2017 Year in Review -- December 28, 2017
I sincerely hope that my supporters had a great year in 2017. Allow me to share some insights into my plans for 2018 and the Wizard websites.
In the early months of 2018, I'll be traveling to Aruba for the first time. While I'm familiar with its sister island, Curacao, recognized for its online gambling, I am eager to experience the renowned casino atmosphere of Aruba and will provide updates on my impressions.
Additionally, I anticipate a trip to Spain and Serbia for business purposes early in 2018. Naturally, I will conduct thorough assessments of any casinos I visit. This venture is related to a new online casino where I hold both an investment and advisory role. I’ll reveal more details soon, but it promises to bring something innovative and favorable for players. This is the first time I’m publicly announcing it.
My book, Gambling 102, has finally sold out its first edition, and I am currently working on a completely revised second edition. This new version will include chapters on pai gow (tiles), Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em, and Crazy 4 Poker. While some chapters will be removed, all others are undergoing a complete rewrite.
The year 2017 was another eventful period for Wizard of Odds, and I am excited to highlight a detailed analysis of the game. Powerhouse Poker I dedicated substantial effort to this analysis last week, and I believe it may be the first published examination of this game.
Here’s a summary of some noteworthy additions to the site over the past year:
- Video poker challenge I produced five videos featuring exceptionally quick and precise video poker players, and we are inviting challengers from around the world to try and surpass these records. I'm also on the lookout for a speed bingo player willing to set a benchmark in that game; feel free to reach out if you’re interested.
- Pai gow basic strategy While we already had numerous pai gow strategies available, I felt they were too complex for the average player. I've worked diligently to formulate a simpler strategy that minimizes error costs to below 0.3%.
- Ask the Wizard columns 301 , 302 , 303 , 304 , and 305 .
- Two slot machine deconstructions: Lionfish and Cleopatra
- Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em (Auckland variation) This variant is played under stringent rules in Auckland. This page illustrates the probabilities when both the player and dealer must utilize both hole cards for their winning hands.
- Organic Roulette Experiment I invested a significant amount of time attempting to validate or refute allegations regarding fairness in an electronic roulette game.
- Magic Deal A variant of video poker that occasionally provides the player with a 'magic card' during the deal.
- Buffalo Blackjack Some lucky players experienced a 3.2% edge over the house in this variant while it was available.
For an extensive inventory of new content added to the Wizard of Odds by myself and other reviewers, you can always check out the 'What’s New' section located on our homepage.
In conclusion, I wish everyone reading this a healthy, joyful, and successful 2018. And if you plan to try your luck at the casinos, may the odds be ever in your favor.