The game of Baccarat

Lots of people think the game of baccarat is so complicated but it's actually rather simple. Baccarat is the French spelling for the Italian word baccara, or zero, signifying the point values of face cards.  The game has been traced back to 1490, when the reign of King Charles VII.  Baccarat was first offered in Las Vegas in 1959.

Baccarat comes closer than most other casino games to offering the player an even break, with house edges of just 1.17 percent for a bet on the banker hand and 1.36 percent for a bet on the player hand.  Unlike most casino games baccarat has no strategy and requires no skills.  This game use to cater to high rollers but now any average player can sit down at a baccarat table for a minimum of $10.

At a full -scale 14 player baccarat table, one dealer (the callman) stands up.  The callman turns cards face up after they are dealt by the bettor holding the shoe.  The callman ks responsible for calling out the point totals of each hand and announcing whether either hand gets another card according to the set hit/stand rules of the game.  Two other dealers remain seated on either side of the callman.  They are responsible for paying off the winning bets and collecting losing wagers as well. 

Regardless of how many people are playing only two hands are dealt.  One is designated the banker hand, the other hand is the player hand.  Any player maybet on either hand, with the exception that the player holding the shoe in the full scale game must either bet banker or pass the shoe. 

Initially two cards are dealt for each hand.  The point totals determine whether wither hand gets a third card.  The player hand is completed first.  A total of 8 or 9 is called a "natural," and the player hand gets no more cards.  Unless the banker has a natural 9 or ties the natural 8 no further cards are drawn making the naturals automatic winners.  The player also stands on totals of 6 or 7.  On any other total, zero through five, player draws a third card unless the banker has a natural, in which case the bank hand wins witht no further draw.

Banker rules are a little more complex.  The banker also stands on 7, 8, or 9 and draws on 0, 1, or 2, but on other hands the banker's play is dependent on the value of the player's third card.  The banker hits 3 unless the player's third card is an 8; hits 4 unless the  player's third card is 1, 8, 9, or 10; hits 5 only if the player's third card is 4, 5, 6, or 7 and hits 6 only if the player's thrid card is 6 or 7.

You can also bet that both the bank hand and player hand will be a tie with an equal number of points.  It pays 8 to 1.  Although this bet is very tempting, yet I strongly encourage you not to make it.  This bet gives the house a 9.5 percent edge.

Like I said this game is rather simple just remember that all cards are equal value except face cards which are 0 and an Ace is valued at 1.  Good luck!

21 + 3 Blackjack

This is another one of my favorite table games. I actually came across this game by accident about 4
years ago. I was trying to play a traditional blackjack game but the tables were always full. This game is basically playing blackjack and three card poker at the same time. The good thing about this game is that no poker skill is required. The three card side bet pays relative to the combination of your first two cards
and the dealer's up card. You receive two cards both face up, and the dealer one face up card. If you

made a 3-card bet and these first three cards from a winning outcome, you are immediately paid according to the side bet pay table. In 21 + 3 blackjack most side bets pay 9 to 1. An example of a winning side bet would be if you had a pair of tens and the dealer's up card was a ten you would have 3 of a kind. This game is a lot of fun. Good Luck!

The Flamingo Las Vegas

The Flamingo Las Vegas is a nice hotel! It is very convenient spot right there on the Las Vegas strip.  What I like about the Flamingo is that it is not too flashy.  I highly recommend the Go rooms, which are retro style rooms that have white leather headboard beds and televisions in the bathroom mirrors.  It is definitely something out of the ordinary that is worth experiencing. Now I wasn’t a big fan of the Flamingo’s buffet but there is a Johnny Rockets in there that is off the chain.  The food is great! They also have another place called The Burger Joint.  I really like this place because not often can you find a spot where you can get turkey burgers.

I love the casino at the Flamingo.  The slots are hot! I think I won about $300 on the slots which is good for me because I am not a big slot player.  The poker room is excellent! They have aces cracked up until 4 p.m. everyday.  If you play 20 or more hours in the poker room you are eligible for a free roll tournament that takes place every Friday.  If you go out to Las Vegas stop by the Flamingo and try your luck.

Let It Ride

This is one of several poker-based games from the creative minds at Shuffle Master Inc.  It was first introduced to casinos in 1993.  Let It Ride is very popular! It has a high payout potential.  Players are not playing against each other or trying to or trying to beat the dealer.  Unlike other games, it brings on fun and friendly competition amongst players. The learning curve is quite simple on this game.

Let It Ride is played on a table similar to blackjack.  There are three circles in front of each player on the table.  The circles are marked with the numbers 1, 2, and $.  To start the game a player places three equal bets in each circle.  The Shuffle Master machine deals out cards three at a time.  The dealer places the three-card hand in front of each player.  After each player received his cards, the dealer discards one card leaving two cards face down in front of the dealer.  The machine counts out the remaining cards into the discard tray.  When this is finished, the players are allowed to look at their three-card hand.  At this point you have the option to take back your bet in circle number one or let it Ride.  To take back your bet you scrape your cards on the table toward you or you make a brushing motion with your hand.  After all the players have made their decisions the dealer will turn up the first of the two community cards, which is in front of the dealer.  This card is used as the fourth card for all the player’s hands.  You now have the option of taking down your second bet or letting it ride.  You make take down the second bet even if you let the first bet ride but you cannot take down or put the first bet back up.  After all the players make their decision for the second bet, the dealer will turn up the second community card.  This card completes the five-card hand for every player.  At this point the dealer will pay all the winning bets according to the pay table.

Let Bet#1 ride if you have:

A winning Hand – Pair of Tens or Better

A three card Royal Flush

A three card Straight Flush

Let Bet#2 ride if you have:

A winning hand – pair of Tens or Better

A four card Royal or Straight Flush

A four card flush

Four High Cards

A four card Open ended Straight

Let It Ride Pay Table

• 1,000 to 1 for a Royal Flush
• 200 to 1 for a Straight Flush
• 50 to 1 for Four of a Kind
• 11 to 1 for a Full House
• 8 to 1 for a Flush
• 5 to 1 for a Straight
• 3 to 1 for 3 of a Kind
• 2 to 1 for 2 Pairs
• 1 to 1 for Tens or better

Although Let It Ride may be a popular game, one thing that I don’t like about it is that if you have pairs of 9’s on down to 2’s you lose.  Unlike Mississippi Stud where a pair of 6’s to 10’s is a push.  Of course, you could keep chancing it trying to make two pair but I assure you that the house edge is going to go against you.  Let’s just face it when the cards are hot they are hot but when they are not they are not.  Good Luck!

Roulette

One thing I can say is that over the years this game hasn’t changed much.  Although I have seen computerized versions of the game, yet I prefer playing it the traditional way.  Let’s take a look at the game of roulette.  The wheel in most American casinos has 38 numbered compartments: the numbers 1 through 36 plus 0 and 00.  Eighteen of the numbers are black and 18 of the numbers are red.  The numbers 0 and 00 are green.  On the wheel layout the red and black numbers change except near the green numbers.  There are two types of bets: Inside and Outside.

Inside bets

• One number bet you win 35 times your bet
• Two number bet you win 17 times your bet
• Three number bet you win 11 times your bet
• Four number bet you win 8 times your bet
• Six number bet you win 5 times your bet

Outside bets

These are even money bets e.g. you bet a dollar and you win a dollar.  These bets consist of red or black, odd or even, 1 to 18 or 19 to 36.  One fact about roulette is just as quick as you win money playing it you can lose it even quicker.  I strongly suggest that if you want to play a game that allows you to pass time and also build up a few comps roulette is definitely the game for you.  If you do play I recommend that you either play on a $.25 or a $.50 roulette table.  There really isn’t a particular strategy for this game.  The best advice I can give you on playing roulette is if you bet straight up on a number (odds are 35 to 1) and win on the next spin make sure you double up on that same number.  Good Luck!

The ROADHOUSE Casino in Tunica, MS

On my last visit to Tunica, MS I went by the ROADHOUSE Casino.  Now I was not impressed with the theme of the casino, which is like one big bar room.  I must say that I played Mississippi Stud for about half an hour off of a  buy in and they were very generous on a buffet comp.  Special thanks to Eloise and Debbie for making sure I got the buffet comp. Now the buffet at the ROADHOUSE is decent.  It does not have a large variety of foods to choose from but I if you get comped as I did I am sure you will make the best of it.  For those of you who are looking to stay at the ROADHOUSE I highly recommend you see Patricia Williams (Guest Service Representative) for your hotel accommodations.  She recieved the Star performer award in September for outstanding customer service.

The slots are pretty good.  They have wheel of fortune progressive slots which are almost up to $2 million dollars.  If you like roulette is your game they have a $.50 table.  Although the ROADHOUSE does not have a poker room, yet they have three poker tables in a desginated area that they open up on the weekends for $4/$8 no limit hold'em games.

The Horseshoe (Tunica, MS)

I know many of you probably can tell that I love playing poker.  I promise in the near future I will take my chances on other games like slots.  I had a chance to play poker at the Horseshoe Tunica,  I was not impress with this particular poker room.  First of all you have to play 3 hours just to get a buffet comp regardless of how much you buy in.  The atmosphere is not that friendly.  During my time playing in there I noticed that there were several locals who sat around soft playing the entire game.  Soft playing is just not good poker.

My experience at the Horseshoe Tunica Casino Hotel. was great! The rooms are spacious with a very serene atmosphere.  I want to personally thank Tyrone Hawkins, who is a casino host at the Horseshoe Tunica for helping me with my hotel accommodations.  I highly suggest that those of you who play mostly at Harrahs properties that if you visit Tunica see him for your accommodations at the Horseshoe.  I also want to Rhonda Henderson (Guest Service Representative) at the Horseshoe for the courtesy room upgrade when I arrived too early for check in when no rooms were available.  Special thanks to Kendra Tolbert and Jennifer Johnson who are also guest service representatives at the Horseshoe Casino hotel.  They provided me with stellar customer service when they assisted me in handling an issue I had with my room.  Thanks ladies! Keep on smiling!

SAM'S TOWN Tunica, MS

Just got back from Tunica, MS.  I had the privilege of playing poker at SAM'S TOWN Poker room.  I started out playing 1/3 Limit Hold'em.  Now I like the poker room at SAM's TOWN because unlike alot of other casino poker rooms you get credit for playing.  You earn $2.50 for every hour that you play poker.  They have daily tournaments as low as $20.  On this particular tournament you have unlimited re-buys for the first hour.  They also have a freeze out tournament with a buy in at $70.  I was very impressed with the atmosphere of the poker room there.There poker room is ideal for not only amateur players but also professionals as well.  They have a $25,000 in guaranteed prizes on November 12, 2011.  The buy in is $220 for this tournament.  To all of my poker heads out there I strongly suggest that you try to play in this tournament.  In the words of the SAM'S TOWN motto "Las Vegas Southern Style."

Casino Comps

Comps, which is short for complimentary are free things given away by casinos to make you make sure that you keep playing.  I personally believe that comps are one of the most successful marketing campaigns in the gaming industry.  Of course there are many different types of comps such as free buffets, show tickets, and free hotel stays.  Now you also get free drinks but don’t expect the top shelf stuff because most of the time that is reserved for the high rollers.

In order for you to take advantage of comps you have to register with the casino by getting a rewards card.  This enables the casino to see exactly how much you are spending when you do play.  Most casino’s will have at least three different play levels such as; gold, silver, and platinum.  Every time you buy in a game if you can afford to do so with no less than $100.  From the time of your buy in when you use your player’s card the casino is keeping track of both your winnings and losses.  There are many people that are superstitious about using player’s cards because they are overly paranoid by an Orwellian ideology (Big brother is watching).  I assure you that using a player’s card in a casino has more advantages than disadvantages.  I receive offers every month from casino’s from free hotel rooms to free money.  Every chance I get I try to take advantage of comps and I highly suggest  that you do the same.

The Slots

Now when I go to casinos I mostly like playing table games but it is a known fact that slot machines are the lifeblood of most casinos.  Most people have their own strategies when it comes to playing lots.  For example, some feel that slots take in most of the money all day and night and pay off jackpots during the early morning hours.  There are some people who even believe that when the machines start clicking a certain way that they are about to pay off.  I assure you that most of those beliefs are just myths.  Occasionally I play the slots and sometimes when I want to slow down my inner gambling man.  Here are a few things that I recommend when playing the slots.  First, if you play $.25 slots make sure that you bet the maximum amount of coins on every spin because this will ensure the maximum payoff.  Secondly, stay away from the progressive slot machines because they rarely payoff.  Lastly, don’t be afraid to play the higher denomination slots such as $5, $10, and $25.  Believe it or not these slots pay off a little more frequently than the smaller denomination slots because people hardly play them. Most of these slots are either in what they call high limit rooms or they are in secluded areas away from the sometimes overcrowded groups of other slot machines.  Now as far as penny slots I am not really a big fan of them but they have had a major impact in casinos.  You have to be careful because although they may say a penny for every spin the average  bet for every spin may be $.25, which means that you can see your money leave just as fast as some of the higher amount slot machines.  For those of you who frown at slot machines because they are much slower pace than table games I just want you to know in case you didn’t that slots generate comps much faster.  Good luck!

Review of Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi, MS

The Beau Rivage is a hotel casino located in Biloxi, MS.  Now this place has class! I haven’t actually stayed at the hotel but I have played there.  I do know that the price of the rooms range from $149-$199 a night, it really depends on what day of the week you stay there.  First let me say that the slot play is decent but the table games are great! The Poker room is outstanding! It is always packed and full of action.  They have Omaha, No Limit, and Limit Poker.  I was impressed by the $200 Aces cracked, which I won within my first two hours of play.  They have a buffet that will surely have you coming back for more.  It contains a variety of food and to top things off it off there is complimentary wine and draft beer.  The Beau Rivage is one of the few casinos in the South that has the ambiance of Las Vegas.

Crap less craps vs. Regular Craps

Crap less crap table

Regular craps table

This is for my craps players.  Now as far as crap less craps this  game can be very deceptive! Unlike regular craps the house edge is a little greater in crap less craps.  Now in the traditional craps on the come out role if the shooter tolls a 7 or 11 you win.  If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 you lose.  Normally on the come out in regular craps I recommend you make a $5 world bet.  This allows you to bet on the 2, 3, 11, and 12.  This particular bet is a one roll bet.  If the shooter rolls a 7 it will push.  If a 2, 3, or 12 are rolled although you will lose your pass line bet you will get your money back.  You can consider that world bet on regular craps to be insurance on your pass line bet.  In crap less craps if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 11, or 12 they become the point number.  This is when a pass line bet gives the house a serious edge.  Think about it; there is only one way to roll a 2, 3, 11, and 12.  You are almost certain to see a seven out before making those numbers as points.  When playing crap less craps I strongly recommend making place bets on the 6 and 8 instead of making a pass line bet.  I would bet those two numbers until I had a bad feeling about the luck of the shooter.  Then I would take my bets on both numbers all the way down.  I would also make place bets on the 2, 3, 11, and 12.  Unlike the proposition bets there are not one roll bets.  They pay off on the place bets are nice!  Crap less crap tables are kind of hard to come by.  I have seen one at the stratosphere in Las Vegas and I have also seen one in Tunica, MS at the Roadhouse Casino (formally the Sheraton).  You can do pretty well on crap less craps.  Walk up to a table and try your luck!

Mississippi Stud

Mississippi Stud is a fairly new five card poker game that lets players put it all on the line by betting up to 10 units on a single line.

To play players make an ante bet to receive their first two cards.  The dealer will place 3 community cards face down in the middle of the layout

Once they receive their cards, players may either fold or make the 3rd Street bet of one to three times their ante.  The dealer then will reveal the first community card, and players may either fold or make the 4th Street bet of one to three times their ante.  The dealer will then reveal their second community card, and players can fold or stay in the game by making the 5th Street bet from one to three times their ante.

After the dealer turns over the final community card, he/she resolves all bets left in action.  Players win their five-card hand that contains a pair of 6's or better.

Now when you first look at this game it can be a little intimidating but I assure you that it is not as hard as it looks.  It does help to have a basic understanding of hand rankings in poker because if you don't you may have a slight problem following the game.

Whenever you go to a casino the Mississippi Stud tables are rarely unoccupied.  This game is extremely popular! When I first played this game I did terrible! I turned around and played it again in Vegas and was able to turn a $200 investment into $2,600.  I played heads up with the dealer for two hours.  There are many people that believe that it is taboo to play heads up with the dealer on certain games.  I personally feel that when playing Mississippi Stud your odds might just be a little better playing heads up with the dealer.  Here are the pay table odds.  Good Luck!

Royal Flush            500 to 1
Straight Flush         100 to 1
Four of a Kind         90 to 1
Full House               10 to 1
Flush                          6 to 1
Straight                      4 to 1
Three of a Kind          3 to 1
2 Pairs                        2 to 1
Pair of J's or better      1 to 1
Pair of 6's - 10's          Push
Everything else is a loss

The Fred Ogletree "Standing 16 Blackjack rule"

The game of blackjack has been around for a very long time. The object of the game is to get cards totaling 21, or as close as possible without going over and to get a better total than the dealer.  There are some people that believe that it is a game based solely on luck.  When playing blackjack there is a very small percentage of the game that requires skill.  Almost every casino has at least four different versions of the game of blackjack.  The different types of games are: single deck, double deck, lucky ladies, and twenty one plus three.  The basic rules of the game of blackjack are for players to get as close to the number twenty one beating the dealer without going over that number. There are rules that say that aces and eights should always be split into new hands.  One rule in particular that is questionable is always taking a mandatory hit on your hand when the dealer is showing ten on the up card.  There is an exception to this rule.  I call it the standing 16 rule.  Whenever a player gets dealt a card totaling 16 there are only four cards that he/she will be safe with. If the dealer up card is a 2, 3, 4, and 5 there is a strong possibility that the dealer will bust out the hand.  Be careful though because sometimes although the dealer up card may be a 2 it is called a dealer ace and a hand can be made out of that 2 without busting.  In most cases that is exactly what will happen. Now it is not mandatory for a player to take a hit becoming a sacrificial lamb for the rest of the players at the table.

In my experience using the standing 16 rule I have at least 3 times in a shoe that contained 8 to nine decks of cards when I did not take the hit on the 16. In some cases it can even save the other players on the table by not hitting the 16 which may lead to the dealer busting his/her hand. The standing 16 rule will work in every blackjack game regardless if it has a side bet or not. Always remember to play at your own pace. Don't worry about the comments of other players. Playing blackjack is a social task. Nobody can tell you how to play with your own money.

Blackjack is a card game that is more than luck. It requires a little skill, especially when using the standing 16 rule. There is no guarantee that it will work every time it is used, but it will reduce the house edge slightly considering the fact that it is expected for you to take a hit on 16. A great maxim is to play smarter and not harder in the game of blackjack.

Review of Island View Casino in Gulfport, MS

I had the pleasure of staying and playing at the Island View Casino.  Now this casino is only five years old but I assure you that although it may still be in an infancy stage, yet that does not minimize its ability to compete with some of the larger casinos in the Biloxi area.  It is actually located in Gulfport, MS, which is about 20 minutes from Biloxi (depending on the traffic).  Island View is very accessible and the area where is located unlike the other casinos is not congested at all.  Now its staff such as: front desk, table game dealers, floor supervisors etc. provide exemplary customer service! I was very impressed with the hotel rooms! The slots are hot! Table games such as "Lucky Ladies blackjack, Flop Poker, and one of my favorites Mississippi Stud.  If you are tired of being forced to use your comps in casino buffet don't worry because Island View Casino has a restaurant called the cg&grille.  This place has very reasonable prices with excellent food; they also gladly accept your hard earned casino comps.  Every month Island View Casino has something going on whether it is slot tournaments, blackjack tournaments, or just live entertainment.  If you are planning to visit the Biloxi area and are planning to do a little gambling I highly recommend that you visit the Island View Casino.  Here is the contact info for the Island View Casino http://islandviewcasino.com/

The Grand Biloxi Casino is in desperate need of improvement

I visited the Grand Biloxi casino about 3 months ago.  I was very disappointed! Now for the past 8 years I have thoroughly enjoyed Harrah's properties.  Unfortunately, the Grand Biloxi property leaves little to be desired.  Let me start by saying to my poker players that it does not have a poker room.  There is a small amount of table games and slot machines.  The staff I came in contact with were not friendly at all.  This is definitely one casino that I do not recommend for my serious casino people.