How Many Variations of Video Poker Do Video Poker Pros usually play?

At the casino I primarily play video poker. When I am home I practice with Video Poker Wizard on my iPad. When I go to the casino, I find it confusing if I try to keep straight the basic rules for more than 3-4 video poker variations. Accordingly, I only play those game variations. How many variations of video poker do "professional" video poker players usually/regularly play?

[Editor's Note: This question went straight to the world's most renowned video poker pro, what's his name. Kidding. Of course, it could only be Bob Dancer.]

It’s a mistake to believe that all professional players are alike. It’s probably safer to assume that each of us is different. We each specialize in different games, different denominations, and go to different casinos. Some of us include different games (perhaps slots, poker, sports betting, etc.) into our mix.

I can only answer your question accurately with respect to myself. And the games I currently know depends on what games are available (at interesting stakes) in the casinos I’m frequenting.

Simply put, I know as many games as I have reasonable opportunities. Currently I play at four or five casinos, and play a different game or two at each casino. And the mix of casinos and games varies from year to year.

Sometimes I play one game during certain promotions and another game when promotions are not in effect. For example, I haven’t seen a card-of-the-day promotion recently (where you receive an extra xxx if you get a specific four of a kind), but that can be worth more in non-wild-card games than in deuces wild variations.

There can be cases where normally a $2 game has a higher expected-dollars-per-hour return than a $5 game, but during a lucrative drawing, it can make sense to play the bigger machine because you get more drawing tickets.

I’m 74 years old and I have the five games I play most 100% memorized. (Well, nobody knows any Deuces Wild variation at the 100% level, but I’m well over 99.9%). Fifteen years ago, I played at a lot more casinos and had probably ten games perfectly memorized. But even now, as then, if I learn of a situation where a particular game and pay schedule pays well, I can get up to speed in that game fairly quickly. I have computer files with completely accurate strategies for several dozen games.

I personally use a number of strategies and computer programs to help me stay up to speed. These products are fairly inexpensive considering the millions of dollars of coin-in that I play every year. The Video Poker Wizard is a good app, but you’ll improve if you also use more resources.

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kennethross Nov-21-2021

What’s his name

 Bob Dancer’s long-term, routine use of an assumed name makes your reply referring to the man as “what’s his name” most amusing. I remember only that the gentleman’s last name reminded me of Janoff (a friend’s last name). I do hope that after so many years, the paranoids will finally stop persecuting Mr. Dancer, and that he may use with pride the name his father gave him. Thanks to Mr. Dancer for his usual excellent answer!

Texas Transplant Nov-21-2021

Good information

This gives me a little different perspective video poker.  I only come to Vegas twice a year but when I am there to try to at lest be cognizant, if not fluent  basic strategies on a few of the more popular games.

"A man's got to know his limitations", and I know that there is no way I could 100% memorize 5 games.  

I have a friend who I go to Vegas with, and while he was playing a little VP for years, he didn't realize that the pay tables can be different for different casinos, and even adjoining VP machines for that matter.

Even with my basic knowledge of strategies on 3-4 games, I'd like to think that I am ahead of maybe 80-90% of the other players.

rokgpsman Nov-21-2021

Some like to keep it simple

I'm not a serious vp player, I'm retired with an ok pension. I like my casino visits to be fun and stress-free. For video poker I only play full pay Jacks or Better. By sticking to one version of vp I've learned most of the correct plays and have my strategy card in my pocket when needed. I play at a leisurely pace, I'm not trying to earn a living. I enjoy my time on the machine for a couple of hours, then I check out the sports book, 2-deck blackjack table and craps. If I tried to learn proper play on several versions of vp it would change things for me from recreation to a job. That's not what I want from my vacation. But I understand why others want to maximize their vp play and are willing to put in the work and hours required. I admire those that can play different vp games correctly, I wish you every success. But I'll be the guy playing good old JoB, talking to a nearby friend and pausing for a drink now and then.

Question of the Day - 21 November 2021

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