Las Vegas Advisor

Posted on December 29, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 5 Comments

A Life Changing Book

Someone recently mentioned that one of the characters in the book, The Ultimate Edge, was based on himself. This book, written by Mark Billings, talks about blackjack in the 80s. It includes some insider tips that I haven’t seen elsewhere and ends with a discussion of the main characters’ best play.

I read the book in preparation for a Gambling with an Edge visit from the author on April 4, 2013 and came across one tiny throwaway section that has brought a lot of fun to my life. I wrote about it back then, but since I’m sure many of my readers didn’t read that particular column 7½ years ago, I’ll repeat the fun part here.

Posted on December 27, 2020 by Dave Kamsler — 4 Comments

Since You Asked—The Price Is Right

I’m a huge fan of “The Price Is Right.” In fact, I’ve traveled to California several times to try to get on the show. I got to see both Bob Barker and Drew Carey, but alas, I’ve never been picked to come on down.

If you don’t want to go to California, or if you’re in Vegas anyway, you can get a good taste of “TPIR” at Bally’s Jubilee Theater, with the stage version of the show (when it’s running; currently, it’s not).

Posted on December 22, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 23 Comments

“I Hate Stations,” She Said.

In January of this year, I was preparing to teach a video poker class at the South Point. As is my custom, once I got set up, I went around to chat with the students before the class began.

One lady I had never seen before seemed to be a friend of a frequent student. She told me her name and proclaimed, “I hate Stations!”

Posted on December 15, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 9 Comments

Am I the Favorite?

The following email was sent to [email protected]. The correct answer, although not that difficult, has too much math for a podcast. So, I’m addressing it here.

I play full pay Jacks or Better (99.54% return), exclusively. I play $1 denomination at max bet for $5 a hand. The casino that I usually play at gives me, at minimum, $90 worth of free play once a week. For cash back, $5 coin-in on video poker earns one point. One thousand points is equal to $1 in value.

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Dave Kamsler — 8 Comments

Since You Asked — Hash House A Go Go

Continuing my theme of Las Vegas food institutions, this post pays homage to Hash House A Go Go.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with it, whether it’s the location on the Strip (the Linq), downtown (the Plaza), off-Strip (the Rio or West Sahara Avenue), local (Summerlin or Henderson), or or one of the several out-of-town locations. In the recent LVA poll on the best locals breakfasts, Hash House A Go Go placed second in the survey, with 13% of the vote; only the venerable Peppermill surpassed it.

Posted on December 8, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 17 Comments

Response to a Blog Comment

For the past two weeks, I’ve been posting about using different software in order to learn to play. A comment on the first such post read (lightly edited):

“Just some of plays worth two cents or less if you make the wrong one are sometimes on the rare side and some are somewhat common. So, for me personally, I wouldn’t sweat making this mistake once an hour or so. I’d compare this article to a card counter learning every single playing index for blackjack. While there is an index for splitting 10’s vs 2 and then doubling if one of them receives an ace, is it really worth learning?”

Posted on December 1, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 1 Comment

Comparing Software on Difficult Hands — Part II of II

Today we’re continuing last week’s discussion of comparing video poker software.

If you’re planning on playing Quick Quads or Ultimate X, the Pro Training software is the way to go. It’s accurate and gives you correction. I’m someone who highly values getting correction when I’m trying to play a game for real money. Other games that are unique to this software, but I don’t happen to play them, are Build a Wheel Poker, Color Match Poker, Deal Draw Poker, Double Pay Poker (single hand), Extra Action Poker, and Wheel Poker.

Posted on November 24, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 5 Comments

Comparing Software on Difficult Hands — Part I of II

This week’s article explains how WinPoker and Video Poker for Winners help you in different ways to become a competent player. Next week covers a new piece of software called Pro Training that’s available on the website www.videopoker.com for a monthly or annual fee.

I’ve had a lot of discussions with “Kal.” Kal played successful blackjack for years, but is relatively new to video poker. We bring different “beating the house” skills to the table and enjoy learning from each other.

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Dave Kamsler — 4 Comments

Since You Asked — Thanksgiving between Two Pieces of Bread

Are you a friend of the TV show “Friends”? Have you always wanted to try Ross’ Thanksgiving leftover sandwich? Well, you can (sort of).

If you don’t venture off the Strip much, you may not be familiar with legendary Vegas sub shop Capriotti’s. There are about a dozen locations across the Vegas Valley; the most convenient ones are on Sahara west of the Strip (in the same strip mall as Golden Steer steakhouse) and on Paradise, across the street from the Virgin (formerly the Hard Rock).

Posted on November 17, 2020August 24, 2023 by Bob Dancer — 1 Comment

“Don’t Be So Negative”

This is a repeat of a column from more than 10 years ago. Today, the games are different. I play at different places. I’ve even changed my wife! (Not on purpose. Fortunately, I’ve ended up in a good place with Bonnie. Shirley has moved back to Las Vegas after a time in California. She started showing up at the same advanced square dance group that Bonnie and I attend. For a time, it was awkward for Bonnie, but not so much anymore. I have no interest in turning back the clock and hooking up with Shirley again, and I’m pretty sure she feels similarly.) The thought processes I went through at the time remain intact today and are worth discussing.

One Wednesday evening, I was at my desk, answering email, recording daily results, preparing an article for the next week, etc. Shirley came in and asked if there was anything she could do. I told her she could sort my bag if she wanted.

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