Continuing with excerpts from the Strictly Slots articles written in 2001.
Here are some of the things Brad and I have done during our 11 years of playing video poker that have contributed to our losing less and winning more. I am not saying these are “requirements,” but I am saying that the more of these techniques that you use the more likely and much faster you will become long-term winners, as we are today. (I have rounded off numbers to keep it as simple as possible.)
1. Know the [math-based] percentage returns (also called theoretical returns) of the common VP schedules. Just deciding to play “full-pay” video poker is not enough. Jacks or Better with a 9/6 paytable is called full-pay, but remember it only returns 99.5% for perfect play. “Full-pay” does not mean over 100%. Deuces Wild [Classic schedule] has a return of 100.7%; Double Bonus [10/7], 100.1%. They are both full-pay AND over 100%.
2. Look for slot club benefits and promotions that will add to the EV (expected value) of the games themselves. A frequent slot club benefit is bonus cashback points, double, triple, and sometimes higher. Sometimes you will get cash bonuses for designated hands, i.e., quads in the “hot” card of the day.
[In 2010 these are still two of the most important basics for losing less and winning more. And #2 is even more important these days because over-100% paytables are getting scarce.]
Thank you Lenny,Skip,Dan,Bob and yes you Jean Scott for wanting to make a buck by sharing what you know about VP.
My life has been made richer, my hobby more fun. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Thanks
Steve
Jean, I just read the post you had on the new book you recomended. The only reason he wrote the book was to make money. If I figured out how to beat the VP machines I wouldn|’t write books. I would keep the information to myself. Sorry that is how I feel. Thanks for listening to me.
I love frugal stories like this one!!
Last Dec, we had the most nearly free trip to Vegas ever and all for being a loyal fan of you Jean and dear Brad. Long story short, we flew on frequent flier miles. Spent 7 nights at the Orleans – all comp’d and ate nearly all meals at the Orleans using our B Connected bonus points which are worth $2 food for $1 points for being Emerald status. We earned 10 $25 gift Macy cards through daily VP play.
We did use cabs to visit strip properties 2 or 3 times to see Terry Fador, the opening of the new City Center and a Donny and Marie show. The topper in the whole week was that my wife hit two Royals while there. We returned home with more in our bankroll than what we went with. Thanks for all your books and advice Jean.