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Has anyone seen a video poker game called "Triple Action" (at least, that's the name I remember)? The game plays like regular Jacks or Better, but three-of-a-kind 3's starts a bonus mode where the next 9 games pay triple the regular pay table, (you still have to pay 5 credits for each of the next nine hands, though). Max bet is 5 credits and the pay table is 8/5, with two pair paying only 1 instead of 2. This is obviously to compensate for the bonus.
My question is what is the theoretical return for this game and what deviations to the regular JoB strategy should be made, if any?
Triple Action Poker
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brabak108
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Has anyone seen a video poker game called "Triple Action" (at least, that's the name I remember)? The game plays like regular Jacks or Better, but three-of-a-kind 3's starts a bonus mode where the next 9 games pay triple the regular pay table, (you still have to pay 5 credits for each of the next nine hands, though). Max bet is 5 credits and the pay table is 8/5, with two pair paying only 1 instead of 2. This is obviously to compensate for the bonus.
My question is what is the theoretical return for this game and what deviations to the regular JoB strategy should be made, if any?
I'm answering my own question here since no one seems to have an answer on this forum. Actually, after a little reflection, the return is quite simple to calculate (estimate is a better word,) by using a regular 8/5 JoB return table (like on wizardofodds.com) and then halving the return for the two pairs. That gives 84.37%. Three 3's happen once in every 174.58 hands and then we get 9 hands at a return of 3*84.37%. The weighted average then gives us the approximate theorhetical return for this game of 92.64%. That's a miserable return for video poker.
The above is approxiamate because I don't know what effect changing your strategy to hold 3's would give. Playing a strategy that would favour holding 3's might give a better return, but it won't be enough to get 100%.
My question is what is the theoretical return for this game and what deviations to the regular JoB strategy should be made, if any?
I'm answering my own question here since no one seems to have an answer on this forum. Actually, after a little reflection, the return is quite simple to calculate (estimate is a better word,) by using a regular 8/5 JoB return table (like on wizardofodds.com) and then halving the return for the two pairs. That gives 84.37%. Three 3's happen once in every 174.58 hands and then we get 9 hands at a return of 3*84.37%. The weighted average then gives us the approximate theorhetical return for this game of 92.64%. That's a miserable return for video poker.
The above is approxiamate because I don't know what effect changing your strategy to hold 3's would give. Playing a strategy that would favour holding 3's might give a better return, but it won't be enough to get 100%.
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MikeA
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Sorry Brabak.
I read your post but I have never seen this game of which you were asking. Was it spoken of at all on the Wizard of Odds site?
I read your post but I have never seen this game of which you were asking. Was it spoken of at all on the Wizard of Odds site?
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shadowman
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It is not on the wizard's site. I had considered doing the very same analysis as brabak but never got around to it.
I assume the biggest change in strategy would be to hold trip 3s from a natural FH and possibly a pair of 3s holding two pair. I suppose it's also possible that holding a single 3 given nothing else might also make it. Of course, these types of holds also increase variance.
I assume the biggest change in strategy would be to hold trip 3s from a natural FH and possibly a pair of 3s holding two pair. I suppose it's also possible that holding a single 3 given nothing else might also make it. Of course, these types of holds also increase variance.
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brabak108
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It is not on the wizard's site. I had considered doing the very same analysis as brabak but never got around to it.
I assume the biggest change in strategy would be to hold trip 3s from a natural FH and possibly a pair of 3s holding two pair. I suppose it's also possible that holding a single 3 given nothing else might also make it. Of course, these types of holds also increase variance.
This is what I was thinking. Except that you don't need to ditch the other pair in a full house since a FH with three 3's will trigger the bonus as well. As does 4-of-a-kind 3's, I believe.
Since two pairs only pays 1, my intuition tells me that you would want to ditch the other low pair if you have two of a kind with two 3's. However, even with these modifications, I don't think its enough to bring this game up to a 100% theorhetical return. I'm just guessing , though, because I do not know how to calculate this.
I assume the biggest change in strategy would be to hold trip 3s from a natural FH and possibly a pair of 3s holding two pair. I suppose it's also possible that holding a single 3 given nothing else might also make it. Of course, these types of holds also increase variance.
This is what I was thinking. Except that you don't need to ditch the other pair in a full house since a FH with three 3's will trigger the bonus as well. As does 4-of-a-kind 3's, I believe.
Since two pairs only pays 1, my intuition tells me that you would want to ditch the other low pair if you have two of a kind with two 3's. However, even with these modifications, I don't think its enough to bring this game up to a 100% theorhetical return. I'm just guessing , though, because I do not know how to calculate this.
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shadowman
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The reason you might toss the other pair is to have three chances for the 3 rather than just one.
The way to compute the effect is to calculate the probability of being dealt these kind of hands and the chances of hitting. In this manner you can compute the effects of these changes.
I suspect this is not a particularly good use of your time. I can't fathom these changes having a substantial impact since there will be losses that offset the possible gains.
The way to compute the effect is to calculate the probability of being dealt these kind of hands and the chances of hitting. In this manner you can compute the effects of these changes.
I suspect this is not a particularly good use of your time. I can't fathom these changes having a substantial impact since there will be losses that offset the possible gains.
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brabak108
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The reason you might toss the other pair is to have three chances for the 3 rather than just one.
The way to compute the effect is to calculate the probability of being dealt these kind of hands and the chances of hitting. In this manner you can compute the effects of these changes.
I suspect this is not a particularly good use of your time. I can't fathom these changes having a substantial impact since there will be losses that offset the possible gains.
I think I understand what you were getting at - like if I had 22233, toss the 222 and hope for the 3. That's an option to consider as well.
I agree fully with you that this game is a lost cause. I won't spend any more time trying to figure out how to beat it. I've only seen this game once - at Caesars Windsor, and there is only one machine in the entire casino.
The way to compute the effect is to calculate the probability of being dealt these kind of hands and the chances of hitting. In this manner you can compute the effects of these changes.
I suspect this is not a particularly good use of your time. I can't fathom these changes having a substantial impact since there will be losses that offset the possible gains.
I think I understand what you were getting at - like if I had 22233, toss the 222 and hope for the 3. That's an option to consider as well.
I agree fully with you that this game is a lost cause. I won't spend any more time trying to figure out how to beat it. I've only seen this game once - at Caesars Windsor, and there is only one machine in the entire casino.
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MFP
- Senior Member
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There 3/5 play machines @ MGM GRAND DETROIT along the wall next to the bar. The only difference is you get one bonus round for dealt 2pr, Flush, 3OAK, FH. This entitles you to bonus round on your next hand. I actually had 3 bonus rounds in a row.. Quite fun.. I was playing 9/6 DB
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SieWhange
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Post unable to migrate
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oej719
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WTF?
I can't drink tea. Too much caffine.
I can't drink tea. Too much caffine.
