Choosing a Video Poker Game
The video poker industry has come
a long way since the 1970s when only a handful of games were
available. Today it is quite possible to find over 100 versions of
video poker and the number rises every year thanks to the
competition that exists between online casino software companies.
Thus, with so many different versions out there, how can newcomers
to this great form of entertainment make their choice and what
should they base their decision on?
Experts agree that new video
poker players should first learn how to play Jacks or Better as most
games are a variation of this version. Other than this simple
fact, however, new players need to understand the advantage that
video poker has over regular slots – the pay tables that are located
with every machine. By understanding the facts drawn up on the pay
tables, players can make educated decisions regarding their choice
of video poker game.
Players need to understand that
video poker is made up of a combination of hands from a standard
deck of 52 cards. It has been shown that a deck of this kind can
produce 2,598,960 hands. Therefore, a payout calculation can be
made according to how much the video poker machine will pay for each
winning combination. Random number generators (RNG) are programmed
to simulate the possibilities of reaching any one of these
combinations. So how do casinos get their edge over the players?
They adjust the pay tables of these video poker machines.
Obviously players cannot
calculate these numbers without some help. They can find assistance
through a number of channels, including software, internet and even
books to determine payouts for each table. To maximize your edge in
video poker, you need to learn how to read pay tables to ensure that
you are getting the best return on a machine. Players should be on
the look out for machines that look identical at first glance, but a
better look at their pay tables will shows that they actually have
different expected returns (known as ER).
In order to get a general idea of
the payouts for some of the more popular video poker games out
there, we will take a look at a few examples.
Jacks or Better
Looking at the pay table, if the
Royal Flush is shown as 250/4000, this means that the Royal Flush
will pay 250 per coin and an additional 4000 per coin when the
maximum five coins are played. This bonus is calculated in the
overall return. The estimated return for this machine is 99.5% and
the amount is shown on the pay table.
Deuces Wild
If players play five coins in the
four-of-a-kind in this game, the return will be 100.7%. If only
four coins are played, the return is reduced by over 6% - certainly
a significant drop.
Double Bonus Poker
Over and beyond the standard
bonus poker game, this game pays double for the four-of-a-kinds. In
addition, an extra coin is given for the straight. When all this is
taken into account, double bonus poker offers over 100% return if
the full pay machine is played correctly.
Software can assist players to
determine and analyze the expected return of most video poker
machines. This will help players determine which machines will
eventually offer the best returns overall. Casinos take into
account that most players won’t bother with the calculations
attached to the payout rates; however, smart gamblers, who want to
increase their chances of beating the video poker machines, will
learn how to read the pay tables and understand them.
Article sponsored by:

Founded in 1998 this casino is very
popular with video poker bettors. Powered by the latest version of
Vegas Technology
software features include:
- Over 70 games to choose from
- Multi hand play on Blackjack and
Poker
- Play up to three slot machines at
a time
- European Single Zero Roulette
- High Stakes Video Poker
- One on One customer care 24/7
- Generous frequent player comps and
specials
Collect Your $275 Welcome Bonus Now
|