Advice to New Advantage Players

[westie]

Bob Dancer's 5/15 column

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/bob_dancer/2012/0515.cfm

[casinopokertalk]

Re: Advice to New Advantage Players

Thanks for sharing. We really need some techniques to win.

[Ben Jammin]

Re: Advice to New Advantage Players

One thing that Bob Dancer doesn't do enough of is explain the Variance factor in Video Poker.

What is the Variance Factor?
The Variance Factor is most simply put the ratio of wins to losses in any given session of Video Poker.

How would the Variance factor affect me in my playing?
It all depends on how much time and money you are willing to invest if you choose to be an Advantage Player.You must realize with the infrequency of high jackpots, such as the "Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind", or other bonus hands for any given game, most playing sessions will be negative. So, you must be prepared to be in it for the long haul, and have the large bankroll necessary to handle the low spectrum of the Variance Curve.

What is an Advantage Player?
An "Advantage Player" is someone that seeks out the best games with the lowest house advantage, and plays with as close to perfect basic strategy as is possible on any given game. Many Advantage Players will only play full pay Video Poker machines/games.

What are "Full Pay" machines?
Full Pay video poker machines pay back at least 100% return with perfect play, or close to 100% with a casino promotion or progressive game with a high jackpot. Theoretically you should come out eventually with a profit.

How long would I have to play and how much will it cost me to eventually break even or show a profit?
That is the question. For instance, a royal flush occurs statistically once in every 40,250 hands. That's right, over forty thousand plays. Of course the smaller but still significant jackpots have a higher frequency, but the lowest of hands have the highest frequency of all.

So, you do the math. Google it. Don't take my word for it. I'm not some Video Poker Guru that will tell you that you can't lose. I'm not trying to sell you any books or Video Poker software. I'm just the average part time player but I do know the rules, the pay schedules, and perfect strategy because I have a basic strategy card if I don't have the perfect play for any given hand in that particular game committed to memory.

I play for entertainment and enjoyment. I have excellent money management skills. This comes with years of practice and patients, and an abundance of sheer will power. How did I get it? By having my as kicked so many times I had to learn how to gamble or quit or go broke.

So, take from me, play within your means. Set a win goal and a loss limit. Always tip your waitress or bartender and those comped drinks will flow. You might even earn some comps along the way and you'll be happier in the long run. Trust Me!