Updated information on the FVP Software

I’m getting many questions about the Frugal Video Poker software so here is some up-to-date information.

Thousands of people down through the years have bought the FVP software and are still happily using it as their only or primary go-to VP software resource although other programs have come out since it was launched.    Many use it with the same-named book (Frugal Video Poker), which includes “lessons” in the back that help you get more out of the program.  These lessons especially help the beginner to learn the basic functions.  And many experienced players use the lessons for advanced functions, i.e., how to edit quads to figure out the value of some promotions or how to determine the added value of slot club benefits like free play and comps.

However, many of you are getting new computers, with Windows 7, and finding you can’t install the program from the original FVP disc.  Therefore, you are asking if there will be an upgrade for FVP.  Unfortunately there will be no update since Jim Wolf, the original developer,  is no longer connected with that program. 

However, here is some information I have gathered from more computer-savvy Internet friends, giving some ways you may be able to solve this problem and continue to use the software on your new computer.  Many have copied the complete set of FVP files from their old computer to their new computer running Windows 7 Ultimate 64- bit, and the program runs fine. 

(It’s not the Windows 7 that makes FVP unable to install from the CD; it’s whether or not the computer has a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. It will install on the 32-bit; it will not install on the 64-bit.) 

Another fix some have used is to download a free piece of software called VirtualBox and install 32-bit Windows XP in it.  This lets you run 32-bit software written for XP on your new 64-bit computer. 

If you have Windows 7 Professional, you can use the “Windows XP Virtual Machine” feature, which works perfectly with FVP.  This is a free download from Microsoft for those who have Windows 7 Ultimate or Professional. This is effectively a 32-bit version of Windows XP and anything that ran under Windows XP should run via this.

Some have asked whether the FVP software is still for sale.  I personally am no longer in the area of direct sales, but FVP can be downloaded for free at Jim Wolf’s Web site (although not in Windows 7). 

The FVP CD is still available for sale on the Internet, and you must have the CD  in order to view the 11-minute video in which I explain the basics of smart video poker play.  This was filmed at the Palms and in and around our condo – with the surprise finale showing Brad and me relaxing in the Jacuzzi! 🙂  You can buy the  FVP CD in a package with the FVP book at http://tinyurl.com/3achgyv or http://tinyurl.com/nanapiercy (Click on Casino and Gambling).  This last Web site also includes in the book/software package an autographed photo of Brad and me – but sorry – not in the Jacuzzi!

For those that want/need a new program I recommend Bob Dancer’s VP for Winners.   Although I still use FVP most of the time because I am used to it, I use Dancer’s program to practice Multi-Strike, which no other program offers.  If you have a Mac, I recommend Dan Paymar’s OpVP Software for Mac.  Both can be ordered at http://www.shoplva.com/collections/video-poker/software.

If anyone has any questions about the FVP software that have not been answered above, please feel free to e-mail me privately.