Slot Tournament Strategy
June 22nd, 2010 at 11:57:48 PM
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So they recently lined up a big bank of slot machines at the Rio in the hallway to the WSOP. Two of my friends saw the crowd just mashing the buttons as fast as they could and commented on it. We started discussing these, and I have a couple questions:
Are these slots just regular slot machines or are they set to be + tournament credits EV?
If they're not set to be +TCEV, isn't the best strategy to just not spin at all? Obviously people will "get lucky" and beat the starting stack most of the time, but in a -TCEV game, wouldn't not playing have an advantage, since I would think all 99 other people would lose money in a -EV game more than 1/100 times?
Thanks,
Are these slots just regular slot machines or are they set to be + tournament credits EV?
If they're not set to be +TCEV, isn't the best strategy to just not spin at all? Obviously people will "get lucky" and beat the starting stack most of the time, but in a -TCEV game, wouldn't not playing have an advantage, since I would think all 99 other people would lose money in a -EV game more than 1/100 times?
Thanks,
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:51:33 AM
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Tournament Slots are all the same design, and are not merely positive expectation, but set to 'pay' well over 100%.
So, yeah, the typical 'strategy' is to mindlessly whack the spin button.
Personally, I think the 'correct' strategy is to stop whacking once the reels start spinning, then start again after the second reel stops. That will keep you from getting tired too soon, so maybe you'll be able to get in more spins....
So, yeah, the typical 'strategy' is to mindlessly whack the spin button.
Personally, I think the 'correct' strategy is to stop whacking once the reels start spinning, then start again after the second reel stops. That will keep you from getting tired too soon, so maybe you'll be able to get in more spins....
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 23rd, 2010 at 5:51:17 AM
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Quote: ChipsAhoya
If they're not set to be +TCEV, isn't the best strategy to just not spin at all? Obviously people will "get lucky" and beat the starting stack most of the time, but in a -TCEV game, wouldn't not playing have an advantage, since I would think all 99 other people would lose money in a -EV game more than 1/100 times?
Thanks,
I agree with the above poster, they usually are machines that pay over 100% on tournament mode. Also, most tournaments I've seen determine a winner by win amount, not bankroll amount. In other words, in a tournament it costs 0 to spin. So for these types of tournaments, your question is moot. The best strategy is to squeeze in as many spins as you can, if there is a timer, otherwise, just spin out all your credits at your own pace.
But, in the case of a tournament where it is the bankroll that counts, you might find yourself playing on machines that pay back less than 100%. If you consider only expected values, then you would be correct in saying that the best EV strategy would be to not spin at all. And this would be a great strategy if you were competing against a small number of people. However, for your average, 100+ participant tournament, you give yourself almost no chance of winning if you don't spin. Even with machines that payback 80%, with 100 participants, the odds of you winning by spinning is much more than the odds of everyone else falling below their initial starting bankroll amount.
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:49:33 AM
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Would it be legal to put a home-made button-pushing rig on the machine? You could play on several at one time ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 23rd, 2010 at 7:59:14 AM
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So where can I find a machine that was inadvertently left in tournament mode?Quote: cardsharkthey usually are machines that pay over 100% on tournament mode.
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:27:28 AM
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They're not that dumb. One person, one machine, no devices.Quote: NareedWould it be legal to put a home-made button-pushing rig on the machine? You could play on several at one time ;)
Ditto. They're not that dumb. The machines would be in a back room, under wraps, until the next tourney.Quote: FleaStiffSo where can I find a machine that was inadvertently left in tournament mode?
I don't think they even have a bill or coin acceptor mechanism.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:38:23 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearThey're not that dumb. One person, one machine, no devices.
Ok. But it would also spare you from repetitive stress injuries to the wrist and shoulder.
Perhaps we can get someone with arthritis to sue? :P
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:53:53 AM
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Quote: NareedWould it be legal to put a home-made button-pushing rig on the machine? You could play on several at one time ;)
I once saw some people who had jimmied a book of matches in the spin button on the slot, so the machine just kept spinning on its own after each spin completed. It was quite humorous to watch. When the machine ran out of credits they would load more cash in and start over again.
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:58:49 AM
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I'm not a slots player. My mom's boyfriend is, and has been in several tournaments. The only "strategy" that he talks about is the timing of pushing the button. I guess knowing when to push the button is the key. If you mindlessly mash the button, then you could be theoretically missing the "prime" moment of when you should be pushing the button (by pushing it right before the moment, and then pushing it again right after.)
To me, it doesn't really sound like it would make that much of a difference. But I don't particularly like or understand slot machines, so it doesn't surprise me that I don't understand it. :)
The flip side is that my mom took 2nd place in a video poker tournament, and won some money in a slot tournament, and she doesn't really understand that prime moment of pushing the button either. She uses that fact to make fun of her boyfriend and his "prime" understanding.
To me, it doesn't really sound like it would make that much of a difference. But I don't particularly like or understand slot machines, so it doesn't surprise me that I don't understand it. :)
The flip side is that my mom took 2nd place in a video poker tournament, and won some money in a slot tournament, and she doesn't really understand that prime moment of pushing the button either. She uses that fact to make fun of her boyfriend and his "prime" understanding.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:05:15 AM
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Jam a matchbook in to hold the button down? That may work on the floor, with cash machines, but tournament machines require individual button presses.
Your mom did better than him? Good for her. She was also playing VP, where you have to stop and think, and not mindlessly press the button at the 'prime moment'.
The "prime" moment is the instant that it will recognize that it's been hit. In this way, you can get more spins than other players. That's the key.Quote: konceptumThe only "strategy" that he talks about is the timing of pushing the button.
Your mom did better than him? Good for her. She was also playing VP, where you have to stop and think, and not mindlessly press the button at the 'prime moment'.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:15:41 PM
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Well, she also did better than him at a slots tournament. I think with video poker, the only thing he really taught her was how to push the buttons to hold more than one card at a time. (Something about using all your fingers on the buttons so that you can push them all or however many you want at the same time, rather than pushing them one at a time.)
She was quite excited at the amount of money she had won, but I do honestly think she was more excited by the fact that she could rub it in his face. :)
She was quite excited at the amount of money she had won, but I do honestly think she was more excited by the fact that she could rub it in his face. :)
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:47:42 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearJam a matchbook in to hold the button down? That may work on the floor, with cash machines, but tournament machines require individual button presses.
That is correct it was on the floor with a cash machine. Hence they put more cash in when they ran out.
October 21st, 2010 at 5:27:08 AM
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Slot tournaments are some of the easiest tournaments in the casino owing to the fact that you don't need any skill or talent to win. Just consider these few points:-
1.You need to play fast and concentrate on your own play to be able to perform well in a slot tournament.
2.In tournament you are given a limited amount of time to play. So play fast as you can.
3.You are also allotted a limited amount of credit to work within a particular time slot, so try finishing that credit in that time slots. Otherwise your credit will be wasted.
4.Before you enter a slot tournament, make sure that you are well-rested and in a good mood. Many slot tournament players easily become tired or bored with their play.
5.Concentrate only on your game during the tournament. Ignore whatever is going around you. You can enjoy the surroundings after your play.
1.You need to play fast and concentrate on your own play to be able to perform well in a slot tournament.
2.In tournament you are given a limited amount of time to play. So play fast as you can.
3.You are also allotted a limited amount of credit to work within a particular time slot, so try finishing that credit in that time slots. Otherwise your credit will be wasted.
4.Before you enter a slot tournament, make sure that you are well-rested and in a good mood. Many slot tournament players easily become tired or bored with their play.
5.Concentrate only on your game during the tournament. Ignore whatever is going around you. You can enjoy the surroundings after your play.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:32:45 AM
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As someone who's played in Rio slot tournaments several dozen times, every machine is set to pay out far more winners than the ones that take money on the floor. If they weren't then it would be even more boring to play in than it already is. It's typical to get 2 or more top jackpots in a 10-minute session. The number of participants has nothing to do with how the machines are set. Less players means less valuable prizes. Of course, the AP's around town who play in these things apply a value to the tournament based on the overall prize pool vs. the number of people playing in it. I guess it makes them feel good, but I'm only there to bury the competition and I've done it twice. But it is a mindless, zombie-like affair where most of the participants are straight out of Geriatric Park.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:00:01 AM
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Slots is all the game based on luck both as land based slots or online slots, so no hard and fast rules to follow. Consider these points to play safely:-
1.You must determine the losing limit by yourself after having a brief and intelligent thought.
2.You should drop the idea of playing in case the machine is not a great money generator for you.
3.Always remember that each player is prone to losing or winning; you cannot win everyday.
4.Try to do a bit of homework and get yourself prepared before jumping to play.
5.If you are low on cash, don’t go for big amount bets, try the small ones and relish your stint at the playing table.
1.You must determine the losing limit by yourself after having a brief and intelligent thought.
2.You should drop the idea of playing in case the machine is not a great money generator for you.
3.Always remember that each player is prone to losing or winning; you cannot win everyday.
4.Try to do a bit of homework and get yourself prepared before jumping to play.
5.If you are low on cash, don’t go for big amount bets, try the small ones and relish your stint at the playing table.
