TABLE GAMES By TJ Jorgensen
FOCUS Create A Game Plan And Then Follow It
W
hen most players plan a trip to the casino, they really have no idea what they are going to play. They will wander around until something catches their attention and sit down. If you go to the casino thinking that you are going to lose $100, that’s probably exactly what will happen if you don’t have a plan. May I suggest that before you head out to the casino you put together a game plan. The first rule is to keep your emotions out of your game. Just like in life, if you have emotions involved in a decision you tend to make bad choices. When you look at something from a logical point of view, you tend to make better decisions. The second rule is to have a loss limit and stick to it. If you have a problem doing that, leave your ATM and credit cards at home. If you’re a slot machine player, compare payouts. Many machines that look the same have different pay schedules. Knowing which ones pay the best will help your money last longer too. If you’re a video poker player, compare payouts. The same machine with the exact game can have different payouts in different parts of the casino.
and I must caution you about information available on websites, posts or videos on social media, and YouTube videos. There is a lot of noise out there online, most of it is inaccurate at best. I personally have two video poker machines at my house that were once used in the casino. As a result, I can tell you everything there is about the different games and the way they can be set for odds.
If you are going to play blackjack, at least know basic strategy and be able to play it without hesitation. Flashcards are a good way to practice at home to help you master basic strategy. While at the table, focus on the game. There is nothing more frustrating for players at the blackjack table than someone not paying attention when it’s their turn to stand, hit, split or double. It slows the game down and other players may not say anything but they are not thinking happy thoughts about you. If you’re a beginner, it’s not a bad idea to go on a slow night and get one-on-one with a dealer who is willing to help you. After all, we were all beginners at one time. Being considerate of other players goes a long way in making sure everyone has a fun time at the casino.
One thing that you will find that is true with all casinos is they are very good at taking your money. Ultimately, a casino is a business. Businesses make money. By being an informed player you can make their job more difficult and at the same time make your money last longer.
The main point here is to learn everything that you can about the game or games that you intend to play. There is a lot of information in this magazine about most games. Find out all you can about a game, then you can decide if it’s a game you want to play. There are many ways to go about doing your research
Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his tournament play and has beaten some of the top tournament players in the world. He has also won the World Series Of Blackjack. His newest book “How To Become A Blackjack Jedi” is available online at Amazon.com.
16 Arizona Gaming Guide | November 2021 | azgamingguide.com
If you would like to be the one that has the winning edge over the casino, my new book, How To Become A Blackjack Jedi by TJ Jorgensen, is available on Amazon in both hard copy and eBook format. I teach how to overcome the house advantage. After all, it’s much more fun to win than it is to lose. Who knows, you might even improve your overall blackjack playing skills too! $
