Poll Preview: How Do You Prefer To Learn about Playing a New Game?

Poll Preview: Which media do you prefer when it comes to learning about playing a new gambling game?

This poll on whether you prefer books, videos, software, strategy cards, etc. for learning a new gambling game is one we ran a little less than four years ago. We thought we'd revisit if for two reasons.

First, since the shutdown in March and during the continuing shelter-in-place directives in many places, we've heard from many customers who've taken some of the extra time at home to learn and practice new gambling games or refamiliarize with old ones.

Second, we're in the preliminary stages of producing a pair of new books by James Grosjean, considered by many to be the dean of advantage players, on the poker-derivative "carnie" games, such as Mississippi Stud, Jackpot Holdem, Ultimate Texas Holdem, Criss-Cross Poker, and possibly others.

As a publisher of gambling information, we're always looking for the best ways to disseminate and convey gambling concepts, rules, strategies, and theories. Here are the (slightly amended) choices from the 2017 poll. Let us know if any need changing, updating, or eliminating and if you have any ideas for other choices.

Books. Books are still the best. They give me the most information and I like the process of learning from A to Z.

Strategy cards. Just give me the important information in an easy-to-use format.

Videos. I prefer to watch the types of videos you can find on YouTube, assuming they’re from a credible source.

Tutorial software. Nothing is stronger than learning as you play, e.g., the Video Poker for Winners software.

Blogs. Good blogs that go up often online and are more timely are most useful to me.

User input. Message boards, along with platforms like Yelp and Trip Advisor, bring together the knowledge of many users.

Hands-on training. If I really want to learn something, I don’t mind paying for a tutor or online training course.

Audio books. I’d buy them if they were available.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

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Comments

jeaninemb Aug-12-2020

Combination

I use a combination of tutorial software and strategy cards. Blogs are interesting reading and offer perspective that raise my interest and broaden my strategy. I think a choice for combinations sources is needed.

Dave Aug-12-2020

Recreational gambler

As a recreational gambler, I would just ask the dealer and watch and/or play a couple hands. If I’m still intrigued, I’ll read the rule card. 

But do the actual math? Not unless I thought the game was beatable due to a design flaw.

Pat Higgins Aug-12-2020

Big tex

I like hands on classes as I learn more of I choose carefully.  Although I will admit a couple of the seminars were hot worth the money I paid as they depended on hunches such as “A blackjack  has not occurred in 10 hands so bet big as a BJ is due.”  A true story so be wear.

Dorothy Kahhan Aug-12-2020

A few methods

For BlackJack, I like to use the strategy cards, reinforced with software to practice. Software that I like is Casino Verite, Blackjack 6-7-8, and Deepnet Technologies (Counter/Audit/Mentor/Expert). For Video Poker, I like to practice with Video Poker for Winners. I also enjoy reading the books for historical perspective and current practices, and have quite a few BlackJack books in my library, but I find that the software tools work best for me.

Alan Canellis Aug-12-2020

Format

The book choice should be divided into Physical or Electronic.  And electronic can be printed.  Reduces the cost of publication.

O2bnVegas Aug-12-2020

how many picks?

Will this be a pick one, or pick all that apply?  As mentioned, some use more than one media type.

Is there a way to allow 'voting' of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or is that even relevant?

The choices look good as written.  JMHO.

The Dr Aug-12-2020

Perfecting My Game

Which do I prefer?  All of them.  I find that I become a better player using all the tools available.  Someday may be considered an Advantage Player. In my dreams :)

jeepbeer Aug-12-2020

What works for me

Software first by far, Books (but more for overview than detail), and a far distant third would be strategy cards.

Jeffrey Small Aug-12-2020

Checking the Odds

Going to the "Wizard of Odds" website to see the house advantage on the game and the variants (such as side bets in blackjack).

Adam Cohen Aug-12-2020

More then one

I use to read but I hate to say I do the video but I would pay for quality Video. Than I use a card to help reinforce. In a perfect world it would go Video - App to practice- Card to remind. Can I rank order your choices. Also I am not an advance player I want to sit a table or I guess a machine and stretch my fun

Toad Aug-13-2020

These days

I got hurt in 2006 so these days I need a mix until I get it to learn new things. Hands on one on one is best for me. I with Vegas casino offered classes for a set price and then you gamble with fake chips to learn. That way I don't lose my shirt as I am trying to learn.

Question of the Day - 12 August 2020

Comments