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The GameMaster Advisor
March, 2001

GM,
I understand the hi / lo method of counting cards, but I don't understand when to bet bigger. Should you bet bigger when the count is at just +1, or a bigger advantage like +5 or +10?
DELV

Hello. The running count is converted to the True Count (TC) and that will show your advantage over the casino, since each increase of 1 in the True Count increases the player's advantage by 0.5%. For example, at most casinos, a TC of +1 nullifies the casino's edge. A TC of +2 gives the player an edge of about 0.5% on the next hand, so the amount that would be bet depends upon the player's total bankroll. For a $10,000 bankroll, a $35 bet would be appropriate. So, you can see, as the count rises, so does the optimum bet. The formula I use is to multiply the player's edge at each count by 75% and then multiply that by the total bankroll to get the optimum bet size for that count. Other professional players use a more conservative multiplication factor such as 50%.

Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
3/29/2001


GameMaster,
I just visited your web page today.. I'm thinking about going to one of the casinos in Tunica tonight with my friend... I've only got $50 for a bankroll, but I'm content to win like $20 and walk away, repeated over time... I've got a decent knowledge of basic strategy, and a good idea of the things to look for in a favorable table.. surrender allowed, single-deck game, all that.... I just was wondering if you could give me some really general pointers to help me in my game. Like I said, I'm really just starting this, having turned 21, and I could care less about making big scores... a gain or loss of $20 is when I call it a night. (Also, if I go tonight it will be my first time)
Thanks,
Andy

Hello, Andy.
The best thing to do for the moment is to quickly learn the Ace-5 count and just stand behind the table and watch until the count is in your favor.

You do this by counting Aces as minus 1 and 5s as plus one. If more 5s than Aces are dealt, the count will be "positive", so wait until it gets to plus 3 or more before you place a bet. Then sit down at the table, make a $5 bet and cross your fingers, because you obviously have to start winning right away or you'll be out of it. There is a complete explanation of this technique in the archives of the Blackjack Page of my site in an article called "I'm Not a Blackjack Fanatic."

Once you get a feel for the game, be sure to start reading all the lessons in the "Blackjack School" you'll find there as well.

Good luck and happy birthday!

Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
3/29/2001


GameMaster,
Thank you for your prompt feedback. Your website is truly impressive. I have visited countless blackjack sites and yours was BY FAR the most helpful. I have spent several hours reading every last article on your site and I am most anxious to apply these techniques. One more question which i am sure is an interesting topic for a man even of your stature. Have you heard of the $4000.00 super computer 'casey' which is operated by foot and makes improbable desicions and is said to win 8 0ut 10 shoes, regardless of game variations? There is a very impressive looking website for what seems to be an amazing machine and there is said to be only a small handful of them worldwide. I am just curious on your thoughts regarding this and if you have had any expierence with one. If you have not heard of it I will go find the URL again and send it to you.
Again, thank you.

Hello, Rob. Thanks for the kind words.

I have heard of 'casey', but have never used one, since they are illegal in most jurisdictions. They will, indeed, work as advertised, but such a device is not for me, at least in real-life casinos.

Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
3/26/2001


Hello GM:
I am relatively new to the gambling scene and have learned to love video poker. I have ordered and practiced with Winpoker and I think I am OK (far from perfect though) in my playing ability. I now travel to Detroit and Windsor frequently and usually play $1.00 machines. I have held my own this year. My questions revolve around the gaming machines. I have won most of my $$'s on the Game Maker machines-mostly in Pick-em and some of their fun novelty games (triple trouble, those little devil guys and the full-house games). I have had little success on the Game King machines and the triple play machines (total disaster). Part of the reason may be because I don't give them a chance $$ wise because I find Game Maker's more fun. Is there any difference that you know of in jackpot payoffs on these machines?

The first thing you need to know about Video Poker machines is that they don't operate like slot machines. Slots can be programmed to return a set percentage of all the $$$ put through them, but the "jackpot" (Royal Flush, etc.) on Video Poker machines will occur on a fairly predictable basis, depending upon the strategy used to play the game and the normal statistical variations that happen in a series of events. You have done well at Pick 'Em most likely due to the fact that it returns 99.95% of all the $$$ put through it, if you use the proper playing strategy. The triple play machines were probably a disaster for you because most of them are short-pay versions (much less than 100% payout), plus you're betting much more on each round of play. And, if I'm not mistaken, the games on most Game King machines have lousy pay schedules, also.

Should the same machines be equal from casino to casino or are they "programmable". I ask this because of some bad experiences at a certain Detroit casino.

If the games are randomly dealt (which, to the best of my knowledge, they are in your area) and if the pay table is the same, then one machine is just like another. Your bad luck at one particular casino is just a short-term phenomenon that will even out with time.

Finally, being new to the whole scene and somewhat pessimistic, can you be "controlled" through your players card as I know they keep records on wins and losses.

No. Don't fall into the trap of not using your slot club card because you won last week. All the slot club card does is monitor your action; it doesn't determine whether or not you'll win or lose.

Is everything always random??

Yes, even though it doesn't look that way at times.

I would be interested in your perspective on these questions.

Please read my "Video Poker Primer" that can be found in the archives of the Video Poker Page of my site and that will get you up to speed.

Thank You.
Jim

You're welcome.

Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
3/25/2001


Congratulations for your great site........
In Montreal the dealers hit soft 17 out of a six deck shoe we can double any 2 cards even after splitting. I am using (+) values for cards 2 3 4 5 6 (0) values for 7 8 9 and (-) values for tens and aces . Is there a better way of counting cards without getting too complicated ??????
Keep up the good work.......
Nick

Hello, Nick.
Thanks for the compliments.

The count you're using should work just fine in that game. It's the one I use for shoe games like you're playing. A stronger count would give you only a slightly higher advantage and isn't worth the effort. The way to beat this game is to try and play only when the count is in your favor. Stand behind the table and keep the count, but don't enter the game until you have a True Count of +1 or more. If that's not feasible, at least leave when the count goes to a True of -1 and combine that with a fairly large bet spread of at least 1-12.

Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
3/21/2001


Hi Gamemaster:
Returned from Las Vegas this past Sunday and played lots of single deck Blackjack at Binion's Horseshoe.

I read on the web today that Binions normally uses the Rule-of-Six. What exactly does that mean? I'm assuming that it's a reshuffle after six hands have been dealt although, if my memory is correct, it surely seemed like they dealt out more than six hands before reshuffling.

Best regards,
Mac

Hello, Mac.
It basically means that one player will get five rounds before a shuffle, two players will get 4 rounds, three will get three, four players will get two, etc.

Yours for winning,
The GameMaster
3/17/2001