Sorting Out the Odds: An Inside Look at the Edge Sorting Technique

Do you want to play poker like a pro? Then you've come to the right place. Today, I'll explain what poker tells are and discuss what you should do in different scenarios when playing against gamblers. What Is a Tell in Poker? A tell in poker is a change in a player's behavior, mood, or approach—a physical or verbal action that gives clues to that player's strength of hand. Finding poker tells is based on the premise that people unwittingly reveal their cards via observable behavior. A player gains an advantage by observing and interpreting another competitor's tell, especially if the tell is unconscious and dependable. Consequently, reading behavioral tells is possible only at live poker tables, while online poker players need to focus on unintentional patterns or actions. To become successful in poker tells, you must constantly evaluate the accuracy in the context of the situation at hand. Interestingly, a tell may be useful even if it's just under 50 percent correct. In this scenario, if the pot was $400 and you paid $100 to call, you would have won $400. Let's add that the only hand you can defeat is a bluff. If such an occurrence happened five times and you called every time, you'd need your opponent to bluff only once to break even. To put it another way, you'd have to win 20% of the time. If you were led to believe by a tell that there was a 40% probability that your opponent was bluffing, it would be in your best interest to call. Note the following fact: A player never bluffs, but he appears to bluff at the current moment. Namely, when you recognize the tell, the chances of him bluffing are far higher than when you don't. If you want to learn how to read people in poker, you need to follow a couple of rules: Don't glance at your cards; observe your opponent. Don't stare at the flop, turn or river in Hold 'em; observe your opponent! When the next stud card appears, OBSERVE YOUR OPPONENT! Tells from Unaware Players In this part, I'll go over common tells from unaware players Appearance Despite the fact that the vast majority of tells occur during play, we can gain valuable insight into our opponent’s strategy even when they're not involved in a poker hand. You should pay attention to certain aspects of each player's play for hints about their poker strategy. Well-dressed individuals, in particular, are more likely to play it safe. On the other hand, a guy with a tattered suit and a loosened tie is more likely to be in a gambling mode and play more loosely. Certainly, those who wear religious amulets and good luck charms or exercise superstitious habits tend to be more luck-conscious and liberal with their stakes than average players. Generally, women are less likely to bluff. To maximize your profit while you're against an unknown opponent, assume that he or she will play like a stereotype until you discover otherwise. Players tend to remember denominations (like Ace, Deuce, and King) better than suits. Stacking Chips Stacking chips is rarely used as a ploy. The neatly organized stack suggests that the player will probably play carefully and hardly ever bluff, so look for more chips on his big stacks because that's his profit. You may bluff by betting marginally more than his profit. When winning, players are hesitant to call, yet a bad call might cost them. After they enter a hand, don't play medium-strength hands; try bluffing them and calling less when they bet. Uneven stacks indicate reckless play. Such a player's approach is overly liberal, but he may profit from big hands with aggressive play. Call more frequently and bluff less. Sharing a Hand Sometimes a player will show his hand to a fellow player who has folded or a friend who has approached the table. Two-player hands reveal a lot about an opponent's hand. If the observer arrives mid-hand, he's the one to watch. He'll employ kindergarten psychology and act the opposite of the hand's strength. However, players are unaware that they tend to follow a trend when a hand is disclosed from the start. Usually, players with weak hands won't display their hands for two reasons: First, he may unintentionally show that he plays poorly. Second, the spectator may tip off his opponent to his poor hand, losing him the pot. If gamblers share the hand, it's likely good enough to warrant involvement. Strong players can utilize this tell to bluff. If you suspect that's the case, observe the onlooker. The best tactic isn't to bet or call without at least a solid hand. Glancing at Chips Players will only steal a look at their chips when they're contemplating a raise, and almost always because they have improved their hand, which is the most useful tell you can notice. You'll see it when you’re observing beginners, average, experienced, and even world-class players. First, be sure the glance isn't an act. When players focus on their chips while thinking you're observing, it's definitely an act. However, the pattern of gazing at the hand, then the stack, then away, practically cannot be an act because they don't know if you're watching. Poker and computer expert Michael Wiesenberg provides a correlated tell. Bettors may look at your chips before making a bet, which is rarer than checking your own stack. If the gaze is quick and short, it usually suggests the player loves his hand and is ready to bet. On the other hand, if your opponent stares at your chips long after he sees his hands, he may be bluffing. Sandbagging is the term for swiftly glancing at chips, quickly looking away, and then raising. Even if you are sure your opponent will bet, you can still use sandbagging as a potent poker weapon. It's conceptually identical to staring at the flop. Your opponent knows very well that the flop helped, so this studying is unnecessary. You won’t catch a bluff in these circumstances, nor should you bluff yourself. Other Common Tells Tell Strategy Players who ask for chips flamboyantly play aggressively and carelessly Call more often/bluff less often Hiding bankroll/wallet implies conservative play Call less often/bluff more often Leaned back/arms folded implies player is in no gambling mood, waiting for good hand Rarely enter a hand Leaned back/arm not folded, looking uninterested implies patience If you’re playing in front, play slightly weaker hands Stack scattered after a win, winner enters hand Very rarely bluff from scratch, give value to their hands A gambler shuffling hand indicates that the hand needs help to become very strong Use logic Uncontrollable shaking is a release of tension, not fear Fold unless you also hold a nuts hand Covering mouth with hand implies unconscious avoidance of examination Call with average or even weak hands Instinctive double-check for a two-pair or a suit in a hole Consider your own hand and play accordingly When a gambler takes time to enjoy a cigarette, he's not afraid of the call 60% reliable, fold unless you have a very strong hand Sudden interest (leaning forward/stopping the humming) usually indicates a very good hand Enter with caution and don't bluff Opponent is taking his/her time on a tough decision Encourage the calls if you raised on strength hands. If you're bluffing, discourage the call Raising after a long hesitation is a bluff in 50% of the cases Call Lack of hesitation implies the hand didn’t improve Bet accordingly Closely protected hands are usually strong If this player opens, pass with all borderline hands Closely protected hands are usually strong If you hold a strong hand, check rather than open, knowing this player will open for you Tells from Actors Before using an actor's tells, you need to be pretty sure that he's acting and not just unaware. It's probably an act if the player has a reason to think you might be recognizing a certain behavior, and he would benefit from you being wrong. Undoubtedly, strong players are less likely to give you tells. Not only would they withhold the most common poker tells world-class players often try to trick by turning some of the more obvious tells around. Weak Means Strong If poker players can persuade you that they have a bad hand when they have a great hand, they'll win a few extra calls. Strong hands are why players go to great lengths to look weak. No player who actually holds a weak hand would ever disclose that. Neither would you expect a bluffer to admit he's bluffing. It's because they're strong that they act weak. The Shrug Shrugging and then raising the poker player is suggesting he's unsure about the bet and that his hand could be a lot stronger. Don't take the bait here. There's only one reason he would do this - he has a near-certain winner on his hands. The best strategy is to call only with strong hands; call with the majority of hands you would generally raise with and don't bluff. The Look Away Those who glance away from the action are more threatening than those who maintain an eye on the bettors. They don't want to do anything to discourage the bet, so be ready for a raise. There are no two ways to do this, so make sure your hand is strong before putting any additional money into this pot. If you raised first, you might want to consider abandoning your bet. Furthermore, the quick look away after seeing the flop is even more telling. Only play excellent hands and fold any that you believe might be mildly advantageous. If you have a strong hand, allow your adversary to do the betting for you, and dare not bluff. The Discard Those who act like they're going to fold their hole cards before the action reaches them are a threat. Why are they doing this if they're not attempting to deceive you? Essentially it's a double move — a player tells the opponent in front that he can raise, and he encourages those behind to call. However powerful your hand may be, it's best to let the opponent bet on your behalf. The Hesitation With the long hesitation, the goal is to make the initial bettor think that raising is a difficult choice. His lengthy delay is an attempt to make you believe his raise is weak. When a player does nothing to prevent a big bet, thinks for a long time, and then makes a big raise, it's unlikely that he's bluffing. If you're willing to part with some nice hands, you'll come out ahead here. What you save by not calling is real money, and you stay in the game waiting for the right opportunity. Strong Means Weak In terms of dollars, catching players who are acting strong is even more valuable. When you determine that a player is acting weak, you'll often save a call, but the value is just a fraction of the total pot. Conversely, when you catch a player acting strong, you'll utilize that to make a call and win the entire pot. The Stare Players stare at a bad flop, trying to appear dangerous. By seeming interested, they want to dissuade betting. As previously covered, you realize that players who like flops tend to look away. Now is the time for a good bluff. Also, call more liberally since he's likely weak or bluffing. Players making eye contact with the bettor are trying to do the same. Another reason opponents keep an eye on your bets is to ensure they won't get short-changed. You may assume an opponent is attempting to act strong when he's only keeping an eye on your stake amount. Aim to elicit a call from a weaker hand by betting medium-strength hands. Bluff as a last resort. Reaching for Chips By grabbing his chips out of turn and looking at his cards, the gambler hopes to seem threatening and prevent them from opening with marginal hands, indicating that the outcome is a sure thing. In this case, you should open with any marginal hand, even those you wouldn't have considered. Strong players may grab the pot early to provoke a call. The rules change when a player grabs the pot while an opponent is passing. The bettor seeks to win the pot by removing an opponent's remaining uncertainties. Any player with a winning hand will let you call. Even with a weak hand, consider calling or raising to bluff. Other Actor Tells Tell Strategy If a player bets and then checks his hand as you grab for chips, he's bluffing Check/Call ‘Accidentally’ exposing means players are trying to convey strength hands Call Active player looking as if the pot is far from his mind, is a dangerous opponent Don’t bluff, play only extremely strong hands and even then, check Pretending to pass to encourage bets Don’t bluff, don’t bet and pass Keeping their hands off their chips to encourage bets Don't bet into or call without a very strong hand Looking at the bettor and reaching for chips to discourage bets Bet marginal hands for value. Think about bluffing, but be careful The player who gently slides his bet is hoping for a call Don't call without an extremely strong hand The bettor who puts chips down with a little extra force hopes for a fold Call/Raise if you can’t win in a showdown Sweeping gestures with outstretched arms are used to lure a call by using strange behavior Fold unless you hold a strong hand The player who looks and bets at the same time wants to lure a call You need a good hand to call Player won't look right at the bettor, but his eyes suggest otherwise Fold Looking away with eyes on the pot Don’t bet Verbal poker tells like sighs or sounds of sorrow imply good hands Beware Online Poker Patterns When it comes to gaining knowledge about our opponents, learning to recognize and identify typical online betting patterns is crucial in 2022. Bear in mind that online poker tells are different from those used in live games. It's important to know some terms used at poker sites: Tanking implies taking a longer time to decide A strange or typed-in bet is a raise in the odds amount, like $7.99 Instead of verbal poker tells, there's now a chat feature that should be considered Move Tell The Check Then Insta-Call Marginal hand, likely to fold if not improved Tank-Checking Hoping to see another card Tank-Calling Quite possibly a fairly strong hand Big raise after Tank Possibly nuts Massive Overbet Rarely a bluff Strange amount bets Value bets, not bluffing Complaining about lost hand Play often against this player Talker goes quiet Watch out Buying in for Unusual Amounts Be involved in hands against these players Conclusion If your goal is to play poker successfully, don't jump to conclusions right away when you spot poker tells. Instead, take your time and display uncertainty. By using this approach, your opponent will be less likely to change his behavior, and you'll be able to keep reading poker tells that your opponent gives. Finally, as the games grow harder, you must take advantage of whatever advantage you can uncover. You won’t improve your win rate if you disregard or don't follow what other players are doing.

Gambling has intrigued people for ages, but it's still surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions. In this article, we debunk these falsehoods to uncover the truth behind them. Join us as we explore common myths related to poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. We'll also address misconceptions about gambling addiction and its impact. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of the world of gambling. Let's dig in. Gambling Myths and Facts First things first, let's separate fact from fiction when it comes to gambling. These are the common myths and their corresponding facts: The more you gamble, the more likely it is that you'll win big The outcome of each game is based on chance. Each event, such as a lottery draw or spin of a roulette wheel, is independent of previous or future gambling outcomes. Time spent gambling doesn't affect the outcome. It's important to remember that, more often than not, gambling leads to spending money rather than making it. If you play long enough, you'll eventually win all your money back The odds are in favor of the house, so the more you gamble, the more likely you are to lose money. While some individuals may win, the majority will likely lose. It's crucial to understand that the gambling industry thrives on this statistical advantage. Knowing the game increases your chances of winning While knowledge of sports betting or games like poker can influence decision-making, the outcomes ultimately depend on chance. Even with expertise, there's always a level of unpredictability. Stronger cards in poker or past wins of a football team don't guarantee future success. Responsible gambling involves recognizing the role of chance and playing within means. Keeping track of previous results can help determine future outcomes Gambling outcomes are random and can't be predicted. If patterns existed, everyone would know them, and there would be no losses. Each stage of the game is entirely independent of previous results. If you're familiar with the gambler's fallacy, you know that it's a dangerous concept to believe in. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="505863,768534"] Poker Myths Now that we know the truth behind some popular casino myths, let's immerse ourselves in the world of poker and uncover the realities of this captivating card game. Poker is a game of chance Although luck does play a role, poker is primarily a game of skill. Seasoned players continue to prove that with each poker session. You need to be good at math to play poker While understanding odds and probabilities is important, you don't need to be a math prodigy to play poker well. Learning the game's strategies and concepts is key. Poker is a game of bluffing Bluffing is a component of poker but not the sole determinant of success. Many skilled players win a poker game without relying on bluffing. Online poker, where physical cues are absent, requires different strategies. You need to be aggressive to win at poker While aggression can be advantageous, a successful poker player knows when to be more passive. Adapting to the situation is crucial. You need to have a "poker face" to win While maintaining a stoic demeanor can be beneficial, a perfect poker face doesn't mean victory. Successful players utilize various tactics that go beyond facial expressions. Poker is a game for rich people Playing poker doesn't require wealth. While money is involved, there are ways to participate without significant financial investment, including free online poker games for practice. Poker is a game of deception Deception is a tool in poker, but it's not obligatory for success. Skilled players employ a range of strategies beyond deception. You need to be a risk-taker to play poker While some risk-taking is involved, successful players aim to minimize unnecessary risks. They make a calculated decision and strategically choose when to go for it. Blackjack Myths Next, we have blackjack, a timeless card game that has captured the imagination of players worldwide. Here's a closer look at the myths surrounding blackjack and the truth behind them. The aim of the game is to hit 21 While getting close to 21 is desirable, the actual goal in blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a better hand without exceeding 21 (busting) Good blackjack players have a head for numbers Basic math skills, such as addition and subtraction, are sufficient for playing blackjack effectively. Advanced mathematical abilities are not necessary. The dealer's winning streak The outcome of previous games does not impact future results. A dealer's winning streak does not guarantee continued success, as each hand in blackjack is independent and influenced by chance. Unskilled players lower your chances of winning The moves other players make at the table don't affect the outcome of your game. Each player plays against the dealer, and the result is based on random chance. You'll always win after consecutive losses Each hand in blackjack has an equal chance of winning, regardless of the previous outcomes. Believing that consecutive losses guarantee a subsequent win is a fallacy. Blackjack always has the lowest house edge Blackjack can have a low house edge, but it depends on favorable rules and employing the right strategy. Poor strategies can significantly increase the house edge. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="501298,828831"] Roulette Myths It's time to explore the fascinating world of roulette, which is regarded as a game of chance, but with interesting characteristics that astute punters recognize. Roulette is a game of chance Roulette is commonly regarded as a game of chance. However, some players utilize their analytical and mathematical skills to exploit certain characteristics of physical roulette wheels, such as the rotation of the ball and the speed of the spin. The croupier knows the outcome The truth is that croupiers are typically focused on their duties and rarely have the time or inclination to predict winning numbers. Their attention is primarily on managing the game, handling chips, and maintaining professionalism. Physical and online roulettes work the same way Physical roulette wheels may have elements of randomness due to potential wheel defects, while reputable online roulette wheels operate through a random number generator (RNG) system, ensuring unbiased outcomes. You can predict the next result based on the previous outcome The outcome of physical and digital roulette is in no way influenced by previous results. Reputable online casinos implement rigorous testing and quality control measures to prevent predictable patterns. The probabilities of winning are very low The odds of winning this game depend on the types of bets made. Simple bets like color or odd/even have almost a 50% chance of winning (except for the green 0 or 00 pockets). Betting on specific numbers offers smaller odds but a bigger potential for higher gains. Slot Machine Myths Last but not least, let's delve into the realm of slots and uncover the truth behind the myths and misconceptions that surround them. The existence of hot and cold streaks in slots Slot machines don't have permanent hot or cold streaks, as every spin's outcome is random and independent. Casinos manipulate online slots to ensure that the house always wins While casinos have a house edge, online slots are not rigged, and their outcomes are determined by RNG algorithms. Autoplay yields fewer payouts compared to manual spins The method of spinning, whether manual or autoplay, can't influence the payout as the RNG governs the outcome. Bonus offers result in poor slot results Slot outcomes are not influenced by playing with bonuses or real funds, as the RNG operates independently. Slot machines are "due" to pay after a period of no payouts Slots operate on random number generation, and previous payout history doesn't affect future results. Max bet button increases winning chances Placing maximum bets per spin doesn't improve winning probabilities, and prudent bankroll management is advisable. Casinos can manipulate payout rates. Payout percentages and RNG chips are predetermined by the developer, and casinos can't manipulate them. Common Gambling Addiction Myths Gambling addiction is a complex issue that affects individuals and their loved ones. Unfortunately, several myths surround problem gambling that can perpetuate misunderstanding and hinder effective support. Gambling addiction is a choice or a moral failure Gambling addiction is a recognized psychological disorder classified as a behavioral addiction. It's not simply a matter of choice or morality. Only weak-willed or morally weak individuals develop gambling addictions One of the most common myths about gambling addictions is that it only happens to morally weak individuals. But that's untrue. Gambling addiction can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their strength of character or moral values. It's a complex condition influenced by various factors, including genetics and environment. Gambling addicts can simply stop if they have enough willpower Quitting gambling is not as simple as saying no. Like other addictive disorders, it often requires professional help, support from loved ones, and a comprehensive treatment approach to achieve lasting recovery. Gambling addiction is only a financial problem While financial problems are commonly associated with gambling addiction, it's not solely a financial issue. It can have severe psychological, emotional, and social consequences, impacting relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. Gambling addicts can easily recover by winning a big jackpot The idea that winning a big jackpot can solve gambling addiction is a misconception. In reality, chasing losses and seeking the next big win can perpetuate addictive behaviors and further worsen the addiction. Pathological gambling only affects individuals who gamble frequently or excessively Gambling addiction can develop in individuals who gamble occasionally or even in individuals who engage in moderate gambling. It's more about the negative consequences and loss of control over gambling behavior than the frequency or amount of gambling. Gamblers can use gambling as a way to make money and solve financial problems Relying on gambling as a means to solve financial problems is an illusion. The odds are always in favor of the house, and over time, the financial losses from gambling are likely to deepen financial difficulties. Gamblers can quit on their own without professional help While some individuals have the ability to quit gambling on their own, many compulsive gamblers find it challenging to do so without professional intervention and support. Treatment programs, counseling, and support groups can greatly assist in the recovery process. Conclusion Debunking common myths about gambling is crucial for promoting responsible gambling and understanding the complexities of addiction. By dispelling these misbeliefs, we can encourage informed decision-making and provide support to individuals affected by gambling-related issues. It's important to approach gambling with caution, set limits, and raise awareness of the risks involved. If you or someone you know is addicted to gambling, seeking professional help and accessing support organizations can make a significant difference in the recovery journey. FAQ What is the number one rule of gambling? The number one rule of gambling is to only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Gambling should always be entertaining, and the funds used for gambling should come from a budget allocated for this purpose. It's essential to set a gambling budget and stick to it and avoid the temptation to chase losses. Remember, gambling should never jeopardize your financial stability or interfere with your everyday life. Is there a secret to winning at the casino? While there's no guaranteed secret to winning at the casino, there are ways to improve your chances. Instead of relying on some popular casino myths, you should learn the rules and strategies of the games, manage your bankroll effectively, play games with better odds, take advantage of bonuses, and know when to quit. By following these principles, you can make informed decisions and potentially boost your chances. Why do gamblers get high even when they lose? The excitement or "high" that gamblers experience, even when they lose, can be attributed to psychological factors. Gambling activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine associated with pleasure and motivation. This creates anticipation, thrill, and excitement, regardless of the outcome. Cognitive biases like near-misses and the social aspects of gambling also contribute to the enjoyable experience that's independent of winning or losing. Are casino algorithms real? Yes, casinos use algorithms, particularly in online gambling platforms. For instance, random number generators ensure fair game outcomes. Casinos also utilize algorithms for tasks like player tracking, fraud detection, and optimizing game offerings. These algorithms are used to maintain transparency and protect players' interests. Reputable casinos adhere to strict standards and independent audits to ensure fairness and integrity. Are casino games truly random? Despite some gambling myths about casino games being rigged, reputable gambling sites ensure that their games are truly random. They employ random number generators to determine game outcomes. These RNG systems are regularly tested by regulatory bodies and independent auditors to ensure fairness. While the casino always has a statistical advantage, the random nature of the games provides players with a genuine chance to win.

You've probably heard the term RTP thrown around. RTP, or return to player, is an important concept to grasp if you want to improve your chances of winning and make the most of your gambling experience. In this article, we'll explain what it is, how it affects your winning potential, and why it's necessary to understand it when playing games at your favorite online or land-based casinos. RTP Explained in Simple Terms In the gambling industry, RTP is a term used to describe the percentage of all wagered money that a casino game or slot machine will pay back to players over time. In other words, it's a measure of how much money you can expect to win back from a game in the long term.  Every casino game has a different RTP percentage, which is typically determined by the game's rules and mechanics. It's important to note that RTP is not a guarantee of success and doesn't predict individual outcomes. Even a high RTP slot machine can result in a long losing streak or a large win on a single spin. A slot machine with an RTP of 96%, for example, will pay out $96 for every $100 wagered on average. This doesn't imply that you'll always win $96 for every $100 wagered, as actual payouts can vary greatly. However, over a large number of spins, you can expect to win 96% of your bets back. Keep in mind that the theoretical RTP is only one aspect to consider when selecting a slot machine. Other features, such as volatility, jackpot size, and gameplay, can all impact your chances of winning and overall experience. House Edge vs. Return to Player If RTP displays the returns a player can expect, the house edge is the opposite. In other words, House Edge displays the percentage of returns the casino can expect on any given game. The house edge can be inferred from the RTP, ranging from 5-20%. If a slot has a return to player of 96% (which is more or less the industry standard), the house edge is 4%. Needless to say, this percentage indicates the casino’s expected return over time and not on a single spin. The Role of RNGs in Slot RTP We’ve discussed RNGs (random number generators) extensively in other posts, so here our focus is on explaining the relationship between RNGs and RTP with online slots. Random number generators ensure that the outcome of any online casino game, including online slots, is completely random and fair. So, in addition to checking a game’s theoretical RTP percentage, to determine the fairness of games, the prevalence of random number generators in games assures fair game outcomes. RTP vs. Hit Frequency in Online Slots Another variable worth taking into account is a game’s hit frequency. This will not necessarily be displayed, but it is fairly easy to calculate by dividing the slot’s total winning combinations by the total number of outcomes. But what does it mean? In simple terms, hit frequency indicates how frequently a player will hit winning combinations. Let’s look at a real example.  If a slot has a RTP percentage of 96%, the house edge is 4%, meaning that if you spend $100, you could win $96 over time, and the casino will earn $4. If the slot has 3125 ways to win and 10 winning combinations, the hit frequency would be 0.0032, or 0.32%. The higher the hit frequency, the more wins you can expect. We need to mention that this calculation alone cannot determine a player’s final call, as the RTP, house edge and volatility also plays a significant role. The Value of High RTP for Player Wins Knowing the RTP of a game is crucial for players to have an idea of what their potential wins or losses could be over an extended time. This not only helps players manage their bankroll but also aids in being selective when finding a game to play. Ultimately, games with higher RTPs indicate a bigger chance of winning while affording more time to play. This results in players being able to make the most of their online gambling activities. The Difference Between Volatility and RTP While RTP and volatility are both important factors to consider when playing slots, they aren't the same thing, and understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the right slot game. For example, RTP doesn't account for the frequency or size of payouts, which is where volatility comes into play. Volatility in slots refers to the level of risk or uncertainty involved in playing a slot game. High-volatility games usually offer larger payouts less frequently, while low-volatility games offer smaller payouts more often. Knowing how volatility works is crucial if you want to manage your bankroll effectively and avoid losing money quickly. Failing to understand these two concepts can have a significant impact on a player’s experience and possibly, bankroll. It is of utmost importance to come to grips with the fact that the higher the RTP, the higher the possibility of winning while playing for longer. 6 Steps to Pick a Slot Based on RTP Analyzing a game's RTP is but one factor that is crucial to consider when trying to determine your odds of winning. We’ve set up a handy step-by-step guide below that will help you in fine-tuning your hunt for the best game to play, and how to go about it. #1: Opt for a Game With a Higher RTP One of the first things to check when analyzing a slot game is its RTP. If you're wondering how to find the RTP on a slot machine, you can usually see it in its paytable or rules. If you're considering high RTP vs. low RTP slots, always go for higher RTPs. #2: Choose Volatility That Suits Your Needs As mentioned earlier, the volatility of a slot game can greatly impact your chances of winning and the frequency and size of payouts. High-volatility games tend to be more appealing to those looking for big wins, while low-volatility games are more suitable for players with a smaller bankroll who seek longer sessions. #3: Examine the Payout Amounts It's also important to check the payout amounts of a slot game to see how much you can win for each combination of symbols. Payout amounts can vary significantly between different games and symbol combinations, so it's important to understand how they work. #4: Pick a Game With Bonus Rounds Bonus rounds are special features in slot games that can offer additional chances to win or increase payouts. Checking if a game has bonus rounds and what they entail can help you evaluate the overall value. #5: Look for Extra Features Finally, it's worth checking out any additional features, such as wild and scatter symbols. Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations, while scatter symbols can trigger bonus rounds or free spins. Understanding these features can help you take advantage of the game's mechanics and increase your chances of winning. #6: Try the Demo Version Many online casinos offer demo versions of slot games, which allow you to play for free with virtual credits. Trying the demo version can help you get a feel for the game's mechanics and features and determine whether it's a good fit. Leverage RTP and Increase you Winning Chances Understanding the concept of RTP and its importance when playing slots and other online casino games is crucial for any gambler looking to increase their chances of winning. However, RTP is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors such as volatility, bonus rounds, payout amounts, and additional features can all impact the outcome.  To make the most of your gambling experience, always remember to play responsibly, set a budget, and choose games that offer a balance of high RTP and low volatility. Doing so lets you enjoy the thrill of playing slots while minimizing your risks and maximizing your rewards. FAQ Is higher or lower RTP better? Generally speaking, a higher RTP is better for players, as it means that the machine will pay back a larger percentage of all bets placed over time. Do online slots have different RTPs compared to physical slot machines? Online slot games often have higher RTPs compared to slots in physical casinos. This discrepancy is mainly due to the reduced overhead costs online platforms have, such as staffing and facility maintenance. What is a good RTP for slots? A good RTP for slots is generally considered to be 96% or higher, which is around the industry average. How do you calculate RTP in a game? If a slot machine receives $500,000 in bets and pays out $450,000 in wins, the RTP is calculated as the total amount of payouts to players divided by the total amount of wagers: 450,000/500,000=0.90. This calculation shows that the RTP is 90%.

Mastering the art of surrendering in blackjack is a crucial component of any player's strategy. By knowing when to surrender, you can significantly reduce losses and enhance your overall gains. However, the key lies in understanding the precise moments when this tactic is most beneficial. In this article, we'll look at the concept of surrendering in blackjack and explain the situations when it makes sense to do it to increase your chances of winning. The Basics of Surrendering So, what does surrender mean in blackjack? Well, surrender allows you to fold and lose only half of the initial bet. This option is available after the initial deal but before any additional cards are drawn. Opting for surrender means you concede defeat, forfeiting the opportunity to win that round while mitigating a potentially bigger loss. However, it's important to note that not all casinos or blackjack variations offer this option. Still, when it is available, it can be a valuable asset in your strategy. The decision to surrender is typically based on the strength of the dealer's up-card and the player's hand. The blackjack surrender strategy suggests that if a player has a weak hand and the dealer's up-card is a 9, 10, or an ace, it may be beneficial to surrender. In such scenarios, the dealer is more likely to have a strong hand, possibly even a natural blackjack, diminishing your chances of winning with a weaker hand. By surrendering strategically, you can minimize losses when the odds are not in your favor and conserve your resources for rounds where your hand is stronger and more likely to win. Ultimately, understanding when to surrender in blackjack can be an important component of a player's overall strategy, which will, in turn, help them make more calculated decisions at the table. Early Surrender Early surrender in blackjack, while not commonly offered in most casinos, is a strategic choice that allows players to fold before the dealer checks for blackjack. This option enables you to lose only half of your bet, irrespective of whether the dealer has a natural blackjack. This means that you can save money in situations where you have a weak hand, and the dealer's up-card is a strong card like a 10 or an ace. For example, if you have a hard 16 against a dealer's 10 up-card, you're likely to lose the hand since this is a difficult position for every player. In this case, opting for early surrender to mitigate your losses is a wise decision. This choice is often more favorable than risking the entire wager. Early surrender may seem like a logical move, but it's vital to keep in mind that it's not always the best option. There are situations where it's more advantageous to play out the hand, hoping to improve it with additional cards. Early surrender is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a tactical tool to be used judiciously. Late Surrender Late surrender in blackjack allows you to surrender a hand and lose only half of your original bet after the dealer checks for blackjack. Typically, it's a more common option than early surrender. Similar to early surrender, the decision to opt for late surrender should be based on the strength of your hand versus the dealer's up-card. For example, if you have a hard 16 and the dealer's face-up card is a 9, 10, or an ace, surrendering the hand might be a good option to cut losses in half. It's important to keep in mind, however, that not all surrender options are the same. Let's take the hard 16 again as an example, but the dealer's face-up card is a 7 or 8. In that case, it's a better option to continue playing because there's a greater chance for the dealer to go bust. As you can see, there's no foolproof recipe. This strategy requires careful consideration of each situation and the cards. Check for Blackjack Surrender Rules It's important to keep in mind that not all casinos offer surrender as an option. Even if they do, there might be restrictions and variations. For instance, some casinos may offer only early surrender, which can be done only before the dealer checks for blackjack. This option can be particularly advantageous in situations where the player anticipates a strong dealer's hand. Others may offer only late surrender, which can be done only after the dealer checks for blackjack. Late surrender is more common and often considered a more conservative approach, as it allows players to assess the dealer's initial hand strength before making a decision. Most casinos accept hand signals for surrendering. To indicate that you want to surrender, place your cards on the table and use your index finger to draw a horizontal line. That will signal to the dealer that you want to surrender your hand. In addition, some casinos may restrict the use of surrender to specific blackjack types and tables, while others may limit the number of times a player can surrender during a single game. This restriction is often based on the house rules or the betting limits of the table. High-stakes tables, for instance, might have different surrender options compared to lower-stakes games. Furthermore, when you play blackjack online, some tables don't offer this option. Therefore, it's recommended to check the rules and regulations with the casino you're interested in before you start playing. This can involve checking the casino's website, consulting with the dealer or a floor manager, or reading the rules at a particular blackjack table. To Surrender or Not to Surrender in Blackjack Early and late surrender can be important components of a blackjack strategy. However, mastering blackjack requires a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of the game. Generally, early surrender is often seen as a more advantageous option compared to late surrender. This is because a blackjack game that includes early surrender tends to have a lower house edge, offering a slight advantage to the player. Still, many experienced gamblers advise against surrendering in blackjack, claiming that it's better to focus on developing a solid strategy. The rationale is that while surrendering can be a useful tool in specific situations, relying on it heavily can detract from the development of other important skills and strategies in blackjack. Therefore, it's important to view surrendering as a strategic choice rather than a habitual fallback. It should be an informed decision made in the context of each hand, considering the strength of your hand, the dealer's up-card, and the overall flow of the game.