Question Regarding the Numbers

Discuss proper hold strategies and "advantage play" and ask questions about how to improve your play.
schmoopy
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Posts: 6
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 12:12 pm

Question Regarding the Numbers

Post by schmoopy »

Hi: I just came across this site. I've been a video poker addict for many many years! I've done very well. However, I'm not a "numbers" person! Can someone tell me, or is there somewhere on this site that will tell me in basic terms how to pick the best machines to play? I've generally been playing DDB because I like the bigger jackpots you get with the "kicker". I also play DW sometimes because it seems like it's easier to win when I'm lower on $, but I don't win as much. Can someone tell me how to figure out what to play to have the best advantage...keeping in mind I'm not a real "numbers" person? Thanks! This is an awesome site! Can't believe I haven't found it before now!

shadowman
Video Poker Master
Posts: 3587
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2006 5:42 pm

Post by shadowman »



There are several software packages that allow you to input a paytable and it they will compute the expected return. The main advantage of these packages is you can practice the games as well.  If you just want to know the return then the vpgenius.com website provides information on many games.

BOOPSAHOY
Video Poker Master
Posts: 1625
Joined: Thu Sep 14, 2006 5:20 pm

Post by BOOPSAHOY »

Welcome to the site schmoopy!

schmoopy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 12:12 pm

Post by schmoopy »

Thanks! Just got back from the Casino a bit ago...not a good day. Luckily, I'm just visiting my daughter and am not here everyday!

Lucky Larry
Video Poker Master
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Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 7:35 pm

Post by Lucky Larry »

Welcome to the forum schmoopy.

We began our learning on freeslots.com. You can change the pay tables and it will give you tutor and practice mode with data on your play. Make sure you change "2X (10 coin) to 1X (5 coin) to get a 5 coin return. It does have limitation on games but we still use it frequently.

http://www.freeslots.com/poker.htmhttp: ... /poker.htm

LL

schmoopy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 12:12 pm

Post by schmoopy »

Thanks for your help! I understand that you look at the 1 coin payouts for the fullhouse and flush. But, how is the percentage figured? Or, do you keep a cheat with you with all the variations and their percentages? All the many years I've been playing and I've NEVER paid attention to this! Now that I'm retired and have less money, I need to play smarter!!!

faygo
Video Poker Master
Posts: 2925
Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:55 am

Post by faygo »

schmoopy,  click on " shop" near the top of the game or home page. There are a couple of training aids available there. I bought a Bob Dancer product a number of years ago and boy was it an eye opener.  

backsider
VP Veteran
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Joined: Sun May 08, 2011 11:35 pm

Post by backsider »


Thanks for your help! I understand that you look at the 1 coin payouts for the fullhouse and flush. But, how is the percentage figured? Or, do you keep a cheat with you with all the variations and their percentages? All the many years I've been playing and I've NEVER paid attention to this! Now that I'm retired and have less money, I need to play smarter!!!
 Hello schmoopy.  Best to do what I do and play here. You'll lose a lot less :)

shadowman
Video Poker Master
Posts: 3587
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2006 5:42 pm

Post by shadowman »


Thanks for your help! I understand that you look at the 1 coin payouts for the fullhouse and flush. But, how is the percentage figured? Or, do you keep a cheat with you with all the variations and their percentages? All the many years I've been playing and I've NEVER paid attention to this! Now that I'm retired and have less money, I need to play smarter!!!
 The reason we look at certain payouts (like flush and FH) is because they are often the only items changed between various versions of the games. The reason for this is one unit represents almost 1% of the return of Jacks or Better and Bonus types of VP games. So, an 8/5 version would pay approximately 2% less than a 9/6 version.  There are other games where other payouts are changed. In Deuces wild games you see many different payouts changed between various versions. So, it's always good to look at every payout item. Every now and then you see something that is not standard. Once you get to recognize some of the standard variations you will be able to approximate a game's return without a cheat sheet. Until then, it's probably a good idea to have one. Here's a link that gives more information: http://members.cox.net/vpfree/Pay.htm  

schmoopy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 12:12 pm

Post by schmoopy »

Thanks again, guys! I appreciate your suggestions! Lovin' this site!

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