Playing 2 hands/variance/comps
February 9th, 2012 at 6:13:05 PM
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If I were to go to a casino and average $50 a hand, would playing two hands at $25 each instead cut down on your variance? It seems like in many scenarios you will push (win one, lose other), thus cutting down on variance and lowering the chance of a large loss. If a casino wants 4 hours of action at 50 a hand to comp your room, would this strategy help to ensure that your bankroll last this amount of time if you happen to experience negative variance? I could also see this being useful for an A,5 counter or someone who counts but is not very aggressive with their spread.
February 11th, 2012 at 5:30:15 AM
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The answer to both questions is yes it's possible. It probably won't make a difference for four hours of play. If you're not counting do whatever you prefer.
If getting that room is your goal, there are some easy ways to stretch your bankroll. Play full tables, play tables with side bets and take frequent breaks at the table and away from it. Most casinos will save your spot for 20 minutes. Less hands per hour mean less dollars risked.
Let's say we have two players betting $50 per hand. Ignoring doubles and splits to keep it simple, player A is playing heads up at 150 hands per hour for a total of $7,500 per hour. Player B is playing the full table and taking breaks resulting in 40 hands per hour. He's betting over $5000 less per hour than Player A and they're both getting the exact same comps. Be aware that some casinos now have a pause button on their table screens that the floor is required to activate whenever a player takes a break. If anyone feels their comps were a little short , that could be the reason.
I won't give you the," Don't play for comps " speech except to say that a friend recently wore his $300 t- shirt as he dined at the $500 buffet.
If getting that room is your goal, there are some easy ways to stretch your bankroll. Play full tables, play tables with side bets and take frequent breaks at the table and away from it. Most casinos will save your spot for 20 minutes. Less hands per hour mean less dollars risked.
Let's say we have two players betting $50 per hand. Ignoring doubles and splits to keep it simple, player A is playing heads up at 150 hands per hour for a total of $7,500 per hour. Player B is playing the full table and taking breaks resulting in 40 hands per hour. He's betting over $5000 less per hour than Player A and they're both getting the exact same comps. Be aware that some casinos now have a pause button on their table screens that the floor is required to activate whenever a player takes a break. If anyone feels their comps were a little short , that could be the reason.
I won't give you the," Don't play for comps " speech except to say that a friend recently wore his $300 t- shirt as he dined at the $500 buffet.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
February 11th, 2012 at 7:18:37 AM
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makes sense thank you! I play for the love of the game, but the comps are always nice too. Been to a few 500 dollar buffets myself, no fun. I was more just curious on the affect of spreading your bet out on 2 hands.
February 11th, 2012 at 7:38:31 AM
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Just be aware that some casinos make you bet at least double the table minimum if you're taking up two spots.
--helpmespock
--helpmespock
February 11th, 2012 at 10:34:14 AM
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Pilots have the 125 dollar hamburger: Ten dollars for the burger at some airport restaurant and 115 dollars in fuel to fly there.Quote: winmonkeyspit3Been to a few 500 dollar buffets myself, no fun.
Mathematically spreading the bets on two hands "should" smooth things out for you but even an empty casino may occasionally make you bet big to have two spots.
