Things that promote successful gambling

There are lots of things you can do to learn more about your favorite game and how to become a better player. It's really quite simple. To become a good player, you must practice three basic concepts: gambling know-how, self-control, and lots of common sense. Following are some of the specific things you can do to put these ideas into practice.

• Take the free gaming lessons that are offered by most casinos. You'll find lessons on craps, blackjack, roulette, Let It Ride, Caribbean stud, and more. Normally these free instructions are given in the mornings and afternoons. They can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, and can be very helpful to a new player. They are honest and very instructive. Take them.

• Study the game you play. Today there is more information about gambling than ever before. No matter what your game might be, you will find new books coming out almost every month, and new Internet sites seem to pop up each week.

• Read magazines and newsletters. There are many articles by experts that explain the newest table games and the most elaborate machines. The only real problem you're likely to have as far as information goes is finding the time to read it all.

• Get some strategy cards. Computers have helped make these cards readily available in simple and easy-to-learn formats. They're available for blackjack, craps, roulette, slots, and even video poker. With these cards you don't have to wade through all the mathematics - you just play the way the card tells you. Most cards are inexpensive, ranging from $3 to $7.

• Download games from the Internet. Craps, blackjack, roulette, and slots are all available online. Or, you can go to your favorite computer store and purchase casino game programs that will help you with your game. In addition to finding games on the Internet, you can stop by a game or novelty store and pick up a small game felt on craps, blackjack, or roulette, which will give you a more realistic feel for the game while you practice.

• Watch before you play. When you get to the casino, go to a craps, blackjack, roulette, or baccarat table and watch the game without making any bets. Stop by a table where a high roller is playing. Note that there is normally a security guard nearby to ensure that the crowd doesn't distract the player, but you can see it all by just standing a few feet away. Watch the betting as well as the strategy being used by the player.

• By the wary of trying to play the way a high roller might play; remember, the fact that someone has a large bankroll does not automatically make them an expert.

• Play in tournaments. Tournaments are an excellent way to get a lot of experience at little cost. Almost all casinos offer some type of tournament, usually slots, blackjack, poker, or even horse racing. Look in the tourist magazines and newspapers located throughout the casino. These publications usually contain listings of casinos with tournaments. Most tournaments have small entry fees, and they offer a lot of gaming and possibly even some extra amenities for entering. Remember, you will be playing against other players - not the house when you're in a tournament.

• Look for the best games. Find the casino, pit, and table that have the best blackjack rules; play at craps that offer at least double odds or better; play on single-zero-wheel roulette tables; and only play video poker on 9/6 or better machines. Once you have obtained some knowledge of the game and have learned which games are the best ones to play, use that knowledge to your advantage. Be selective and only play where you have a better than reasonable chance to walk away a winner.

• Manage your bankroll carefully. You know the house has an advantage over the long run, but you can win in the short run by starting with small wagers and progressing to larger ones only when you are on a winning streak. You don't want to be out of funds when the dealer finally gets cold. Properly managing your funds will help you to minimize your losses and maximize your wins. There's nothing fun about losing. It's important that you have the discipline to limit your losses.