In this regular feature, columnist Max Drayman answers player's questions about Internet gambling.

Got a question? Ask Max

Hey Max, does raising your bet on slot machines decrease the odds of winning?
Thanks Melissa

The Short Answer: No.

The Details: No, the size of your bet should neither increase nor decrease your chances of winning. In fact nothing you do should effect those chances on a given game. Different game "machines" offer different payouts, and these can certainly vary from casino to casino, and the Jackpot games typically shave the player's chances down a bit, but for a given game the odds should never vary in this way.

Hey Max, in Texas Hold'em,say I have an ace in my pocket and a 2, 3, 4, 5 shows in the community cards. Am I aloud to make the ace low and use it as a "1" to make a straight? -Chris

The Short Answer: Yes.

The Details: I've goofed this one before and it looks like I've done it again. Yes, the Ace can be used as a low card to complete a Straight to the 5. As far as I know it's the only case in Hold'Em where the Ace is used as the low card in the deck.

Hey Max, in Texas Hold'em which hand is the winner if any? 10-10-J-J-Q or 10-10-J-J-3. -Sean

The Short Answer: 10-10-J-J-Q.

The Details: Obviously both hands are tied with two Pair, 10s and Js. The question is what about the 5th card? That's called your "kicker" and it often matters a lot in Hold'Em because it helps break ties, exactly like the situation we have here. Q is a higher ranking card than 3, therefor the hand with the Q kicker wins.

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