Getting Lucky Again...

[FloridaPhil]

Phil i been reading your posts from way 2016 and i joined my wife on the VP wagon around the same time

I have a chance to observe two different approaches to playing these games. My wife plays the same 97-98% games as I do. She always plays max coin quarters and never varies her bet. She modifies her strategy slightly from the computer. She holds all non deuce suited A-K, A-Q, A-J and A-10 cards. This costs her 1-4 cents each time she does this. She definitely gets more wild and natural royals than I do. So far she has hit three $1,000 royals by doing this.

I use computer generated strategy without modification. I can play for hours with only a few minor errors. I play 90% of my hands at max coin quarters and 10% at max coin dollars.

The difference in our results is interesting. Neither of us has made a life long profit, although we do have profit making years. Her bankroll swings are less volatile. She has never had a hand pay. Her cash requirements are lower. There have been times when her strategy produced better results and times where mine was better. My comps and free play are much higher. She does not get many comped room offers. I receive stacks of them.

The most significant difference is in how we obtain satisfaction from the game. To her, a $1,000 royal flush is the ultimate goal. I used to play much bigger games and migrated to quarters when the odds started dropping in 2008. I prefer not having W-2Gs on my tax forms. Non deuce Royals don't come frequently enough for me. By moving to dollars, I increase my chances of a $1,000 jackpot by hitting a dollar quad deuce. By playing this way, I have hit two $4,000 royals so far. If I hit another, I'll pay the tax.

We both only play single line traditional video poker. We like the low cash requirements. The new multi-line games are cash eaters. If we tire of VP, we will both play slots on occasion. We don't expect anything from a slot other than to be entertained. However, we have both hit big jackpots playing slots.

Everyone is different. The methodology of long term enjoyment of this game is fine tuning your strategy to your own expectations and desires. If your ultimate goal is to make a profit, my advice is to stay out of a casino. If you want to have fun, I can't think of anything that's a better value as long as you have enough knowledge to keep the house edge minimal and enough discipline to keep things under control.