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Sticking to the basics

Discussion in 'Casino Gaming' started by Ben Jammin, Jan 17, 2013.

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  1. Ben Jammin

    Ben Jammin MIA

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    Doesn't matter which game you play, be it Black Jack to Video Slots, there is a basic strategy for play that will minimize your losses and therefore offer more opportunities to win.

    You'll stay in the game longer so you have more opportunities to hit that jackpot or have a winning session on any table game.

    There are many facets to each and every game you may choose to play, but there are generally only one or two ways one should play as dictated by "Basic Strategy". That is to say; "The correct play or action that will generate the highest probability for the maximum return".

    That's it, in a nutshell. But then how do we know when basic strategy should apply?

    There are many charts available here on the net, and basic strategy cards for any game can be had at any one of dozens of sources, including your local hotel gift shop, that will sell you one for a few bucks, and it will save you hundreds unless you are already an expert, and know your basic strategy moves for the games you prefer, but there are dozens of games and it would be very difficult for even the most inquiring mind to know them all, but a handy basic strategy card is never wrong.

    I always have one handy for any game I might be playing at the time, these days it's mostly Video Poker, Craps, or Black Jack with an occasional mini Baccarat game.

    I have several Video Poker Strategy cards that reveal the maximum yield for correct play, and of course a Black Jack Card that I now rarely use.

    For instance, if you are dealt a 12, against which dealer's up card should you hit? Otherwise, you should stand.

    That is a question for "Basic Strategy"

    How many lines and how many units per line is the optimum for reducing losses while affording the opportunity for the most decent jack pots? This also is a question of your personal basic strategy. Even on Penny Slots, if you play maximum coins on every play this may cause you to lose your stake quickly, unless you are extremely lucky and hit that big jack pot. How often does that happen?

    So, get those basics down, and have a back up source to refer to when you gamble. Doing it correctly will benefit you as far as having more winning sessions to counteract the losing ones, coming way closer to even over the long term.

    "There's nothing like beating the pants off of the casino for a free trip and even a few extra bucks in your pocket to take home!"

    Good luck and don't forget; "Luck Favors the Prepared Mind"

    .
     
  2. Erich17

    Erich17 It is a real Obsession

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    Check out wizards of odds...They have everything odds wise and basic strategy you need.
     
  3. Llew

    Llew Low-Roller

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    That one reason I dislike slot machines - there's no way of knowing the house odds or how they change when you bet max lines or max credits vs. less. So there's no way to improve your chances.
     
  4. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Good post Ben.....great advice.:beer:
     
    Annual CCA (Casino Collectibles Association) Show at South Point
    Long Overdue Stay At The Golden Nugget
  5. mganut

    mganut Well-Known Member

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    Gotta love the wizard! Good stuff.
     
  6. TimLion

    TimLion High-Roller

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    Cogent thinking. It's always the way I play.

    But remember: all you're doing is minimizing your burn rate... :eek:

    Santé,
    TL
     
  7. Bondy3

    Bondy3 High-Roller

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    I learned to play basic strategy on hitorsplit.com, but there are a lot of places to learn basic strategy, just make sure you know what your EV is before you play, be a smart gambler
     
  8. WrongWayWade

    WrongWayWade VIP Whale

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    Actually, unless you get something extra (like the progressive) for betting max coins per line, your odds stay exactly the same by betting one or many coins per line. And on reel slots, the payoffs are listed and usually imply (except for the best jackpot) that your extra coins per spin create a straight multiplier of the payoffs, thus the odds stay the same.

    If you DO get new bonuses or progressives with max coins, you DO improve your chances by betting max coins, as more winning combinations become available. Of course, you must 'pay' with the increased volatility of the larger bet.

    The starting overall odds on the machine or the chances of hitting any particular paying combinations? Yes, that remains a mystery with slots.
     
  9. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    The "basics" are a great way to start.
    After a while you should really be able to expand beyond the basic strategy.
    For example, if sitting at 3rd base playing BJ and the "basic" strategy says to hit on a 15 yet I see a dozen or so low cards just dished out there is very good chance I not take a hit as the chances of busting have increased.
     
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