Casino Gambling For Dummies by Kevin Blackwood (PDF)

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Earn comps and avoid big losses Bet wisely, beat the house, and bring home the bucks! Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games –blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit). Discover how to * Understand the odds * Develop winning strategies * Avoid gimmicks and bad bets * Manage your money effectively * Gamble on the Internet * Deal with the IRS

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: From the Inside Flap Earn comps and avoid big lossesBet wisely, beat the house, and bring home the bucks!Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games —blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit).Discover how toUnderstand the oddsDevelop winning strategiesAvoid gimmicks and bad betsManage your money effectivelyGamble on the InternetDeal with the IRS From the Back Cover Earn comps and avoid big lossesBet wisely, beat the house, and bring home the bucks!Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games —blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit).Discover how toUnderstand the oddsDevelop winning strategiesAvoid gimmicks and bad betsManage your money effectivelyGamble on the InternetDeal with the IRS About the Author Growing up in a conservative small town along the Maine coast, Kevin Blackwood never anticipated visiting Sin City. With aspirations of becoming a college professor, he traveled the usual roads of academia, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in religious education and Biblical history. His journey took a sudden detour in 1984. While working on his doctorate at the University of Oregon, he learned how to count cards and started playing blackjack on weekends. His studies began to pale in comparison to the exciting world of gambling. And one day, after a futile effort to find a parking spot on the crowded campus, he bagged his plans to teach church history, quit school — and headed to Las Vegas. Since then, Blackwood has lived what many would consider the American dream, earning big bucks while working only part-time, winning consistently at blackjack tables all over the world. More recently, he has jumped on the Texas Hold’em bandwagon, with several poker tournament wins under his belt. His unusual life experiences inspired Blackwood to write a novel, The Counter (Wooden Pagoda Press). In addition, he is the author of Play Blackjack Like the Pros (HarperCollins), the most comprehensive guide to becoming a winning blackjack player. He has also written for magazines, including Casino Player, Midwest Gaming and Travel, Blackjack Insider, and Gambling.com. His TV appearances include the World Series of Blackjack (semifinalist 2005) and the Ultimate Blackjack Tour (finalist 2006). Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Casino Gambling For DummiesBy Kevin Blackwood Max RubinJohn Wiley & SonsCopyright © 2006Kevin BlackwoodAll right reserved.ISBN: 978-0-471-75286-8Chapter OneCasino Gambling 101: The Inside Scoop In This Chapter * Entering the world of casino gambling * Tallying up the casino’s many offerings * Pinpointing casinos on the gambling map * Testing your gambling aptitude I was a big golf fan during the game’s golden age, when Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer ruled the links. Yet, despite the presence of those two titans, I idolized Gary Player, a South African whose diminutive size made for a less-than-intimidating physical presence in the tee box. But Player’s welterweight appearance belied a heavy-weight swing. I was always amazed that someone so small could hit the ball so far. Believe it or not, casino gambling is a lot like golf. And, no, not because both games are about going for the green. Golf is all about technique, skill, and knowledge. And masters of the game are inspiring to watch. With swings as graceful and elegant as a ballet dancer’s leap, they make each challenging stroke look effortless. The pros seem to play as smoothly as those on the PGA tour. But, as in golf, the successful player has gathered important knowledge and studied effective strategies to finesse the outcome in his or her favor. In other words, casino pros aren’t winners just because they’re lucky, any more than Tiger Woods is a golf god because the angels of the green have smiled upon him. Trust me, the greats of the poker tournament circuit may look like they could take the table in their sleep – but they’re skilled, savvy, and have studied the game diligently. I’m guessing, though, that you’re not planning to become the Tiger Woods of blackjack … or keno … or the slots. Your gambling aspirations are probably similar to my golf ambitions: to play better, win more often, and increase enjoyment of the experience. And you have every reason to believe that you can attain your goal. But success requires knowledge, strategy, and some skill. You’ve come to the right place. This chapter (and book) can provide the preparation you need to help you find your swing in the casino. Entering the Casino: What You’re Up Against The first secret to gambling success is to understand the inner workings of the casino world before you’re seduced by the flash and dazzle. Casinos are sophisticated and highly successful enterprises – and they don’t get that way by giving away money. Your best bet, then, is to be aware of basic casino operations so you can manipulate the experience to your advantage. Marketing their way to your wallet They see you coming from miles away. They know exactly who you are, how much money you make, what you like and dislike, and whether you’re married, single, or divorced. Who are these omniscient watchers who track your secrets? The IRS? CIA? Al-Qaeda? None of the above. I’m talking about the marketing gurus at modern casinos. They’re constantly studying reams of data on millions of gamblers to develop profiles of guests who most willingly spend their discretionary income on a couple hours of distraction. Nothing is left to chance in a modern casino. Every possible element, from the design of the wallpaper to the thickness of the carpet, is there to draw you in and keep you gambling as long as possible. All the colors, sights, sounds, and sensations serve one purpose: to make you happy – even when you lose. Accepting the odds: The house rules The casino’s first commandment is “The house shall always win.” A couple of games permit sharp players to break even or eke out a small edge occasionally. But casinos are in business to make money, so for most players, winning is a losing proposition. Why? Three good reasons: The house charges a vigorish (commission) in some games, such as sports betting. (Check out Chapter 15.) In many games, the casino doesn’t pay out true odds. In roulette, for example, there are 37-to-1 odds of guessing the right number. But if you win, the payout is only 35 to 1. This difference may seem small, but that discrepancy actually gives the house one of the biggest edges in the casino. (Refer to Chapter 3 for an explanation of true odds and Chapter 9 for more info on roulette.) The casino has a house edge – a mathematical advantage over the player in any game. Throughout the casino, players must overcome odds that aren’t favorable to winning. (Read more about the edge in Chapter 3.) Your goal is to find games where the casino has the lowest edge. Craps is a great example. This fun, exciting game offers great odds – if you stay away from the bad bets. I explore craps in Chapter 8. To get the lowdown on house edge in other games, check out the individual chapters in Parts II and III. Protecting your money with a plan TIP For most people, developing a strategy for doling out their gambling bankroll can keep them out of serious trouble. Set a budget and stick to it. Consider contingencies (such as losing your bankroll in the first few minutes of your visit) and know how to respond when your wallet gets whacked. Your strategy, however, is only as good as your willpower. Nothing jacks up casino profits faster than undisciplined gamblers. If you’re an impulsive type, then gambling may leave your bank account looking like it just went 15 rounds with a heavyweight boxing champion. (Refer to Chapter 4, where I discuss important money-management issues.) Now, it’s certainly true that most people can save their money by avoiding casinos altogether. So, the best advice I can give to folks who don’t want to lose money is simple: Don’t gamble! But the conservative and prudent path in life isn’t the only choice (and that would make for a very short book). Gambling can be a great way to spice up a vacation and break out of a boring routine. Gambling is all about taking a risk – exposing yourself to a chance of loss. WARNING! However, don’t overdo it. Government studies show that as many as 1 in every 25 adults has a problem with compulsive gambling. Think about that the next time you sit down at a blackjack table. Several people in the pit probably shouldn’t be there. Could you be one of them? Gambling addiction is a serious matter (refer to Appendix B for some helpful info). Identifying the colors of the rainbow Knowledge is power and is your only ally against the formidable forces that threaten to separate you from your hard-earned cash. One piece of knowledge you definitely need, particularly if you’re going to wade into the shark-infested waters of table games, is the varying colors and matching denominations of standard casino chips. REMEMBER The casinos make this bit easy for you because the chips also have a denomination printed on them so that you know the red chip, for instance, is worth $5 and the green chip is worth $25. The following is a comprehensive list of common casino-chip colors, as well as their corresponding values: White: $1 Red: $5 Green: $25 Black: $100 Purple: $500 Burgundy: $1,000 Brown: $5,000 Playing the Games: What’s Your Poison? Casino games are as diverse as the people who play them – and that’s part of the fun. You may think of craps as a rough-and-tumble game, played by hustlers and wiseguys, but step into a casino and you’re just as likely to spot an angelic-looking nurse rolling dice next to a cursing cowboy from Texas. And, because no game has a precise player profile, don’t restrict yourself to the few games that you think suit you. Give each one a try and see where it takes you. TIP Although the majority of casino visitors prefer slot machines, chances are, if you’re reading this book, you’re willing to try new ways to gamble. After you read this book and know which games have the best odds, I suggest you take a quick walk around the casino floor to see where you want to start and give several of them a try. Touring the table games In a casino, the tables come in all shapes and sizes, from the oval shape of poker tables to the half-round crescent of blackjack to the long rectangle of craps. And the table is just about all they have in common. Unspoken rules seem to govern the table games. Most casino guests have discovered from experience to avoid the taboos: holding your cards with two hands, touching chips in the betting circle after the cards are dealt, and throwing the dice so wildly that they fly over the rail and end up in somebody’s drink. You can discover general casino etiquette in Chapter 5 and more game-specific rules in most chapters. However, before you worry about acting proper, this section includes a brief overview of the main table games that you may encounter in a casino. Poker: Boosted by Internet and TV tournaments To say that poker is taking over the world may be only a slight exaggeration. Considering its current popularity explosion, Texas Hold’em could replace war as a way to settle regional conflicts. In truth, many factors have contributed to the card game’s wide appeal, including the broad reaches of the Internet and television poker tournaments. But technology is only one factor. The big draw? Poker is one of the few games where good players consistently win. In poker, you compete against other players rather than the house. And with honed skills and intimate knowledge of the game, you can have a significant edge over those other, less-prepared gamblers. TIP Hiding your emotions is a requisite skill for successful poker. They don’t call it poker face for nothin’! So, if you can’t control your nervous ticks when you bluff or if your eyes get as big as saucers when you make a full house, either play your poker online or put a bag over your head. (For other tips, read Chapter 6.) Blackjack: The best odds Blackjack (also called 21) has been the most popular table game in casinos for more than 40 years. The card game always draws a loyal crowd because it’s easy to understand, provides good camaraderie, and offers great odds. If you memorize basic strategy (that is, the optimal way to play every hand), your chances of winning at blackjack are better than at virtually any other game in the casino. Blackjack also is intriguing because each hand is like a movie clip – with you as the star. Each game has an opening scene (the deal), the simmering suspense (the dealer’s hidden card), the moment of truth when the hero (you!) makes a dramatic choice, and finally the conclusion, where the hero wins or loses. The trick, of course, is to have more happy endings than tragedies. (Chapter 7 provides a thorough look at best blackjack strategies.) Craps: Backslaps, high-fives, and cheerleaders This dice game draws a raucous crowd and has many of the best bets in the casino. Some guests find the noise and the complex layout of craps to be a little intimidating. But before you slink back to your comfort zone, consider this fact: The house advantage is low in craps, making this game a great bet. Just be sure you stick with the best craps bets. Furthermore, craps is like a sporting event, with its dramatic swings of luck, high-fives, backslaps, and noisy cheering section. Every roll has a home team (players who bet with the dice) and an opposing team (wrong-way bettors) that gets dirty looks and ridicules from the hometown fans. Now, if they just had those big foam We’re No. 1 fingers, the experience would be complete (but a little hard to roll the dice). For more on craps, check out Chapter 8. Roulette: The place for eccentric hunches The spinning wheel of roulette symbolizes the world of casino gambling. This popular, entry-level game is ideal for novice gamblers because it requires absolutely no skill, concentration, or complex strategies. You simply bet on the number or possible numbers that the ball will land on. A table full of players can be quite sociable, although not as rowdy as a craps game. Roulette gives you a chance to play your eccentric hunches on a single number, a combination of numbers, or on an even-money wager that can just extend your playing session. Refer to Chapter 9 for more on roulette. Baccarat: More tuxedo than T-shirt Although blackjack and poker appeal to the masses, baccarat is a card game that draws a far more upscale and refined crowd. You’re more likely to see tuxedos than T-shirts playing this game. But everyone is welcome, so even if you don’t have a penguin costume in your closet, check out baccarat for a game that’s simple to play (just bet on the bank) and has fair odds. For the complete lowdown on baccarat, read Chapter 10. Let It Ride, Pai Gow, and other table games Beyond the traditional favorites, several other table games have developed a strong following. Today, most casinos intersperse Caribbean Stud poker, Let It Ride, Pai Gow, and Three Card poker tables throughout their pits. WARNING! These games are fun diversions when you need a change of pace, but a word of caution: Don’t play too long. These games have odds that may make you wish you’d gotten mugged instead of gone gambling. Unless you have a passion for these games (along with a bottomless bank account), don’t make a habit of playing them. I tell you why in Chapter 11. Turning to machine games For some folks, the intimidation factor of table games is too much to bear. Excuse me while I dab the tears from my eyes, but I’m touched when I realize that nearly all casino operators – through the goodness of their hearts – thoughtfully accommodate shy gamblers by supplying acres of go-solo gaming machines. Even the most timid gambler can enjoy a satisfying time at these machines – no bluffing by other players, no angry gamblers if you hit or stand at the wrong time, and no embarrassment about table rules. The lone gambler squares off against a machine (or in the case of the loony gambler, against several machines at once). REMEMBER Just remember that the best and worst that the casino has to offer are often sitting side by side. This section looks more closely at slot machines and video poker, two entirely different beasts. They have very different rules and very different odds. This section also briefly discusses keno and bingo. Slot machines: From one-armed bandit to high-tech robotic At one time, slot machines were simple devices. You put a coin in, you pulled a lever, and the reels spun. When they stopped, you heard the soothing sounds of clinking coins … or painful silence. Sure, you spent only a nickel or a quarter, but that silence was so painful that you couldn’t help but put in another coin. If you’ve been in a casino recently, you know how everything about gaming machines has changed. The humble one-armed bandit is now a sophisticated robotic master thief, with enough computing power to fly the space shuttle. This soulless adversary even plays you a little song while it gleefully sucks up all your coins. Sure, the games still have some reminders from the past (like fruit or bells on the paylines), but the level of sophistication grows every day. And today’s slots are the most popular game in the casino, hands down – despite the fact that they offer some of the worst odds in the house. Slot machines occupy all that space on the casino floor for a good reason – people love to pump money into them, and they’re available in practically any denomination – from pennies to dollars. If you’re a person who just can’t say no to their alluring call, make sure you read Chapter 12, so you can pick a worthy game with a better-than-average payout table. (Continues…) Excerpted from Casino Gambling For Dummiesby Kevin Blackwood Max Rubin Copyright © 2006 by Kevin Blackwood. Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site. Read more

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I just picked this up before an upcoming trip to Vegas, and read through most of it. The author’s writing style is very readable, he goes to great lengths to simply explain all the common table games and their relative level of fun versus the house advantage cost of playing them. I highly recommend this book for those looking to add some new games to their casino experience.

⭐I bought this as a joke gift for my brother-in-law. Did thumb through it and it seemed like it had some good tips on how to at least act like you know what you know what you are doing in a casino so as not to embarrass yourself. Helpful as to the gambling aspect? I couldn’t tell. It was great for what I bought it for.

⭐My husband got this because he became more interested in casino games and wanted to know more. He says ithas improved his knowledge and he is ready to visit Vegas again.

⭐Really focused on the basics. Bought it before a Vegas trip and actually came out ahead playing blackjack. Simple to understand. Fun read.

⭐This book is pretty awesome. It provides a no BS description of your odds on various casino games. It tells you which games to avoid if you want to win. I would reccomend this to anybody who wants to have more fun and win a little more often at the casino.

⭐This book is great for those wanting to learn how to play the basic casino games (poker, craps, roulette, etc.) and know table etiquette. I haven’t finished the book yet but what I have read so far has been very helpful. The book is extensive and covers just about everything, plus the dashes of humor make the reading fun and enjoyable. Shipping was prompt, item arrived on the expected delivery date and was in excellent condition. If you are contemplating whether or not to buy this book, do it….it is money well spent.

⭐Great for reference, tips, and to better learn the fine points and wagers of classic casino games.

⭐No you won’t win thousands of dollars by reading this book, but if you follow the guidelines you won’t lose thousands either. I saw a guy in Vegas drop $500 in 20 minutes at craps doing something that this book said in the craps section to absolutely not do: This book has good advice on what not to do and what to do. If you want to have fun gambling, if you are worried about just throwing your money away because you don’t know the rules, if you worried about not knowing table etiquette or which hand motions to use when, if you are worried about looking a fool to the others at the table, then this book will calm your fears. Most importantly it points out what the odds are for each game, and when you find a game that suits you the book shows you how to possibly be a winner by playing conservatively and how not to definitely be a loser by falling for the “showy” bets. I thought it to be a very good book for a beginner.

⭐As a gambling professional I am always on the lookout for books that can show me different sides of my work – this is a very generic book that, IMHO is not T-H-A-T great.it’s a good one to begin, but the Mensa Guide to Gambling is a far superior product.

⭐TICKED ALL THE BOXES-EXPLAINED EVERYTHING IN A CONCISE. UNDERSTANDABLE MANNER . NOT TOO EXPENSIVE EITHER. WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHERS IF ASKED

⭐Very concise and thorough look at gambling in Casinos with good advice regarding the layout of the casinos and how they operate as well as the game tutorials too. Would perhaps work better with a DVD showing demos, but I used it with You Tube to clearly explain.

⭐Gave a good overall view of the various ways to gamble in the casinos. Also how the odds work in the favour of the house, so you can reduce your risk with the correct games

⭐Great

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