How to Count Cards – The Secrets to Learn the Strategy
Dec 7th
You would surely be interested to learn about how to count cards once you have known that there is a card counting system for a blackjack game. Learning to do so will not only help you know more about the strategy. It can also help increase your winnings while you look forward to playing the game.
Everything actually starts with familiarizing yourself about the blackjack game. Know about the basic principles behind this and see what winning combinations are perfect as well. From here, you may then proceed to other essential parts of learning the strategy.
Studying how to count cards
The key to learning how to count cards is to study some rules. Use the typical six-deck blackjack game to learn strategies behind counting cards. Familiarize yourself with Las Vegas rules as well. When you are done with this, you can also practice shuffling the typical deck that contains 52 cards. Deal the cards as you would see in the usual blackjack game. See if you can get a combination that is closest to ‘21′.
When you have studied how cards are dealt, you can then learn more about the trends of pairs and all other combinations. Meaning, you can pay attention to how cards cancel each other in a game. Add to that, you should also learn more about the values of the cards. Aces, kings, queens, jacks and tens all give a value of-1. Cards from two to six, adds 1 to the total value of your card. Sevens to nines, on the other hand, will have zero effect.
Proceed to card counting proper
Once you are done with the basics of card counting, you can then proceed to the more complicated parts of the process. You should prepare a chart that will help you memorize the flow of cards played in a game. The chart should also contain the basic strategies of blackjack. Memorize all of these things and it will be easier for you to count cards once you are playing the actual game.
Practice counting down the deck as well. Observe your pace while doing so. If you have counted the entire deck for more than a minute, then it means you should practice more. The secret to make things easier is to pair similar cards together. Once you notice that you can count the cards in let’s say, less than 25 seconds, congratulations! You will be able to start benefiting from this blackjack strategy.
How to count cards: Some extras
As you have finished the processes mentioned above, you are about ready to begin betting in a casino game. Once you play blackjack in casinos, make sure you bet only when the card’s true count is positive 2 or higher than that. How can you get the true count? Well, you simply have to divide the card count by the remaining number of decks in the game.
In order to appreciate how to count cards more efficiently you can also start practicing through online casinos. Make sure you choose reputable sites that can help you hone your skills depending on your own pace. Never get tired of practicing until such time you will feel that you can compete against professional casino players.
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Online Casinos on Your Mobile Device
Dec 5th
American online casinos may still be in the “to be determined” phase, but online casinos for US players abound, and you can use them legally in the United States. The reason that a number of online casinos turned their backs on US customers starting in late 2006 had to do with a law that was passed by a Congress anxious to adjourn before midterm elections that prohibited transactions from US banks or similar institutions to online gambling sites illegal.
There are now many alternative methods of US players transferring money to these sites that are legal, and many online casinos the world over welcome players from the US. And, as you might expect, they are expanding their offerings to the world of mobile technology, allowing players to participate on their iPhones, Android phones, and other types of mobile devices. Here is a brief snapshot of today’s mobile online gaming.
Online casinos know that playing on a mobile phone or other handheld device has great advantages. You don’t need a computer, and you can play from anywhere you can get a mobile data connection. Whether you use your mobile device for online gambling by going to the mobile versions of the websites or whether you use special apps for your device depends on the casino, the device, and where in the world you are located.
With the iPhone, it’s still mostly a matter of going to the mobile versions of the sites and using them. Betfair, a big UK online gambling operation, did get Apple to approve an iPhone app for their games, but it’s for use in the UK and Ireland only at this time. Many were surprised that the app was even approved, due to Apple’s strict rules about family friendly apps, but Betfair was able to do it. Shortly afterward, Paddy Power added an app for its UK and Ireland users, and both companies have seen quite a bit of success with their iPhone apps.
Some recent model cell phones that are not smart phones still allow you to play casino games with JavaScript platform software. To use these, you sign up for the mobile casinos as you would using your computer. The software can be scaled to fit your screen and add and remove functionality based on your particular phone model. You do not get the great graphics and playability you do with your computer, but it’s still pretty amazing what you can do with mobile gambling. In general, mobile roulette, blackjack, video poker, and slots are the most phone-friendly games.
Android phones may be the next big thing when it comes to online casinos. Paddy Power was the first online gambling site to produce a mobile casino app for Android phones everywhere. The app gives players total access to Paddy Power’s website services. Players can open new accounts, make deposits and withdrawals, and place bets. It also includes a full history function so users can view all previous transactions. The app has received a great response in Europe so far.
With the explosion in worldwide adoption of handheld mobile devices, it stands to reason that this sector of the internet casino market is set for major expansion in 2011 and beyond.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy playing at an USA online casinos there are plenty of them to choose from where you can show your skills.
The Martingale System Explained
Dec 4th
It is unclear exactly when the Martingale betting system was first created, but most experts agree it was sometime during the 18th century in France. The origin of the name itself is widely debated. There is no evidence of a Monsieur Martingale having ever actually existed.
The Basics
If you gamble regularly, or even just occasionally, you may already employ the Martingale system and not even realize it. The concept of the strategy is actually quite simple. First, you choose a fixed amount to bet, usually a rather small one. For the sake of this explanation, we’ll say you are playing a simple game of heads or tails with a coin and betting $5 that the coin toss will come up heads. In this scenario, a winning bet pays 1:1, which means for every dollar you bet, you stand to gain another dollar on top of it. If the coin toss does indeed result in heads coming up, you would collect the $5 you won and then maintain your original bet of $5 for the next coin flip. You would continue doing this until you experience a loss. As soon as you lose a $5 bet, you would immediately double that $5 and bet $10 on the next coin toss. If you win, you have recovered your previous loss plus you have won your original bet, which is another $5. However, if you lose that $10 bet, you will need to double your bet once again and bet $20, and so on and so forth. Eventually, assuming you have the funds to cover the exponential bets, you will win and therefore recover all of your past bets, plus that original $5 you began with.
The problems
Of course, if it was that easy, we’d all be striking it rich at the roulette table. There are certain inherent flaws of the Martingale system that should not be overlooked.
Many gamblers believe that the rising popularity of the Martingale system in Europe is what actually prompted the casino owners to implement table limits. This way, the Martingale gambler would likely eventually hit a ceiling where he or she could no longer double their bets, rendering the system ineffective.
Another obvious problem is that for the strategy to be completely foolproof, one would have to have an unlimited bankroll. Exponential bets can get out of hand rather quickly. Even if you’re only betting $5 at first, after your 8th consecutive loss you’ll be betting a whopping $1,280, and even if you win you’ll merely be recovering your losses and only profiting $5. Although on paper it makes sense, to an extent, for most people it would take nerves of steel to bet $1,280 to win $5, especially with 50/50 odds (at best).
Yet Another Problem: Casino Odds
You might be able to challenge your nephew to a game of heads or tails, but inside a real casino you’re not going to find anything with such even odds. In the casino, the house always has the edge. Popular games like Blackjack and Roulette are favorites among Martingale betters because the strategy is very conducive to the game. However, it isn’t quite that perfect.
With blackjack, regular bets are paid 1:1. In theory you could use the Martingale system at the blackjack table by doubling your bet with each consecutive loss of a hand of blackjack. The reason this system will eventually and inevitably fail with blackjack in particular is because of the house edge. You may think that since it is just you against the dealer, then the odds are even. You may even think you have an advantage since you can see one of the dealers cards and the dealer has to hit at a certain point where you don’t. What many people don’t take into account, however, is that the house edge actually stems from the fact that once the cards are dealt, the player has to make the next move. The opportunity to knock yourself out of the game by busting is what actually gives the house the advantage, and over time of course they will always win.
Roulette is a different story. There is no real strategy involved since it’s entirely a game of chance. You make a wager that a certain number or a number within a certain section of the board will come up, and if it does, you win. Fairly simple. The most popular bets on the roulette table for the Martingale better are usually the red/black or odd/even bets. The problem here lies within the fact that the roulette wheel does not contain only red/black or odd/even pockets. There is also the green zero, and on American roulette wheels, the green double zero. Although mathematicians may argue that zero is actually an even number, the casino owners will disagree. Unfortunately that’s an argument you can’t win. What the addition of these additional pockets means is that the house gains an edge. If it weren’t for the existence of these “wildcard” pockets, a roulette player could bet on red or black (or odd or even) all night and have the exact same odds as the casino. The existence of the single and double zero on the roulette wheel along with the other problems mentioned above render the Martingale system flawed, in the grand scheme of things.
For more info on the Martingale system, particularly pertaining to the game of roulette, check out Shop Roulette. You can also browse new and pre-owned professional as well as recreational roulette equipment and other various roulette strategy guides.
Roulette Strategies – 3 Ways to Finally Beat the House!
Dec 3rd
Globally, roulette is played by more players than any other casino game, bar slots. However, studies have shown that over 98% of players don’t follow any roulette strategy. Barely surprising then, that on average only 1 in 100 roulette players wins consistently over the long term.
Following a sensible and well though out roulette strategy will let you dominate the tables and finally beat the house.
Why are roulette strategies not more widely used? Most people have a strong desire to win. If not they wouldn’t play in the first place. The adrenaline rush is what drives players, but it is also what dooms most players to steady losses. Roulette strategies are rarely followed because few work, and those that do require some commitment.
Roulette strategies fall into three main categories:
- Roulette computer: This strategy consists of using a small hand-held device to detect the speed of rotation of the wheel, and the location and speed of rotation of the roulette ball. It is generally hidden under a coat and with a palm or calf based device to tap the result to the user. These devices are illegal in most jurisdictions and even where they can be used legally the casino will look very harshly upon anyone trying to use one.
- Tampering and equipment changes: Tampering with the roulette wheel was prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s. It required someone on the inside and usually involved increasing some ridges, or placing slippy coating on some positions to deter the ball from settling. Roulette strategies that rely on tampering no longer work. The equipment and casinos are now tamper proof in any casino.
- Odds-based roulette system: This type of roulette strategy relies on mathematical odds to determine a progression and bet size, based on previous behaviour of the wheel. Many do not work, but the more reliable, such as the Mayer roulette strategy, can yield excellent results if used properly.
In conclusion the only roulette strategies that still work are those that calculate odds and based on history and pure mathematics. These strategies can yield rich results and help you finally beat the house!
Alex Mayer is a gaming industry professional from London, England. With a masters in Mathematics she offers private consultancy and advice to casino operators. Alex is also the author of the Mayer Roulette Strategy, (http://www.mayer-roulette-strategy.co.uk). Get it now, with 100% money-back guarantee.