Boz
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IndyJeffrey
May 5th, 2017 at 9:38:49 AM permalink
http://m.lasvegassun.com/news/2017/may/05/5-tips-to-beat-blackjack-in-vegas-from-a-gamblers/

Nice story on Blackjack basics quoting the Wiz.
RS
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May 5th, 2017 at 10:01:04 AM permalink
Nice article. Only problem is it doesn't really explain some of the stuff to be like, "Oh wow, that definitely makes sense." For example, if it was said that playing 6:5 has a house edge that is 4 times as much as 3:2, and you should lose 4x the amount on 6:5 than you would 3:2, then that's something people can be like, "Oh sh**, if I'm playing 6:5 I'm doing something really bad." Instead, people just think, "Okay, so what's an extra $3 at the end of the night, if I'm down $200?"

Although I really liked the "Don't talk sh** on 3rd base" kinda thing.
billryan
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May 5th, 2017 at 11:58:00 AM permalink
Nice read, but reading the comments was more fun.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
Ibeatyouraces
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May 5th, 2017 at 12:31:47 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

Nice read, but reading the comments was more fun.


The comments are always the best part of articles. Joe and Charlie must work for casinos.
Last edited by: Ibeatyouraces on May 5, 2017
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Romes
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May 5th, 2017 at 12:43:58 PM permalink
Good article and good read. It's tough because there's infinite things to educate ploppys on when it comes to backjack, but when you only get a few paragraphs you just have to pick a few things and go with it.

One thing I wish the article did differently is point out just how bad 6:5 is... Sure it says it's 1.4% worse! But no one knows the base percentage (or any percentages really) to gauge just how bad that is. The article should say "6:5 blackjack is FOUR TIMES worse than regular 3:2 blackjack!" Then, hopefully some ploppies would realize just how bad it really is.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
mcallister3200
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May 5th, 2017 at 1:14:26 PM permalink
Well for the people playing 6:5 it's probably only 2x as bad since none of them are playing anything remotely close to basic strategy.
Ibeatyouraces
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May 5th, 2017 at 1:16:24 PM permalink
Quote: mcallister3200

Well for the people playing 6:5 it's probably only 2x as bad since none of them are playing anything remotely close to basic strategy.


Aside from some form of AP, anyone playing 6:5 ISN'T playing basic strategy.
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Wizard
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May 5th, 2017 at 1:20:38 PM permalink
Thanks for the comments everyone. There are a few more in another thread on this topic, which I just closed, at 5 TIPS TO BEAT BLACKJACK.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
MrCasinoGames
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May 5th, 2017 at 1:49:16 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Thanks for the comments everyone. There are a few more in another thread on this topic, which I just closed, at 5 TIPS TO BEAT BLACKJACK.


Nice read Wizard.
Stephen Au-Yeung (Legend of New Table Games®) NewTableGames.com
Ayecarumba
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May 5th, 2017 at 2:21:58 PM permalink
Including the soft doubling tip was refreshing. I can't recall ever seeing it in other similar "mass market" articles on the topic. Is the journalist who got he byline on the WoV board?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
MrV
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May 5th, 2017 at 3:35:11 PM permalink
One error in the article.

It says Mike is "the owner of the The Wizard of Odds website."

Uh, nope, he aint't.
"What, me worry?"
Wizard
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May 5th, 2017 at 3:43:55 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

One error in the article.

It says Mike is "the owner of the The Wizard of Odds website."

Uh, nope, he aint't.



Another error is that I'm an adjunct professor at UNLV. Haven't had that job in about ten years now.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
terapined
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May 5th, 2017 at 3:53:39 PM permalink
My 2 tips to BJ
Dont play 6/5
Play with a strategy card.
MrV
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May 5th, 2017 at 4:22:55 PM permalink
Nice write up, though.
"What, me worry?"
Ayecarumba
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May 5th, 2017 at 4:52:06 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Another error is that I'm an adjunct professor at UNLV. Haven't had that job in about ten years now.



Then your bio on the Odds site needs updating:

Quote: WoO (highlight mine)

About the Wizard

The Wizard of Odds is Michael Shackleford, A.S.A., a professional actuary who has made a career of analyzing casino games. He runs the numbers on new games for casinos and game developers and has helped design many of the popular slot machines on the Internet. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Casino Math at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a former contributing editor to Casino Player magazine, and the author of the book Gambling 102, recently published by Huntington Press. The Wizard's landmark research into the actual returns of slot machines on the Las Vegas strip garnered international attention in 2002, and he has appeared numerous times on national television as a recognized expert on gambling strategy.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
Wizard
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May 5th, 2017 at 5:40:43 PM permalink
Quote: Ayecarumba

Then your bio on the Odds site needs updating:



Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I just fixed it. I'm not an actuary anymore either -- I decided against paying $630 for 2017 to keep that going.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
JohnnyQ
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May 5th, 2017 at 5:51:17 PM permalink
Comments are interesting. Someone going by "kewlJ" is having a little on-line hissy fit there.
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
RS
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May 5th, 2017 at 6:04:49 PM permalink
Quote: JohnnyQ

Comments are interesting. Someone going by "kewlJ" is having a little on-line hissy fit there.


It must be that time of the month already.
JohnnyQ
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May 5th, 2017 at 6:10:08 PM permalink
Quote: RS

It must be that time of the month already.

Cinco de Mayo ?
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
MrV
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Boz
May 5th, 2017 at 6:38:39 PM permalink
Quote: JohnnyQ

Comments are interesting. Someone going by "kewlJ" is having a little on-line hissy fit there.



Yeah, he enjoys stamping his ruby red slippers and bitching about the Wiz to whatever audience he can.

Sad.

Some folks just can't handle rejection.
"What, me worry?"
mcallister3200
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May 5th, 2017 at 7:08:13 PM permalink
In the process how many times did he feel the need to mention to everyone that he's been a professional BJ player for 10+, or 14, or whatever years and that he just wants to share his experiences? If I had a nickel for every time and invested it in the market, I'd be a millionaire by now.
rxwine
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May 5th, 2017 at 9:02:16 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Another error is that I'm an adjunct professor at UNLV. Haven't had that job in about ten years now.


Fake News!

: )
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
beachbumbabs
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May 6th, 2017 at 12:43:47 AM permalink
Looks like the Sun has amended their title and article as to "beat" and Mike's bona fides. Good that they do this.

Kj's comments are pathetic and mostly incorrect. I feel sorry for him at this point, letting himself be that petty and rude.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
AxelWolf
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May 6th, 2017 at 2:13:46 AM permalink
Statistician’s tips on increasing your odds at blackjack in Las Vegas
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
FleaStiff
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May 6th, 2017 at 5:17:25 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

Statistician’s tips on increasing your odds at blackjack in Las Vegas

Its more like statistician's tips on how not to lessen your odds, but big deal.

Note: I understand that Judge is a term used even if a man has not sat on the bench for years and that it is the same way with professor. Unless UNLV tossed him out or he formally resigned, its still professor even if he has been inactive for quite some time, he may use the term professor.

It used to be common for men to affect their military ranks but this does not seem to be done anymore.
SOOPOO
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May 6th, 2017 at 9:40:00 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I'm not an actuary anymore either -- I decided against paying $630 for 2017 to keep that going.



Is that true that because you do not pay a fee you are no longer an actuary? When I retire and stop paying the myriad of fees, I will still be a doctor, just one without the legal right to practice medicine in my state.
Wizard
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May 6th, 2017 at 9:57:32 AM permalink
Quote: SOOPOO

Is that true that because you do not pay a fee you are no longer an actuary? When I retire and stop paying the myriad of fees, I will still be a doctor, just one without the legal right to practice medicine in my state.



I think I can still still truthfully say I'm an actuary. However, to put the A.S.A. after my name, you have to be a member of the Society in good standing. I didn't think I was getting $630 in value to be able to say that. Most people I deal with in the business world probably don't know what an actuary is.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
charliepatrick
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JohnnyQ
May 6th, 2017 at 1:28:16 PM permalink
A very interesting thread would be which five simple things we would recommend. Personally soft doubles aren't that important - yes they're a nice addition but not terrible if you don't do it.

I haven't worked it out but these are a few ideas...
(i) Never play 6to5 Blackjack, look for 3to2;
(ii) Avoid sidebets (or accept they're fun and in the long term it will cost you more money to play them);
(iii) Learn the correct way to play hands, if not adopt a simple set of rules:
- Stand on 12 or more vs 2-6
- Hit until you reach 17 vs 7+
- Double 9, 10 or 11 if your total is 2 more than the dealer's.
- Never take insurance.
billryan
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May 6th, 2017 at 1:52:43 PM permalink
Quote: SOOPOO

Is that true that because you do not pay a fee you are no longer an actuary? When I retire and stop paying the myriad of fees, I will still be a doctor, just one without the legal right to practice medicine in my state.




A recent thread discussed the legal danger of calling oneself an engineer in Oregon unless you are licensed by the state.
My friend ,who is a non-practicing lawyer always introduces himself as Dr Wol@#$itz. I suppose he is entitled to it, but its pretentious.
For what it's worth ,imo, if one isn't a working actuary, one isn't an actuary. They are a former actuary. Every bit as impressive but strangely more accurate.
Doctor is an honorific. Actuary is a job title.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
JohnnyQ
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charliepatrick
May 6th, 2017 at 2:32:31 PM permalink
Quote: charliepatrick

A very interesting thread would be which five simple things we would recommend. Personally soft doubles aren't that important - yes they're a nice addition but not terrible if you don't do it.

I haven't worked it out but these are a few ideas...
(i) Never play 6to5 Blackjack, look for 3to2;
(ii) Avoid sidebets (or accept they're fun and in the long term it will cost you more money to play them);
(iii) Learn the correct way to play hands, if not adopt a simple set of rules:
- Stand on 12 or more vs 2-6
- Hit until you reach 17 vs 7+
- Double 9, 10 or 11 if your total is 2 more than the dealer's.
- Never take insurance.



I like this idea. Kind of the 80/20 rule of what is most important to know. Basic Strategy "lite".
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
Wizard
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May 6th, 2017 at 3:13:37 PM permalink
Quote: charliepatrick

A very interesting thread would be which five simple things we would recommend. Personally soft doubles aren't that important - yes they're a nice addition but not terrible if you don't do it.

I haven't worked it out but these are a few ideas...
(i) Never play 6to5 Blackjack, look for 3to2;
(ii) Avoid sidebets (or accept they're fun and in the long term it will cost you more money to play them);
(iii) Learn the correct way to play hands, if not adopt a simple set of rules:
- Stand on 12 or more vs 2-6
- Hit until you reach 17 vs 7+
- Double 9, 10 or 11 if your total is 2 more than the dealer's.
- Never take insurance.



That's a fair point. When the reporter interviewed me over the phone I rattled off the first four pretty quick and considered other things. While soft doubling may not help much, I see other players misplay those situations so often, that I wanted to shed light on the problem. Same with surrender 16 vs 10. It isn't worth that much but usually when I see surrender other players ask, "What did you just do?"

Also, in trying to teach blackjack for 20 years, I find people are very averse to memorizing numbers. I didn't want to make it too dry with just a simplified basic strategy.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Wizard
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May 6th, 2017 at 3:16:34 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

My friend ,who is a non-practicing lawyer always introduces himself as Dr Wol@#$itz. I suppose he is entitled to it, but its pretentious.



My father had a PhD in physics. His mail usually was addressed as Dr. ... As a young kid I was confused, because I thought a doctor was the guy who helped sick people, and had trouble with the title explanation. Anyway, my father never went around introducing himself as "Dr." I think he preferred to be just Bill.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
tringlomane
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May 7th, 2017 at 12:59:50 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

My father had a PhD in physics. His mail usually was addressed as Dr. ... As a young kid I was confused, because I thought a doctor was the guy who helped sick people, and had trouble with the title explanation. Anyway, my father never went around introducing himself as "Dr." I think he preferred to be just Bill.



As a graduate student, whenever I interacted with a professor who insisted on being called Dr. XXXX, they were almost always a toolbag. 95% of the time you usually called them by their first name.

And nice article! But I do agree saying 6:5 is 4X worse than 3:2 (ignoring errors) would drive the point home to avoid 6:5.
Wizard
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May 7th, 2017 at 3:53:59 PM permalink
Quote: tringlomane

And nice article! But I do agree saying 6:5 is 4X worse than 3:2 (ignoring errors) would drive the point home to avoid 6:5.



Thanks. If I said that I'd have to qualify the statement with the other rules and I know editors like to keep things as simple as possible.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
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