RSS .92| RSS 2.0| ATOM 0.3
  • Home
  •  

    How to beat the casinos with their own money - literally!

    October 31st, 2008

    No - you didn’t read the headline incorrectly. With a little patience and discipline you can take advantage of an on-line casino’s generosity and beat them, quite literally, with their own money.

    There are hundreds of casinos plying their trade on-line. It’s pretty much a standard feature of every one that they offer new customers a monetary incentive to open an account with them.

    These monetary incentives are generally either a:

    fixed amount of money - for example $100

    match bonus - the casino matches the amount of your initial deposit

    percentage amount - they’ll add a percentage amount on top of your initial deposit

    Some of the new account incentive offers are very good indeed. Obviously, the casino is adding the money to new account holders not only to attract new business, but they know that the average player will gamble it all away on the tables and keep coming back for more losing much more that the incentive they’ve given the new player.

    Sound business sense from the casino - right?

    Not necessarily - the clever casino player can turn the tables and the odds in his (or her) favour by playing “perfect blackjack.”

    The bonus incentives come with strings attached - the casinos are not silly enough to allow you to withdraw your bonus money straight away - you have to play it through a few times first so you might lose it!

    Each casino has its own terms though a typical example is that they may require you to wager the bonus amount say 20 times. So if they’ve given you $100 as a new account bonus you would have to place wagers to the cumulative value of $2000.

    By playing “perfect blackjack” you really can walk off with your initial stake intact and a sum on top courtesy of the money the casino have given you.

    The house edge (percentage the casino might expect to win) from blackjack variable depending on conditions but generally in the region of 5%. In other words the casino expects to win $5 for every $100 a player bets.

    However - by applying basic blackjack strategy (”perfect blackjack”) you can reduce the house edge to 1% or even less.

    Now - back to the $100 new account bonus and $2000 wagering requirement example above. You’ve deposited $100 and got your free $100 making $200 in your account. Under the terms of the bonus incentive, you have to wager $2000.

    By utilising basic strategy you reduce the house edge to 1% - thus on average you expect to lose 1% over the course of meeting the wagering requirements (2000 hands assuming flat betting $1 per hand). Each hand you play counts towards the wagering requirement.

    1% of $2000 is just $20 - you can cash out with £180 left in your account. You’ve still got your initial $100 and you’ve taken an extra $80 from the casino literally out of their own pocket. Repeat the process at other casinos and you can rack up a tidy amount of money.

    Some casinos even give monthly bonus incentives so you have the opportunity to take their money from the every month!

    You won’t win every time - sometimes you’ll bust out and lose, other times you might win more than the above example. But by playing blackjack with the application of basic strategy it is entirely possible to literally beat the casino with their own money.

    I personally use this technique and make money doing so. It’s possible that you can do the same - but if you give it a try, please never, never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.

    Good luck at the tables!

    ======================
    About the author:
    Andy Machin
    www.perfectblackjack.co.uk
    Free blackjack ebook - beat the casinos with their own money.
    ======================


    How to Increase the Rate of Your Muscle Gains

    October 30th, 2008

    The silly idea that ‘more is better’ when you are trying to build muscle fast goes directly against the basics of exercise science. When is comes to increasing your rate of muscle gains, more exercise is almost never what is needed. Once you have “stimulated” muscle gains by hitting the gym hard, any additional amount of exercise, will in fact, prevent any muscle gains from happening.

    You see, muscles are made up of ‘muscle fibers’. Muscles themselves work by contracting and reducing their length. In order for muscles to contract, they must move. For a muscle to produce movement, and therefore the power to move a given weight, it must do so by lengthening and contracting. In other words, a muscle performs exercise by contracting, and by doing this it generates force and power. While a muscle uses some of it’s fibers to perform a given exercise, it almost never uses all of them at the same time.

    For a muscle to contract every one of its available fibers at the same time, it must be in a totally contracted position. To increase your muscle mass in the shortest time possible, the maximum number of muscle fibers possible must be “stimulated” The easiest way to achieve this is through multiple repetitions of a particular exercise. More often than not it is impossible to contract all of the muscle fibers in a specific part of the body, using only one repetition, without risking injury. Multiple repetitions however, allow it to be done safely.

    As a general rule, it’s almost impossible to perform an exercise in a way that contracts all of the muscle fibers of the body parts involved. However, if the exercise is performed with intensity, many more muscle fibers will be stimulated, than there would have been otherwise.


    5 Tips For Winning At Video Poker

    October 30th, 2008

    Video Poker combines both Luck and skill. The luck part is the cards that are randomly dealt to the player. The skill part encompasses much more then simply knowing what to hold and what to fold. In this article we’ll discuss some of the things every video poker player should be doing, regardless of their game play strategy.

    1. Only Play At Full Pay Machines

    One of the smartest things any potential video poker player can do is to check the payout schedule before he or she starts playing. The payout schedule tells you how much you’ll be paid for each winning hand. In a Jacks or Better Video Poker game 9/6 is considered full pay. That simply means that 9 coins are paid out for a Full House and 6 coins are paid out for a Flush. Many casinos pay out less then 9/6, meaning that in the long run, you’ll simply win less money.

    2. Always Play Max Coins

    A Mistake many novice players make is to play fewer coins, thinking this will keep them in the game longer. The problem with that theory is many machines will give you proportionately more coins for hitting a Royal Flush with max coins then they will for hitting with less then the max. If you’re worried about going through your bankroll too quickly, play at a low coin size. Or, if you’re really not sure how to play, us a play for free version of the game until you’ve gotten your feet wet.

    3. Plan How Much You’re Willing To Lose –And Stick To It.

    There is a lot of luck involved in winning Video Poker. Unfortunately, too many players keep pumping coins into the machine, thinking their luck is bound to change. Successful players know that some days you have it and some you don’t. Before you start playing, have a set amount that you’re willing to lose, once that money is gone quit playing.

    4. Take Your Time

    Video poker is a game of man against machine. Always remember that there is no time limit. Make sure that you carefully review your cards, with each hand. Take as much time as you need, no one is waiting for you so don’t feel pressured to make your move. Don’t hit that draw button until you’re ready.

    5. Take advantage of the “Play for Free” Games

    Novice players need experience; obviously the best way to gain experience is to play. Fortunately, many online casinos offer “Play for free” versions of some maybe even all of their video poker versions. Take advantage of these and develop your strategy before you plunk down your money.

    David Olsen has been writing about online casinos for over five years and is considered an authority in the online gambling world. His latest website is all about the many variations of Video Poker and Online Poker. Visit www.playvideopoker.us


    Advantages Of Playing Online Poker

    October 29th, 2008

    Getting involved in online poker games is a wonderful way of enabling you to play a great card game in the privacy of your own home. There are so many tremendous advantages to playing these poker games via the internet. First of all, it is convenient in that you do not have to drive a long distance or even short distance to a gaming facility as you will most likely only need to walk into the other room where your computer is set up. A second reason why online poker games are a great way to enjoy your card games is that the stakes may sometimes be a bit lower than if you were to proceed to gamble at a physical establishment. A third advantage of playing poker games online is that concentration is more readily available as you are not playing poker in a distracting atmosphere where other players are sitting to the left and right of you in sometimes overly close quarters. A fourth and important advantage to playing poker online is that you can play this fun game 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. Lastly, as gaming tables at casino establishments can sometimes be largely filled up, by playing online poker you will ultimately eliminate the wait that often exists at gaming tables in casinos.

    Convenience for the seasoned or beginner poker player is one of the many advantages of playing online poker. Even though gaming institutions are popping up in more and more places these days, it is still likely that you will have to drive a good distance to reach a casino. As a number of casinos will usually have ample parking, there will still be those instances where you will have to look around for awhile for a parking spot and sometimes even pay for your parking while you are inside the casino. By playing poker online at home you are able to completely disregard the notion of driving anywhere at all and can use your time more wisely as opposed to wasting it by driving to and from the gaming facility. Another plus with not having to drive to a gaming establishment is that you will save money on gasoline. Online poker is definitely for the convenience-lover.

    Lower stakes in the poker game are also an advantage of playing poker in an online setting. As individuals that play poker online are often beginners and are trying to learn the ins and outs of the game, low stakes poker games online make this type of table game a great place in which to learn without losing large amounts of money. In order to find the websites offering low stakes poker online, simply do a general search using a phrase such as “low stakes poker online” or “poker games online low stakes” and you will be met with a number of poker websites from which to choose the one you like best. Just be sure to thoroughly review the site prior to playing for safety reasons to make sure it is legitimate.

    A third advantage of playing the game of poker online is that concentration will be more focused and centered in the comfort of your own home. Sometimes when you are playing poker table games at a casino, or any type of table games for that matter, other players can be distracting and almost intrusive. With online poker, you are able to concentrate better thereby increasing your chances of winning. When people are unable to concentrate, they tend to make silly moves thereby losing more money than they might have had they been able to concentrate. Playing poker online enables you to be able to concentrate on the game at hand and eliminates any outside distractions that may be present within a casino setting.

    Having the availability of playing online poker 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is another wonderful advantage of playing a poker game in this manner. This is wonderful for the individual who likes to wait until later at night when the house is quiet and work is done for the day when he/she can sit down in front of the computer and enjoy a game or two of online poker. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is as you are sure to find an online poker game in progress. Availability is a beneficial advantage to the poker game lover.

    Finally, playing online poker is a great way to ensure your place at a virtual gaming table. How many times have you driven to your local casino, or in some instances not so local casino, and found that you had to wait an unimaginable amount of time to secure a spot at a card table that was within your budget? My guess is quite a few of you have experienced this type of waiting game. By utilizing the availability of online poker websites you will be able to find a place at one of their virtual tables and no longer will you need to wait in line to enjoy some poker action. This may also help you to relax as sometimes waiting in lines can cause unnecessary anxiety and aggravation.

    These are just a few reasons why playing poker online is a great alternative to playing this game at a casino in your area. Not only is online poker convenient but it also allows you to concentrate on your game and increase your winnings. Additionally, it allows you to play this entertaining game for lower sums of money, thereby limiting any potential extreme losses. Also, you will never have to wait in a smoky, crowded casino area again looking for a table spot to open up. After hearing about all of the aforementioned reasons, why not give online poker a try and see for yourself all of the wonderful things that it has to offer. Chances are you will not be disappointed.

    Jeff Dragt is an avid online poker player who writes for several online poker website. www.texasholdempokerpro.com


    Manhattan - the Best Part of New York

    October 29th, 2008

    Manhattan is the heartbeat of New York City and has become synonymous with the city as a whole. The island of Manhattan itself is home to Grand Central Station, as well as a number of artistic and cultural hubs. The Island of Manhattan can be roughly separated into Downtown, Midtown and Uptown areas, each of which contain a number of first-class points of interest.

    Located to the south of 14th Street, Downtown Manhattan is the location of the Financial District which runs along Wall Street, including the rebuilt World Trade Center and Battery Park, from which you can reach the Statue of Liberty by ship. A number of admired cultural areas downtown, including Greenwich Village Tribeca and Soho feature historic architecture, the latest dining and plenty of shopping. Another trendy target downtown is Manhattan, which runs along Canal Street.

    The Midtown area is located between 14th Street and Central Park, and includes a well-known artistic scene. The center|core|axis|hub|heart} of arts life in the city is the Theater District which is home to Broadway, Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, as well as the Air & Space Museum. Midtown is a accessible area for business travelers to stay as there are various New York City hotels in the district. Other admired areas consist of Gramercy Flat Iron, a hip residential section, as well as the fashion-centric Chelsea District.

    Dominated by Central Park, Upper Manhattan includes the Belvedere Castle in Central Park, the Jewish Museum and numerous museums all through the Upper East and West side. As well, the district is the location of Columbia University in Morningside Heights, the old Harlem community and Washington Heights.

    Every one of the Island’s unique areas maintain their own sense of history, as well as popular points of interest from first-class arts to eats. A visit to New York is not finished without a extensive tour of Manhattan’s best spots. There is an excellent reason that Manhattan has come to define the public face of New York city. Manhattan is one of the world’s foremost cultural capitals and continues to lead the way in commercial and cultural trends.


    Is it right for Kids to Gamble?

    October 29th, 2008

    NO. Children shouldn’t be encouraged into gambling at a very young age. It affects their over all personality development and kids learn more about topics that they should be handling at an older age. The National Research Council reports that not only do most adolescents gamble but they gamble frequently.
    Kids mainly gamble on card games and do sports betting. And today parents are worried that their children may be gambling on the internet. It’s very easy for kids to access sites and credit cards or debit cards add to their sense of joy. It’s annoying for parents that many non gambling websites carry the online casino ads and there are links too which attract kids to try their luck in gambling.

    Federal Trade Commission on the risks of gambling among kids

    • If you are not thorough with the gambling procedures on the net, you will end up losing a lot of money
    • Online gambling operations are in a business to make profit, they are out to take your maximum advantage
    • You can destroy your credit rating. Would you want to see your kid play games and end up emptying your online account
    • Online gambling is addictive. People can play uninterrupted for hours. Your kid might develop problems resulting from addictive gambling which need medical attention
    • It can isolate your kid and make him lose out on play
    • Gambling is illegal for kids. Every state prohibits gambling for minors
    • There are self help programs and workshops for families who want to get out the addiction risks. It is specially suited for your kid if he has minor or severe gambling addiction problems


    Poker Strategy Tip: When Not To Bluff

    October 28th, 2008

    Some players have the automated reaction to bluff frequently, and that is not recommended. They should just pay attention to the table ad maybe even feel it a little bit before they decide to bluff. Keep in mind that the other players are probably looking themselves for an occasion to bluff. You can tell sometimes when they are bluffing, and the same way they can tell it too sometimes when you are tring to bluff. It does work when nobody notices, but if they do it will only cost you money. So, use it wisely and only after you get some experience.

    For reference and help, take a look at these situations when you must not, under any circumstances, bluff.

    1.When it is obvious that you will.

    If the players know you and know your stille, they can tell when you are bluffing in some situations. Don’t make this mistake because you would give them free money this way.

    2.When you just bluffed and they caught you.

    If you are already labeled by the rest of the players as a poor bluffer, you should let them forget about that and only then try it again, hoping this time you can do it right.

    3.When you are faced with a dangerous flop.

    Look carefully at the flop. if there is an Ace in it, consider the afact that someone might have a pair of aces. Aces make it beyond the pre-flop and player usually stick to them and most likely they will paly them. So, don’t bluff when faced to them. Also, don’t bluff against something that might stick to a straight, like: Q, J, 8. Maybe someone has the missing parts.

    4.When you are playing against many players.

    The manyer you are, the greater are the odds that a player has something and that he will stick with his cards. If you bluff, that palyer will win and you will lose a lot more. Statistic and odds forbit bluffing in this situation.

    5.When you are clearly playing against bad players
    Bad players don’t realize the opportunity bluffing gives. They like to keep it honest, they don’t fear hands. And bluffing is only effective when it goes hand to hand with fear, fear of loosing the hand or fear of loosing a tournament or just the money.

    6.When you have a streak of lost hands going on, or just one hand, but a big one.

    You might be upset, and you are espected to be, you might act irresponsibly then and others know that. They will call you no matter what you do, because they know they are big chances that you are bluffing.

    7.When you have limped in or you are situated in one of the bind positions.

    Can’t explain why, but generally the people from blind position are expected to have a poor hand. And since they already made that blind bid, they are espected to go on, therefore bluff, even if the hand is poor. So, don’t bluff, others think you will and will call you in this situatiuation also.

    For a Party Poker bonus codes and a Poker Room bonus codes, visit www.poker-reviews-online.com/ today.


    Online Poker Glossary: Don’t Play The Game Until You Learn The Terms

    October 27th, 2008

    Today, online poker games are widespread among the youth of the world. There is no need to go a casino for gambling, just sit in front of your computer, and play with just your fingers and your keyboard. This can be very alluring to those who are not afraid of today’s technology.

    Playing online poker can be really fun, even a new way to make money as well as to lose money. It is wise for everyone to start by playing the free sites and then moving, as you skill increases, to the pay to play sites. These sites often offer a bonus for signing up, if the form of actual cash. This is done to entice you to start playing and later adding your own cash to the site.

    Before playing online poker, it is advisable, that you read an online poker glossary as it is very important to know the terms of the game before you play. Examples of the information that you might find in an online poker glossary are definitions of common poker terms, such as fold, dealer and ante. The glossary might also have rules to common poker games, for example, texas hold em and 5 card stud.

    A good online poker glossary will have all the words and games in alphabetical order, much like the dictionary. This is a big help to a new player, as it shows the codes and the instructions that you have to follow or know at the time of playing online poker game.

    A good poker site will offer at the very least a generic online poker glossary for the players that are new to the game. Before you decide which site you are interested in playing at, check to see if they have included this valuable information for you. If they have chosen to exclude this information, it might be best to pass up the site, as they may not be user friendly for a novice player.

    You might also be wise to purchase a paper copy of a poker glossary. While it may seem a bit old fashioned to use a book to help you with online poker, it will allow you the opportunity to look up needed information with out having to mess with switching between screens and possibly hitting the wrong key, which could make you loose the hand, or worse, bet higher.

    Whatever method you choose to read an online poker glossary, be sure to take advantage of this invaluable resource. It could make the difference between winning and losing an important hand.

    Check out our online poker room reviews, Poker.com bonus codes, and PokerRoom bonus codes at www.poker-reviews-online.com/.


    Glow Stick Necklaces

    October 24th, 2008

    Glow stick necklaces are more prominent today. Children and adults wear glow stick necklaces. They are safe and adorable. They dazzle and have a distinctive glow, depending on the composition and quality inside the necklace.

    Glow stick necklaces are made by bending the glow stick tubes to get the desired shapes and structures. During this procedure, the stick breaks and hydrogen peroxide in the stick gets released and the chemical reaction begins. This chemical reaction emits electrons in the form of energy and produces light. China has put thrown its hat into this market and is the leading manufacturer of glow lights and glow stick necklaces.

    Glow stick necklaces have a reputation and recognition in the market for their quality. They are frequently used during special events and parties. They are used by kids during concerts and other events. The glowing capacity of these necklaces is around 4-6 hrs. They are available in varied colors like red, yellow, green, blue, pink, white and orange. Glow stick necklaces are also used in sporting events. They are very useful during power failure. The glowing capacity is based on the size and temperature. Children under 5 are restricted from using it.

    The glowing capacity depends on the composition and the quality used in it. Glow stick necklaces always make parties livelier. Displaying glow stick necklaces helps to raise a huge amount at a concert. Glowing neon necklaces have their own way of respect amidst other forms of jewelry. They can be considered as the best promotion items. In an event where kids are involved, one can sell glow stick necklaces and earn a big turnaround.

    Glow stick necklaces have a shelf life of one to four years if the wrapper is not damaged. Shelf life is also based on the size and the type of product used. The quality products are wrapped tightly in airtight wrappers. The glow stick necklaces are sensitive to light and hence they should be kept in packages at room temperature to retain their glowing capacity.

    Glow Necklaces provides detailed information on Buy Glow Necklaces, Cheap Glow Necklaces, Glow Bracelets, Glow In The Dark Products and more. Glow Necklaces is affiliated with Glow Stick Dancing.


    Omega Watches - An Intriguing Look At The History Behind These Luxurious Watches

    October 23rd, 2008

    Engineered to the nth degree, the Omega watch brand is a staple on many a well-to-do man’s dresser; tucked safely away inside its luxurious velvet box, ensuring that this extremely fine timepiece will be free from dust and scratches when not eloquently strapped to its owner’s wrist.

    Now let’s take a brief but intriguing look at the history behind these luxurious watches long before they signed Hollywood A-list stars Nicole Kidman and George Clooney, as well as tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, to become their celebrity endorsers.

    The fairy tale known as the Omega Watch Company actually started way back in the 19th Century -1848 to be exact, when the Omega founder, Louis Brandt, a Swiss watchmaker who resided in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, began creating his “Omega” masterpieces. Of course, back then he constructed each piece using only his bare hands by meticulously assembling each watch piece by piece.

    The first watches that Mr. Brandt made were pocket watches, because back then they were the timepiece that was considered to be vogue and were highly sought after and cherished. In the mid 1800’s the thought of attaching a bracelet to their time piece never even crossed a persons mind. The fashionable and preferred thing to do was to carry their beloved “Omega” watches - which, at the time were called “Bienne” watches - in their pockets.

    Unfortunately, Mr. Louis Brandt passed away in 1879 and he left his modest company to his sons, Louis Paul Brandt and Cesar Brandt who carried on their father’s tradition of impeccable pocket watch craftsmanship. They decided to rename the company “Bienne” in January 1880.

    The birth of the Omega watch brand actually took place in 1894, more than a decade after the renaming of the company to Bienne. Louis and Cesar Brandt introduced, for the first time, the brand “Omega” to the Swiss public. Over time, the Omega watch has come to be one of Switzerland’s biggest and most luxurious exports. The Omega watch name actually came from one of the two Brandt brother’s watch movement calibers.

    Sadly, the reign of the two Brandt brothers in the Omega watch company was short-lived because both brothers suddenly died in 1903. This resulted in four individuals taking control of the Omega watch company. One of the individuals was Paul Brandt, who not only inherited the Brandt family name but their entrepreneurial instincts as well. At just 23 years old, Paul was actually the oldest of the four who took over the Omega watch company after the death of the Brandt brothers.

    After a merger with fellow Swiss luxury watch brand, Tissot in 1930, SSIH (Société suisse pour l’industrie horlogre) in Geneva, Switzerland was created as the new parent company of the newly merged watch companies. Fortunately, the merger between Tissot and Omega was a big success, which is why in a relatively short time the SSIH group grew to over fifty other companies including Lemania, Lanco and Hamilton. And in a relatively short period of time, the SSIH group has managed to position themselves as the third largest producer of luxury watches, as well as watch movements in the world.

    It was during this time when Omega produced a number of its most loved time pieces. Vintage Omega watches that are still highly sought and are famous to this day.

    During the Second World War, Omega built a solid reputation for themselves by coming out with military and pilot watches for servicemen. They have always been known for their fine craftsmanship and their great attention to detail. Other popular watches from that era were the Omega Speedmaster chronograph, the Omega Seamaster waterproof sports watch and the Omega Constellation watches, which are all still incredibly popular.

    During an economic downturn in 1980, Omega found itself once again merging with another Swiss watch giant - ASUAG, which manufactures and produces other popular Swiss watches such as Swatch, Longines and Rado. The new company that emerged from the Omega-ASUAG merger was called the ASUAG-SSIH company. Unfortunately, even the combined resources of the newly formed company was unable to fight off the economic slump that Omega was facing during that time which resulted in the newly formed company to be taken over by a private group. The ASUAG-SSIH company was renamed and shortened to just SMH which still exists today.

    This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.

    Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For more of his articles visit: Fossil Watches | Seiko Watches | Rolex Watches