For years I have always played a low pair before the flop, but on one of the television poker shows they said that wasn’t always smart, yet they didn’t give a detailed reason why. What are your thoughts of playing a low pair, such as 2’s or 3’s?

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...depending on the maker of the video poker machine, the draw cards are either behind the first five dealt cards, or they are dealt right from the top of a deck...(more)

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When does the random number generator stop and determine your outcome on a slot machine? Is it with the first coin, or when the player spins the reels?

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When does the random number generator stop and determine your outcome on a slot machine? Is it with the first coin, or when the player spins the reels?

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Dear Mark: I happen to be a very tight player when it comes to playing Texas Hold’em. When I get a real decent starting hand like Kings or Aces, I get a little overly excited and bet heavily, which throws bluffing right out the window. Any ideas on how I can throw off fellow players?

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Just talking about randomness may not be enough to really explain what is happening. It really involves the way our brain tricks selective memory and us. Then we trust that perception and start playing hunches.

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Is there a difference in payback between a standard $1 slot machine and a $1 Megabucks machine?

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Last week you mentioned comps and how to get them for blackjack players. How about for those of us who play slots, how do we get them?

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...a slot machine is programmed to pay off a particular percentage. However, a jackpot is equally as likely to be hit on any given spin, regardless of the length of time played or past results. We can’t amend the laws of probability, which dictate that the longer the machine is played, the closer it will come to its target payoff. But every spin is completely random. (more...)

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...a player at third base in blackjack has no effect on the outcome of the game. I've seen dumb players take the dealer's bust card far too many times to believe otherwise...(more)

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