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Video poker
is the fastest growing game in the casino, outstripping even the
ubiquitous slot machines. Video poker offers the player the thrill
of knowing that his or her strategy at a given game is the determining
factor in what edge the casino will have in the long run. In fact,
some video poker games are so close that expert strategy can actually
give the player the edge. The problem for most players is that there
are almost 200 different machines each requiring a discreet set
of strategies. At first this statement might seem daunting but in
reality video poker players discover which machines they enjoy playing
and they tend to stick with those. Thus, you'll hear some players
stating that they only play Jacks-or-Better Draw Poker, or Deuces
Wild Poker, or Joker Poker. In fact, these three varieties are the
most common and the most popular. Of course, within these machine
families there are dozens of variations.
Like slot machines,
a computer chip containing a Random Number Generator or RNG runs
video poker machines. This RNG constantly selects number series
that represent card values. Video poker machines are programmed
to simulate a 52 or 53 card deck with a random shuffle. Once a card
is "dealt" it can't be dealt again until a new game begins.
Unlike slots the astute video poker player can know exactly what
edge the casino has over him or her by analyzing the payout chart
on the front of the machine.
All video poker
games will deal out five cards to the player. The player then gets
to choose whether he wants to hold or discard one or more cards.
Each discarded card will receive another card in exchange. The five-card
hand will then be paid off according to the posted schedule.
Author;
Frank Scoblete
Content provided by Frank Scoblete, the number one best-selling
casino
gaming writer in the world. His books and tapes have sold over a
million
copies. His website is www.scoblete.com at RGT Online gaming. His
books and
tapes are available through Amazon.com, or by mail. For a free catalog
write
to: Paone Press, Box 610, Lynbrook, NY, USA 11563.
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