Most video poker players know that the casino has a built-in edge on virtually every game. Video poker tends to have a low house edge. Over the years, however, casinos have been changing pay tables to increase their edge.
Even with perfect video poker play, the house edge can be 2% or more. At the speed that video poker can be played, that house edge can rapidly deplete the bankroll.
With the proper games and the right conditions, however, video poker players can get an edge over the casino.
Contents
- History of advantage play casino machine-based games
- Video poker advantage play games
- How it works
- What you must do
- Beware
- Summary
History of advantage play casino machine-based games
It is generally known that players can get an edge at certain table games such as blackjack if they can find a game with good rules and have the skill to play them properly.
It is less generally known that there are opportunities for players of machine-based casino games to get an edge on the right games and under the right conditions.
Several years ago, there were several slot games that under the right conditions would give players an edge. They were what have been called “banking” games. As the game is played, certain things such as cherries, diamonds, Green Stamps, etc. would build up. Once they hit a certain level, the player would get a bonus and the collected items would be removed. The process then started over. If the player leaves before collecting, the “banked items” remain for future players.
An edge was present if the banked items reached a certain level. As the banked items increased from that level, the player’s edge also increased. By scouting out games that were in the player positive state and playing those until the jackpot was collect, players had the edge.
These games were commonly called advantage games. Almost no “banking” slot games are present in today’s casinos.
Video poker advantage play games
There is a similar situation available in today’s video poker landscape. It is not nearly as profitable, but the player can get an edge.
A class of games called Ultimate X contain such games. Ultimate X games come in single-, 3-, 5-, and 10-line versions. When playing up to five credits, Ultimate X plays the same as a standard video poker game. By doubling the amount bet per line (10 credits versus five credits), a multiplier feature is activated.
How it works
Winning hands produce a multiplier for the same line as the winning hand on the next hand. The multipliers range from 2X to 12X depending on the specific Ultimate X games and winning hand. Higher-paying hands generate higher multipliers. On the next hand, the player wants a winning hand on the same line(s) as the multiplier(s).
There is not enough space in this article to give all the details of the various versions and specifics of play. To get some idea how Ultimate X games function, go here: Playing Ultimate X Video Poker: Rules & Strategy.
It is common for players to leave “next hand” multipliers on Ultimate X games. There are various reasons for this. They may run out of money (the most common reason). They may have to go to the bathroom or dinner, meet someone, or head back home. It is also possible they just got tired of playing the game and wanted to play something or somewhere else. Regardless, they cash out and leave.
Those next hand multipliers produce the advantage. That is what to locate and play – multiple line Ultimate X games with next hand multipliers.
If this article interests you, keep reading. Alternatively, explore other topics like blackjack strategy, roulette strategy, and craps strategy.
What you must do
To get an advantage, the player must scout for a multiline Ultimate X game with “Next Hand” credits displayed beside one or more lines. When found, the game is played at five credits per line (no multiplier feature). It is played for the next hand. Play just that one hand – no more. Hopefully, that game is a winner. Winner or loser, cash out and move on.
There are several things that can be done at this time. Continue scouting the same casino. If there are no more Ultimate X games with next hand multipliers, it is time for Plan B.
Take a break and try the casino after some time has passed. If the casino is busy, it may not be long before another game or two is ripe for the picking. If the casino is slow, time for Plan C.
Try another casino – or forget about Ultimate X and play another game. Heading back home is also a possibility.
Remember, every hand played will not be a winner, but the math is with you. You should come out ahead over time.
Beware
There are several downsides to this scheme:
- A lot of time is consumed scouting playable games.
- It is possible to scout several casinos without finding a single playable game.
- Once a playable game is found, only one hand is played.
- Even with an edge, there is no guarantee you will be a winner on every hand played.
- Winnings add up very slowly because only one hand is played per player-friendly game.
On the plus side:
- You will get a lot of exercise.
- Chances are excellent you will never go bankrupt.
Summary
Slot machines once had several games where knowledgeable players could get an edge.
There are also opportunities to get an edge on certain video poker games. As with the advantage slot machine strategy, the specific games must be in a specific state.
The player will have an advantage over time, but could also lose.
Getting the advantage in video poker takes a lot of work and is a very slow process.
Is the reward worth the cost? Players must answer that question for themselves.
