50 And 100 Play Video Poker Machines
Dear
Mark,
I'm hoping you can clear up a question that's been bothering me
for long time. I've noticed so many times on 50 and 100-play video
poker machines that when dealt two pair, I get few full houses.
They seem rigged! It seems like the 50 and 100-play have different
programming. One VP expert has said they are programmed similar
to a slot machine. Is that true? Sandy P.
Dear Mark,
Why is it that every time I play 50 and 100 play video poker machines,
I make less money than when I play your standard video poker machine?
Pete D.
Hi,
Sally, meet Pete. Pete -- Sally. It seems Pete's noticed the
same thing you have.
That expert was correct, Sandy. Like today's cybernetic slots,
all video poker machines use a random number generator (RNG)
software algorithm to determine the game's outcome. The number
of coins played cannot influence the end result. It doesn't
make any difference if one coin is being wagered or 50 or
100. |
|
Also,
they should have the same expected return - that is, if the pay
tables are identical. Herein lies the secret -- why both of you
are coming out cash-poor when playing the multi-play boxes. It's
not because there is some sort of monkey business happening, but
that multi-play video poker games usually have stingier pay tables
than do their single-play kissing cousins. Typically, the more
the hands offered, the worse the pay table.
For those who do prefer multi-play games, I suggest that you look
for pay tables equal to that of a single-play game. Although a
bit tough to ferret out, they do exist. Once found, perfect basic
strategy (see below) always remains the same, be it for 1-play,
3-play, or 100-play.
Quick tip: Assuming that both Sandy and Pete were to find identical
pay tables, they will then need to ask themselves what they normally
would play on a single play machine, and will then need to divide
that number by 50 or 100. For instance, if they play $1 single-line
machines, they should then play a one-cent 100-line game, or two-cent
50-liners.
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