Dear Mark,
I seem to be having less
success playing the video poker game, Deuces Wild. I'm playing the same
way I normally do. Is there something I should be on the lookout for
since I play Deuces Wild exclusively? Sharon T.
Sharon, let me try to make a real-life
comparison here. When you go to your local grocery store to purchase a
jar of spaghetti sauce, you're probably paying the same amount as you
did a year ago. But look closely at the glass container. It's shrunk!
Now it's a 28 oz. jar where it used to be 32 oz. The same probably holds
true with the Deuces Wild machines you're playing on. You pay the same
price to play it, but you're now getting less in return. Are the casinos
cheating or rigging the machines so you'll lose more? Not at all. They
most likely changed what they pay you for four-of-a-kind.
Expert players evaluate the potential
return on a Deuces Wild video poker machine by the payoffs on
four-of-a-kind hands, so in casinos with limited competition or ones
tightening the screws a bit, you're normally paid 20 coins versus 25 for
each coin inserted on that payoff. Because four-of-a-kinds occur
frequently, this lower payout drops the percentage return by almost 6.5%.
So, Sharon, I recommend first finding,
then playing, only full-pay machines, ones that give you 25 coins for
each quarter played.
Dear Mark,
A friend, who claims he
knows a lot about blackjack, told me you should always split 10s when
the dealer is showing a six. Does he know what he's talking about? Ellen
G.
This reliable source, Ellen, does he
stand behind you while you're playing your hard-earned cash offering
advice but never wagering his own money?
Seriously, Ellen, there is only one time
when it's proper basic strategy to split 10s and that's on a face-up
blackjack game. Face-up blackjack is where all the cards dealt are
exposed, including both of the dealer's cards. Only here does correct
strategy dictate you splitting 10s against a dealer's 13, 14, 15, 16.
But I can't recommend this version of
blackjack to anyone because even when using perfect basic strategy, the
casino edge is 2.0% compared to 0.4% with regular blackjack. Why 2%?
Mainly because you lose when you push (tie).
Dear Mark,
Can a greenhorn player
stick to a few simple bets instead of mixing up his wagers on a crap
game? Samuel K.
Absolutely, and I advocate it.
When you join the euphoria of this
action-packed game and give craps a try for the first time, you need not
be intimidated. Just step up to the table with confidence and play these
two outstanding craps wagers. A pass line bet and placing the 6 or 8.
Both have a house advantage of under 1.5 percent.
A few pointers first. Ask your friendly
dealer (generally the first two hours of his shift) how to make these
bets. Also, look for the lowest table limit you can find, preferably $2
or less. Even with a low house edge, no need to make it an expensive
learning experience. Also note here, I'm not mentioning odds. True, they
are the best bet the casino offers, but, the devil is in the details. I
will revisit odds in the near future when more space is available.
Finally, disregard those proposition bets
(hardways, field bets, one number rolls, etc.) the dealer is barking
out. Some can have a house advantage as high as 16 percent-higher than
the interest on your Visa Card.
If you stick with the smart wagers I
mentioned above, your liaison with the crap table should be a pleasant
one.
