Recently there was a blackjack article talking about some new
tables with 5 instead of 7 seats. The casinos claimed it is
being done for increased "customer comfort".
However, a blackjack expert said, "Do not let them fool you,
it was only done in order to increase the number of hands each
player will play in the same amount of time. Five tables of
7 players will result in less total hands than 7 tables of
5 players since there are two more dealers. The casino is at
the advantage since it is a negative game for the player and
thus this is just a new method of increasing their advantage".
He went on to say this is the same logical for the automatic
card shufflers, just not quite so dramatic of a change!
This article made me think of video poker. Is it not basically
to our advantage to play much slower than we tend to play?
I am not talking about those situations in which the player
has a significant play advantage based upon the underlining
game or a certain promotion. I was thinking that the majority
of time the recreational player is playing a game that has a
negative ER, or often times at best, around break even. Would
you say that fast play is a decide disadvantage to the player
and that "slow and careful" play is a much overlooked method
to lower the casino's advantage?
Grant you, we also play video poker for the enjoyment of the
strategy involved vs a slot machine. Yet I do not think we
consciously play slower to lower the house advantage that day.
In many instances should not the player try to develop and play
at the slowest rate possible and that this might be one of the
most significant ways to lower the casino's advantage on that
play? There must be an balance between enjoying oneself and
still playing as slow as possible. I mentioned this idea to my
wife to see if she could slow down her play. She was playing
a 9/5 $.10 STP JoB machine. This was the best game available
in the casino for a recreational "low roller".
She consciously slowed down and studied her hand to make sure
it was mistake free. I observed it was very difficult for her
to not hit the deal button immediately after the last hand
results were observed. This seem to be the main area in which
she could slow her play. She seem much too anxious to seen the
next hand! She also commented that she felt it was to her
advantage to play more hands in order to increase he chance to
a royal which is a significant part of the total ER.
This slow play idea made me think if the Barona Casino in
California. All of their machines on in an "automatic hold"
mode. This feature cannot be turned off on their machines.
Some of the machines offer a basic automatic strategy that
is very far for perfect. I did noticed that some of the newer
machines are much more accurate in relation to "perfect play".
When playing any of these automatic hold machines it seems to
be even more difficult to slow one's play. I witness some very
inaccurate and extremely fast play even at high denominations
in that casino!
A recent personal experience at that casino seemed to emphasize
that they believe they have an big advantage with this "automatic
hold" feature. After a period of play, I asked to speak to a host
about the possibility of having my room "comped". She looked her
computer and seemed to indicate this was possible. However, she
had to check with a supervisor. The telephone call was made right
in front of me. All she said to the other person on the phone was
that I had played 10 hours. My name was not given, no information
as to what I played, my play results, denomination played, total
dollars in, or any information that might help indicate what my
"theo" might have been! After relaying only the number of hours
played, the room comp was approved over the phone!
Do our experts think that much slower play might be a significant
factor to consider in lower the casinos advantage in many video
poker situation for the average or recreational player?
Thanks,
Bob