Jan 12 2009
Video Poker: The Basics
Video poker looks like, and, in fact, often shares machines with, slots, but is far different. For one thing, it requires skill. For another, it is more active and engaging.
Video poker offers a variety of games, but all are based on five card draw. The player is dealt five cards, chooses which to hold and which to draw, and is then paid based on the resulting five card hand, according to the pay table available on the machine.
A lot of the skill in video poker is actually in choosing the machines. Even machines which look similar to, and carry the same brand, as others, may not pay the same. Although I won’t go into too much detail here, it is easy enough to find listings of what is considered “full pay” for all of the different variations. As an example, 9/6 Jacks or Betters is considered full pay. That means that for a full house, the machine pays 9 credits, and for a flush it pays 6. When selecting machines and games, you should know the “full pay” payouts for the variation you want to play, and find a machine that is at, or very close to, those payouts. For most variations, “full pay” games bring you within 1% for the house advantage, which is pretty good.
The other nice thing about video poker is the machines are often located at, or even in, the bar. If you are playing, your drinks are usually free, and you don’t need to wait for a cocktail waitress like when you play slots or table games. This is a very nice way to pass some time, and out here in Nevada, these machines can be found everywhere from casinos to local bars, to 7-11 and the grocery store.
I agree that you should check for the highest payouts to maximise your winnings. If you’re serious about it, I’d look for really high jackpots to tip the odds in your favour over a longer period of time.
Sitehopped.
Thanks for coming by and visiting! The jackpots are definitely nice. I don’t know how much they affect the odds, but they make playing more fun, and certainly make winning more fun. My favorite bar has cards of the day. If you get 4 of a kind with the card of the day, you spin a wheel and can win up to $1000 in free play. I always hit $10, but it’s still fun. They have 3 “happy hours” a day where you get to spin on any 4 of a kind.