doubling up

[slyj]

I won't play a machine that doesn't have the double up option. No profitable? Not reliable? Not sure I'd agree with either of those statements. I've read here in several posts people defending their postion of not going for the double up..... "work hard to win the money, don't wish to take the risk of losing it"..... to me this is so laughable. When you put your money in the machine in the first place, you are taking that risk. And yes, playing the odds IS gambling. Playing Jacks or better, a pair gives only your money back. I can stick the money in my pocket and get it back without ever leaving the house. My strategy does not involve doubling up on 1-1 payouts though. Two pair pays double and trips pays 3 times. If I double up on two pair one time, my pay out now becomes the same as a straight's. Double up one time on the trips? Same payout as a flush. If I lose? Then I've lost one play. Or in other words, one play more than if I'd hit a pair of J's or better. I like this strategy and it's been profitable for me. Not to say this strategy is better than anyone elses by any means, but I am simply writing this to defend the double up option as a viable way to make money as well. Good luck to all which ever strategy works best for you.

[chuck arl]

The "real" question might be, would you double up on a royal? Especially at the $1 level or higher. I almost did once at Treasure Island. My finger came oh so close to punching that button to do so. Yikes !!!---CWA---

[shadowman]

My wife sat next to a man who doubled up on a RF twice and turned $1K into $4K.
 
Doubling is an even bet over time. If you're playing a negative payback game then the time spent doubling returns 100% while the time spent on the game returns less. In effect, this makes it a good play. OTOH, if you are playing a positive game the time spent on doubling returns less than the time spent on the game. This would make it a bad play. Also, you get no player's club points for the doubling.
 
Doubling also has the effect of increasing variance. That is, more larger wins and many less smaller wins. This can make a game more exciting but can also be expensive on a bad day.

[pah0106]

Two years ago I sat next to a women who doubled up three times on a RF, and won, now that takes guts.  Watched another one who had a RF, hit the double up by accident, she drew a 2, she was beside herself and froze....I told her it was a no loose win.....8K.....nice.