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Video Poker Don't be afraid of VP

Discussion in 'Video Poker' started by bubbakitty, Jun 3, 2013.

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  1. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    Went to the Mecca May 12 - 17 for a craps / vp / sigma derby / Pinball H of Fame fix. Took a lot of pictures for the work-shackled wife to live through and noticed a pattern in the VP hold 'em strategy. Of course there were times I should have "gone for it" but played conservatively for the photographic opportunity. The following is all in fun........For those of you fearing the VP perfect strategy, just ignore and play....

    First, you don't have to do anything a lot of times......just sit and look and look for the "hold" button.....(this could get boring but I am bored until the next trip so here goes....)
     

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  2. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    apparently some downloading problems so I will attempt another route......
     
  3. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    I love no-brainer hands!
    Where were you playing 8/5 JOB?
     
  4. Buddha

    Buddha VIP Whale

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    Just a personal preference comment on holding those four Kings (DDB) and the four Aces (BP). I always hold all five cards in those type situations, in order to avoid any malfunction on the re-draw ... plus, there's no way to improve those hands, anyway.

    ** Of course, in the case of those Aces being dealt in DDB, you obviously would want a draw for the kicker.

    JMHO
     
  5. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Totally agree! Holding 5 is how we also play in that situation, with the exception of aces on DDB.
     
  6. tacallian

    tacallian Low-Roller

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    I'm embarrassed to say that I only just figured out why you guys keep saying 8/5, 9/6, etc (Full House / Flush payouts). Silly semi on topic question, how accurate are the "suggested" moves the games give you?
     
  7. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    If you're referring to machines that automatically hold the suggested cards, I have never seen that in Vegas at any casino. From a post on this board, Jimbucc maybe,? is the first I had heard of it, while playing in a different state.
     
  8. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    VP continued

    I hope this link works.....I am clueless but if not there are other theories.....it is a long set.....but grouped (in no particular order) to what is dealt you, drawing with one card held; a pair or two high cards; 3 to something etc. Just look at the cards marked "hold".....for the non-existent strategy.....more Amstel Light....that was the strategy.....

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/89402376@N02/

    again, hope it works and it IS all in fun as to the strategy.....
     
  9. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    Joe:

    played exclusively at the Orleans this trip....walked a lot about the strip but the pictures only reflect the Orleans.....There is a bank of machines just past the alligator as you enter the main entrance from the shuttle bus (not valet / registration). They were 5 cent, quarter, dime choice. Did quarters, not sure of payout on other denominations.....
     
  10. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    It works. An impressive string of quads!:thumbsup:
     
  11. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    Thanks Joe.....not sure if the strategy (Amstel Light) works (or you are as lucky) at $ level..... but it is a fun way to spend the kid's inheritance....ha May check it out on a variety of Sam Adams next trip and see what is what....
     
  12. tacallian

    tacallian Low-Roller

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    Ahh. I never actually had a chance to play VP in Vegas. At our local native Casino, the VP machines suggest hold actions and I thought the same would be true south of the border.
     
  13. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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  14. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    If it's an Indian casino, it's likely not Class III (random) gaming, and is Class II gaming instead. This means that it isn't video poker dealt from a random deck. The result is determined by electronic bingo instead with you playing against other patrons in a simulated bingo game. The video poker is just for show. In Class II gaming, you can throw away four of a kind and you'll get it back. Or hold all 5 cards and occasionally a genie will appear to award you the hand you were "supposed to get". The autohold is there to avoid people from seeing these oddities. Most of the time, the autohold is close to what you would actually do in Class III video poker though. Also paytables are worthless in a Class II game.
     
  15. tacallian

    tacallian Low-Roller

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    is there any way to know the difference just by looking at the machine?
     
  16. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Do you see a bingo card displayed anywhere on the machine? Including off of the main screen like where the player's card would be inserted. If you are willing to reveal the state, I might be able to figure out for you too. Oh and I don't think Washington state has bingo cards. Instead video poker behaves like a scratchoff. This also includes NY state-run racinos.

    If you are still unsure, just pick a low denomination to "test it". It won't cost too much.

    And I forgot to mention one of the things autohold usually gets wrong on these machines, they usually always want to hold at least one card. Optimal strategy sometimes tells you to discard all 5 cards instead.

    And if you enjoyed playing these games, I hope I didn't burst your bubble over this too much. However, I feel that it's important that people are aware how these machines work. Especially those who have been told to look for "good paytables" by other people used to Class III video poker. On these Class II games, the paytable is almost always 99%+ IF they would deal with a random poker deck, which they unfortunately do not. In reality, they probably return similar to slot machines (88%-92%).
     
  17. tacallian

    tacallian Low-Roller

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    It's in Alberta, Canada. I'm not sure about the bingo card bits, or whatnot. And no worries at all. I've just been considering getting more into VP and this had potential locally along those lines.
     
  18. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Unfortunately, Alberta looks like they can offer either depending on the casino. So you need to ask the casino or test them like I suggested. If you see very good paytables, I would be suspicious. Nothing in Alberta is currently listed on the VPFree2 site (a site where volunteers report video poker games with good payouts).

    And nice hits bubbakitty!! (sorry for the hijack)
     
  19. CJ's

    CJ's Plumbing the depths of debauchery

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    why is it on VP that you dont get offered the double up after a win? you know like beat the dealer high card out of a choice of four others.

    I like that option on other games so why none on VP?:cry:

    I played a lot in Australia MANY years back and made quite a bit on double up's. Distinctly remember getting a good hand and doubling up to $2k, :Þ had 1 more option to double up to $4k but bottled it and bought myself a car with my winnings ( a wreck but it got me on the road back packing ):thumbsup:
     
  20. Buddha

    Buddha VIP Whale

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    There are a wide variety of VP machines around Vegas which have the "double up" option built into the programming, but it is usually not advertised. The person to ask is one of the floor attendants, if your machine has it, or if they know which other machines might have it. The floor attendant can then open the machine, and activate that option (or turn it off if it comes up, and you DON'T want it).

    The same thing is sometimes true with the "auto-hold" .... just ask the floor attendant.
     
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