Things I Do...Things I've observed

[MikeA]

It sure seems that there is a lot of misconception as to what ER really means.  It is NOT etched in granite!  It (ER) really is a case of trying to verbally express a mathematical concept that deals with "possibilities".  You really cannot place expectations into a time frame.  ER really is nothing more than something to set your "expectations" realistically with.  Anyone who depends upon those expectations becoming reality at any given point is bound for disappointments <sigh>.

[shadowman]

Mike, you've pretty much hit on the reasoning behind my approach to VP. I cannot predict randomness and therefore have no idea what would happen if I continue to play; stop playing and return after a break; or quit and go home and come back another day. Therefore, I normally play according to a schedule that provides the most enjoyment.
 
Now, I certainly understand that playing negative ER machines takes a different mindset. If quitting after getting ahead early in a session is what a person likes to do, then that is fine. However, don't kid yourself into thinking that will always work.
 
Yesterday, when I hit the dual AWAK I was down more than most people take for a session (and I was never ahead). The day before I dropped $500 and was never ahead playing single line OEJs. These days occur quite frequently. BTW, I didn't mention that after I was done playing the DDB I went to another casino where they forced me to play another 4-5 hours against my will (17x multipler) and I hit a RF just before I left.  
 

[jm002546]

  I'm going to throw the term maximum return in here. And it is etched in stone-machine payout with perfect play. As Mike points out you won't guarantee that return in the short run, but over many plays you will approach that return either from above or below.   But I hate to see anyone thinking they can improve a poor machine payoutwith any type of special strategy.    

[jm002546]

  BTW, I didn't mention that after I was done playing the DDB I went to another casino where they forced me to play another 4-5 hours against my will (17x multipler) and I hit a RF just before I left.  
 [/QUOTE]  I hear that the competition is getting fierce, maybe mostly for locals. How can I find these promos? I will be there this weekend.  I assumed you werereferring to club points.  So how many points, cb or benefits did that royal bring you?

[MikeA]

  I'm going to throw the term maximum return in here. And it is etched in stone-machine payout with perfect play. As Mike points out you won't guarantee that return in the short run, but over many plays you will approach that return either from above or below.   But I hate to see anyone thinking they can improve a poor machine payoutwith any type of special strategy.    
Definitely agree.  You cannot improve your odds by making use of strategies that are mathematically unproven.You can improve them by playing perfect strategy and always picking the Positive Expectation Games.  That will not guarantee you a win, but it will give you the best chance of winning.

[bigsteve5273@yahoo.c]

Dear Gang,  Expected value and maximum return?  I have been in existential angst over all the supposed losing while playing video poker and considering abandoning this hobby.   Since Nov. 2007 I began keeping records of play. I played only 9/6 JoB for years before a gentleman on this forum suggested I learn positive expectation games.  For the past 90 days, learning 2 new games while continuing JoB, completing nearly 50,000 hands  the data indicates I'm only down 415 credits.  Without a RF. Does this jibe with anyone else's experience? This is no where near the loss I expected.  As Shadowman says " the schedule that provides the most enjoyment."  I'm grateful to the folks of this site for the excellent info and dare I hope to actually get ahead.  Maximum return , oh yeah. Positive expectations, you betcha.  Played responsibly, skillfully and a little luck doesn't hurt,  VP is an great hobby. Good luck to all. 

[MikeA]

completing nearly 50,000 hands  the data indicates I'm only down 415 credits.  Without a RF. Does this jibe with anyone else's experience? 
I would say you are TOTALLY within expectations.  At quarter levels, that is a mere $100-.  Outstanding!  That's not even one of my "sessions" down as I consider 400 credits to be a good general number to buy-in for.  Sheesh!  You are only two "baby quads" away from even (250 credit 5's-K's in DDB).Either you are shot through with LUCK or you have done well with strategy and have been riding the averages.  I wish you as well during your future sessions!

[bigsteve5273@yahoo.c]

Thanks, Mike,  of course there was significant variation as to win/loss on any given day but it nearly evened out completely over time.  I'm just practicing for my next trip to Vegas. Though a fault, I'm too cheap  to throw money at the casinos.  Alas,  the royals certainly seem slow in coming.  Nearly 3 years since the last one.  I  practice and learn strategy because I never consider luck as a trustworthy option. In fact I depend too much on the averages not giving sufficient credit to luck.  A little good  luck never hurts, though.  I,  too, was planning  stay at the the Golden Gate for nostalgia's sake.  Glad you wrote up your last trip.  Thanks for the info. Good luck to all.  Is Shadowman up to 3 or more RF's this month?  Congrats, well deserved. 

[royalgt]

[royalgt]