Read that
back to me. OK, by George, you've got it.
Dear Mark,
Could you tell me the year that craps was legalized in Canada? I know it was
sometime in the late 90's, but not sure exactly when. Miguel G.
Like dates, do you, Miguel? In 1999, Bob K. of Wolverine Lake, Michigan tossed
the first legal dice at a crap table in Canada in 611 years. Rolling dice was
outlawed in England and all her colonies centuries ago when His Royal Majesty
discovered one of his trusted guards indulging in the art of throwing bones.
A prohibition was promptly written and finally rescinded in 1999. And you might
as well know that Eight was the first point and Bob-on-the-spot made it.
Dear Mark,
I enjoy you columns which appear in our local paper. A number of months ago,
when the Travel Channel was showing the poker finals, someone wrote to you about
the best PC software for practicing Texas Hold'em. You suggested one and named
a store in Las Vegas where it can be purchased. Could you please send me the
name of the software and store since I have not been able to find my question
in your online articles. Richard R.
The software I recommended, Richard, was Turbo Texas Hold'em by Wilson Software.
It retails for $89.95. A steep price, yes I would say, but the opponents you
have to read on your computer screen will be more troublesome than the rascals
you call friends at your Friday-night kitchen-table encounters. You can purchase
Turbo Texas Hold'em from the Gambler's BookShop. Their toll free number is 800-522-1777.
As for where to find my column online, head over to my web site: http://markpilarski.com.
Not only are my most recent columns there, but both of my books are also online.
Have at 'em, Richard, and please, if you catch any typos in More Deal Me In,
let me know before I go to print.
Gambling quote of the week: "Most players unfortunately
go to the casinos with an attitude that makes it even easier for casinos to
psyche them into losing. Most except to lose; therefore, it's not too surprising
when they achieve their goal." Henry Tamburin, Henry Tamburin on Casino
Gambling
