Psychology of Switching Game Types

[NecssryEvil]

I am struggling with a problem that I am hoping others might have dealt with and am looking for ways to get past this issue.

I love DDB and there is a local casino that offers a 40/10/6 game. There is another casino that my wife likes much better but the best game they have is a 9/6 JoB. So, when I am alone I play the DDB and when she tags along I play JoB. It's about a 50/50 split on these opportunities.

I know part of it is in my head, both machines pay out approx the same. But, I get myself so concerned about "now I am playing DDB so here comes two pair all night" or, more so, "now I am playing JoB, here comes the 4 aces w/kicker I have been waiting for" that I find it hard to concentrate the way I should.

I should probably pick one and stick to it but I still get these thoughts in my head even when I am just trying to just pick one!

One other thing I should note, the casino my wife likes does have a 9/6 DDB... Maybe, since I enjoy DDB better, it would be best (psychologically speaking) to go ahead and play the 98.98 DDB game?

Anyone else run into dilemma when switching game types? If so, how do you deal with it?

[FloridaPhil]

Recreational players like myself deal with this issue all the time.  On one hand you want the excitement of DDB but the little guy in your head keeps telling you to play Jacks.  If you were strictly a "math" player like the professionals on this forum, this decision would be easy because you would play the game with the best expected return.   Fortunately or unfortunately depending upon who you ask, we are not all robots and we don't all play for the same reason.   I suspect you are a "fun" player and that is why you are torn between these two worlds.If I am correct, my advice is not to be overly concerned with finding 100% games.  Choosing to play a game just because the odds are better is not always the best decision.  Find a game you enjoy first, find the best odds for that game and learn to play it well.  Keep in mind that on any given day you can win on a 96% game and lose on a 100% game.  Better odds let you play longer with the same bankroll, they do not guarantee jackpots.  Taking the time to find the best odds for your game of choice is a good strategy, but you will play the game you know better than one you don't even if the odds are better.Your personal bankroll also enters into these decisions.  If you have lots of money to play with and busting is not an issue, you can tolerate higher variance games.  If not, you may want to stick with low variance games, lower your denomination or even play single coin.  These days playing single coin at a higher denomination is often a better game than max coins at a lower denomination because the higher denomination odds are better even without the royal bonus. Just be prepared to deal with the mental anguish of a short coin royal.The long and short of it is there is no "universally right or perfect" video poker game or strategy for every player in the world.  If you're asking what is mathematically correct, you will get answers.  If you are asking what is right for you, only you can make that decision.  Hope that helps... 

[NecssryEvil]

Thanks for the feedback Phil, it does help because you are right, I was playing JoB simply for the better odds. It's funny because I handle being down $3k better than I handle that "fear" of getting 4A w/K on the wrong machine.

I think I will just play the 9/6 DDB and justify it in my own head that if it is an even split between the two DDB pay tables, I am basically getting the JoB pay table (not sure how accurate that is but it should keep that little guy in my head quite while I have fun!).

Thanks again Phil, I appreciate it as I have no real life friends I can bounce this sort of thing off of.

Cheers!

[FloridaPhil]

Glad to help.  You are lucky that you have 9/6 DDB available to you. I like DDB, but 8/5 is about the norm in Florida.  The difference is noticeable because with DDB you need all the between quad help you can get.  Good Luck!