Gambling How-To Videos & Articles « Wonder How To

How To Win the Lottery: Increase Your Odds of Hitting the MEGA Millions Jackpot

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:44:35 GMT

By now, you should have won some decent money in the lottery, right?

But you haven't. No matter how many times you play the Super Lotto or the MEGA Millions in your state, you come up dry. Someone else wins. Hell, sometimes even two or three people win. But not you. You can't even win on a scratch-off ticket. All you're left with is an overwhelming moment of hostility, which eventually vanishes and for the thousandth time and turns back to hope— hope for winning the lottery next time you play. But will you?

The odds of winning any lottery are against you. Some say it's a waste of money, but lottery fiends say it's an investment that will eventually pay itself off. You just have to wait for your moment.

And everybody's impatiently waiting.

This morning, with a quick search on Google Trends, I noticed that 18 of the 20 popular searches of the hour were lottery-based, with Georgians, Texans and Californians all curious to the recent lottery winners:

1. mega millions winner
2. texas lottery
3. mega millions winning numbers
4. texas lottery mega millions
5. mass lottery
7. did anyone win the mega million jackpot
8. tx lottery
9. washington state lottery
10. ga lottery
11. texas lotto
12. mega millions payout chart
13. wa lottery
14. georgia lottery
15. nc lottery
16. megamillions numbers
17. illinois lottery
18. california lottery
20. ma lottery

So, this only proves that people are definitely still betting their money against the odds and trying to win the lottery, and that even more people are doing it these days. But doesn't that decrease the chance of you winning the jackpot?

Don't let it.

Save your money. Take control of your gambling and improve your odds. Don't continue playing the same numbers over and over again. You date of birth isn't that lucky. Either is your girlfriend's measurements. You need to be more systematical to your approach. Take a gander at some of these lottery tips to help beat the odds and come out on top!

How to Play the Lottery: Tips & Guidelines

HowStuffWorks has a great article on playing the lottery. They give you information on all the different types of lottery games, like the lotto, dailies, instant games, mega millions, etc., and hand out some great tips to increasing your odds.

The strategies you'll read about in this section are based on mathematics or logic. They are commonly referred to as reality-based systems. By learning such techniques as tracking, wheeling and pooling, you may be able to improve your odds.

Proponents of these methods are well aware of the odds they are dealing with. They know, for instance, that in Florida's Lotto (6/53) there are 22,957,480 possible combinations for the 53 numbers. That's just another way of saying if you buy one play, the odds are 22,957,480 to one of winning. But the odds are much better in the Little Lottos or the Dailies. Consequently, these "realists" often avoid the games with larger payoffs -- and with similarly larger odds.

When they do play the big games, these players -- realizing what they're up against -- do everything they possibly can to better their chances. And just what might that be? Most people who specialize in lottery-number selection methods and strategies and repeat winners agree that the following three methods -- tracking, wheeling and pooling -- are musts for serious players.

To learn all of the strategies, including some insider tips, click through to read How to Play the Lottery at HowStuffWorks.

Winning the National Lottery: Picking Your Numbers

Though these tips come from the UK-based National Geographic, they still are useful for everybody playing the lottery. They says that the only way to increase your odds of winning is to buy more tickets. And the only way to increase your payout is to pick numbers that others are unlikely to choose, and they show you how.

Win the national lottery with number picking tips

Winning the Lottery: General Tips & Strategies

In this video, you'll get some more great tips, including mixing up your numbers, pool with others, don't play consecutive numbers, vary your picks, play smaller games, play scratch-offs and don't play dates. Watch and learn!

Win the lottery

Know Your Odds: Winning the Texas MEGA Millions Lottery

This one is specifically for all of you Texans playing the Texas MEGA Millions lottery. But actually, it could apply to any million dollar lottery in any state. It's the same principle.

If you want to know your odds of winning, you have to resort to mathematics, and this video will help you figure out the probability of your numbers winning.

Find the probability of winning the Texas Lottery

How to Avoid Lottery Scams Online

Besides simply trying to win the lottery, there are other things you need to be aware of, like scams. These scams are different than anything involved in the above methods, except they make it seem like you've won already— despite the fact that you probably didn't even play. These are phone scams and email phishers looking for suckers.

Victims typically are notified they have won a lottery, yet have to pay transfer fees, taxes or provide proof of their identity and/or details of their bank accounts or credit cards in order to receive the "winnings". The names of these organizations change all the time (they just make up a new name when one is exposed as a fraud), although many of the notifications use similar wording.

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Via How To Win the Lottery: Increase Your Odds of Hitting the MEGA Millions Jackpot on WonderHowTo.

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How to follow the proper etiquette while playing poker

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:38:23 GMT

Poker is an arcane game with many rules and variants written and not. If you're new to the game and want to play with some series players, you'd better know how to behave yourself. Watch this video to learn many important rules of poker etiquette.

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How to hack a toy slot machine

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 01:36:00 GMT

In this video, we learn how to hack a toy slot machine. If you time it right, you can win the jackpot yourself. You can slot the parts of the slot down with your just finger by pressing on them. You can also press down on the side of the slot just hard enough so you can press on the numbers hard enough. Once you hear the click on the machine, you will win the jackpot. Try doing this several times

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How to play the card game Blackjack or 21

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:27:00 GMT

This is a video tutorial in the Gambling category where you are going to learn how to play blackjack. In blackjack, your hand competes with that of the dealer, not with other players. The objective is to end up with a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over 21. Going over 21 is called "busting" and results in an instant loss to the player. After the bets are placed, the game be

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How to bet on the flop in Texas Hold'em

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 08:33:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to bet on the flop in Texas Hold'em. Once the cards have been dealt and you completed your first round of betting, you will be shown three cards by the dealer. At the end of the hand, you want to use the best combination of cards possible to get the best hand to play the cards on the table. Make the best possible five cards out of the three cards down with your cards

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How to simply learn Texas Hold'em

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:51:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to simply learn Texas Hold'em. First, you will need a deck of cards dealt out to all the players. After this, the dealer will place cards out on the table, one will be upside down and the others will be face out. Now, it's up to the other players to bet or fold because their cards aren't good enough to win. The players will bet money down if they think their cards wi

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How to play blackjack using basic tutorial

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:45:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to play blackjack using basic tutorial. To start, the dealer needs to deal cards to the players at the table. Then, the dealer will lay out cards on the table. If you think that you have the right cards to make 21, then you can tell the dealer to lay out another card or you can hold if you don't want to go over 21. Whichever player comes closest or exactly to this nu

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How to play basic poker

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:12:00 GMT

In this video, we learn how to play poker. The best hand may change as you are playing, so you need to recognize the hand that will win the money. You won't know what cards the other players have, so you have to have a good game face while you're playing. Pay attention to what other players are flopping and what cards have already been laid out on the table. From here, you can make a better decisi

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How to play blackjack for fun

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:33:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to play blackjack. This is a simple game to understand and uses a deck of cards. Jokers are not used, so they are not needed. All values on the face are equal to the number they are, but kings and queens are equal to 10. Aces are counted as 1 or 11. For example, when you have a 7 card and a 9, you can stay and no cards will be added if you don't want to take a chance

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How to play Texas Hold'Em like a champ

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:24:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to play Texas Hold'Em like a champ. First, you will get two face down cards. After this, there will be a round of betting, followed by the dealer putting down the flop. After this, there is another round of better. Then, the dealer will deal the next card called the turn. Another round of betting occurs, then there is a river dealt by the dealer. Now, you can bet or

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How to bet on sports and win

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:42:33 GMT

Betting on sports is a great way to make games more fun, but it's also easy to lose all your money. This video will give you some tips for betting on sports successfully and hopefully winning but at least not losing money.

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How to play roulette in a casino and win

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 03:03:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to play roulette in a casino and win. First, start off by betting on a number and color, then roll the roulette wheel. Based on where the ball lands the first time, start to move where you place your numbers on the board. Once you can see a pattern forming, you will be able to more strategically place your chips. If you place more chips, you will have more of a chanc

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How to cheat with botton dealing in poker

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:45:00 GMT

This video tutorial belongs to the Gambling category which is going to show you how to cheat with bottom dealing in poker. This needs a lot of practice so that the trick is not visible to the onlookers. For example take the four kings and place them at the bottom of the pack. Now split the pack in half and shuffle. While shuffling make sure you do not shuffle the bottom four cards of the stack con

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How to win playing slot machines

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:48:00 GMT

In order to win at playing slot machines, you need to keep a few things in mind. Slot machines are not random. They are programmed to pay out at certain times, in certain amounts, and at certain intervals. Most states have laws stating the number of times or the amount of money that must be paid out. A common percentage of payouts is 85% of the money taken in. They will not pay out, until

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How to start playing Texas Hold'em

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:45:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to start playing Texas Hold'em. Before the cards are dealt, one player must pay a blind while another must pay a little blind. After this, each player receives two cards dealt face down. Next, the players must match the blind if they want to stay in the game. After this, three community cards are dealt, which are the flop. The next round is the second round of bettin

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How to bet on the turn in Texas Hold'em

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:36:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to bet on the turn in Texas Hold'em. After betting your chips, the dealer will burn one card and turn up the fourth card. Look at the cards and think about if they can come together with the card you have, so you know if you should make a bet. You are trying to figure out what your opponent what would have called or raised with originally. A person will bet if they h

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How to play Texas Hold'em

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:18:02 GMT

To play Texas Hold 'em, you need: a deck of cards, an object to be used for the blind (also known as the dealer button), and money. The person with the object is dealt first. They also bid first. Deal 2 cards to each player. Now, deal four cards to the center of the table. One of them should be dealt face down. The others should be face up. Each player takes turns stating whether they wa

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How to play the red/black system in roulette

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:48:00 GMT

In this tutorial, we learn how to play the red and black system in roulette with an online casino. First, do not accept the bonus from an online casino, because you won't be able to use this on roulette and you have to spend 10x that throughout the site. While playing, you're playing against software, not against a casino. You will bet three times, and look to see what you get each time, so you kn

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How to know the best hands in Texas Hold'em

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:27:00 GMT

In this video tutorial, viewers learn about the best hands in the card game, Texas Hold'em. the best hands in this card game are: pockets aces, pocket kings, pocket queens, pocket jacks, pocket tens, pocket nines, pocket eights, pocket sevens, pocket sixes, ace-king, ace-queen and ace-jack. Pockets are two of the same card. Always bet with these hands pre-flop. Fold on all, except for the these ha

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How to bluff in no limit Texas Hold'em

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:30:01 GMT

There are some basic thing that you will need to think about, when trying to bluff in poker. Always think about taking advantage of being in position. Being "in position" refers to being the person who bets at the most advantageous time. This is the case, when you are "on the button": i.e. the last person to bid. When you are on the button, you are able to see who checks, raises, or folds,

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How to clear myths about slot machines and win

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:52:13 GMT

VIVA LAS VEGAS! It's time to hit the casinos in this heloful and insightful tutorial. In this video, you'll be finding out about the real truths regardings slot machines. Are there certain tricks that work? What are the real chances of you winning? Things like that. So sit back, pay attention, and you may learn a thing or two about playing the odds. Good luck and enjoy!

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How to be good at Texas Hold'em

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:27:45 GMT

In this video, you will not only learn how to play Texas Hold 'Em, you will be good at it! Follow along and learn some useful tips and tricks for your next Vegas adventure!

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How to count cards in the game of Black Jack

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:00:00 GMT

In order to use the Hi-Lo method of counting cards, you have to place a value on all of the cards. The 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are counted as plus (+) one (1). The neutral cards are 7, 8, and 9. The negative cards are counted as negative (-) one (1). The negative cards are all of the cards that have a value of as 10 or 11.

When you count cards, you count the value of every card that comes off of

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How to play on a European roulette table

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:42:36 GMT

European roulette tables are slightly different than the kind you find in Vegas or Atlantic City. In this tutorial, professional Euro gambler and TV presenter, Richie Litchfield, explains the various positions to place your chips on a European Roulette table.
Before you step into a foreign casino, make sure you watch this video and learn the rules and regulations of international gameplay. Aft

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How to play razz poker

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:09:00 GMT

Razz is played just like seven card stud, but the object of the game is to get the lowest hand rather than the highest one. Aces count as low and straights and flushes do not count, so the best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, which is known as the wheel. Betting structure is also the same as seven card stud.

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How to play 2-7 single draw poker

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:05:55 GMT

2-7 single draw poker, aka deuce-to-seven, is played just like five card draw except the lowest hand wins. In deuce-to-seven, aces are high and straights and flushes count, so the lowest possible hand is 2-3-4-5-7. You get to draw once, discarding as many cards as you like. You bet twice, when the cards are dealt and after the draw.

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How to play Chinese poker

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:01:36 GMT

Chinese poker is not played the way most other poker games are played. While you still make traditional poker hands, there is no betting. Winners are paid out based on how much better their hands are than their opponents' hands. In Chinese poker, you are dealt 13 cards and must arrange them into three hands of increasing value. The top hand (weakest hand) is only three cards, the middle and bottom

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How to do sports bet on Betfair

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:18:00 GMT

Betfair has sports bets. These are basic points of how it works. There is a very good help section of how you can place bets on the site. It can be quite intimidating to start. The Betfair interface will let you sign up and start an account. You can click on horse races for example. Two columns blue and pink. Now if you want to back a certain horse you can back it 3.25 which is what the market is

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How to win at Blackjack using tested strategies

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:34:25 GMT

Blackjack seems like it is about chance, but it is really all about strategy. Check out this video and learn some time tested strategies for beating the House at this popular card game. Use these techniques and before you know it you will be raking in the cash. This guide will show you step by step how to play this popular casino game and never lose! So, whether you are playing against friends

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How to win at BlackJack by playing like a professional

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:31:32 GMT

There are many so-called methods for beating the dealer at BlackJack, but not many of them actually work. In this tutorial, get tips from a professional gambler on how to outsmart the system and win every time. You will be raking in the cash after a few practice sessions with this video as your guide. All of the methods in this video are totally legal ways to win..so why not try it? I mean, in

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How to play NX2 Macau

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:55:15 GMT

NX2 Macau is a new form of Baccarat being spread in casinos. In addition to standard baccarat betting, you can also bet on the outcome of the hand and what the winning hand will be like you might bet in craps.

NX2 Macau brings a new level of excitement to Punto Banco/Baccarat by allowing the player to bet on the actual winning result of a hand with odds from 3-1 up to 60-1.

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How to play a hand when you flop the nuts in Texas Hold'em

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:25:00 GMT

This video shows you the best play when you flop the nuts in Texas Hold 'em. If you overplay the hand, you tip off the other players to what you're holding. Each time a card is turned, the way you bet gives a hint to what you are holding in your hand if you are not careful. Checking the bet is an indication that you don't have the cards they think you do in your hand. This video gives the viewer

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How to bet on the river in Texas Hold'em

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:05:00 GMT

In this video they discuss betting on the river in Texas Hold 'em. The river is the last round of betting in a hand of poker. It is when the last community card is dealt. In this situation the person that is first to act hits a card that gives him a good and on the river, he then must decide how much he can bet that will make the opponent still call. This is a called a value bet. The video while o

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How to spot the mug in Texas Hold'em

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:50:00 GMT

This instructional video gives you three basic tips when playing poker. The first is possibly the most important; you should for the most part have a tight/aggressive style of poker. This means that you need to have patience and not play every hand, yet when you do play you should bet and raise often. The second tip is to be aware of position. When you are playing from a late position you have a d

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How to know when to play pocket pairs in Texas Hold'em

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:05:00 GMT

While much of Texas Hold 'em is based on timing, knowing when to make a move at the right time is what makes knowing when to play your pocket pairs sometimes very difficult. This video starts off giving you some things to consider: your stack size, the size of your pocket pair, your position, etc. One of the tips given is the hit or quit rule. What this means is that after the flop is out if you d

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How to handicap horse races to help pick winners

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:45 GMT

Ever try your hand at betting on the ponies? It's a hard sport to bet on if you're just starting, and you should know everything you need to before you start, or you're just going to be throwing your money away.

This three-part series will show you the ins and outs of handicapping horse races to help pick winners. See the strategies and methods to handicapping races that will get you on your

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How to keep bullies in line at the poker table with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:48:16 GMT

1998 Playmate of the Year Karen McDougal on keeping the bullies in your poker game at bay.
Make an inappropriately large raise to make them think twice about being too cocky.

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How to bet the right amount of chips in poker with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:46:52 GMT

1998 Playmate of the Year Karen McDougal on knowing the right amount of chips to suit your purpose.

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How to spot subtle tells in a poker game with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:44:56 GMT

1998 Playmate of the Year Karen McDougal on reading an opponent's hands and feet rather than just their eyes to see if they're nervous or bluffing.

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How to choose your bluff battles in poker with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:43:56 GMT

1998 Playmate of the Year Karen McDougal offers tips on bluffing. Bluff the right players, those with medium stacks.

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How to capitalize on your poker table image with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:43:05 GMT

1998 Playmate of the Year Karen McDougal on using your image at the poker table. Whether you're loose or tight, you can use it to your advantage.

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How to handle busting out in a poker game with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:42:24 GMT

1998 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Karen McDougal, advises not to be afraid of getting knocked out of a tournament. Don't be too conservative.

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How to spot and study tells in a poker game with Playboy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:18:30 GMT

Playboy's Betting Bunny, Deanna Brooks, discusses poker strategy. Knowing when a player is bluffing is the key to winning, so how do you do it? You look for tells. You spot and study them. And know the difference between the strong hand tell and the weak hand tell. These poker tips will definitely help you win at Texas Hold'em or any other poker variation. Watch all three parts.

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How to know when to call, raise, or fold in Texas Hold'em

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:25:00 GMT

This segment of this ongoing video series gives you a bit more strategy into the decisions you have to make during Texas Hold 'em. They display a situation that is known as "pot odds". This is when the money you have to put in to see the next card is significantly less then the money in the pot. While majority of people see this as a good time to make the call, in the video they suggest you take a

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How to understand no limit Texas Hold'em

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:10:00 GMT

This video is sponsored by My Poker Corner and introduces the novice into how the game "Texas Hold 'em" is played. The complete process of the game from the number of players and their positions such as the Dealer are explained. The Small Blind position and the Big Blind position in the game are forced to place blind bets before they view their cards. Different betting rounds of the game such as

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How to learn the basics of Texas Hold'em

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:25:00 GMT

In this video, a poker dealer explains the basic play of Texas Hold 'em poker. Texas Hold 'em is a card game, in which a player is dealt two card face down, and then uses up to five community cards. Starting with hand strength, the dealer explains to the viewer which hands are strongest, and which hands are weakest. The dealer then moves onto the basics of betting, checking, and raising. This

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How to double down and split hands while playing blackjack

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:30:01 GMT

This video shows you some of the basic rules of playing casino blackjack. While playing blackjack you always want to assume that the card the dealer has that is not showing has a value of ten. In this case he displays some hands against a dealer hand that is showing a 5. Therefore, under this method you would assume that the dealer has a 15, which is a prime position for them to bust. He shows you

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How to deal cards in Texas Hold'Em

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:05:00 GMT

This video shows you the basics of dealing a hand of Texas Hold 'em. When dealing you always start off dealing the cards to your left; deal two cards to each player to start the initial round of betting. After the round of betting is over you "burn" one card by placing it face down, then turn over three cards called the "flop". This is followed by a round of betting. Then you burn one card and fli

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How to understand card values in Texas Hold'em

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT

In this tutorial, the instructors explore card values in Texas Hold 'Em. One of the instructors starts by explaining that poker is a game of playing the best combination of the five cards in your hand. He lays out two sets of hands and shows the best and worst possible combinations that can be played using those cards. He touches on the concepts of pairs, two pairs, straights, and flushes. He also

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How to play limit Texas Hold'Em

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:10:00 GMT

This video shows the basics of limit Texas Hold 'em. Limit means that there are set amounts that you can bet, unlike no limit where at any given time you can bet your whole stack. He explains a game of $2 /$4 limit Hold 'em. This means that before the flop and after the flop you can only bet $2. On the turn and on the river you can bet $4. If you decide to make a raise on someone's bet it can only

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How to distinguish tournament and cash games in Texas Hold'em

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:25:00 GMT

This video demonstrates how to play no limit Texas Hold 'em. Two poker players distinguish the differences between tournament play and cash games. Tournament play is a long drawn out process. In cash games, you would be able to cash out, cash in and play as long as you are comfortable. Tournament play allows you to bet 10,000 and you could win 3 million. If you follow the simple advice and tips in

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How to bluff your opponent in Texas Hold'em

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:15:00 GMT

In this video they describe the ins and outs of using the bluff in Texas Hold 'em poker. One of the main things that they stress in this video is to be aware of your table image. When you have the table image of a tight player that only plays premium hands, this will work in your favor when you're trying to bluff a player out. When the player thinks that you only play these premium hands they are

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How to teach a friend to play Texas Hold'em

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The MacMost Daily Vlog shows a friend how to play Texas hold Ex: Get your playing cards so you can play along. Learn the rules of the game. Find out how the game is played. You'll learn what the hands mean and what a good had looks like. Learn what it takes to have a good hand and some strategy. You get a simple run through of Texas hold-ex. You are even taught what happens after a hand is w

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How to shuffle poker chips

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:15:01 GMT

This video shows you a neat way to keep you occupied while playing poker, shuffling poker chips. This is done with an even number of poker chips. You take these chips, cut them in half and put both piles next to each other. Grasp the two piles with your fingers using your middle finger to lift the middle of them. While doing this you push the piles together with your other four fingers. If you're

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How to play basic Texas Hold'em

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:05:00 GMT

In this poker basics video the tutor teaches you about the basics of Texas Hold 'Ex: He starts with explaining about the button, and the concept of dealer dealing from the button position. Now he starts explaining about the forced bets called blinds which can be a small blind or big blind. He starts by showing how to distribute the cards. Now he explains the options available to a player which are

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How to read your opponent in Texas Hold'em

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:55:00 GMT

One thing that can really set a amateur from a pro when it comes to poker is the ability to read your opponent. Picking up on "tells" from your opponent can be the key from folding your hand or making that extra bet to take the pot. One of the main keys they factor on is that you need to take into affect the possible strength of your opponents hand and your position on that opponent. Good players

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How to understand Texas Hold'em

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:35:00 GMT

This is a wonderful instructional video on how to play Texas Hold 'em cards game. This video demonstrates the rules very clearly and hence any one who watches this video will quickly learn how to play the Texas Hold 'em game. You can start the game with bet, deal and then you can play. You will need poker chips, dealer chips and deck of cards. You can go for blind bets. You can go for big blind or

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How to cheat at poker

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:30:00 GMT

If you're looking for a way to cheat at poker you should select the cards you will want to use in your playing hand. After selecting those particular cards you can then hold them out of the deck, place them on the bottom of the deck, and shuffle the deck. Then through quick hand maneuvering you will get them into your playing hand through precise deception.

Example #1. 4 aces on the bottom
shuffl

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How to deal & cheat at cards

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:10:00 GMT

In this video you'll learn how to deal cards the sneaky way. This video gives you all sorts of tips on how to shuffle, deal your cards to the other players. All so yo can have the upper hand on who "wins" the game. Played to some fun music this silent tutorial demonstrates how to deal and cheat. Tricks like, sliding the cards, the loop, make a sneaky view hole, the dirty deal, and more. Assure you

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How to cheat during poker

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:40:00 GMT

One way to cheat at poker involves putting all four cards of one suit at the bottom of the deck. You NEED to have a way OF GETTING all four cards, say the Kings on the bottom of the deck. When you do the fake shuffle make sure that you do not mix the four Kings into the deck.(Delete Just make sure that) When you shuffle the cards, the last four or more cards NEED TO stay on the bottom of the deck

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How to beat the odds and win on casino slot machines

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:17:03 GMT

In the United States, slot machines are the biggest and easiest form of gambling. If you think there is any actual "skill" to playing a slot, you're wrong. Slot machines are purely luck, but there are some tactics to make sure you are playing on the highest paying slots.

This highly informative video on casino slot machines is by casino expert Steve Bourie, author of the [http://americancasin

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How to play pai gow poker

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:55:27 GMT

Did you know that pai gow poker is actually an Americanized version of the Chinese game that is played with dominoes? Learn the rules to this fun game, and show off your skills to your friends. The rules are simple and easy to learn. Play for money, and you'll be raking it in big time.

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How to organize an office lottery pool

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:45:34 GMT

Tired of always playing and never winning the lottery? Increase your chance of success by joining an office lottery pool.
You Will Need
* Organizational skills
* A computer with spreadsheet software
* Co-workers
* A copy machine

Step 1: Get organized
Organize a spreadsheet with lottery drawing dates and payment schedules.

Step 2: Type formal agreement
Type a concise formal agreement,

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How to use basic poker tricks

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:16:59 GMT

Check out this video to learn how to start playing poker. This poker lesson covers the basics from understanding the deck of cards to understanding the hands. Learn the rank of hands in poker. Watch this vidoe gambling tutorial and learn how to implement the basics of poker.

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How to use the playing principles of online poker

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:13:19 GMT

Watch this video to learn the playing principles of poker including how to use tips about starting hands, coming to the flop, and positioning. Every hand and round of betting faces decisions. This how to video offers some tips for making good decisions in a game of poker.

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How to pick up tips for playing Texas Holdem Poker

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:09:49 GMT

This gambling how to video offers some tips for the new player - like running a business, knowing the best hand at the table, the nuts, and betting strategy. Knowing how to invest in good cards and how to determine the best hand on the table may not always be fun but it's important to playing a good game of poker. Passive and aggressive betting strategies are important to understand. Watch this vi

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How to play poker dice using poker hands

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:24:03 GMT

The object of Poker Dice is to get the best possible five-card poker hand.
You Will Need
* Five poker dice
* A dice cup
* Two or more players
* A dice tray

Step 1: Put dice in cup
Put the poker dice in the dice cup. The six faces of each die simulate a playing card deck’s top six markings: ace, king, queen, jack, ten, and nine.

Poker dice hands use five-card poker rankings from highest

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How to draft your fantasy football team

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:01:03 GMT

Don't let fate decide the makeup of your fantasy football team. Participate in a live draft with these tips.

You Will Need
* Knowledge of your fantasy league's rules
* A computer with internet access
* A "cheat sheet"

WARNING: Several states officially bar all gambling, including pools in which the organizer does not profit. Know your local laws before organizing a pool involving money.

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How to manage your fantasy football team

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:29:34 GMT

You've drafted a promising team, and the season's under way. Now increase your chances of making the playoffs.

You Will Need
* Time
* Football news
* Knowledge of your league's rules
* Patience

Step 1: Pay attention
Devote time to following football news. Keep track of injuries, players who are performing above or below expectations, and weekly matchups. Knowing more than your opponents

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How To Keep a Poker Face in a Game of Poker

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:52:00 GMT

It is very important in a game of poker that you don't show emotions. It doesn't matter whether you have good or bad cards.

Step 1

Having a "poker face" is commonly misunderstood. It's not only about your face but it's about your entire body. But having a "serious" face often shows that you know what you are doing. This will often impress your opponents which can be used as an advantage. Using sun-glasses helps when you are not good with eye contact and they're great when it's bright under the lights of Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

Step 2

Always remain calm and act the same every hand. If you don't control your body and you are shaking or acting really nervous when you are about to make your move, opponents will know and fold instead of betting (maybe not the first time but after that).

Step 3

Never go nervous ticking you chips on the table, picking your nose, pulling your hair, biting your nails. Don't act sad when you have good cards; good players look right through this. If you are bluffing and you don't look your opponent right in the eyes they will know you are bluffing.

Step 4

Always look your opponent right in their eyes when they look directly at you. Try not to look away not even for a second.

Step 5

Never say: "I know you are bluffing" or something similar because if you then make a move no matter what your opponent knows how you react to such situations and that will definitely not work the way that you thought it would. However try not to do everything just perfect, because you are really predictable then, but that doesn't really make any sense does it?.

Look at your opponents as much a possible in a very serious way.
Make your opponents nervous. Mess with their heads.
Watch how they act and react.
Try and be aware of any poker tells you have and control them.
Consider wearing sunglasses like a pro.

Tips

Practice with friends
If you are allowed to, wear sunglasses. The eyes give most away about your game.
Always use a small amount of real money, this will make it a lot more fun and people won't be irrational.
Something to note: it is scientifically proven that a person's pupils dilate (get bigger) 45% when they look at something they like
You can also hide the wrinkles on your face by wearing a cap.

Warnings

Never go over your limit; people destroy their lives with gambling.
Think twice before thinking you can win, and re-raise. Unless you have the absolute nuts, consider the possibility that your opponents have better cards than you do.

Via How To Keep a Poker Face in a Game of Poker on WonderHowTo.

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How To Start a Game of Strip Poker

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:28:24 GMT

Think you're mature enough for a game of strip poker? Or are you just really, really bored and need something to do with your friends? And, hey, it's a lot more fun than strip Solitaire.

Step 1

Begin with a deck of cards, a mixed group of friends, and a reputation for being tastefully slutty.

Step 2

Suggest a game such as spin the bottle, truth or dare, or strip poker. If you are with anyone over the age of fourteen, the probable answer would be a collective yes.

Step 3

Deal cards as you would in poker.

Step 4

Play a round until somebody wins. When a winner is declared, everyone who did not win must take off an article of clothing. It can be a shoe, a shirt, a tie, or even an earring, as long as it was clothing your body when you started to play. Many players of this game prefer to ensure that everybody starts wearing the same number of garments.

Step 5

Repeat steps two and three until someone is down to their undergarments, and nothing else, or, if you prefer, completely naked.

Step 6

The object (obviously) is to remain as clothed as possible.

Tips

This is especially fun in a coed group.
Obviously, you should learn how to play poker before undertaking this endeavor.
This need not be sexual.

Warnings

Realize that some people just aren't comfortable with this game. Don't force them to do anything.
Rude or foul languages are not usually not tolerated.

Via How To Start a Game of Strip Poker on WonderHowTo.

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How To Become a Good Poker Player

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:49:30 GMT

What does it take to transform from a complete novice to a card shark? Practice, patience, and a willingness to improve.

Step 1

Learn the rules to a few different poker games. The most popular game at the moment is Texas Hold 'Em, but Omaha and 7 Card Stud are also very common. You can learn poker rules from friends or a simple web search.

Step 2

Download an online poker room that will allow you to play for fake money. There are many of these, including pokertactics.org, ultimatebet.com, pokerstars.net, and fulltiltpoker.com.

Step 3

Create an account and use your free play chips to play poker. Pay attention to which hands tend to win most often and how often certain hands arise. This should become second nature over time.

Step 4

Once you've played some poker and think you have a good grasp of the rules and tendencies of most players, you're ready to start reading up on poker strategy. Websites like duckspoker.net and pokertips.org as well as books like Doyle Brunson's Super System can be invaluable resources.

Step 5

When you are consistently winning with play chips, it's time to put something at risk. If there is a casino within driving distance, make the trip and place some low stakes poker. Most casinos offer either a $2-4 or $3-6 Texas Hold 'Em game. These games are usually pretty soft (easy to beat) and provide a good starting point for the novice poker player. If you don't have access to a casino, create a real money account on your favorite online poker room and play whatever limits you feel comfortable with. (Though this is not legal in the US)

Step 6

Apply the information you've studied to actual competition. Real money players are much better than the play money opponents you've been beating on the internet. If you play with discipline, patience, and intelligence, you are likely to win money.

Step 7

Continue to play. Talented poker players acquire their skill from thousands upon thousands of hands of experience. If you continue to play poker with discipline and an open mind, you should improve consistently.

Step 8

Read some books on poker by seasoned poker pro's to pick up some tips and tactics.

Step 9

Learn how to calculate the odds of winning a particular hand and use this information to inform your play.

Tips

Poker is a game of patience. Do not play a hand if you don't think you have the best one at the table.
Don't be discouraged if you hit a losing streak. It can be disheartening to see your money float away, but even the world's best poker players endure downswings. If you continue to play solid poker, you will climb out of it.

Warnings

Because of the inherent danger of wagering money, never play poker if you don't have your personal finances in order.

Via How To Become a Good Poker Player on WonderHowTo.

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How To Win More Scratch Offs

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:29:14 GMT

The best way to increase your odds of winning scratch offs is using statistics. There are things you can do to improve your chances without doing any extra math.

Step 1

Set a budget - Decide how much you can afford to spend on a scratch offs every week. This absolutely has to be money you can afford to lose, because odds are – you will. Resist the temptation to chase your losses.

Step 2

Quit while you’re ahead - If you win on a ticket, put the money in your wallet. Don’t spend it on more scratch offs beyond the budget you set. These two rules alone will increase most peoples winnings since most people put winning into new scratch offs and then lose.

Step 3

Stagger your ticket buying - Don’t spend your entire budget on one game in one store. There are rarely two winning tickets in a row. So once you’ve gotten a winner, either stop playing for a couple of days and come back, Play a different game, or go to a different store. This will make sure that you don’t spend money on an almost guaranteed loser. Note: This is not about statistics - it's about how the games are manufactured and marketed. Scratch off games are sold in packs with a specific win/loss percentage in each pack.

Step 4

Check to see prize levels before you buy a game. - It is perfectly legal to sell tickets for a scratch off game after all of the top prizes have been won. Sometimes the store will post a flyer with that information, but it is frequently several weeks out of date. Checking with the state lottery homepage is the simplest way to make sure you aren’t wasting money on a loser.

Step 5

Don't play games that are part off a second chance lotteries. States and Retailers use these as a way to sell games after there are few regular prizes left. Unless you are truly interested in winning the second chance prize these are just a scam. This is not true in some states, such as Wisconsin, where all lottery tickets and scratch offs are eligible for a second chance prize.

Step 6

Don't buy "Mystery Packs" or any other package of tickets. Again, this a technique retailers use to move old games that don't have many prizes remaining.

Step 7

Turn all tickets into to have the computer at the retailer check the winnings. In games were there are several different ways to win prizes, it can be easy to overlook winnings. Having the computer check will ensure you don't accidentally throw away winnings.

Tips

It is possible to get up to dates odds on individual scratch off games by statistically analyzing the prizes that are remaining. This can be difficult. There are websites that will perform the calculations for you.

Warnings

While these tips can help (and doing some math will help even more), playing scratch offs is gambling and you will still almost always lose more than you win.
Do not play more than you can afford to lose.

Via How To Win More Scratch Offs on WonderHowTo.

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How To Gamble With a Chance of Winning

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:17:41 GMT

Virtually all games at a casino are games of chance, and in nearly every instance the odds are in the house's favor. It's possible to get lucky and win sometimes, but nearly impossible to win in the long run. However, there are a couple of notable exceptions to the rule, where you can gain a slight advantage over the house.

Step 1

Avoid roulette, keno, slots because of the enormous house advantage. Craps, and blackjack have considerably better odds, and depending on the variations in the rules blackjack can actually give the player the advantage (although this is rare).

Step 2

Steer clear of newfangled table games, virtually all of which are constructed to give the house a real advantage.

Step 3

Polish your poker skills. Poker is unique amongst casino games that you play against the other players, not the house. So if you develop some good poker skills, and get seated at a table with poor players, you could have a significant advantage and high probability of winning.

Step 4

Learn to count cards in blackjack. Card counting is technically legal but casinos often do not allow it. If they suspect you are counting cards, you will be asked to stop playing or leave the casino. Counting cards involves paying attention to every single card turned over by the dealer, realizing by implication which cards are left in the deck, and increasing your bet when the remaining cards offer you a mathematical advantage.

Tips

Poker is currently quite popular and many players have excellent skills. Furthermore there is often a population of 'grinders' -- locals who play technically efficient poker with the goal of earning a steady income. These factors combine to make it difficult to win. Despite that fact that poker offers you the theoretical potential to have an advantage over the other players, the high skill level of many players may also mean you are at a large disadvantage!
Playing to win requires intense concentration, sobriety, a lack of emotion, and many hours of practice in play. You may find that in trying to gain an advantage over the house, you take all the fun out of gambling.

Warnings

Although it is possible to win at Roulette and Craps, over the long term the house has the advantage and will always win. But an individual player can certainly win in the short run. The hard part is quitting when you are ahead.
Gambling is, by it's very nature, a risk. Make sure you know how much you can afford to lose before you start, and remember it while you're playing.

Via How To Gamble With a Chance of Winning on WonderHowTo.

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How To Play Blackjack

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:08:06 GMT

Blackjack is actually a simple game and a way of getting money. Blackjack is mainly a luck and chance game, but also a strategy game. Here's how to play.

Step 1

First, learn the value of the cards:

Number cards: The number is the value of the card.
Face Cards: The value of face cards is 10.
Ace: Either 1 or 11. It is counted as 11 unless it would put you over 21, in which case it counts as 1.

Step 2

Now learn the moves:

Hit: This means to get another card.
Stand: This means to keep your current cards and do nothing.
Insurance: A bet to break even, when the dealer is showing an ace. If the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bet pays off 2-1 (you break even).
Double Down: This means to double your bet, and get one more card.
Split: This means to split your hand into two hands. You can only do this if your starting hand has two cards of the same value. If both of your hands win, you get double the amount of money. If one wins, you get the normal amount of money you would've won if you haven't split. Splitting is a good way to be safe if you one of your hands lose, so you can get another chance.
Surrender: In many casinos, you can (before playing and after determining if the dealer has a blackjack) choose to give up half of your bet without playing. This is an option to take if you don't think you can win.

Step 3

Understand the implications of insurance, splitting,double down and surrender.

All of the extra actions favor the house:
When making an insurance bet, you are betting that the dealer's hole card is a 10, Jack, Queen or King. Their are 13 potential ranks of cards in the deck. You have less than a 1 and 3 chance of it paying. The best time to make an insurance bet is when you have a blackjack! If the dealer turns out to have a blackjack, you will have a "push" (tie) with the dealer; your insurance bet will pay 2-1 which would equal an average payout on a bet.
When doubling down, you only get one card. You may not like the hand you end up with. In fact, that is what the casino is counting on! Never double down if the dealer is showing a face card or an ace.
Splitting can turn an excellent hand into a terrible one, and vice versa. Here are some rules of thumb: Never split 5's (Your total is 10. You are likely to end strong. Always split 7's, 8's and Aces. Splitting 7's and 8's will change probable losers to probable winners. Splitting Aces is advantageous, but understand this: You are only allowed to split Aces once, and you can only take one card for each new hand. The casinos required this because Splitting Aces, without the restriction, is a great advantage.
Once you have "surrendered" your hand, the dealer's actions are unimportant (to you). If the dealer's hand goes sour, you have already given up.

Step 4

To win, the player has to be closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. If the player goes over, he has "busted". If it's a tie, its a "push", neither the player or the house wins. A blackjack is when your starting hand is an ace and 10, or face card.

Tips

Learn the basic blackjack playing stategy. The casinos only have a 2% advantage if you use it.
Unless you are prepared to gamble thousands of dollars on a single hand, forget card counting. Card Counting is 95% betting strategy and 5% playing strategy. It converts the casinos 2% advantage to a 2% advantage for you. Which means if you make $1000 total bets over an hour, you will win $20, if you don't screw up! Such strategies break down when many players are at a table. Card counters are notoriously easy to pick out. If you are playing at a table by yourself, you will be even more obvious. Better idea: Go and have a good time playing basic strategy, if you are careful, you might even win some.
If the dealer is showing a face card or an ace (especially an ace); consider if you should surrender. If you are holding 13, 14, 15 or 16, the chances are you will bust. If the dealer is showing an ace, no matter how bad his first draw is (if he needs to), he will always be able to draw again. This is a tremendous advantage to the house.
A good place to stay would be around 17 or over. But, it doesn't mean you can't hit and get a low number.
A good place to double down is at 11.
A common misunderstanding of the rules is that, on a push (a tie), the dealer wins. This is only true in a party (informal) game. In informal blackjack games, the last player to have a blackjack is the dealer. This may seem unfair, but here's why: The dealer might lose to multiple player at one time. He is risking far more per play, and he has to stay within the boundaries of when he must hit and stand.

Warnings

Do not bet too high.

Things You'll Need

A deck of cards (if you're going to a casino, you don't need to bring a deck of cards)
Money (if you're going to bet)

Via How To Play Blackjack on WonderHowTo.

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How To Shuffle and Deal Texas Holdem

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:52:17 GMT

As you become a serious poker player, you will want to know how to shuffle and deal Texas Hold'em. In a home game, you probably won't deal exactly as a professional dealer would, but you can do your best to emulate their techniques. After practicing these steps and tips, you will be able to effectively shuffle and deal at your home games.Dealing efficiently will cause fewer problems and arguments among friends.

Step 1

Shuffle before dealing the cards. The first thing a professional dealer would do is fan out the deck and inspect the cards to see they are all there. Next turn the deck face down and mix them up. You are also checking to see that all the cards are the same color on the back. Now push them together and shuffle the cards.

Step 2

After shuffling twice then "strip" the deck. Hold the deck in one hand. Use your other hand to take off the top 1/3 of cards and set them on the table. Then take the middle section and place it on top. Finally set the bottom third on top of the others. Then shuffle the cards normally again.

Step 3

Cut the deck onto the 'cut card' and get ready to deal.

Step 4

After the blinds are posted, deal each player two cards face down, starting with the person clockwise of the dealer button.

Step 5

Note: There will be four betting rounds. During each round, move all folded cards into a "muck pile" under the hand in which you hold the deck (the "stub"). When each round is complete, the dealer moves all the chips in to a pile at the center/right (or left, if the dealer holds the stub in the right hand) of the table. (The "pot") Betting always begins with the player seated clockwise of the dealer, and continues until all players have either folded or called the total bet, including all raises.

Step 6

Round 1 (Preflop): Betting starts with the player clockwise of the Big Blind. Each player must either: 1. call the amount of the Big Blind as a minimum, 2: fold their hand, or 3: raise the bet, in accordance with predetermined table rules.

Step 7

Round 2 (The Flop): The dealer takes the top card from the deck and "burns" it, face down, under the pot. (This is a matter of protocol and does not truly affect the randomization of the cards.) The dealer then places three cards face up on the table. Another betting round commences.

Step 8

Round 3 (The Turn): The dealer once again burns a card and places another card face up on the table. Another betting round commences.

Step 9

Round 4 (The River): The dealer burns a card again and places the fifth and final card face up on the table. This will be the last betting round before players reveal their hands.

Step 10

The Showdown: After betting/checking on the river, any players left in the pot have to either show their hands or fold them. Traditionally, the last person to bet or raise will show first...IF there was betting on the last round. If everyone checks the final round then the player to the left of the dealer button is first to show.

Step 11

Whoever has the best hand wins the pot. Announce what the winning hand is, kill (muck) all the losers. Push the pot to the winner. Leave the 'Board' and the winner's hand face up while pushing the pot. Don't go too fast in this phase. Make sure everyone sees who has the winner so there are no arguments. Anyone at the table, whether in the pot or not, has the right to correct the dealer. It is not personal, it just helps to avoid mistakes.

Tips

If you don't want to perform all of the fancy shuffling techniques, that's OK. Just be sure to give the cards a good shuffling at least four or five times.
Remind the players to place their bets in front of them and not in the center of the table. This makes it easier to keep track of bets. Once a betting round finishes, the dealer can move all the chips to the middle of the table.
To speed the game up it is helpful to play using two decks that have different color backing. While one hand is being played with one deck, the other deck is being shuffled by the next dealer.
The basic shuffle is: shuffle,shuffle, strip (also called Box), shuffle. This is used all throughout the poker industry. If you don't use the strip then shuffle five or more times.
There are 4 betting rounds in Hold'em and 3 burn cards.

Warnings

Burning a card before the flop, turn and river cards are revealed is a precaution devised to prevent cheating. The concept of burning cards developed as many professionals playing for high stakes would often subtly mark the back of certain cards, giving themselves additional information about what card was on top of the deck (and hence next to be played). Similarly in games where the dealer is playing, it is also good practice to have someone other than the dealer shuffle the cards, and someone else to cut the cards. This effectively eliminates many methods of trick shuffling/trick cutting/bottom dealing.
All cards should remain on the table and in plain view of everybody at all times. This prevents players from hiding, switching, or marking cards.
One other thing to be aware of in home games is players palming chips. Whoever pushes the pot to the winner should automatically turn their palms face up to show that they did not take any chips. This should be standard practice even among friends. Professional dealers are required to do this in all live games. In tournament play the professional dealer would have no reason to take tournament chips, but at a home game it prevents any question about honesty.

Things You'll Need

A regular deck of 52 cards.
Poker chips.
A Dealer Button. While not necessary, it is a handy tool for tracking who has the deal next, whose turn it is and where to start dealing. If you don't have a dealer button, a silver dollar or any large coin works very well.
A cut card. This can be useful for both cutting the deck and preventing the bottom of the deck from being exposed. Additionally, it serves to prevent players from dealing off the deck's bottom to cheat. If you don't have a cut card, you can easily make one by taking two jokers from a different-colored deck, and taping or gluing them face to face, to make a colorful and reasonably attractive cut card.

Via How To Shuffle and Deal Texas Holdem on WonderHowTo.

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How To Beat Your Opponent Playing Poker

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:30:01 GMT

With the popularity of poker these days, you will notice poker everywhere. Home games are frequent, and tournaments are held daily in casinos and online. If you want to beat your opponent in this pastime, you'll need to be knowledgeable and well practiced. Here are some simple suggestions to get you to the winning position.

Step 1

Practice. Learn the game of Texas holdem poker and play for free before playing for real money.

Step 2

Read a book or magazine on poker. There are numerous books about poker written by some very well known poker players (eg. Doyle Brunson). The top poker magazine in the U.S. is Card Player. In Canada the best magazine about poker is Canadian Poker Player.

Step 3

Take advantage of the free software offered online by dozens of poker sites. On these sites, you can play live players for free and learn the game of poker.

Step 4

Know the 10 best starting hands in poker. They are AA, KK, QQ, AK, JJ, TT, AQ, KQ, AJ, A10. These hands should be played aggressively.

Step 5

After you have played for a while, read some more and keep practicing. You will get to know the tricks of the game and the little giveaway signs other players reveal (known as "tells"). Good luck!

Tips

Don't play like the players you see on TV. They have beat out a large field of players to be down to the last 6 players. The final table is a different game of poker. You will need to read up on how to play when you make the final table.
Play sit-n-go poker tournaments to build your experience at final table play.

Warnings

Don't play while tired
Don't play while checking email or surfing the net
Don't play when you only have 15 minutes to play
Try to play a tight, meaning playing few hands, but aggressive game

Via How To Beat Your Opponent Playing Poker on WonderHowTo.

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How To Get Poker Chips

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:45:20 GMT

Toothpicks might work, but if you want to play poker in style, you'll need a set of poker chips. They come in a range of styles and qualities, and the prices vary to match.

Step 1

Consider how often you will be using them. If it's a regular weekly game, it makes sense to invest in some decent chips. If it's for the ski house and gets used twice a year, cheap plastic ones will do fine, unless only the best will do for you.

Step 2

Calculate how many chips you'll need. 80 chips per player is a good rule of thumb, with 40 in one color, and 20 each in two other colors.

Step 3

Buy inexpensive plastic chips at any store that sells toys. The standard red, white and blue set of thin light plastic chips won't win any style points but will work just fine. Expect to pay up to $20 to buy enough chips.

Step 4

Sometimes you can get good quality and save a little money by getting nylon-resin chips with a metal weight. Expect to pay $50 - $100 with shipping for 500 chips of this style in varied colors with a decent carrying case. eBay can be a good source but be careful of fraudsters.

Step 5

Look for clay chips if you want the real deal. These come in a variety of sizes and weights. The best are 100% clay chips, but these will be fairly expensive. The Gambler's General Store in Las Vegas is a good source with a lot of variety or you can order most chips over the internet from various stores including Amazon.com. Also, a lot of local high-end game stores will carry clay chips. Expect to pay $.50 - $1.50 a chip, more for a case to carry them, and realize that not all chips are the same.

Step 6

Splurge and go custom with a chip maker that will allow you to pick all the colors and design, and place your logo in the middle. This could be your company logo, or the name of your weekly game, or your initials. Be aware that this will be more expensive.

Tips

It's super convenient to buy some plastic racks to go with the chips. It makes counting in and out easier, and they don't cost much.
If you're going to the trouble and expense of buying good chips, go ahead and get a couple decks of good quality Kem or Copag plastic cards. They'll really polish off the professional atmosphere of your game and they'll last you practically forever.
Texas Hold'em being the dominant game these days, you'll probably also want to pick up a couple of Dealer buttons.

Warnings

If you are looking to buy these as a gift for a serious player, be warned: all chips are emphatically not the same! If you are not careful, you are at risk of spending a lot of money and yet getting something that isn't what you wanted. Consider a gift certificate, or spending a little more money to make sure you get what you're looking for.
With the explosion of poker's popularity, everybody is buying chips. If people in your regular game already have a set, think twice about buying your own. It's disappointing for everybody when three players bring their expensive new toys every week yet only one set can be used.

Via How To Get Poker Chips on WonderHowTo.

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How To Win at Blackjack

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:28:20 GMT

Some people argue that blackjack is the only casino game in which the player actually has a fair chance against the house. Here's how you can learn to up your odds of winning.

Step 1

Throw every superstition about blackjack out of the window!! Superstitions lead you to believe that you can control the uncontrollable. Beating a casino takes a real mathematical advantage, not a rabbit's foot.

Step 2

Learn perfect basic strategy. Do you split 9,9 against a dealer 5? Do you hit a 16 when the dealer shows 10? Do you double down on a A7 against a dealer 7? Forget what your Uncle Steve told you, learn a statistically sound strategy, and know the right way to play every hand in your sleep.

Step 3

Understand what you are up against. The house gains its advantage because if both the player and the dealer busts, the house wins (the player busts first and money is immediately collected). This can be a LARGE obstacle to overcome.

Step 4

Understand what areas of the game you wish to exploit. If a player gets a natural (21 on first two cards dealt), the house usually pays the player 1.5:1. Luckily for players, if the house gets a natural, the player only loses his bet at 1:1, or possibly nothing (if the player took insurance). This gives players an edge, and if exploited correctly a way to beat the game.

Step 5

Understand what cards benefit the player, and what cards benefit the house. Small numbered cards (sixes and below), benefit the house. The dealer is more likely to make pat hands out of stiffs, and natural blackjacks will be less frequent for the player (remember, that is the players advantage).

Step 6

Large cards benefit the player. The dealer is more likely to bust his stiffs (he doesn’t get a choice when to hit), and naturals are more likely (advantage, player).

Step 7

Understand how to exploit it. If the player could only bet when there were more high cards then low cards, the player would ultimately win. Since this isn’t possible, the player bet as much as possible when there are more large cards, and as little as possible when there are more low cards. This is the essential key to beating Blackjack.

Step 8

Learn the Hi-Lo method of counting cards. Simply put, each card 2 through 6 is assigned a point value of +1 and every card 10 through ace is assigned a value of -1, all card in-between are neutral. When your count is high and positive, your chances of winning are increased because it means that the ratio of high cards to low cards is favorable to the player. Since the object of the game is to beat the dealer's hand, this task becomes easier when the count is high because it means the dealer has a higher chance of busting because he or she must either hit until they reach 17 or until they bust.

Step 9

Be aware that in most casinos, a blackjack shoe is played with 6 decks of cards. So if the count is high early into the shoe, it is not as meaningful as a high count towards the end of a shoe. The best time to raise your bet would be when the count is high and the amount of cards left in the shoe is low.

Step 10

Practice the hi-lo counting method, it seems easy at first, but in the speed of gameplay (with up to 9 hands on the table) it can be a very hard task.

Step 11

Practice with computer simulators. It is best to use simulators specifically for card counting practice because they can automatically correct you if you make a mistake. You can also program them with all of the popular systems and keep track of your long term winnings to track theoretical profits.

Step 12

PRACTICE SOME MORE. read some books on counting and practice EVERYTHING, then read the book again. Before you even try to progress, you need to be able to keep a running count without even trying. If you see a bottle of Heinz 57, you need to think, “the count is +1” (5=+1, and 7=0).

Step 13

Know when to quit. If you're consistently having bad hands or have not perfected the technique yet, it's better not to waste your money.

Step 14

Though card counting is perfectly legal, some casinos frown upon it because it takes away the greater house advantage. Try to not be so conspicuous about raising and lowering your bets to suit the count.

Tips

Start with the table minimum.
Sit at a table with many other people. If there are many people there it tells you that they are winning, which is a good way of avoiding "Card Shark" dealers.
Also many other people at a table gives you statistically better odds of drawing high cards, because in short, people tend to draw low cards and keep hitting, and stop on high cards. This gives you better odds of winning.
Avoid alcohol. Drinks are often free in casinos and there is a reason for that; free drinks lead to bad decisions. Alcohol also impairs your ability to quickly count cards.
You must understand statistical probability, standard deviations, and converting fractions to decimals to percentages. If you are not familiar with this already, you may benefit from a refresher course at a local community college.
Some Blackjack games simply cannot be beaten by counting. Slight rules changes will dramatically decrease the effectiveness of any count system, so you have to find a table with acceptable rules.
New counters should begin learning with an unbalanced count system. Unbalanced count systems are the easiest to learn (although still far from easy). They are more intuitive, but lack some of the power of a true balanced count system. For more info, look to “Blackbelt in Blackjack”, "Knock-Out Blackjack” or other unbalanced beginner systems.
Balanced Count systems are the most accurate, but are MUCH more complicated. They require more mental math (converting your running count to a true count mentally, calculating your advantage, betting according to your true advantage), and will take much longer to learn. For more info, look at Hi-Lo systems like in “Professional Blackjack”, or any of Wong’s books.
If you want to learn an advanced count system, decide if the extra .5-1% advantage you will gain by learning an advanced system is worth it ($0.50 to $1.00 per $100 wagered advantage).
If you plan to count cards, go to Atlantic City instead of Vegas, because over there, they can' kick you out.

Warnings

Card counting is perfectly legal. As long as you don't partake in anything that alters the course of the game, you are not cheating. If a casino asks you to leave, do so willingly but do not surrender your chips. Unless you have broken the law, they are rightfully yours.
Remember, card counting does not guarantee you to win, the cards are still the luck of the draw. Card-counting, when done correctly, only maximizes your chances of beating the dealer, it does not guarantee you to win. Along with this card counting has become more and more difficult because casinos are using more and more decks of cards in their rotation. This increases the chance of messing up while trying to card count.
If you read a book and think that you are ready to hit the tables, YOU WILL LOSE! Casino’s make more money off of players that THINK that they can beat the game then they make off of players who know that they can’t. You have to practice A LOT before you KNOW that you can beat the game.
A count system will take 6 months to learn if you practice every day. Figure 1-3 years for a regular or semi regular player who remains dedicated to learning the system. Do NOT attempts to learn card counting if you only go to Vegas twice a year. You will never master a system. You should only learn sound basic strategy to play better when you do go.
If caught card counting, although it is not illegal, will likely result in you being on the recieving end of a beating from the secuirity team.

Via How To Win at Blackjack on WonderHowTo.

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How to play blackjack basics

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:55:52 GMT

Give lady luck a little help by learning the basics of blackjack. Watch this video to learn how to play blackjack.

You Will Need

* A deck of cards
* Two or more players
* And a table

WARNING: Several states bar all gambling, including pools in which the organizer does not profit. Know your local laws.

Step 1. Know the rules

Know the rules. Blackjack is a counting gam

Watch the how-to video for How to play blackjack basics on WonderHowTo.

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How to read poker tells

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:15:13 GMT

This video demonstrates how to read poker tells. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to read poker tells, For Dummies.

Putting on an act in poker play is meant to fool opponents into making the wrong move. To recognize -- or perfect -- b

Watch the how-to video for How to read poker tells on WonderHowTo.

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How to bluff at Poker

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:14:58 GMT

This video demonstrates how to bluff at Poker. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to bluff at Poker, For Dummies.

Poker players reveal subtle messages about the strength of their hands in "tells" -- telltale signs that sometimes mean th

Watch the how-to video for How to bluff at Poker on WonderHowTo.

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How to avoid poker bluffs that give you away

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:14:19 GMT

This video demonstrates how to avoid poker bluffs that give you away. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to avoid poker bluffs that give you away, For Dummies.

Avoid bad bluffing in poker by being aware of "tells" that signal betting st

Watch the how-to video for How to avoid poker bluffs that give you away on WonderHowTo.

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How to shuffle a deck of cards

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:18:41 GMT

Learn how to shuffle a deck of cards.

Impress your poker buddies by learning how to shuffle and deal like you do it for a living.

You Will Need

* A deck of cards
* And a table

Step 1. Split the deck in half

Learn how to do the classic shuffle, which is called the riffle shuffle. Split the deck into approximate halves and put them face down horizontally on a table.

Ste

Watch the how-to video for How to shuffle a deck of cards on WonderHowTo.

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How to play roulette in a UK casino

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:53:06 GMT

Check out this step by step guide to learning how to play Roulette. This tutorial gives a basic insight into how roulette works and the odds paid on different bets. Roulette is a classic table game played in casinos all over the world.

Watch the how-to video for How to play roulette in a UK casino on WonderHowTo.

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How to play UK casino rules blackjack

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:52:01 GMT

To win blackjack you must beat the house and the rest of the players at your table. This is often called 21. Another great tutorial video on how to play Blackjack. Basic UK Casino rules. You can win blackjack games without counting cards.

Watch the how-to video for How to play UK casino rules blackjack on WonderHowTo.

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How to play better roulette in the casino

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:50:36 GMT

Simple Roulette tutorial using Betfair Zero Lounge for gameplay example.

Play better roulette in the casino and win money. This is one of the classic gambling games at a casino. Learn how to master it for a better chance at winning big.

To find out more about Betfair Zero Lounge, follow up.

Watch the how-to video for How to play better roulette in the casino on WonderHowTo.

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