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Gaming Guru  What are the chances of royal flushes in various games?20 May 2013
By Alan Krigman Question: Video poker and at least two table games have jackpots for royal flushes. What are the odds against pulling such a hand? Answer: At the tables, jackpots are paid for royal flushes in Caribbean Stud and Let It Ride. In both cases, players get five cards with no discards or draws. The odds are therefore identical in the two games and are 649,739-to-1. This is figured by determining that 52 cards can be combined into 5-card hands in 2,598,960 different ways. Of these, only four are royal flushes. The probability is therefore 4/2,598,960, which equals 1/649,740. This means one way to win out of 649,740 total hands. Expressed as odds, it's 649,739 losses to every win. The chances are different at video poker for several reasons. For instance, after you see your five initial cards, you can hold some and replace the rest; this means you can form the royal flush from as few as five cards to as many as 10. There's also an element of choice in that you could break a low pair and hold a single picture, sacrificing "expected win" but leaving open the chance of a royal. And, of course, the odds depend on details such as wild cards. Here are some typical values, based on playing strategies which maximize expected win.
Why do high “counts” at blackjack help players and not dealers?13 May 2013
Question: Blackjack "card counters" increase their bets when they determine that shoes are rich in 10s. Assuming players bet only on single spots, why is this situation advantageous? Don't players and dealers have equal chances of receiving high hands in these circumstances? Answer: The advantage in ... (read more)
What happens to doubles and splits when dealers have blackjacks?6 May 2013
Question: At blackjack, you might split pairs, then double down on one or more of the hands when the dealer has an ace or 10 showing. This means you might have multiple bets on the table. If the dealer doesn’t check in advance for a blackjack and ends up getting one, you only lose some of this. How much do ... (read more)
Do the slots make payout adjustments for people who bet bills or coupons and not coins?29 April 2013
Question: Most slot machines now seem to have "bill acceptors" or take coupons so you don't have to get rolls or cups of coins to get started or to continue if you run out. Someone told me if you play with bills, you'll lose more because the machine assumes you have more money to keep going. Is this true? ... (read more)
Fun and (Table) Games: Try BaccaratSo, you want to try the tables. Say you fancy a casino classic cloaked in tradition, but simple enough that everyone makes a straightforward bet then waits for the outcome. As a novice you might opt for a game with low inherent volatility, where your bankroll normally drifts up and down gradually; this ... (read more)Everything You Should Know about Baccarat, and MoreBaccarat is a good choice if you're seeking casino table action but nervous about trying. It's elegant, has relatively low house advantage, and is often offered in mini versions with an affordable minimum bet. It's also simple to play. The dealer does the complicated part. You need only decide whether to wager on Banker, Player, or Tie. ... (read more)You Can Join in the Excitement at Craps with these Simple BetsLots of people sense that craps is exciting, but are too cowed to try it. They can't figure out the rhyme or reason for wagers. Or what determines whether anyone loses or wins - and, when the latter, how much. And, they're afraid they'll need too big a stake to play. All to toss two dice and bet on how they'll land. ... (read more)Is Card Counting at Blackjack Worth Your While?I was coddling a cappuccino at a casino's posh high roller club a few weeks ago with some blackjack-playing cronies, Basil and Courtney. Basil is a club member. Courtney and I were his guests. Basil follows basic strategy to the letter. He bets $100 most of the time, with ... (read more)How Casinos Measure House Advantage, and What the Values MeanEverybody knows why casinos get rich. They have an advantage on every bet in games of independent trials. But only a handful of hopefuls understands how the handicap is achieved. Many solid citizens think it's just that the bosses have more chance of winning every round than the players... ... (read more) |
Alan Krigman |
