Archive for February, 2010

Are Odds Calculators Considered Cheating?

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

oddscalc_ss1It may sound surprising, but these programs are not considered cheating tools. In respect to the odds calculator software, using these devices is no different then relying on a calculator to add, subtract, multiply and divide for you on a math test. Although these strategy calculators do provide you with information on the best probabilities based on your hand and your other opponents’ (depending on the tool you use), they do not provide you with extra turns, cards, or the ability to see another player’s hand. In short, odds calculators randomly work out the probabilities of your cards, nothing more.

That being said, in regards to certain player profiling programs (with the exception of poker tracker, as its purpose is to track every opponent you have played as you’ve played them), there are increasing debates on whether or not some of these programs should be allowed in online poker rooms.

The reason is because some programs allow the tracker to study the other opponent through the use of a program that follows the player being tracked from table to table. These programs record the players playing style, and the tracker gains all of this information without ever having to play that particular player repeatedly in order to come to this conclusion on their own. Thus, some believe that the players who are being constantly tracked are given an unfair advantage when faced against the player who has tracked them, as the tracker already has a good idea when the other player will fold, call, raise or bluff. Currently player profiling software is not illegal, but there is no question that the use of such programs is sneaky, and takes the fun and excitement out of the joy of truly outwitting your fellow opponents and winning the pot.

Table-Hopping

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Table-hopping is the use of card counting to avoid playing when the odds are against the player. There are many advantages to this style of play.

  • Little or no money is lost playing negative counts.
  • The standard deviation is reduced by playing fewer hands.
  • A smaller bankroll is required.
  • A large bet spread is not needed.
  • No time is wasted playing out shoes that will never turn favourable.
  • Crowded conditions become an asset instead of a liability
  • There is no need to learn playing strategy variations for negative decks.

There are two complementary forms of table-hopping: Back-Counting and Table Departure. tablehopping

Back-counting is keeping the count at a table without having a hand in play. The player does not enter the game until the count indicates a slight edge for the player. Some counters are even more selective and wait for an advantage of a full 1% or more before joining the table.

Table departure is abandoning the table when the count is so low that the rest of the shoe is unlikely to be favourable to the player. The main variations on this theme are taking a break and returning when the cards are shuffled or finding a different table. The system does not differentiate between large and small player disadvantages, but as a rule, the count should be rising throughout the shoe. If a large number of cards have been seen and the count is still at or below the starting count it may be a good time to miss some hands. The idea is to leave the table when the player has a disadvantage greater than about 1.0%.

How can 888bingo offer such large bonuses to its players?

Monday, February 8th, 2010

online-bingo-bonusHave you ever wondered how bingo rooms like 888bingo can offer such large signup bonuses to their players? You may think it is complicated, but in reality, it is simple.

Online bingo rooms need players to make a profit. Everyone knows that. So, their goal is to get as many players as they can to join. They do this by offering them money to join.

First off, we must understand that they are not giving you 100% bingo free money. They are giving you money to use in their online bingo room. You have to play a certain number of games to be able to cash this money out. This accomplishes one thing: it keeps the players playing, and they are more likely to fall in love with the game and keep on coming back for more.

Believe it or not, most online bingo rooms actually assign a dollar value to players. Now, this has nothing to do with the size of their bankroll. Here is an example:

Based on the stats taken by an online bingo room, they may be able to determine that each player, on average, will deposit $100 in their lifetime, and they will lose half of it to the bingo room. Now, some players will win more, and some players will lose more, but that’s not important.

So, if you knew every player would bring in $50 profit, would it not be reasonable to pay $40 for them to join? In the end, you are still making a good amount of money. This is the way online bingo rooms think, and this is how they can offer the money they do!

So, what should you do? Well, take advantage of it! Sign up at 888bingo and receive a huge sign up bonus. You can use this money to play quite a few rounds of online bingo, and if you are lucky, you will be able to turn it into something a lot bigger in a short period of time! Open an account today and experience the thrills that online bingo games offers!

Making Good Decisions

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

craps-sevenThe human mind is the most complex creation of nature. There would be times when you think you are in complete control of yourself and it turns opposite. There are numerous psychological studies which have proven that the brain does not perceive the things as you want it to. It possesses its own individual skills and this could be reflected the most in all forms of gambling.

Your decisions would hold the power to make or break your game. In addition, you must also be able to play the game with a balance of playability and analysis. The power of imagination and suggestion is of utmost importance here.

Get a Good Start

All gambling games require a good start. Develop an algorithm which would support you in times of crisis or if you are going through a losing streak. You would require some creative strategies while playing higher levels of games against difficult opponents. Have checklists in the beginning, so as to get a better hand over the game. It would increase your chances of winning if you happen to have the right strategies in place, right from the beginning.

Look Out for Opportunities

There would be several opportunities in gambling, and therefore you must play the games with an attentive mindset. Most games, including poker are psychological in nature. Hence, be focussed and patient throughout the games. There are both losing and winning streaks in the games and the key is to remain calm. Do not get carried away by your emotions and place illogical bets, just because you won the last game. Also, observe the other players in the game. This would get you a better idea of where the game is headed. Such activities are highly important in order to save your bankroll during the game.

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