Video Poker: Core Game Names
I always look forward to the annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E) held in the world’s most famous gambling city, Las Vegas. I was not disappointed this year with the exhibits or the general direction industry leaders are taking. You will be reading about the latest, including server-based systems, ways to optimize casino comps, innovative video poker formats and much more in my Southern Gaming columns throughout the year. One thing is for certain, though — IGT (International Game Technology) is playing it smart by adding bonus features to the most popular core games. And this is a good thing.
What does this mean to the video poker player? If you want the best odds of winning, you must learn the basics of playing the video poker classics. According to John Daley, the head of IGT’s video poker department, they are here to stay, with some bonus options tossed in to spice up the games and keep players coming back for more.
Jacks or Better (JOB): This popular game was introduced by Si Redd, founder of IGT and father of video poker, in the mid ’70s, and it’s still immensely popular. Why? A fairly intuitive game strategy combined with low risk to your bankroll are good features for most players, especially beginners. One main characteristic that separates this game from most others (Bonus Poker is an exception) is the fact that you are returned double your wager for two pair, a frequent hand. The main complaint is it was rather boring to most. IGT has found a solution to this problem by offering games with special bonuses for the price of extra coins. You will be reading more about these options in my future Southern Gaming columns.
Bonus Poker (BP): Just like JOB, you will receive double your bet for two pair. Even better, you will receive bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind (4oak) hands. For example, four Aces pays 80 times your wager, or 400 coins for a 5-coin bet, instead of just 25 times your bet, or 125 for a 5-coin bet. BP is more exciting than JOB, but it’s not too risky since you get double your bet with two pair. You can use JOB strategy to get close to perfect play — definitely good enough for beginners and most recreational players. Not good enough for you? Buy WinPoker software (www.videopokerpractice.com) to fine tune your game.
Double Bonus Poker (DB): Unlike either JOB or BP, you only receive the return of your wager with two pair, a frequent hand. In return, you get double the bonus for special 4oak’s. For example, instead of 80 per coin wagered for four Aces, you get 160 or 800 for a 5-coin bet. This is great if you get the special, but that’s infrequent. So shooting for those 4oak hands is hard on your bankroll if you don’t hit them. You will be rewarded extra coins for both the full-house and flush hands for most but not all versions of DB.
DoubleDouble Bonus Poker (DDB): This game is considered the most addictive video poker choice because players have to be careful to watch their bankroll, even though the temptation to overspend is too much for some to control. You receive even money for two pair, like double bonus, but lots of extra coins for specific 4oak hands. Four Aces and a “kicker,” for example, is worth 2,000 coins with a 5-coin bet (more on progressives). The strategy is fairly easy with my strategy card, but it is a very risky game because failure to get either a royal (frequency of approximately one in 40,000 hands) or 4oaks (frequency of approximately one in 400 hands) will be disastrous to your bankroll. It’s best to play this came cautiously.
Full Pay Deuces Wild (FPDW): Unlike the non-deuces wild games, there is one and only one version. The strategy is not too difficult with a strategy card or practice on WinPoker, nor is it as risky as games like DDB. Definitely it’s a game worth learning, although you will only find it in low denominations like quarters.
Not-So-Ugly Deuces Wild (NSUD): This is a different strategy than for FPDW. One major difference is when dealt two pair, a frequent hand, you must hold both pair; in FPDW, you hold just one pair, either one. (The reason is the payout for two pair and a full-house is the same in NSUD, but in FPDW, you have a higher return for 4oaks than for a full-house.) Although the ER is less than FPDW, it is easier to find and is sometimes in higher denominations or on progressive machines.
Final Thoughts: If you learn to play some of these core games (there are several more included in my book), you will be able to handle the new game choices introduced by gaming manufacturers. You must find a decent version of non-deuces core games (JOB, BP, DB and DDB) since there are several. Most pay table differences are for the payout for a full-house or flush, but they have a major impact on the game’s ER. Good luck!
For more FREE video poker tips, visit www.SoutherGaming.com/videopoker
Author Bio: Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for Southern Gaming, Midwest Gaming and Travel and Arizona Player. Her book, “The Video Poker Edge,” includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for the second edition available in 2010. Available at amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers. 877-900-BOOK
(www.squareonepublishers.com).
