Well both playoff picks connected and this will be the last of my free NHL picks.

I am going with the Penguins to win the cup 1unit +137

Last year the Pens were a little scared and shocked in the first two games, I believe this year they are more prepared and ready and won’t be overwhelmed. I think the Pens may also be healthier than the Red Wings. Common logic though is probably with the Wings as in the past team who have meant in back to back cup  finals have been won by the teams who won the first series 70 percent of the time.

Picked the Pens correctly in the first round all be it as a favorite. All the underdogs look good here in the second round but going to pick the Chicago Blackhawks. Do not be fooled by the Canucks sweep theyprobably should of been the underdog here.

Hawks to win series +120 1unit

Sorry have not posted many picks of late hope to start posting a bit more in coming weeks as baseball gets going. I think the first Pittsburgh Penguins are the best bet in the first round of the NHL playoffs. I rarely pick a favourite but this time I have to. I see Pit, Washington, San Jose and Detroit advancing but Detroit has shakey goaltending and the Ducks could put up a fight. Chicago/Calgary is hard to figure along with NJ/Car. Also a little afraid of the Blues as I like the way they play with heart and would love to see them advance.

Pittsburgh to win series -150 over Philly

-1.5 units to win 1

Well the basic reason is people do not understand the true odds. Games are not designed to be beaten but more to give you the illusion that they can be beaten. Even if you are gambling for fun there is no reason that you can’t or shouldn’t win more often and lose less, after all winning=more fun. You do not need to be a math wizard to learn the rules and basics of most games. Its amazing how many people do not even know the rules or understand you should double down on 11 when the dealer shows a 6 in blackjack.

If you want to play blackjack know when to double down, hit and stand. You can print this from a online site or get a flash card to look at well playing. Just knowing this could decrease the houses edge by 5-10%.

If you want to play poker, start by playing for free or pennies till you understand the basics. Most casinos will hold lessons daily to teach you the basics.The same goes for just about every table game, most casinos have daily lessons early in the day  that will teach you how to play. I have a free poker game on this site just click on the play poker for fun tab at the top of the site.

Everyone thinks they have a system and Vegas is built on these so called systems. So if you are smart enough to think you have built a better mouse trap test it on paper first and not just once. I am testing my sports picking knowledge on paper over the next 6 months or so to determine if I can beat the man. You can follow my progress at Plays of The Day. So far I am doing good at first I was worried I might embarass myself LOL

Lastly if you are not enjoying gambling STOP! The old rule of “do not bet more than you can afford to lose”, is still the best one to follow. Break this and you will be in for all sorts of financial, emotional and physical pain.

Below is a link to Gambler Anonymous which has a directory of contacts. If gambling is no longer fun and has over taken your life do not hesitate to get help.

Disclaimer:All picks are for entertainment as are all odds. I make these picks for fun as I want to see how I would do over a full year on paper. I am not betting them so I don’t recommend you do. Think of me as the guy picking games in your local newspaper. The site does not promote or accept any advertising. For those who email wanting more picks like I said above this is all for fun please keep that in mind, I do not claim to be a expert handicapper. Having said that feel free to comment!

Just two small picks for Saturday. Going to stick with my stand against Gonzaga and pick Western Kentucky plus a hockey over with the NY Rangers and Buffalo over 5.5

W. Kentucky +11  1/2 unit winner

Buffalo@NYR  over 5.5 1/2 unit winner

overall record 36-22 + 12.45 units

NFL 10-5 +4.3

NHL 23-15 +8.45

NBA 1-0 +1

NCAAFB 0-2 -2.2

NCAABB 2-0 +.90

Every travel company seems to brag that they offer the best deals to Las Vegas. For me booking a Las Vegas vacation should not involve shopping endlessly jumping from site to site looking for the best deal. There are really only a couple things you need to do to insure you are getting a great deal on your vacation. Of course the biggest factor in the price you pay is the time of year you plan to go, do not expect to get a great deal Super Bowl weekend, conversely rooms can be found for pretty much free over the Christmas holidays.

Number one and often over looked is to phone the casino direct. The key here is to talk to the right person not just ask who ever picks up the phone for a deal. If you are a poker player talk to the card room manager, if you are a sports and horse player talk with the sportsbook manager. Now you will probably be asked how many hours you will be playing cards and what level, be honest as your play will be tracked. Do not say 12 hours a day when you only intend on playing 4 hours. Once you have built up a reputation with the manager you will most likely get better deals and more comps on your subsequent trips. One thing about Las Vegas, do not be afraid to ask for comps from meals to rooms. The worst that can happen is a no but most likely you will be told what you need to do to achieve them.

The second way is to look for a online package. My favorite site among online travel sites is Travel Worm for a couple of reasons.

Firstly they are based in Las Vegas and who is going to know Vegas better someone based in Michigan or someone right in the heart of LasVegas.

Secondly Travel Worm also guarantees the lowest price among other online travel sites. You will often find rooms for $10-15 at older casinos during off peak times and there is a wide variety of one star to five star accommodations overall.

Note: I am in no way affiliatedwith Travel Worm or any sites mentioned. This site is free of any affiliate advertising making all reviews honest. Another site you may want to try and that deserves to be mentioned is expedia.com.

If you want to make sure not to miss my picks subscribe to my rss feed. Sorry have not posted many plays of late as we are getting down to the end of the season and kind of looking forward to baseball and the NHL playoffs. This game does get my attention as I see value in both the Edmonton Oilers and the over at a measly 5.5

going

Oilers  to win@Even         include OT 1uint winner

Over 5.5 -125      1.25 units to win 1 winner

adding a NCAA play Akron +13.5    -110    1/2 Units winner

overall record 34-22 + 11.55 units

NFL 10-5 +4.3

NHL 22-15 +8

NBA 1-0 +1

NCAAFB 0-2 -2.2

NCAABB 1-0 +.45

Sorry no time for write up

hockey

tampa bay +150 include OT winner

Toronto @ Tampa over 6 loser

both 1uint

overall record 31-22 + 9.1 units

NFL 10-5 +4.3

NHL 20-15 +6

NBA 1-0 +1

NCAAFB 0-2 -2.2

After a big emotional win in overtime against the Boston Bruins the Caps could be expected to have a bit of a let down and I think thats just what happen the last few games. They should be ready to roll here against the Leafs, who made it clear at the trade deadline that they have given up on the season.

Washington -1.5 1unit +105 Loss one thing I learned is I really suck when laying 1.5

overall record 30-21 + 8.60 units

Here goes again on the Islanders, just not convinced yet that the Sabres can win with out Miller in net. The Islanders out played Toronto last game but took some silly penalties and then couldn’t hold the fort in a shoot out. Also taking the Blues as despite the lousy record they play with heart and have been very sharp the last 10 games.

NYI +144 1unit Regulation only Win

Blues Even 1unit Regulation only Win

Note: I have been emailed about putting more picks up. I only make picks for fun so expect 2-4 a week. Picks are for recreation only as are all lines, no wager is necessarily recommended, implied or made. The fun for me is in making the picks and trying to beat the spread.

overall record 30-20 + 9.60 units

NFL 10-5 +4.3

NHL 19-13+6.50

NBA 1-0 +1

NCAAFB 0-2 -2.2