Archive 2000

Casino Gambling by Mark Pilarski

Poker

Dear Mark, In my favorite casino, the Caribbean Stud progressive tote is at $55,200 for a royal flush. How good a wager, and when is it mathematically in my favor? Jimbo M. Wagers

Dear Mark, I really enjoy your column on the internet, but I have yet to see a discussion on two new table games on the floor: Let it Ride and Caribbean Stud Poker. Caribbean Stud and Let it Ride advantages

Dear Mark, Why is it that every time I'm dealt one card short of the royal flush, when I draw I never get the card I need? Just yesterday I was dealt all but the queen of spades, and sure enough, I got the lousy three of hearts. It makes me believe the casino controls who and when someone hits a jackpot. Why can't that queen of spades show up just once? Katherine R. So Close but yet so far

Dear Mark, I am having a minor dispute with a friend about 'jack's or better' five card draw. Is there usually (obviously house rules vary from place to place, but in general) a requirement to prove you have a pair of jacks or better to open? When I learned this game, there was no such requirement and you could actually bluff the open . My friend now tells me that this is not the case and penalties like matching the pot are usually imposed if the opener does bluff. What is your experience on this issue? John K. Penality for Bluffing

Dear Mark, In the past, individuals have written you asking specific questions about Caribbean Stud Poker. Could you please give a brief explanation of how the game is played, its downside and is it really as popular as everyone says? Donald B. Appeal with Caribbean Stud

Dear Mark, Could you please give a brief description of the rules for Let It Ride? Hugh G. Rules for Let it Ride

Dear Mark, My friends and I get together once a month for a night of poker. We were playing seven card, high low split. All the cards had been dealt and the betting started. Brant opened and checked. There were a couple of bets around the table and then it came back to Brant. He saw the bets and raised. At that time I protested and explained to him that because he had checked he couldn't raise. I didn't get much support at the table for this claim. I thought it was common knowledge. What's the ruling? Woody J. Checking and raising

Gambling thought: "The subject of gambling is all encompassing. It combines man¹s natural play instinct with his desire to know about his fate and his future."

Gambling thought: "It¹s not luck as luck, and if there is you can¹t depend on it. All you can do is playpercentages, play your best game, and when that critical bet comes money game there is always a critical bet push hard."

Gambling thought "I have always wondered if the results of the Versailles Conferences would have been different if Woodrow Wilson had been a poker player." Strategy and Winning Play

Gambling thought: "Gambling is a principle inherent in nature

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