Video Poker Questions and Answers

by Gayle Mitchell

Could you explain to me what is meant by "a full pay" machine, in particular as regards to a Deuces Wild machine? Paul.
Paul, a 9/5 Deuces Wild full pay schedule reads nine coins for a straight flush and 5 coins for four of a kind under the 1 coin payout line.

Q. I have a question about the reported payouts I see in your newsletter. I do study the payout schedules you post, however, I always wonder when it says slot payouts, are they including video poker machines with the reel slots? Glen.
Glen: You are correct; the slot payout percentages do include slots and video poker, plus keno--all machines.
For online play, there are many casinos that publish slot payouts that are certified by reputable accounting firms. Often, I have found that the slot payouts online are higher
than land-based casinos.

Q. I have just returned from Mississippi where I go on occasion to do my share of casino support. Enough of that, anyway I was playing video poker while waiting for a drawing to happen when along came 4 to the royal. My wife was standing by so I called her over noting I have never gotten the royal on anything except a 50 hand game (neither had she and several other people standing around watching and waiting for me to push the button).
I waited and I won. A fun story since there was a bunch of people hanging around waiting as we were for a give away car drawing. My wife wasn't too quiet about the possibility so a number of people were sitting back waiting in anticipation, followed by much applause. You know how everybody stops when the "Wheel of Fortune” chant goes off and watches and waits.
To finally get around the block, the question is: When did the little brain make up its mind to give it to me, after I selected but before I actually pushed the button (several minutes passed, building anticipation) or when the 4 came up in the first place. I guess I'm just curious if it was already there or was the wait worthwhile. Mike
Mike: If you listen real close, you can hear my applause, also :-). Gayle.
P.S. Here's how I knew about the waiting strategy. I read that the cards are still shuffling before you hit the 'deal' button on most VP versions and eventually the card you want is there, but knowing how long to wait--there's the rub!
I often will do a bit of waiting myself even when dealt three-of-a-kind, especially Aces.
In addition, if I am getting a 'string of losing hands', I will sit back and wait before resuming.
There is nothing scientific about this strategy, but we do what works to avoid giving our 'casino support' donation.

Q. Any advice on the advantages/disadvantages of the various styles of Jacks-or-Better video poker? For instance, you have "double-double," "triple-double," etc. and then just plain. Which would you play and why? Ed
Ed: Like everything in VP, it depends on the pay schedules.
For the three versions, you gave me I would choose plain Jacks or better, IF you get 10 for 2 pair and it is 9/6. Although the top payouts for double double and triple double are much better, the overall payout is not. The best version of Jacks+ is 10/7 double bonus and 100% payback whereas plain Jacks+ is 99.54%, but with comps or online promotions, you can do better on both of these versions.

Q. I have a sincere, but strange question. I have won playing 10-7 full pay Double Bonus Video Poker. If I told you, I have won 7 straight trips (51 out of 58 winning days), would you say this is A) Impossible. B)Very Very Lucky or C) Simply a Hot Streak?
I play at least 11 hours a day. I'd like to hear any comments. Curt.
Curt: First, Congrats on your win. I would say this is a hot streak and I have had several, especially with this version. Just be sure, you are insulated against that 'cold streak'.

Gayle Mitchell