Newer variations of the machine allow players to insert cash or even paper tickets with barcodes in order to play slot machines. Some of the more recent slot machines will even have a touch screen that starts the reels spinning.

Now, on to debunking some of the more popular myths about slot machines:

- The average slot machine never gets hot or cold. This is because the odds of a person hitting a winning combination of reels are determined by a random number generator that is built into the slot machine’s software. The odds never change.

Amusement with prizes (AWP) machines in Britain are the exception to this rule. These AWP machines are progressive, meaning that the chances of someone hitting a winning combination increases over time if the machine has not paid out yet. Some of these machines will also grant winning combinations if it will help the machine to meet certain payout percentages.

- Though there is a logic behind where slot machines are placed out on the gambling floor, higher paying machines are not placed in areas with more traffic. Machines with similar payout percentages are put together.

- The temperature of the coins inserted into the slot machine will not affect the payout received. Slot machines do not sense temperature and payout different percentages depending on the temperature of the coins used.

- Using a slot club card will not affect the slot machine’s payout. The card only allows the casino to monitor how much a player gambles with and the corresponding amenities that should be granted.

- In most jurisdictions, slot machines cannot have their payout percentages altered depending on the time of day or day of the week by punching in some numbers into a computer. To do this would require the replacement of parts inside of the slot machine and in many areas it would also require regulatory supervision.

I’m going to have to compensate for this not-so-small handicap.  Basically anybody’s poker actions are six — whether you play online or off… betting, folding, calling, raising, re-raising, or check-raising.  So that’s a given.  My observations are going to fall in the realm of a good site selection, a game selection (there are many tables), careful note-taking and money management.

And while all players are indeed in caricature-form, they still have behavior that can be noted.  I can put their screen names under one of two lists: “tight players” or “loose players”.  It will help to observe a few hands and label them before I decide to sit in.  Too many tight players and I might look at another table.

Tight players are strong opponents.  Even as a novice they will fold a poor deal and play a good one.  When they raise, more often than not they have the cards to back it up with.  I think it would benefit me to keep them to my right – that way, I get to act after they do.  Loose players are often called ‘maniacs’ because they love to bet and raise with very little in hand to back it up.

As I see it, they are best if kept to my left in playing online poker.  Advantages are: I get to see how the other players react to his/her betting before it’s my turn.  And, at times if I check to the maniac who bets of course, this allows everyone else to call before I raise the bet and collect the additional monies. Get it?

Of course a table can also be tight or loose.  Ideally I believe a loose table is better and the first sign of this would be how many players see the flop; the more the better – if many are playing to the flop, the pots are healthier.  I read where 30% of the table playing all the way to the flop is a good measure.  Anything less is not worthwhile sitting in.

So, it’s time now to choose a fictitious name and sign up for the best poker school where I can (as they say) become a professional in a matter of months rather than years by playing the game with “fun” money until I declare I am ready for a real investment.