GameMaster,
Your casino Golden Palace(suppose to be Global Palace) is a joke. How in the world you gave that casino a 90 rating is beyond me. You say you know nothing about slots but in all honesty a big part of that casino is slots. Its a rip off to say the least. It took me longer to download then to spend the 30. bonus and 100. of my own. The only reason I even went to that casino was based on your rating review. I played black jack as well and the dealer won every hand. How surprising. Well I play casinos all over the net and that is the worst I have ever seen. Yes it makes music and sounds, yes its great for graphics. If I wanted to play sounds and look at pictures I would use the Encarta CD. For gambling it is bad. Thanks for the review. And no casino needs to worry about that place. After one visit they will have no return business. The down load took longer than the entire experience. That's a real shame.
yours truly,
one very disappointed player
If I were you, and I am sure you take the good with the bad, I would think twice about having that casino on my front page. I will not delay in telling my experiences to the gambling world.
Hello,
I gather, now, that you're referring to Global-Player Casino. Let's look at your complaints. First, you said you lost at the slots. I have never and will never recommend that anyone play slots, whether 'real' or cyber. In my review, slots were only mentioned, but they did not make up any part of my score. You simply shouldn't play slots, even if, as you say, "a big part of that casino is slots". You further state that you lost "every" hand at Blackjack. Well, first of all, Blackjack is a game of skill; how well do you play it? Secondly, how many hands did you play? Even the best player has losing streaks, but that doesn't automatically mean s/he was cheated. I understand that you're upset about losing, so if that makes Global-Player "the worst", then so be it. But my reviews are based upon unemotional analyses of the odds offered by the casino and, quite frankly, Global-Player has some of the best on the net, at least when it comes to the games which can be so analyzed. I don't know if they cheat or not and have never stated otherwise. But, I've also received a lot of feedback from readers who have had satisfactory experiences there, so my feeling is that they are legitimate. But only you can decide where you should risk your $$$. As for telling your experiences to the "gambling world", please do so. I'll be posting this in my "GameMaster Advisor" section, but I think most of our readers believe that what happened to you isn't a result of cheating on part of the casino. I'm sorry that you're disappointed with us, but I learned a long time ago that gamblers prefer to blame other "outside" factors for their losses, rather than looking inward to their own shortcomings, so I'll never expect satisfy everyone. As for having their ad on my front page, until I get real proof that they're cheating, it's going to stay.
Thank you for taking the time to reply as wasted as it was. Not once did I accuse that site of cheating. I said they were in house favor, and they are. If you don't like it, get out of the reviews. I guess you only want to hear good reviews. I find your attitude unprofessional and the customer service lacking as much. My review of you in one word would be, poor.
You need not reply, as far as I am concerned you and your site are already deemed unreliable and unprofessional.
Freedom of speech is such a wonderful thing.
Yes, freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. I'm exercising that right now. I find it amazing that you just discovered that "they were in house favor"; aren't all slots? There's nothing here for me to like or dislike and I feel no need to get out of the review business just because you lost playing at something I specifically recommended against. I listen to all reviews, but I, nor no one else, was there when you played, so we have only your word for this. What did you expect me to do, get your $$$ back? I tried to get some additional information about your experience and this is the reply I received. If you think I'm unprofessional, that's fine; you're entitled to your opinion. I'm entitled to mine also: you lost and you want to blame someone other than yourself. And, as soon as someone points that out to you, they are "deemed unreliable and unprofessional".
LOL.
That's to funny, I am posting this on the nets boards so they can get a laugh as I did.
Hey, go for it. If you tell the whole story, the vast majority of people who read it are going to ask you why you're surprised you lost while playing slots. Make sure that you tell them that you went there "only because of the GameMaster's review" and also tell them that my review also says "don't play the slots". You evidently think that a high rating by me guarantees that someone is going to win. All it means is that the potential for winning exists, IF one plays the games where an advantage can be gained. My web site is full of information to help you do that, but you obviously have chosen to ignore it. So, post away and let's see who laughs last.
Dear pain in the butt,
I have played slots at many many casinos on the web. To say the least I rarely ever loose at slots on any machines, these machines are set more in favor of the house than any machines I have ever played on any casino on the net. You are the so called " information expert" and at the rate in which that house was set I brought this to your attention because of your ability to give advice. Not abuse the people who bring these concerns, questions, events and happenings to your attention. A professional way to handle my situation would of been to say,
Dear Ms ect,
We have heard good things about the casino you visited and we are sorry you have had a bad experience at one of our Top Rated Casinos. We have had many satisfied players report to us about the casino and this is the first negative we have heard. Please continue to read our reviews and check out the facts on the slot machines as I have so posted on my site. We believe you will find this information helpful. As far as the casino we will gladly continue to review its progress and any further comments that may come to our attention. Thank you so much for taking the time to view our site and for your feed back. We appreciate your patronage.
Now, that is a much more professional answer than saying, well miss, your a poor black jack player and your crying in your milk because you lost. Your such an idiot for playing slots in the first place. I am surprised you did not call me a dumb blonde.
I run my own web site, a very large one at that. I know how word of mouth can hurt. Your insults and unprofessional manner show yourself to be nothing more than an egotistical reviewer who gets his or her nose tweaked if they are challenged. My only regret in this unfortunate circumstance is that I took 5 moments in wasted time to write you at all.
Okay, I gather what you're saying that it's all in the approach one takes when addressing another person. Alright, I buy that. Let's look at your original message:
In the first place, you didn't even get the name of the casino right! Look, there are people out there who own casinos which I've basically trashed in my reviews and they respond by trying to trash those to which I've given good reviews. So, how am I to tell who you are when the message starts: "
Your casino Golden Palace is a joke. How in the world you gave that casino a 90 rating is beyond me. "
Do you think that warrants a reply of "Oh, thank you for writing"?
You then continue: " The only reason I even went to that casino was based on your rating review." In my review, here's what I say about the slots at Global Player:
Slot Machine: There is one in a quarter denomination and, while I cannot recommend playing any slot in any casino, this is very well done. As I mentioned before, you may choose to play "X" number of games and it will do it automatically for you. I ran a sequence of 100 hands at 75-cents a pop and lost $23.75 in the process and, while that's a very small sample, it implies a casino edge in the 15-20% range. Fun, though.
So now I'm wondering who I'm dealing with. A person writes me, says they lost $$$ because of my review and it's obvious that either she didn't really read it, or she chose to ignore my advice. You state that I am a so called " information expert", but you went against the information I provided. That's fine; you're an adult and you may do what you want. But don't complain to me if you choose to ignore my advice and it doesn't work out for you.
I go to great lengths to assist my readers who have had problems with casinos; just read my message board and the GameMaster Advisor section of the site. But, like any other human being, I respond in the way that I'm approached.
In any business that depends on its readers, customers,ect. to fund the source yes I believe a nicer reply would of been in order. Maybe I did come off a bit sarcastic but it was not my intention to take it out on you. As a business you need to know that from time to time you are going to have some people not agree with you and perhaps even be dissatisfied with you. When this happens do you fuel the fire?? or do you simply try a different approach as not to loose them. One lost customer turns into hundreds, but I am sure you are fully aware of that.
Yes actually I do think "thank you very much" would of been a nicer reply just for the fact that I took the time. Lets do each other a favor. I am a nice person, I am not a nut case and I am frustrated at this point with this entire situation. So lets just let it go. Thank you for writing back.
sincerely
Jane
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/25-26-27/2000
GameMaster,
You have a fantastic site. I've been out of the gaming loop for about ten
years, but will be in LV for a week starting this Sunday (2/27), and your
site has been a great help in getting me back up to speed. Thanks!
Glad we could help.
I have a question concerning surrender: Is there a standard hand signal to
signify your intention? Or must you verbalize?
In Asia, surrender is indicated by drawing an imaginary line with the index
finger behind the bet, kind of "slicing" the bet. That's never caught on
here, so it's all verbal.
On a more specific note, I expect to clock between $10,000 and $20,000 worth
of action (handle) at the Flamingo. What's your opinion on the chances of a
comp for this? And, a comp for what? I realize that this will just be your
opinion. I figure a minimum bet of $10, perhaps 20 hours play at BJ.
While the formula varies widely, the "average" casino would credit you with
about $500 in 'theoretical' with $20,000 in action and would be willing to
comp you about $200. At most strip casinos, a $25 minimum played 4 hours a
day will get you a 'casino rate' on your room cost, so I wouldn't expect a
lot out of $10 min. bets at the Flamingo, but you won't get anything if you
don't ask. That said, you should read through Paul Enockson's excellent
series on comps which appear here every month. You can get to them via our
front page; his current column is entitled, "Does Dress Make a Difference?"
Paul has some great information in there which should help you.
Just one more, and I'll quit bothering you. Is it good form to ask about
comps of this sort before arriving in town (I've already made reservations
through a website), or should I establish my play for a little while and
then
ask someone about it?
Ask to see a tables games host as soon as you arrive and let them fill you
in on the Flamingo's policies in person. Be sure to read Paul's article
where he addresses the notion of the host saying: "Just charge everything
to your room and I'll look at it all when you're ready to go". Those are
some dangerous words.
Thank you very much for your time.
Jim
Glad to help. Let us know how you do.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/23/2000
Gamemaster,
First -- the site is awesome as always AND I clicked through and joined
the Global Player Casino. I DID play the Atalantic City multiplayer
game for real $$$. It looks like they are playing through an actual six
deck shoe. I'm going to count exactly how many cards are played next
time so I can calculate the penetration.
It should work out to be 50-60% penetration. Please let me know what you
find.
My question is about video poker. What software do you recommend for
training practice with Deuces Wild? I'm hoping for software that not
only allows me to play while watching my performance but also one that
can be given a particular five card hand and asked for the best play.
Does such software exist?
Thanks,
Chad
It sure does. It's called "Bob Dancer presents WinPoker" and it does what
you want and a lot more, as well. It's available at Conjelco, our favorite
retailer (www.conjelco.com) and at the developer's site: www.zamzone.com as
well as other outlets.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/23/2000
Hi Gamemaster
Great site. Anyway could you tell me about the Griffin Brown Book,
I mean would you go straight in it if you were barred from a certain casino?, or if i had a big win?, or do you have to play high stakes to get in the book? ,
And what would a counter do if he did end up in the book?
Finally, my friend amazed us the other night when he memorized 2 decks of shuffled playing cards. I said he should take up counting. Would memorizing cards as they are played be an advantage to him?. I have heard shuffle tracking is possible in certain casinos.
Thanks,
Mark
Hi, Mark.
The dangers of the Griffin book to card counters are, I believe, highly overrated. First, it exists primarily to identify cheaters and, though they sometimes are treated as such, card counters aren't cheaters. Secondly, not all casinos subscribe to the service; a fairly complete listing can be found in the Winter, 1999 issue of Arnold Snyder's "Blackjack Forum" (RGE Publishing whose web site is at www.rge21.com/). In any event, the counters most likely to get in the book are those who: A) play big ($100 minimum bets), B) overstay their welcome at a casino and/or C) those who play on teams. I have done "A" and "C" extensively and I'm not in the book. So, there has to be another element and I think it's arrogance. Play it cool, don't get greedy and you'll likely never get in there. If a counter gets into the book, s/he has basically two choices: don't play at places that subscribe to the service or wear a disguise. The best tactic, however, is to not get in it in the first place.
Your friend's talent is exceptional; I would use it to just track Aces in a single-deck game. What I'd do would be to study the shuffle of a casino which offers a single-deck game and try to replicate it as closely as possible at home. Then I would have your friend use "key" cards to mark the location of the Aces. For example, if a 7 of diamonds immediately precedes the Ace of Clubs in play, then calculate, by analyzing the shuffle, where the Ace ends up in relation to the 7 of diamonds after a shuffle is done. From that data, it can be estimated with some confidence that there's an "X" percent chance of the Ace being within "Y" cards of the 7 and it's a mathematical fact that getting an Ace as your first card gives a player a HUGE edge on that hand. If all of the Aces can be "keyed", the player should do quite well. Stanford Wong's book, "Professional Blackjack" has an excellent dissertation on this in the chapter that covers shuffles.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/21/2000
Hi GameMaster,
I would appreciate it if you could email me the Basic Strategy for Blackjack.
Thank you,
Bob D.
Hi, Bob.
For the proper basic strategy, you'll need to know the rules of the game; how many decks, is double after split allowed, etc. Once you know that, go to this site: http://www.blackjackinfo.com/ and it will generate a basic strategy chart for that game.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/21/2000
GameMaster,
I don't get whether you round up or down the number of decks that
have been played; for example, 3.5 decks played leaves 2.5 - do we round
that up or down?
Could you explain? I had good luck with your basic strategies alone, my
last go at BJ. Thanks. I'm still working on my counting; what a bitch, but
anything is better than handing my money over to those poor, poor
casinos.
Thanks,
Rich
Hi, Rich.
I'm glad this is working for you; stay with it because, as you say, the
casinos don't need your $$$. As for rounding to convert the running count
to the true count, the way I recommend you do it is to try and figure the
remaining decks to the half-deck level (like you did in your example) and
then round down after you divide that into the running count. For example,
with 2.5 decks left, a running count of 9 converts to (9 divided by 2.5) =
3.6, but I call that a true count of 3. An alternative is to call the
remaining decks 3 instead of 2.5 and you arrive at the same result of 3.
Whichever way you care to do it, the key is to round the true count down,
since that will be the more conservative figure.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/20/2000
GameMaster,
You were so helpful before I wonder if you could answer a question for me.
I am
wondering, as far as the percentage of payoffs or the odds, in a regular
casino,
they can change the payouts in the video machines. I don't know how easy
or hard
it is to do. In the on-line casinos, do you think they have them loose
certain
times, maybe say Saturday night, then tighten them say, Sunday mornings for a
couple days. I mean, how easy is it? They can say they have 98% odds or
whatever, but they could manipulate that couldn't they? So I am wondering
if it
seems that I am losing quite a bit, if I shouldn't stop and come back into
the
casino a different time, or wait it out till the cycle comes back around.
Also, I have noticed on the Riverbelle Casino that the module for Deuces
and Joker
is not working since Saturday or Friday. (Sometimes I play that just to
change
the game). I have noticed ever since then that the Deuces Wild poker
module has
VERY MUCH LESSENED the Deuces coming up. Now I know there are swings and
all that,
but I am saying, I played a hundred hands and hardly a deuce. I even wrote
and
asked them about it. What do you think? So I guess that is two questions,
Thank
you for taking the time to read this. I really don't know who else to ask.
Judy
Hi, Judy.
Glad to help.
As for a bricks-and-mortar casino changing the pay table of a Video Poker
game, it certainly can be done, but in jurisdictions where the game is
dealt randomly from a single-deck, it's quite a big deal. Remember, the
pay schedule as it appears on the machine, is what determines the long-term
payback, as long as the player uses proper playing strategy. Video Poker
games aren't slots, so they're not programmed to give a certain percentage
pay back; that's determined by the pay schedule and how skillfully the game
is played.
As for Internet casinos, heaven knows that the technology exists whereby a
game could be "rigged", but it's not likely. A place like Riverbelle
obtains their software from a third-party company (in this case it's
MicroGaming Systems) and MGS claims that their operators don't have access
to the algorithms which control the games. So, to answer your question, no,
I don't think that the games are "set" in any pattern. Very likely, what
you've observed is just a short-term phenomenon. Take a look at the OnLine
Casino Message Board on this site for a lot of interesting posts by "Mike
from Oz" who has analyzed tens of thousands of hands of Deuces Wild Poker
played at an Internet casino. He thinks the appearance of 2s in that game
may be "short", but he also recognizes that his sample is still small.
Unfortunately, it takes about four million hands of play to really verify
the statistics of a game.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/13/2000
Hi Gamemaster,
Love your site. I first ran into RGT, then found your site. Was neat to
see that you were behind RGT, also.
My question concerns the game of craps. I know that it is a negative
expectation game and cannot be beaten in the long run. I have been a
traditional line bettor playing full odds. With your experience with RGT,
you obviously know Frank Scoblete. I'm sure you must be familiar with his 2
books about "The Captain" and his playing methods. In your opinion, is this
the way to go? It seems to me that the techniques tend to preserve your
bankroll so you can eventually take advantage of a "hot shooter". However,
it does appear to take discipline to do.(I've read many articles on your
site, and that appears to be a dominant theme: discipline) Any comments or
advice regarding the methods of play found in Scoblete's books?
I have no illusions that I can "make a living at craps" like some authors
suggest. I do enjoy the game, however. I was interested to know if I
should vary my playing strategy to the Captain's methods, or stick to my
own.
A side note. I have started to take an interest in video poker. I have
both BDPWP and VPSM on my computer. The closest machines to
home (Greencastle, PA) are at the Charlestown Races, in Charlestown,
WV.(owned by Penn National Gaming) However, there don't appear to be any
"full pay" machines there. Atlantic City is a 5 hour drive away. What
advice would you have for playing machines in AC? Any worth playing? A guy
I know goes there about 5 times a year and has good luck with the Joker
Poker(?) machines. And he hasn't ever used a strategy card or anything. He
just picked up on it on his own.
Hope I didn't go on for too long. Thanks for your site. Has tons of great
info.
Sincerely,
Sam
Hi, Sam.
First, thanks for the kind words; we're all glad that you enjoy visiting
our site.
Like you say, there's no hope of ever expecting to make a long-term profit
at craps, but good things can, and do, happen in the short-term. I don't
know Mr. Scoblete, but I know of him, though I've never read any of his
books. He's obviously very popular (at least judging by the number of
books he has in print) and many casino magazines like publishing his
articles but I think that's primarily because he tosses what I call
"softballs" at the casinos; hardball is more my game. (I mean, any casino
is going to love an author who recommends to people that they play craps,
right?) To put forth a theory that there's some method at craps (which is
what I gather he proposes in the "Captain" book) which can offer a means to
profit by the game is, at least to me, unproven. Anybody can write that
someone has beat craps for a long period of time, but can it really be
done? I don't think so. From what I've read, I think a lot of this is
based upon making bets only after a shooter has made several successful
passes and my response is that the dice have no memory. Just because a 7
or 11 came up on the last hand doesn't mean that such a trend will
continue. The probabilities of a pair of dice are simple to figure and are
unchanging. Sure, there will be times when 10 or 12 numbers may be made
before a 7 shows, but those "streaks" can only be identified after they
occur. Now, I realize that Mr. Scoblete probably agrees with that premise
and his method may be an attempt to just have the player still there with
$$$ to bet when, and if, such a streak occurs, but it still doesn't change
the long-term odds. If you were to play his way for 1000 bets and just
randomly for the same of amount of time while making the same types of
bets, the results for both samples would, most assuredly, fall within the
normal spectrum of probability. So, why not just bet in a way which will
cut the casino's edge to a minimum (avoid the 'sucker' bets; use the free
odds bet, etc.) and save the time? Better yet, why not do as you're
considering: switch to Video Poker.
In Atlantic City, the most popular V.P. games are Double Joker Poker and
Pick 'Em poker. Neither of these offer a 100+% return to the skilled
player, but at least Pick 'Em comes close and, since the slot clubs in A.C.
offer about 0.5% in cash back, these games can be slightly profitable
overall. The 6.0 version of "Bob Dancer presents WinPoker" has both these
games on it and TomSki's excellent "Video Poker Strategy Master" can create
strategy tables for them. If you're looking for a recommendation, I'd
learn Pick 'Em because, even though it's pretty boring to play, quarter and
dollar games can be found and if you'll practice a bit, you'll find that
you can easily play 800 hands an hour. At $1.25 a pop, you'll be betting
$1000 per hour so a 0.5% slot club is worth $5 an hour. And remember that
it'll be 4 times that at a dollar game. Hey, it's not great, but it sure
beats losing. At my "Personal Links" page you'll find the link to Jazbo's
site where there's a lot of info. on the Atlantic City slot clubs; it's
worth a visit before you head that way.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/13/2000
GameMater,
Do the same basic strategies exist with the two deck play as the single deck
or multi deck?
Thanks,
Perry
Hi. Perry.
Double-deck Blackjack play calls for the multi-deck basic strategy.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/8/2000
Hi there.
This is Geoff from Edmonton, Canada. I have played the Uston advanced +/ - for about 150hrs and have won with it (not much tho). I now want to upgrade to a multi-level count but I have read that the Revere and Uston advanced point counts are outdated. I play against 4 decks. What system do you use? I seem to be learning the Uston advanced point count quite quickly and I already have 100 matrix numbers memorized. I have also read that the advanced systems all perform within .1 of a percent against shoe games. Am I wasting my time learning the Uston advanced?
Thanx for your time.
The juice
Hello, Juice.
I use the Hi/Lo in multi-deck games, even though in the past, I've used multi-level counts like Wong's Halves Count. I believe it would be a waste of your time to switch. For a complete rundown on how the major counting systems compare to one another, see my continuing series which is on the "Blackjack Page" of this site.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/6/2000
GameMaster,
First let me say that I really have enjoyed all of the information that
you provide on your website, it is very interesting. I am a total beginner
when it comes to trying to play blackjack the right way but I am determined
to become a good player. I know that I will never be able to earn a living
playing the game but I love going to the casinos and as you mentioned in
one of your articles, I would like to be good enough to use it as a part
time job. To do this I know that I will have to learn to count cards if I
am to be successful. I know that there are books about counting cards but I
would be much more comfortable learning from another person. I read on your
web site that you attended a 4 day seminar on card counting and was curious
if you had any info on anything that still exists like that or if you or
any other knowledgeable person that you know would "give lessons" in card
counting. Thanks again for all of the information on your website and
thanks in advance if you have any suggestions that may be helpful.
Thanks for the kind words. I am not aware of anyone who is offering such a
course, but we'll post this and perhaps another reader can help.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/5/2000
GameMaster,
Love your site (naturally) and think it is great you added the message board.
I play quite a bit of VP online and do pretty well at JOB, but am investigating other games with positive expectations. I found Dan Paymar's articles on casino.com and the list of hold hands he shows puzzles me.
Is it correct to hold 4-card inside straight over so many other hands (3 on a flush comes to mind from that list, and also 2 face cards if memory serves). Also, there is no mention of holding a low pair at all.
Admittedly, All American is totally new to me, but the schedule has several inside straight holds and other things that "appear" to be incorrect. From reading articles here, I realize AA is very different from JOB but is it really as different as that play schedule shows?
Thanks
Frank
Hi, Frank.
First, thanks for the compliments; the message board has proven to be very popular.
Regarding All American Poker, what Mr. Paymar had to say is true. This is an unusual strategy because the Straight, Flush and Full House all pay 40 for 5, so it makes 3-card straight and flush draws very valuable. Yes, you do break a high-pair to draw to a 4-card flush, and hold a 4-card inside straight over two high cards. I have a copy of his strategy and holding a low pair is hand # 23.
This game returns 100.72% for perfect play, so it's worth learning. If one uses a regular Jacks or Better strategy, the return is only about 97.5% which is why this game has been in brick-and-mortar casinos for so long. I am not aware of any full-pay versions of All American at Internet casinos, though I have seen short-pay versions that return only 98%. However, I believe that Global-Player Casino will be adding a full-pay version of the game sometime in the future. As for what's available now, give some thought to the many full-pay Deuces games out there.
Your note could not have had better timing. Beginning in March, I'll be starting a multi-part series called "The Expert's Guide to All American Video Poker" which will hopefully present an easy way to learn the nuances of this game.
Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
2/2/2000
