Page 19 - December 2004 • Southern California Gaming Guide

Give the Gift of Knowledge! by Bill Burton
Years ago when I wrote my first gaming column, I wanted to end it with a thought that would convey my philosophy about casino gambling. I spent quite a bit of time looking for just the right words that best described the message I wanted to convey.
I finally decided on the phrase; “Luck comes and goes...knowledge stays forever!” Those words have appeared at the end of my columns for the last seven years, and they mean more to me than just a catchy way to end an article. Whether you are dealing with casino games or other situations in life, the knowledgeable person will usually have a better chance at success than someone who just relies on luck to get them through. Learning all you can about a casino game is not difficult because there is a wealth of good books, computer software programs and videos.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
e holidays are here again, and if you are like me, you are probably searching for the right gift to give someone on your list. May I suggest you give the gift of knowledge?
game. Poker players especially need to study the game if they want to play winning poker. Those getting their education at the tables will find it very
If you have someone on your list who enjoys visiting the casino, why not give them a gaming- related gift to help them learn more about their favorite game?
“Tutorial software makes a great gift because it can be educational and recreational at the same time. There aresoftwareprogramsavailable
expensive.
Tutorial software
makes a great gift because it can be educa- tional and recreational at the same time. ere are software programs available for Blackjack,
ere are numerous videos and DVDs that can show a player how casino games are played. Most videos will show the player the mechanics of the game and give them some basic strategies as well.
ere are some videos designed to cover more advanced topics for players who already know the basics of the games.
ere are several national gaming magazines published around the country. A subscription to one of these magazines makes a good gift that lasts all year long.
ere are plenty of products available that will make a great gift for that special person on your list who enjoys casino gambling. You may even want to give yourself a little gift for your own hard work this past year. ere’s nothing wrong with that, and it is
ere are numerous forBlackjack,videopoker,Texas video poker, Texas
books available cover- ing any game played in the casino. ey range from the very basic that will teach the rules of the games, to the more advanced, that will explain strategies for the games requiring more skill. Many table games have a basic strategy that will reduce the house edge if followed.
Hold’em, Let it Ride and several other casino games. Playing on the computer at home is a fun way to learn any game. For years video poker and blackjack players have beenhoningtheirskillsbyplayingon their computers before going to the
casino.”
Hold’em, Let it Ride
and several other casino
games. Playing on the
computer at home
is a fun way to learn
any game. For years
video poker and black-
jack players have been
honing their skills by suretobesomethingyouwant.HappyHolidays! playing on their com-
Maybe someone you
know has been bitten by the poker bug that has been sweeping the country. Poker is a game of skill, and the player who studies the game will be leagues ahead of other players who have never studied the
puters before going to the casino. Not all soft- ware programs are for learning the games. If
Until next time, remember, “Luck comes and goes... knowledge stays forever!”
Bill Burton is the Casino Gambling Guide and columnist for the Internet portal About.com. He also writes for several national gambling publications. He is the author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em available for $15 postage paid. Send checks to Bill Burton, PO Box 310299, Newington, CT 06131-0299 or online at www.billburton.com. Bill Burton’s website is located at: http://casinogambling.about.com
you just want entertainment, you can nd software programs with some of the latest slot machine games. It’s a fun way to play your favorite game when you can’t make it to the casino.
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DECEMBER 2004 Page 19
Column: Bill Burton About Gambling