CASINO PLAYERS EZINE #107

Video Poker: which denomination do you play the most: 1) quarters 2) fifty cents 3) dollars?
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1).
Q.Any advice on the advantages/disadvantages of the various styles of Jacks-or-Better video poker?  For instance, you have "double-double," "triple-double," etc. and then just plain.  Which would you play and why? A.Like everything in VP, it depends on the pay schedules.
For the three versions, you gave me I would choose plain Jacks or better, IF you get 10 for 2 pair and it is 9/6. Although the top payouts for double double and triple double are much better, the overall payout is not. The best version of Jacks+ is 10/7 double bonus and 100% payback whereas plain Jacks+ is 99.54%, but with comps or online promotions, you can do better on both of these versions.
Note: The 9/6 Jacks or Better VP version referenced above=the payback for a Full House (9) and Flush (6) when playing one coin.

2).
Q. I have two questions about video poker.

1. You write that if you're not hitting 4-of-a-kind quick on a machine you should move on.  Given the fact that the machines are all chance based; does it matter if you stay with a machine or move on?  Wouldn't the principle be: eventually, you'll get a win?
2. You like Deuces Wild.  As I look at payouts, it seems that only when you get 4DW do you really get anywhere.  Given the fact that you seem to like this game can you help "convert" me?

A.

1. I use this strategy mainly for wager management. You are right, eventually you will win if it's a full-pay version utilizing optimum strategy, however, getting up and seeking another full pay or perhaps different VP version to play saves your gambling bankroll and perhaps you will find a machine that pays better.
2. Generally, if you don't hit 4 Deuces, you are in for a losing session with this VP, however, with 4 wild cards, you can also continue to play with enough Royals w/Deuces, straight flushes and four of a kind while awaiting a 'big hit'.
   The big difference I have noticed with wild card games is the 'roller-coaster' ride where you never know what payout is coming.< br/> Jacks+ game is slow and steady and certainly an excellent game to play, but sometimes you want to play a different kind of VP, i.e., wild card games including Jokers Wild.
   A final word: Be sure to practice and learn optimum strategy for every version you intend to play.

3).
Q. I was playing video poker while waiting for a drawing to happen when along came 4 to the royal. My wife was standing by so I called her over noting I have never gotten the royal on anything except a 50 hand game. I waited and I won.
A fun story since there was a bunch of people hanging around waiting as we were for a give away car drawing. My wife wasn't too quiet about the possibility so a number of people were sitting back waiting in anticipation, followed by much applause. You know how everybody stops when the "Wheel of Fortune” chant goes off and watches and waits.
To finally get around the block, the question is: When did the little brain make up its mind to give it to me, after I selected but before I actually pushed the button or when the 4 came up in the first place. I guess I'm just curious if it was already there or was the wait worthwhile.

A. If you listen real close, you can hear my applause, also :-).
I read that the cards are still shuffling before you hit the 'deal' button on most VP versions and eventually the card you want is there, but knowing how long to wait--there's the rub!
I often will do a bit of waiting myself even when dealt three-of-a-kind, especially Aces.
In addition, if I am getting a 'string of losing hands', I will sit back and wait before resuming.
There is nothing scientific about this strategy, but we do what works for us.

4).
Q. A lot of people say that pulling the arm on a slot machine will pay more than pushing the button. Is this true?

A. This theory is older than dirt---there is no difference. The slot manufacturers leave the slot handle in place because they know slot players think there is a difference. Notice that bonus video slots do not have handles and the prediction is that in the future, the handles will be eliminated.

5).
Q. s it true that more combinations make it a loose slot?

A. Looser slots have more "paying" combinations on the reels. Therefore, when a match-up occurs, payouts are more frequent, thus a looser slot. Tight slots have fewer paying symbols.
I say “Bring on those loose slots”.

6)
Q. Are slots programmed to payoff jackpots (or any amount) based on the number of coins played. That is, do they pay off a certain number of times for one coin played, another for two coins played, and another for three coins? I notice that sometimes machines pay when I play two coins, but when I start to play three coins on the same machine it stops paying. I go back to two and it starts to pay again.

I sometimes see a jackpot that was hit on one coin and wonder if it would have hit if more coins had been played. I am a computer programmer (not a slots programmer) and I don't see any reason why slots could not be programmed to hit based on number of coins played.

A. The slot's random number generator is programmed to select certain combinations with a pre-determined payout % as authorized by the casino. The same combination upon spinning will come-up regardless of the number of coins inserted. Playing max is the only way to get full payment from any winning combination.

If slots were programmed your way and the players heard about it--what would be the point in always playing max coins?

7)
Q. I have enjoyed reading your book on Slots. I do the 5 or 6 coins and if nothing happens, I'm out of there. I've done pretty well, no great jackpots, ($1300 at Horseshoe in Tunica, then turned around and won $500 on another machine), but I usually break even, and play pretty much 7 or 8 hours straight on $200. As long as I don't lose too much, slots are a lot of fun for a little money.

A. That’s the way to have fun in a casino, online or land-based,--streeeeetch your gambling bankroll.

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