Reading finished their Championship winning campaign in style, by beating Sunderland’s points record by one point. Graeme Murty’s late penalty, only his second goal for the club and first of the season, ensured the Royals beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 and finished the season on 106 points.

Dave Kitson gave Reading the lead five minutes before the break but veteran Paul Furlong looked set to spoil the party when he equalised for the Hoops on 72. But Murty secured victory with six minutes left from the penalty spot, scoring 3/10 Reading’s 99th goal of the season.

Sheffield United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to ensure the Eagles finished in the sixth and final play-off spot. Chris Morgan scored the only goal of the game with nine minutes remaining for the 20/21 Blades.

Watford got the point they needed to finish third in the table after a goalless draw against Hull at Vicarage Road. The 5/2 draw means Adrian Boothroyd’s men now take a five-match unbeaten run into the play-offs semi final against Crystal Palace.

Preston earned a psychological edge over play-off opponents Leeds after beating them 2-0 at Deepdale. Brian Stock scored direct from a free kick after 38 minutes for the 6/5 Lillywhites and Brett Ormerod added a second on 77.

Wolves finished the season one place off but eight points adrift of the play-off places with a 2-1 win at Norwich. Denes Rosa opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time and Mark Kennedy doubled Wolves’ advantage on 71. Robert Earnshaw hit back for the Canaries two minutes later but Glenn Hoddle’s side held firm at 14/5.

Coventry finished the season strongly at the expense of out-of-form Cardiff. Stern John broke the deadlock for the Sky Blues after eight minutes but the Bluebirds levelled through Steve Thompson on 21. Dele Adebola on 65 and Dennis Wise in stoppage time sealed a convincing Even money win at the Ricoh Arena.

Stoke boss Johan Boskamp ended his tenure in charge on a high after thumping Brighton 5-1, making a nonsense of the 8/5 odds available. Youngster Adam Rooney scored after 6 and 22 minutes before Mamady Sidibe made it three a couple of minutes before the break. Rooney completed his hat-trick on 63 and Peter Sweeny struck his first form the club on 82. Doug Loft grabbed a consolation two minutes later but the result condemned the Seagulls to bottom position in the table.

Being a young scientist, Edward O. Thorp regularly read mathematic journals.  When he was a student, he was pressed for money. The idea of outplaying the casino on the basis of calculations appealed to Thorp and he decided to check the results of the “excellent four” and see what will come out of it. The result of his activity was a phenomenal book Beat The Dealer, now its sales are approaching million of samples.

Thorp chose the other way – he did not make analytical calculations, but with powerful at that time computer IBM (they were also called mainframe) he wrote several programs on Fortran, creating quite original methods for 60s. By the way, Thorp together with his research instructor Claude Elwood Shannon, a great scientist, were also involved in solving the problem “how to outplay the roulette?”

From his calculations Thorp understood that dead cards had a considerable affect on the gambler’s chances this or that way. His main idea was about memorizing the dead cards in somewhat simplified way and when the situation is beneficial for the player, make high stakes.  By the way, this system still remains the basis of any methods and counting systems of blackjack.

The counting system introduced by Thorp, was rather complicated for usage in real casinos, required great concentration and large amount of mentally arithmetic actions. However with good training there was nothing impossible in its application.

Thorp’s book immediately became a success and bestseller. Everyone understood that with quite simple actions you can get an advantage. Every reader dreamt of enormous prizes. However, the casinos also knew the score.

Panic seized them. And in 1962 after Thorp’s book, all Las Vegas Casinos without exception changed their rules being afraid of mass influx of “system players”. The quality of the rules worsened terribly and no counting system could ever help you to win. Though the effect for casino turned out to be quite unpredictable and reverse – people stopped playing blackjack. And during several months, all the casinos had to return to the former rules for their own survival.

Another interesting effect caused by Thorp’s book- incredible popularity of blackjack outrunning the favorite American craps. A lot of people, after reading the book considered themselves potential winners and rushed to the blackjack tables. However, most of them had a bad understanding of the mathematical principles of the game did not become winners but quite vice versa. Therefore, casino got more clients and moreover losing clients. Since then their number is only increasing.

The system presented in the first edition of Thorp’s book was quite difficult even for professionals and only the few could apply it under the conditions of a real game. Something should be simplified.

The power behind the throne.  
Julian Braun is quite a unique personality.  He had hardly ever played a deal in real blackjack. But he played millions and maybe even billions of deals on the computer. Braun was a good mathematician and programmer and he got interested in Thorp’s idea and offered him cooperation in the sphere of calculations and programming.

 He was behind the development of all modern systems the authorship of which belongs to Revere, Humble, Wong and Uston. He wrote the only book How to Play Winning Blackjack, but what a book!

Braun upgraded Thorp’s system on FORTRAN and made considerable changes and the second edition of Thorp’s book also contained Hi-Lo system in its modern form. It was quite a revolution in gambling world. Braun worked in IBM corporation and had access to probably most powerful computers of that time. This fact helped to build simple and efficient tool in struggle with casino.

The casino’s electronic versions of the regular games are also quirky and fun. There are serious video poker players who stake out the high-paying machines, and gamble only on them. Those who watch a serious video poker player long enough will learn some of their strategies, like the “Jacks or better” version where players favor hands, as the name implies, with a face card in it.

Casino dice games are exciting, but sometimes complicated. Variations include “street craps,” “bank craps” and what some people call “Grand Hazard”. It’s good to know what version of game is going on at the table before you lay your money down. Is the casino paying winners who roll seven or eleven? Or are you gambling, roulette style; on the numbers that come up on the dice roll?

Roulette is said to be one of the most challenging games in the casino. The roulette wheel has up to 38 numbered positions for the little ball to land in. You can start your gambling on a single number, odds or evens and other combinations. If you are a beginner, it’s best to research this one online or at your local bookstore first, as the game can be not only mesmerizing, but also expensive for a beginner.

Casino games are fun, but sometimes it’s a good idea to research first, learn the rules, and then go to the casino armed with your understanding of the rules.

Bingo patterns range from simple horizontal or diagonal patterns to more complex patterns in assorted shapes or pictures. These patterns are generally shown in the right hand side of most games. Players need to keep an eye on their cards to see if they bingo on the pattern.

Players need to pay attention to the bingo pattern. To win bingo, only the numbers that form the pattern are needed. Some bingo patterns are a lot easier to win bingo on than others. Others may be more challenging to win, as the layout is not as easy to see from watching the bingo board. Players need to keep track of the number called, however in online bingo games the numbers are called for the players.

There are endless possible bingo patterns, just as there are endless possible number combinations! All bingo patterns include a middle block, which is treated as a bonus number. The most widely used and recognized are simple line bingo patterns and blackout or coverall bingo patterns.

Straight line bingo patterns are simpler to bingo on as they can be only in either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction. For example, players would need to have all the numbers in their ‘B’ row if the pattern was a horizontal pattern.

The blackout or coverall bingo pattern has higher stakes, as players have to get every number on their card to win. This bingo pattern is often played in high rollers or high level rooms.

Many online bingo games have featured patterns that tie in to current themes or promotions. These are fun for players, but they are more of a challenge to win! these. At Bingodrome the patterns change every week. These include multi letter patterns (that spell out words), and a variety of pictures ranging from handbags to peanut butter jars, depending on the current promotion. Bingodrome has a unique promotion theme that ties patterns in to current events or holidays. Additional bingo patterns include outside square bingo patterns, which are large square patterns in which players need to get all numbers in the ‘B’ and ‘O’ rows, as well as the top and bottom rows to win bingo. Similarly, inside square patterns are won by getting all the numbers in the ‘I’, ‘N’ and ‘G’ rows around the free space on the card. A roving kite bingo pattern is won by getting three numbers diagonally to the left and right sides in a 3 x 3 diamond formation.

In Jackpot games, which are usually a separate pattern that stays the same every game, players need to win bingo within a certain number of balls. If a player manages to win in the amount of balls specified, they win the Jackpot.

Blackjack actually refers to a specific holding (two cards totalling 21). However, this is also the most common term for the game – also known as 21.
You are playing against the dealer at all times. Many people feel that you must play differently depending on where you sit at the table. This is not true. Players sit in a semi-circle around the dealer, but no matter where you sit, you are still playing against the dealer. You owe nothing to the other players – it is your own money you are risking.

In Blackjack, the suits of the cards have no significance. Tens, jacks, queens, and kings all count 10. An ace counts 1 or 10 at the player’s option. Cards from 2 to 9 have their face value. Therefore, if you hold a nine and a five, you have 14. A nine and an ace can be either 10 or 20.

The simple idea of the game is to get closer to 21 without going over than the dealer does. You are dealt two cards and the dealer is dealt two cards also – one always face up, and one face down. You are then given the option of standing with the cards you have (“stick” or “sticking”) or you may be “hit” and be given another card (“hitting”). You may take as many cards as you wish to, but should you go over 21, you “bust” and the dealer wins automatically. The dealer will not take any cards until all players are through at taking cards. Thus the dealer’s biggest advantage is here. Any players that bust, lose their bet – even if the dealer goes bust.

If you stay at 21 or under and have a higher total than the dealer, you win; if both you and the dealer hold cards equalling the same total, it is a “push” and you stay even (not winning or losing). If the dealer has a higher total without busting, he wins.

The pay off if you win is even money (one to one). If you get a “21″ or “Blackjack” (21 in two cards) you are paid at a rate of 3 to 2 (bet $10 win $15). If the dealer gets blackjack at the same time, you push – all other players lose.

You may take “Insurance” when the dealer’s first card is an ace. After all players and the dealer have two cards, he will ask “Insurance?”. You may bet another 1/2 of your original bet. Payment is 2 to 1 if the dealer does get blackjack.

At this point, after each player and the dealer has 2 cards, he will start at the immediate right and see if the player wants a card (a “hit”). If yes, the player scratches the table with his fingers or cards towards himself. If not, he places his cards under his bet or makes a negative movement with his hand. Dealers respond to hand gestures only. If you go over 21 “bust” you turn your cards over (face up) and the dealer takes the cards and your bet. If you stay at 21 or under, the dealer will continue to the next player.

As we mentioned, an ace can be counted as a 1 or 11. When you have say an 8 and a 10, you have a “hard” hand. However, an 8 and an ace gives you a “soft” hand. Because you have a soft 19 or a hard 9 if you count the ace as a one.

The dealer on the other hand does not get these options. When all players are through, the dealer turns face up his hole card. He must take a card if he has 16 or less. He must stand (in most casinos) on a hard or soft 17.

Most players try and guess what the dealer has and look at the other cards on the table before deciding to hit or stand. Most players also never win at Blackjack.

At this point, you should understand how the game is played. The following is your best strategy as determined by computer testing:

- Always hit when you have 11 or less.

- Always stand with a hard 17 or more.

On a hard hand: When the dealer’s up card is from 7 to Ace, draw if you have 12 to 16. When the dealer’s card is 2 to 6, stand on 12 to 16 except if the dealer’s card is a 2 or 3, in which case you would draw.

On a soft hand do the following: Always draw to a soft 12. Stand on 18 except when the dealer has a 9 or 10 value card. Stand on 19.

In most casinos, you may double down (double your bet) after your first two cards.

On a hard hand: Always double with 11, with 10 except if the dealer has a 10 or ace, with 9 against the dealer’s 2 to 6 up card.

On a soft hand: With ace 2 to ace 7 double against dealer’s 4, 5, or 6. Also with ace 6 against 2 or 3 and ace 7 against 3.

It’s probably a good idea when learning the rudiments of the game, to have a firm grasp of the Poker hand rankings and the unique language that you’ll hear at the poker table. Burn this information to memory; you’ll be glad you did. After all, even though you might be new to this game, there is no need for the other players at the table to know.

Having a strategy going into this game is very important if you want to be taken seriously and convince other players you are the bees knees. So here are some of the basic points you need to keep in mind to keep you one step ahead of your fellow players. The best place to start is at some of the online poker rooms so that you can perfect those skills and variables before playing in the real world

Quick Reminders:

1. When you have a rubbish hand, fold fast.

2. Do not pretend that you are a big spender poker player unless you have the bankroll to back it up. A rule of thumb is that you should have at least 50 times the table limit to play with.

3. If you are lucky enough to hold an unbeatable hand, remember Nicholas Cage in Honeymoon in Vegas and make sure you make the players pay dearly to see it.

4. The first 5/7 cards you receive will be the foundation of your hand. Build your strategy around these. You’re not likely to better your opening hand and the odds of improving your hand on the draw are about even.

5. You will soon discover who the strong players are at the table, but it is important that you focus on your own game rather than focusing on trying to beat them. You may risk losing big time if you’re not lucky. If you’re lucky enough to win, it’ll hardly be worth the effort.

7. Commit this to memory: If you can’t beat the other hands, don’t join them, fold and live to play another day. The table will always be ready when you are. Above all else, try to have fun.

8. Unpredictability can be good. Most pros are able figure out a really loose player by waiting for the nuts and being patient. However, an even easier opponent is a tight player or “rock”, who plays only the Group 1 type hands. You need to change your game up, and let them see that you can run bluffs, and play some lower value starting hands as well. These changes should be subtle and shouldn’t dramatically affect the flop rate

Why would they allow twenty horses in a race in the first place is a good question and after yesterdays post position draw, the trainers for Lawyer Ron and Brother Derek, have to be fuming on the inside.

Brother Derek the favorite for the “Run for the Roses” has been annihilating opposition in California this spring but the fields have been small and he was a disappointing fourth in his only bulky field from post 13 at the Breeders Cup last November. Now he gets the 18th starting slot!

Dan Hendricks the trainer for Brother Derek has had his share of adversity, with his most recent being a paralyzing accident from a motocross accident is 2004, so he simply suggested jockey Alex Solis will track Lawyer Ron around the 1 ¼ course.

Lawyer Ron trainer Bob Holthus was diplomatic in his horse drawing the 17th hole and suggested that a muddy track will favor horses on the outside. His talented three year -old is unbeaten in six races!

I’m smiling this morning as Bob Baffert’s Bob & John my pick in the Derby has drawn the seven hole and this will allow him to get settled just off the pace and watch the rabbits in the race, run each other into the ground. If it comes up sloppy he has proven himself on this type of surface and he has been bumped around enough in California that the bulky field will not be an issue.

Much has been made of the schedule that Barbaro has used to prepare himself for the 132nd running of the Kentucky Derby, especially his race five weeks prior to this Saturday. Most insiders suggest that the horse will not be tight enough but he breezed 4 furlongs in an incredible 46 seconds last Saturday at Churchill Downs.

There are many different types of cyber bingo cards. The patterns and prices of the cards depend on the type of game begin played.

The average cyber bingo card consists of a 5×5 grid of numbers. Each block or space on the bingo card contains a number, except the middle block. The numbers range from 1 to 75 and depending on the game pattern some blocks are shades.

The pattern on the bingo card is vitally important as it is these spaces that need to be filled before you’re able to call ‘Bingo!’. The number of shaded blocks also varies with some bingo patterns containing up to 20 shaded blocks.

Every time a number is called out which matches a number on your ticket you need to mark it off on your card. This can become confusing if you’re playing three or more cards, after every number is called you’ll need to check all your cards and mark off every instance of that number. To make it easy to play with many cards at once every column is labeled and the numbers in each column fall within a particular range.

The five columns on a bingo card are labeled with the letters of the word BINGO.

The first column is labeled ‘B’ and contains only numbers ranging from 1 to 15.
The second column is labeled ‘I’ and contains only numbers ranging from 16 to 31.
The third column is labeled ‘N’ and contains only numbers ranging from 32 to 43.
The fourth column is labeled ‘G’ and contains only numbers ranging from 44 to 59.
The fifth column is labeled ‘O’ and contains only numbers ranging from 60 to 75.

Playing bingo is really simple, and after playing a few games of cyber bingo you’ll pick up the basic rules and structure of the game.

Bingo is one of the most entertaining online games; despite standing a chance of winning big jackpots you’ll also meet a bunch of new friends.

With so much money at stake it is no wonder online bingo games have become so popular in recent years. New and experienced players are attracted to online bingo sites by the huge progressive jackpots on offer.

Let’s take at look what you can win by playing cyber bingo. We’ll also consider how much it costs to play online.

What you can win:

There are usually at least two ways to win at these games. When you play an online bingo game you stand a chance of winning the prize pool and/or the jackpot.

Every time a player buys a bingo card a percentage of the purchase is placed into the total prize pool. That means that every player is contributing to the size of the prize fund. The prize pool grows as more and more bingo cards are bought.

To win the prize pool you need to be the first player to complete your card. Prize pools are dependent on the number of active players in the bingo hall and the cost of the bingo tickets. More players usually mean larger prize pools.

The jackpot is usually a progressive jackpot and a very small percentage of cost of every ticket is added to the total jackpot fund. To win these huge progressive jackpots you’ll need to complete your online bingo card within a certain number of balls.Progressive jackpots can be as big as $2000 or more.

What it costs:

For many new bingo players one of the first questions asked is, “how much does it cost?”. Well the beauty of the game is that it is really simple to learn and really cheap play but you stand a chance of winning big prizes.

Let’s start with Google the internet search engine. Type in online casino and it brings back more than 27 million websites. The shear volume for the term online casino reflects how many people have vested interests in the gaming industry and how popular online casinos have become. The first online casinos first made their appearance during 1996 and a mere US$17 million was wagered, compared to US$3 billion by 2000.

It is estimated today that more than a trillion dollars gets spent online each year with online casinos worldwide. Bear Stearns, a leading worldwide investment banking and securities trading and brokerage firm, estimates that during 2003 more than US$ 6 billion had been spent on online casinos by US gamblers alone! With the growing adoption of broadband internet this online pool of gamblers increases each year.

With online casinos there has also been the expansion of online advertising to gamblers, which according to the BBC places gambling advertisers as the fifth largest advertisers on the internet. Online casinos make use of two types of software. Those that you can download and install onto your computer and the true online casinos where you gamble on the interface of the online casinos web page. Each party makes their choices of how they wish to interact online. With all this sophisticated software, how do online casinos compare to your average brick and mortar casino? Each has their advantages. In an online casino you can play more than one poker game at a time or even gamble on more than one game at a time. In a normal casino this would not be physically possible. The advantage of any real casino compared to an online casino is that you can always judge the physical reaction of the players around the table.

With an online casino it is impersonal and you would never be able to guess the cards the other person is holding. Online casinos have made great strides in trying to mimic the feel of a real casino in the fashion of the bricks and mortar casinos. They have flashy web pages and music to lure you to play. Domain names in it self have become a big issue with the purchase of misspelled domain names for online casinos.

A recent dispute with the domain name of Sportsodds springs to mind. This domain name was registered by their competitor to drive traffic to the competitor’s webpage’s. This ended in a legal dispute. Online casinos are big business judging from the amount of money that gets placed on bets and by the amount of money being spent on it. Where there is big money, there will always be disputes.

Casinos use to be down the road or in your next big town. That has changed in the 21st century. With the advent of online casinos the casino is now in your home. Better yet, if you are reading this, you are already at the casinos doorstep.