You can’t believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to poker, and especially when it comes from the internet. A quick search for “poker tips” will yield thousands of results, but not all of them are necessarily true.
In this article, the experts at Casinos by M&M break down some of the most common poker myths, and the actual truths behind them…
This myth often discourages new players from trying their hand. While skill is certainly involved in the game of poker, a large amount of hands are decided by Lady Luck. Over the long-run, the better poker players tend to win more, but in the short-term everyone is subject to statistical variance. Ever hear of beginner’s luck?
We don’t even know where this one came from, but we see it often. Checking and calling is the best tactic to use when your hand isn’t quite good enough to raise, but not bad enough to fold. Players who constantly check may be labeled as amateurs, but it can be a very profitable tactic against over-aggressive opponents who like to bluff.
Hollywood has fooled many people into believing that you need to be a card-counting genius to excel at poker. This simply isn’t true, especially at the casual level. You should learn how to calculate basic odds and bet amounts, but a good portion of the game is based on instincts, your ability to read other players, and dumb luck.
Don’t let these common misconceptions scare you away from the great game of poker!
Casinos by M&M is a casino & DJ party company serving the Tri-State New York area. We specialize in authentic casino parties and party supplies. Our charismatic, professional dealers and exciting casino action will make your next party one to remember. For more information about our services dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST!
Check some holidays gifts off your shopping list early this season! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the poker-loving, casino buff in your life, we’ve got you covered.
1. Custom Playing Cards – The best part about this gift idea is that you can customize it for any casino lover on your list. Best friend or significant other? Feature some of your favorite photos together. Cat-loving boss? Well, there are plenty of cat photos to go around!
2. A New Watch – It’s easy to lose track of time while hitting the tables, especially in a casino setting where time seems to always stand still. A shnazzy new watch is a great accessory for both everyday wear, as well as weekends spent hitting the Atlantic City strip.
3. Casinopoly – The Monopoly masterminds are back at it again with the latest game variation, Casinopoly! Your loved ones will enjoy all the classic fun and excitement of the original Monopoly, with some casino flair.
4. A Poker Set – Is there any better gift for a poker enthusiast than a new set of casino quality playing cards and poker chips? We didn’t think so!
5. Gambling Books – Help your loved ones brush up on strategies for their favorite casino games with some light reading. There are plenty of great how-to’s and handbooks out there to try.
What will you be getting the casino buff on your holiday shopping list this year? We’d love to hear all of your ideas on our Facebook page!
Casinos by M&M is a casino & DJ party company serving the Tri-State New York area. We specialize in authentic casino parties and party supplies. Our charismatic, professional dealers and exciting casino action will make your next party one to remember. For more information about our services, visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST!
Here in the tri-state area, we have access to plenty of great casinos. Just take the Atlantic City strip for example, or ever popular Mohegan Sun casino so close by. But none of these can compare to the grandeur and luxury of the world’s top five casinos we’ve listed below.
This grand gambling complex was built in 1850 with ulterior motives behind it. It was meant to serve as a source of income for the House of Grimaldi, the ruling family at the time, to save them from bankruptcy. Though the casino underwent a full renovation in 2011, all the ornate ceilings and tapestries, as well as the crystal chandeliers were restored to their original glory.
Ahh, Baden-Baden. The town so nice, they named it twice! Home to one of Germany’s gaming and wellness hot spots, this casino began as an exclusive destination for European elite during the Prussian era. It has been called “the most beautiful casino in the world,” by German actress Marlene Dietrich, and rightfully so — boasting deep shades of crimson decor and massive crystal chandeliers held up by velvet ropes.
That’s right, one of the United States’ very own made the cut. The Wynn Las Vegas is stylish, sexy and luxurious, boasting a four-star rating. It’s full of whimsical artwork and exotic gardens that are sure to captivate. Plus, it’s home to a 26-table poker room!
If it sounds swanky, that’s because it is! This members only casino is tucked away in the basement of The Ritz London, an exclusive hidden gem. As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve even built some discreet gaming rooms for high-rollers looking to raise the stakes even more.
Modeled after it’s sister in Las Vegas, this giant casino and resort boasts 10.6 million square feet of gaming tables, slot machines, sports and entertainment arenas, shopping and even a faux-Venice gondola ride. Make sure you hit the Dragon Phoenix tables when you visit — an exclusive coin game that made its debut here in 2011. With luxury suites and over 550,000 square feet of gambling bliss, this casino is at the top of the list!
This gambling lovers dream is closest to our home here on Long Island! Foxwoods is not only full of entertainment and activity, but it was built amidst the lush green landscaping of the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, creating a serenity not found in most other casinos. With over 380 game tables, 6300 slots and a child-friendly arcade, this is a great destination for weekend getaways and family vacations alike!
Located in the third largest hotel in the world, this casino is home to one of the largest gaming floors on the Las Vegas strip. Its 171,500 square feet host 139 tables and 2500 gaming machines. The casino encourages sports betting in their state-of-the-art sports area, equipped with 60 plasma televisions for your viewing pleasure.
If you’d like to experience all the authenticity of a real live casino, without ever setting foot on a plane, allow Casinos by M&M to assist. Our genuine gaming tables and friendly dealers can turn your next event into a luxurious trip to one of these five top casinos in no time.
For more information about our casino party offerings, call -1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today.
Everyone walks into a casino thinking “today is the day my luck will change,” but unfortunately for most, it rarely does. But what if luck had nothing to do with your winning or losing? Here are six people who — either through great intelligence, practice or just plain cheating — knew they would be leaving a winner.
As the first person to exploit the wheel bias in roulette, Garcia-Pelayo was able to beat the odds. Wheel bias is the belief that every roulette wheel favors some numbers over others, because of minute differences in the internal gears and leveling. Using what he learned from studying hundreds of wheels, he bet on that wheels’ “hot numbers,” giving him a 15% edge over the house. For a decade he studied and hit every casino from Spain to America, earning a total of $1.5 million in winnings.
After decades of research and development, Taft created a wearable computer that helped him count cards. After just one week, Taft won $40,000. His other famous inventions include a belt buckle video camera, used to see the dealer’s hole card and a computer that could tell the positioning of cards in a perfectly shuffled deck.
Ida Summers’ good looks, small frame and social graces allowed her to pull off the most daring cons ever attempted at a casino. Summers was a pro at swapping out the dealer’s deck with her own pre stacked ones, known as a cool deck. After thousands of dollars won and even more people conned, her luck ultimately ran out when the FBI arrested her.
Also known as the man who could beat any slot machine, Carmichael made his fortune by hacking nearly every machine across Las Vegas. Carmichael created a “light wand” that he was able to insert into a machine, cut off the light sensor and drop the coins. Ironically, Carmichael now works with slot machine manufacturers to help make foolproof machines.
Unlike others who tricked the game in order to make money, Colavecchio went straight to the source. Throughout the 90’s, he created almost exact replicas of slot machine coins. He was not caught until casino managers realized there were thousands more coins in stock than were ever ordered by the casino itself. Like Carmichael, he too now works with law enforcement to prevent and catch counterfeiters.
Known as the father of card counting, Thorp not only used the method, he also created it. By essentially keeping track of what value cards were where on the table, Thorp and his friend, Claude Shannon, left the casino with roughly $70,000 every time. Because no one had ever heard of card counting, Thorp was never actually caught, but he was kicked out of every casino he entered because he was suspected of cheating.
Think you have what it takes to beat the house? To learn how you can face the dealer with family and friends on your very own blackjack table, visit Casinos by M&M online or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
Why do we hit the casino? To have fun, sure, but mostly — to win! That’s why it’s important to go in with a clear mind and a solid strategy. Fortunately, these five casino tips can help you do just that.
Do you have any great tips you’d like to share with your fellow gamers? We’d love to hear all about them on our Facebook page!
Casinos by M&M is a casino & DJ party company serving the Tri-State New York area. We specialize in authentic casino parties and party supplies. Our charismatic, professional dealers and exciting casino action will make your next party one to remember. For more information about our services, visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST!
Think you know everything about your favorite casino game? Think again! There are plenty of blackjack myths that have been around for centuries, and we’re here to take a look at some of the most popular.
Myth: Having newbies at the table hinders your odds of winning big.
It’s this myth that keeps novice players from trying their luck at a casino table! Many people will blame other players for their loss if those players don’t play a deal how they feel it should have been played. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how other individuals play the game. Mathematically speaking, the cards of another have no effect on the cards that you hold or how you play them.
Myth: You should always avoid sitting in the last seat at a table.
This superstition says the last seat gets dealt the worst hand, but more importantly, holds the most responsibility. Similar to the novice myth, other players are more likely to get angry with the last seat player. “If he had only stayed and not hit, the dealer would have busted!” Unfortunately, this logic is flawed. As we said, mathematically speaking everyone has the same odds.
Myth: The cards have a plan — with the order that they appear in that is.
Many believe that once a game has started, players cannot join or leaves. They feel that it disrupts the “sacred order” of the cards and brings bad luck to other players. Like in the two myths above, we have to remember that blackjack is all about chance and equal opportunity. Sure, switching up the players will change the order of the cards, but that doesn’t change the odds!
In the game of blackjack you can’t blame others for their losses! At the end of the day, everyone has a fair shot and a fair crack at strategy. The only way to increase your odds is with practice — which is why we suggest booking a blackjack table for your next party or event from Casinos by M&M.
To learn how you can face the dealer with family and friends on your very own blackjack table, visit us online or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
Blackjack is often one of the first table games that novice casino-goers will attempt — and for a good reason. Not only is it fairly simple to follow, but it also holds claim to having the best odds to beat the house on the entire casino floor. When playing blackjack, you have only one opponent, the dealer, but that’s not all. If you’re looking to hit the tables with the best chance of winning big, here are a few guidelines to follow.
Know the basics.
Everyone, including the dealer, is dealt two cards. All cards remain face up on the table, except one of the dealer’s cards, known as the hole card. Your goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without busting. If you hit 21, you win automatically, if you stand and your number is lower than 21, but also lower than the dealer’s, you lose.
Follow the “rules.”
There are several strategic rules that blackjack players are encouraged to following, including:
Skip the insurance.
Most times in life, opting for insurance is a good thing, but not when it comes to blackjack! In this case, insurance refers to a side-bet that a player is allowed to make when the dealer is showing an Ace. Basically, as the player you’re allowed to place an independent bet on whether or not the dealer has blackjack. However, if your not a card-counting pro, skip the insurance because the house has about a 6% advantage over the player in this type of bet.
Sit strategically.
If you’re new to the game, sit further down the line instead of the first seat. This will give you longer to mull over your decision to hit or stand by the time the dealer gets to your turn.
What tips do you have for novice blackjack players? We’d love to hear all about them on our Facebook page, so our dealers can share your advice with future players at Casinos by M&M casino parties!
For more information about how we can help you throw a casino party or fundraiser of your own, visit us online or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST and speak with one of our owners today.
Whether you’re headed out for a weekend of fun at Atlantic City, or are just gearing up for a casino party fundraiser with family and friends, it’s important to know the rules first. No, we’re not talking about the rules of the table games — though that will definitely come in handy too. We mean the unspoken rules, the rules revolving around table etiquette once you take a seat. Here’s what you need to know:
Familiarize yourself with the game first.
Okay, so we fibbed up there. The rules of the game ARE important, but only because a) we want you to win and b) others at the table aren’t going to like it if you start fumbling. At the very least, make sure you have the general idea down pat before you take a seat at the high rollers’ table.
Know how and when to trade in chips.
Buying in and cashing in larger denomination chips for smaller ones should be done in between hands, not during. In addition, if you want to trade in your smaller denomination chips for larger ones, wait until you’re ready to leave the table. And remember, as the great Kenny Rogers would say, “you never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table.”
Keep your hands off the cares.
… If they’re dealt face up that is. There would be no reason to touch them if they’re already displayed. If they’re dealt face down, like in poker, use only one hand to check them. This rule is put in place to try to stop cheaters and card sharks in their tracks. When you do handle the cards, handle them with care, paying special attention to not crease or bend them.
Keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum.
No one likes a loud, drunk card player. Spare everyone the aggravation and know when to say no to the next round of drinks. If you’re a smoker, be courteous, even when you’re seated at a table in the smoking section.
Don’t forget to tip your dealer!
Your dealer is working hard while you’re making money. If you hit big, toss him or her a chip. They’ll certainly appreciate it! If you aren’t having too much luck, it’s a nice gesture to tip anyway as you get up to leave.
Ready to put your gambling etiquette knowledge to the test? Throw a casino party or fundraiser of your own with Casinos by M&M. Call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST for more information today.
The first form of playing cards was first introduced many centuries ago in China, during the Tang Dynasty. Chinese gamblers used symbols of currency to differentiate between the suits. By the 14th century, playing cards were introduced to the Europeans, through the Middle East, where they began their journey to become the card decks we all know and love today.
1371 & 1377: As far as documented evidence goes, here’s where it can be traced back to. It was in Spain, in a Catalan rhyming dictionary that playing card were first officially noted. Just a few years later, the first detailed description of playing cards was documented as well, by John of Rheinfelden, a Swiss monk.
1380: Not long after, cards began to boom all over Europe! People were abuzz from Florence and Brabant, to Paris and Barcelona, all looking to get their hands on a deck. Everyone wanted to get in on the action.
1440: Johann Gutenberg’s printing press was not just profitable for the press. It allowed playing cards to be mass-printed and produced, instead of hand painted as they had been previously.
1480: Playing cards had solidified their suits. While different from the suits we have today, cards of this era were adorned with hearts, bells, leaves and acorns — suits that had been adopted from the Germans.
Late 1400s: Things turned around for the ace, which was previously regarded as a low card. It began to adopt a special significance, encouraging players to regard it as the highest in the deck instead.
Early 1500s: Rouen, a card-making company of that time, began illustrating cards with the familiar king, queen and jack that we still use today.
1674: Charles Cotton published the first unofficial manual for playing cards, called Compleat Gamester. His aim was to lay down the law and hammer down distinct rules for the most popular card and dice games of his time.
1711: For the first time, playing cards became regarded as a taxable good.
1793: Following the French revolution, authorities banned the use of royal figureheads on playing cards. But not for long! Twelve years later, Napoleon appeared, and overruled the illustration ban.
1834: Poker appeared on a river steamer in Mississippi! It was here that the first documented game was said to have been played.
Mid 1800s: Card name abbreviations started appearing in the corners of cards. It’s said that this was around the time that eha “knave” became the “jack” — so it didn’t overlap the K abbreviation for the king. The famous joker card also began to circulate.
1935: A fifth, green suit is introduced and named the “crowns.” As you can guess, this didn’t take well, and was abandoned shortly after.
Today, millions of people play cards around the world, and it’s a good thing too! If playing cards had not been such a successful invention, what would we have done?!
Casinos by M&M is a casino & DJ party company serving the Tri-State New York area. We specialize in authentic casino parties and party supplies. Our charismatic, professional dealers and exciting casino action will make your next party one to remember. For more information about our services, click here to visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST!
In honor of Black Cat Appreciation Day, we thought we’d shed some light on a few of the most well-known gambling superstitions. Lucky numbers? Pre-roll rituals? You name it, we’ve got it — and there’s plenty more where that came from in the casino!
Beware of the number 13. The number 13 has a bad wrap across many cultures for being unlucky — think ‘Friday the 13th.’ So much so, that many Las Vegas hotels have omitted the 13th floor altogether. Wouldn’t want to give guests stay on that floor bad juju!
Hold the fifties please. For years gamblers have steered clear of $50 bills. Legend has it that mobsters would stow a crisp fifty in the pockets of their victims before burying them. From there, the superstitions surrounding the $50 bill were born.
Purchase red undergarments. Chinese New Year celebrations boast the color red, and for good reason! The color is said to symbolize good fortune and joy, and to bring prosperity to those who wear it — and wear it they do! Many gamblers pack a pop of red in their suitcase, most often flaunting red underwear.
“Never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table.” Kenny Rogers had it right when he said this line in his hit song, The Gambler. Not only is it considered unlucky to tally up your earnings at a casino table, but it’s also bad taste.
Cut out the crossing. You fingers, your legs and even your arms should remain uncrossed at all times. Superstition says that crossing can “cross out good luck,” and we wouldn’t want that would we?
Keep your hands to yourself. Touching other players, particularly on the shoulder, is forbidden at the table. It’s considered rude and therefore unlucky.
Don’t wash those hands. If you’re playing a hot hand and keep racking in the chips, you don’t want to wash that luck away! On the other hand, if you’re on a losing streak, washing your hands is thought to help change the course of your luck.
Has all this casino talk gotten you in the mood to gamble? Why not press your luck with Casinos by M&M! Just call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or visit our website to learn how we can help make your corporate event or family gathering a night to remember.
