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Skip Hughes Group forum: Some people are going to find it worth the
subscription fee ($55 I think), others not, depending upon their
focus. I think the relatively light recreational player will find the
value it provides may be a bit short of the subscription fee, although
it might be justified sheerly as a fascinating read. However, I think
it's indispensible as a resource to anyone who commits a significant
amount to their gambling bankroll (say, someone willing to risk up to
$500 or more on a casino trip). (And I would ask that we not debate
my statements, just offer some brief pertinent anecdotal evidence if
you disagree. No rambling discourse on any one statement, please.)
The contributors there are a very experienced bunch who generally have
was greatly valued attribute in common: they're willingness to share
that experience and knowledge gained with those newer to the casino
scene. I find the insights and wisdom posted there to be reliable and
well worth the time to read. The group is moderated by Skip and some
have taken exception to his occasional exercise of that role, however,
I personally find that it's generally reasonably executed. (Others
disagree and I respect that. Let's not debate this one, ok?)
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Top 40 Rankings: Part of the SHG subscription, this list provides
information on the best machines available at the top casinos (type,
denomination, and frequently location and numbers) along with basic
info on cashback, comps, and amenities and user friendliness of casino
personnel (esp. hosts). On an admittedly subjective basis (although
as close to objective one as can be reasonably managed) the casinos
are ranked on these aspects. Ratings more heavily weigh aspects of
appeal to low and mid-rollers than those for high-rollers.
A personal anecdote: At New Year's we stayed at Paris where we
understand that they inventoried $1 JB machines. When we hit the
floor we were stymied in our attempt to locate them. We scoured the
casino and only became more and more frustrated. So, off to an
internet cafe on the strip where we consulted the Top 40 database and
in a flash we found the problem: The multigame bank is boldly labeled
Paris Blackjack, and in fact every player we found there was playing
video blackjack. My wife was particularly impressed and remarked that
we had just justified the subscription fee for the next 5 years.
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Other SHG info: The Top 40 is accessed via a website at
vphomepage.com . Other vp summaries located there include: News -
flashes/updates on some of the latest LV promos); Visitors - a
separate listing/ranking of the best plays for an out-of-towner such
as myself; Locals - you guessed it; Strategies - for the most popular
games the Game Analysis from winpoker and a strategy table from vp
strategy master are reproduced along with some practical game
comments; Casinos in other regions - a cursory summary/ranking of
properties in various localites; Full Pay game inventories - a
detailed summary of full pay games available in each casino across the
country (reservation casinos largely excluded).
See why I find the subscription a real value?
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Software: The two hottest software products are Bob Dancer presents
winpoker (BDPW) and Frugal VP (FVP). Very briefly, BDPW has been the
historic mainstay. However FVP is a real challenger and is superior
for the new learner and advanced player in some respects (however, a
new version of BDPW is on the way which may very well up the ante).
FVP introduces a play mode that won't flag or account for errors that
involve penalty consideration - play aspects that involve very small
errors that the learner is best advised to ignore. This can be
achieved in part by tweaking the settings in BDPW but FVP makes this a
no brainer and a breeze.
FVP will print game strategies, a feature not present currently in
BDPW. Others report that the resulting output is quite readable. (I
haven't availed myself of this feature).
FVP also introduces some advanced analysis capabilities, including the
ability to tweak a game strategy and determine what the resulting
affect on return is. In the one instance where I had a desire to do
this, the modifications I wanted to make were not easily accomodated.
However, it's still a fascinating feature.
I find a couple of downsides in my own experiences with FVP use (but
be mindful that they represent the experience of only one person and I
haven't seen others comment similarly). I find the graphics quite
uncomfortable and strongly prefer those of BDPW. In addition, I find
the menu layout through which you access various features distinctly
non-intuitive, but I'm gradually coming to grip with them.
Bottom line: For myself, I expect that I will continue to take
advantage of the best of each product and would be a bit loathe to
generally recommend one over the other.
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Las Vegas Advisor: An indispensible tool for the local, quite
valuable for the occasional visitor. I opt for the internet only
version and in the words of Carrot Top "save a few bucks".
Subscription includes a coupon book which can pay for the fee with use
of only one or two coupons.
The link here to the free weekly update will give you a modest taste
of what to expect from your subscription.
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So, Jean, how'd I do as a substitute teacher? (or should I stick to
financial analysis?)
- Harry