ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE ...TO A BETTER GAME

ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE ...TO A BETTER GAME                                  

When gambling online, select the casino site carefully to avoid being scammed.  Review the site wisely.  Don't just give your credit card number to the first site you find in the net.  Take the time to ask yourself these questions:

*Is the site authentic? Look if it is government licensed.  If not, go locate another site.

*Does the site have a twenty four hour toll free customer service support?  If not, look for other sites.

*For slot machines and pokers, what is their smallest denomination?  Look for a variety in denominations. They should have nickels, quarters, dollar as well as five dollar machines.

*How many versions of video poker do they offer?  They should have at least three, because this will be your basis that the site has money for the software, therefore it can afford to pay you your winnings.

*Does the casino site have a place to record and keep track of purchases and cash out?

*What about customer care? Test them.  By sending them an email with a question, you can assess their customer service.

*Does this site have a good reputation? What software does it use?  Know how to collect your winnings.  They should have detailed information about this.

*How many days will it take for you to claim your winnings?  Certain sites require you to send them email stating your request.  Others give payouts only once a month, and others every two weeks.

*What are the rules about bonuses?

When gambling online, here are a few pointers that should be of help:

*Do your homework.  Play only at authentic sites.

*Allot a budget for a day's game.  Never go beyond that budget.

*Gamble only with money that you can afford to lose.  Don't gamble the money allocated for your home rental.  You'll be needing help if you play this way.

*Never mix alcohol and gambling.  They simply don't work together.

*Your data is to be protected at all times.  When signing up, note that the casino should have a secure and data encrypted link.  Identity theft is rampant on the internet.

*Spend ample time reading to familiarize yourself with the game.

*Play by statistics.  Know the odds of the game.  Study it by numbers.  Hunches have no part in gambling.

*Just stick to the game.  Never mind the gimmicks.  Side bets, insurance and the "crapless craps" are offered in order to lure you to spend more so that the casino will make more money.

*Know when to call it quits.  If you are already winning, stop.  Don't try to win more, you may end up a big loser.  If you are already losing more than your allocated daily budget, stop.  There is always another day.

*Expect that you can lose the game.  Casinos are in the business because they set the rules in such a way that the house's win is important.  Generally, they have the edge over you.

A fact is that ninety eight percent of casino gambling is designed for recreation.  Therefore, play to enjoy.  To be entertained, you spend money.  If it gets to a point where it is no longer fun to you, where you play beyond your means, then stop now, or else, you may not be able to stop later.

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Beat your Online Poker Opponent

Beat your Online Poker Opponent

Playing and winning online poker is a science. It is both a skill and an art of mastering things that most players take for granted.

If you are signing up for an online poker game, keep in mind never to choose the “any game at this limit” option. By choosing this, you are also hindering your capacity to take control of your position on every sign up list. There are options that give you the privilege of having the top position by winning and giving up the place by quitting and at the same time you could still rejoin and have you name at the bottom of the list.

Always look for a card room that fits your style. This way you always get the upper hand. If luck strikes in and you get on a bad round, look around the page for another table.


Playing two games at the same time seems a nice idea. It seems that by doing this, you could double your money in one playing hour. This could be true for some players, but remember, it happens for a few and not for everybody. Besides, playing two games at a time would definitely lay down your small blind more and you sure are most likely to tilt. Keep yourself focused on one game. This way you could have the upper hand especially if you’re playing a major, drawn-out pot. Playing one game at a time also helps you play straightforwardly with only one opponent to concentrate on.

There is online software that has proved to be marvelous. However, there are minor glitches that you need to stay away from. This is the “in-turn” button. This button allows the player to act on hand before your actual turn and allows him to go back trying on other moves. But there may be instances that the internet connection may not be at their best. There may be a time that while clicking the “check in-turn button,” the action may already be on you. What will happen is that the “call” button might be popping out on your screen in the place where you are supposed to click the “check” button.

In poker, the only sure way of winning is by showing down the best hand. This is true not only for casinos but for online as well. However, there a number of reasonable ways a smart player could increase his chances of winning. The sure way of acquiring winning poker skills is by checking out how players deal with their games and keeping in mind the right moves.

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Choosing the Best Ashtray for Cigar Smoking

Choosing the Best Ashtray for Cigar Smoking

Is an ashtray just an ashtray?  Unlike regular cigarettes, cigars need their own special space to support their girth and ashes.  Many cigar aficionados swear by the pleasures of finding the proper place to hold their cigars and ashes.

So what are the characteristics of a good ashtray?  First of course, make sure the ashtray you buy is big enough to hold your cigars.  Cigars come in varying sizes, so you will want an ashtray that can accommodate the single of your choice.  Next, consider your personal style of smoking.  Do you produce a lot of ash?  Do you let your cigar rest for extended periods of time?  These are all important considerations when choosing your ashtray.

Look for ashtrays made of metal, heavy glass, or ceramics.   Ideally, you will want the ashtray to be big enough to hold the ashes for two cigars.

Where can you find the best ashtrays for your cigars?  Many cigar aficionados swear by antique ashtrays.  Search out flea markets and antique stores for good deals.  Tobacco shops, mail order catalogues, and Internet shops are also good places to look.

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Tasting the World: Cigar's From Different Countries

Tasting the World:  Cigar's From Different Countries

Most everyone is familiar with the much-lauded flavor of Cuban cigars.  But how do you know if you're smoking a Cuban cigar, or a cigar from any other country for that matter?  For those new to the world of cigar smoking, you should know that every cigar-producing country has its own unique flavor and character.  The soil quality and the way the tobacco is produced and rolled contribute to the overall flavor of the finished product.

One must of course allow for significant regional variety, here are some very basic guidelines for getting to know the world's flavors.
The famous Cuban cigars are renowned for their smoothness and 'creamy' flavors.  They are applauded for their rich flavors and overall premium quality.  Cigars from Central American countries like Honduras and Nicaragua are known to be strong and rich in flavor.  Caribbean countries like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are known for their milder flavors.

Whatever country you purchase from, remember that a good way to gauge the overall flavor of a cigar is to note its diameter and length.  In general, cigars with a thicker diameter will have a richer flavor.  Longer cigars are generally cooler.

The Dangers of Being Exposed to Cigar Smoke

We have all heard about the dangers of inhaling second hand smoke.  Many people wonder if the dangers of inhaling cigar smoke are just as dangerous, or more.  Unfortunately, it appears that being exposed to secondhand smoke from a lit cigar can be just as dangerous—or more—than regular cigarette smoke.

All secondhand smoke emitted by tobacco products are classified as environmental tobacco smoke.  Environmental tobacco smoke refers to all the secondhand smoke released from tobacco products that are lit, such as cigars or cigarettes.  Research indicates that the smoke from cigars and cigarettes releases many of the same types of irritants.  Both cigar and cigarette environmental tobacco smoke contain nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia.  The environmental tobacco smoke from cigars and cigarettes also releases well-known carcinogens such as vinyl chlorine, benzene, arsenic, hydrocarbons, and nitrosamines.  Cigars, because of their size, usually release more environmental tobacco smoke than cigarettes.  Being around cigar smoke, then, can pose more of a health threat than inhaling secondhand smoke from a lit cigarette.

Even though both cigars and cigarettes release similarly toxic environmental tobacco smoke, there are some key differences between the two.  These differences are related to the very different ways that cigars and cigarettes are manufactured.  The production of cigars consists of a long process of fermentation and aging.  During the production and fermentation process, large amounts of carcinogens are produced.  Once a cigar has been fermented and aged, they are wrapped in a nonporous wrapper that keeps the cigar from burning too quickly.  The fermentation process and nonporous wrapper both contribute to the high concentrations of carcinogens in the smoke of al it cigar.  When a cigar is lit, the carcinogenic compounds produced during the fermentation process are released.  The nonporous wrapper also contributes to an unclean burn that is high in carcinogens.  

Another reason why cigars produce greater amounts of carcinogens is in their girth and length.  Cigars are simply bigger than cigarettes.  Their size allows them to release much more smoke, and in turn, much higher concentrations of toxins and irritants. Also, cigars are designed to be smoked much more slowly than regular cigarettes, and cigar smokers are encouraged to take their time and enjoy the relaxing experience. This results in longer smoke times, and obviously, the creation of much more smoke. It is advised for all non-smokers to avoid areas where cigars are being smoked.  If you smoke cigars, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated area.  

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Cigars vs. Cigarettes: Which is worse for Your Health?

Cigars vs. Cigarettes:  Which is worse for Your Health?

Most everyone has heard about the health risks of smoking both cigars and cigarettes, and the dangers of secondhand smoke.  But which is worse?  Do cigar smokers really have the advantage over cigarettes smokers?  The answer is much more complicated than anyone ever thought.

A Matter of Degree

Research from the National Cancer Institute indicates that the health risks posed by both cigarettes and cigars are strongly linked to frequency of use.  That is, it's not whether you smoke cigarettes or cigars, but how much and how often you consume them.  Individuals who smoke cigarettes on a daily basis are at a greater risk of developing cancer than people who smoke the occasional cigar.  That said, evidence indicates that cigars contain many more carcinogens than cigarettes.  It also appears that cigar smoke is more toxic than cigarette secondhand smoke.  Much of this is due to the fact that cigars are bigger than cigarettes, and thus produce more smoke.

To Inhale or Not?

Debate has also concentrated on the issue of inhaling nicotine from cigars and cigarettes.  Dedicated cigar enthusiasts argue that cigars are less dangerous than cigarettes because they don't require you to inhale as much toxins.  The National Cancer Institute's research indicates that both cigar and cigarette smokers are exposed to carcinogens, regardless of whether they inhale or not.  Even without inhaling, smokers are still exposing their mouths, tongues, larynxes, and throats to carcinogens.  In fact, simply holding an unlit cigar or cigarette between your lips can expose you to carcinogens.  Furthermore, when saliva comes in contact with a cigar or cigarette, even momentarily, carcinogens are swallowed.  When carcinogens are swallowed, the throat, larynx, and esophagus further become exposed to these toxins and irritants.  Cigarette and cigar smokers appear to swallow similar amounts of carcinogens, resulting in approximately the same percentage of risk in developing oral and esophageal cancers.

Research indicates that the health risks associated with both cigars and cigarettes may be reduced if the degree inhalation is adjusted.  Because most cigarette smokers tend to inhale deeply and smoke on a regular basis, they are at higher risk of developing cancer of the larynx. To get an idea of how inhalation of smoke relates to health risks, the National Cancer Institute tells us that the lung cancer risk of someone who smokes five cigars a day and inhales moderately has about the same risk as someone who someone who smokes one pack of cigarettes a day.

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How to Choose the Perfect Single

How to Choose the Perfect Single

Wondering how to choose the perfect cigar?  If you're a newcomer to the world of cigar smoking, here are a few tips to choosing the best cigar.

First, note the texture of the cigar. Squeeze it gently. Is very soft, or rigid?  Ideally, the cigar should give slightly, but not too much.  Very gently, squeeze the length of the cigar to check for lumps.  A good cigar will have a consistent texture.

Next, inspect the cigar for flaws.  Any cracks or discolorations are the signs of a lower quality cigar.  The cigar's wrapper should be wrapped smoothly.

Finally, look at the ends of the cigar.  Pay particular attention to the exposed end where cigar is lit.  If you're new to cigars, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the tobacco.  The simplest way to judge the tobacco quality of a cigar is to inspect the color of the tobacco.  If you note any abrupt color changes, this may indicate that the tobacco leaves were not laid out properly.  Look for a cigar with a smooth blend of tobacco.

The Parts of a Cigar

What are the different parts of a cigar?  Many long-time smokers enjoy their stogies without learning the basic parts of their cigar.  While it's true that you can enjoy a cigar without knowing how it was put together, learning the basic parts of a cigar can be instrumental in helping you choose the best quality cigars.

The first thing many smokers notice about a cigar is the wrapper, the layer of tobacco on the outside of a cigar.  A cigar's wrapper is very important because it provides much of the flavor of the cigar.  The best quality tobacco leaves are usually used to construct the wrapper.  They range in color from very clear (claro) to very dark (oscuro).  

Binders are known as the 'intermediate leaves.'  They are used to hold the tobacco filler together.  Binders can vary considerably.  

Last but certainly not least is the filler used to make a cigar.  The filler is the tobacco.  Generally, filler can be either long or short.  Long filler consists of whole tobacco leaves, while short filler consists of scraps.  

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Cigar Smoking Etiquette

Cigar Smoking Etiquette

Smoking cigars may be a great source of pleasure in your life, but the courteous smoker knows that not everyone enjoys the taste (or smell!) of a good Cuban.  With the fervor of anti-smoking campaigns still in full swing, the importance of enjoying a good stogie while not offending others cannot be stressed enough.  Simply remember that while you are smoking a cigar, it can be difficult to gauge the smell that others are experiencing.  And don't forget that cigar smokes can leave a mighty strong residue on clothing, furniture, and even the walls!  In order to enjoy your stogie without a heavy conscience, learn to become a considerate and courteous cigar smoker.

If you live with non-smokers, try to find a well-ventilated area of your residence where you can smoke comfortably.  Although it may be tempting to lock yourself away in an office or bedroom, it's probably not a good idea to smoke in an enclosed area unless it has a window.  Make sure you have easy access to the window.  Never smoke in a closed area!  You are more likely to inhale the toxic air from your own cigar.  If possible, go outside to smoke.  Pull up a lawn chair; relax on the porch, or any other open area where you can smoke comfortably.  Get as far away as possible to non-smokers, especially children and the elderly.  Remember that cigar smoke contains many carcinogens that can be easily inhaled by non-smokers.

If you must smoke a cigar outside your home, remember that the courteous and respectful smoker will only light up where legally permitted.  Do no light up in a bar, hotel, or restaurant where smoking is clearly prohibited.  The courteous cigar smoker will also make sure to smoke in the company of other smokers.  If you are with someone who does not smoke, ask his or her permission.  If they agree, be considerate about it.  Make sure the smoke isn't wafting in their direction.  Sit near an open window or space.  Make sure the air conditioner or current is moving the smoke in their direction!  Also, make sure no one around you is eating.  The secondhand smoke from a discourteous smoker is a surefire way to ruin a meal.

A courteous cigar smoker will also be aware of their ashes.  If you must smoke outside your home, make certain to dispose of your ashes in a safe and appropriate container.  Don't forget that ashes can easily blow away, especially in lower quality cigars.  Don't litter with ashes, and be careful they don't blow near anyone around you.

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