Casino Gambling by Mark Pilarski

Player baffled on what works and what doesnıt

Dear Mark, Iım confused when it comes to working and non-working bets in craps. Which bets can be called off and when can they be working again? Stanley H.

The only two wagers that can be called "off" are place bets and odds. Off refers to a bet on the gaming layout that looks like it is in play, but both you and the dealer know that the money involved is for the time being not at risk. Dealers will generally mark your wagers OFF with a small chip-like marker on top that indicates the wager is not working. Only you, the player, decide when you want your bet working again. You do that by simply telling the dealer your wager is working by saying "odds working." When you want them not working, you state "odds off." By the way, Stan, place bets work in the same manner.

Dear Mark, I am interested in learning more about gambling cheats and con games. Would you recommend I purchase your audiocassette series Hooked on Winning? Lance G.

No, Lance, I would NOT recommend my tapes as a guide to card mechanics, dice hustlers, grifters and con men. Hooked on Winning (http://markpilarski.com) was designed as a way to master the subtleties of gambling while you travel to the Green Felt Jungle. I spend no time on the subculture of crooked gambling. Instead, look to this book, Gambling Scams, by Darwin Ortiz. Encyclopedic in scope, this fascinating read tells all on how illegal gambling scams work, how to detect them and how to protect yourself. Every recreational gambler whoıs been hustled at a Friday-night poker game, burned at bar bets or just want to know how a three-card monte dealer beats you every time can learn from this book.

Dear Mark, Does the "natural" in blackjack have to be a black jack (clubs, spades) and a black ace? David V.

In gaming, the word "natural" is used both in blackjack and baccarat. In blackjack, you do not need the inclusion of a black jack nor ace for the hand to be a natural. A natural can be any two-card hand that adds up to 21. For example, an ace of diamonds and a 10 of hearts would be considered a natural. In baccarat, a natural is any two-card total of eight (le petit natural) or nine (le grande natural).

Dear Mark, I saw an interesting bet on a blackjack game. You could bet either red or black based on the card the dealer was showing. Did you ever work in a casino that had this bet, and how good a wager is it? Lisa G.

Actually no, Lisa, Iıve never dealt the game nor worked in a casino that offered this wager. Nevertheless, the bet is simple enough. You wager on the color of the dealerıs up-card. Guess right and you are paid even money. If the up-card is the deuce of the color you chose, you push (tie). This slight rule variation gives the casino a 3.8% edge on the wager. As to the wager's quality, two thumbs down.

Dear Mark, Could you please settle this argument? Exactly how long is a dog track? My friend believes itıs a quarter mile. I say itıs longer. Whoıs right? Alex R.

You both are. Dogs commonly run a 495-yard track, also called a futurity. They frequently run a 440-yard race.

Gambling thought of the week: "The games became burning lights on the floor of my withdrawal, and later, while I slept, there were poker chips falling through my dreams."

Gambling thought: "He had the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces."

Gambling thought: Judged by the dollars spent, gambling is now more popular in America than baseball, the movies, and Disneyland

Gambling thought: "The majority of casino players leave too much to chance when playing in a casino. To put it bluntly, they don't have a clue as to how to play

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