Misconceptions about Video Poker

The Basics of Online Video Poker

For this article, we will not discuss the general rules of video poker. There are two reasons:

1. First, they are described in detail in other articles.
2. Second, this material is designed for experienced users.

All offline and online video poker games use a random number generator. A separate article on Casinoz describes how such devices work.

In video poker, RNG works as follows:

It continuously shuffles the virtual deck of cards, even if the player is idle. The process never stops.

When the client presses the Deal button, the generator displays five cards on the screen, currently at the top of the deck. It then shuffles the remaining cards (forty-seven if no jokers are in the deck).

When a player asks to replace the cards, the RNG deals the required number, again taking them from the top of the deck.

This approach makes it possible to provide unpredictable results of drawings. The generator simulates the work of a casino croupier.

Interference in the work of the RNG is a violation of gambling legislation.

If the gambling regulator discovers that an operator or a software manufacturer is engaged in something similar, it will revoke its license. There have already been such cases in the history of online gambling.

And now, let's move on to the article's main topic.

Erroneous Assumptions about Video Poker

Note that many myths about video poker are almost identical to the misconceptions about video slots. This is unsurprising because both games run on random number generators and have a similar design. But next, we will consider famous legends concerning video poker.

You Should Look for "Hot" and "Cold" Games

Any player finds himself in a situation where a particular machine almost does not pay or, conversely, gives a combination in nearly every hand for a long time. This raises myths about "hot" and "cold" video poker.

Such a situation can be detected only at the end of the game session. It is impossible to predict how the device will behave further. There are more than two and a half million hands. The random number generator picks one at random in each hand. It is not necessary to speak about any sequence of its actions.

Accordingly, it makes no sense to stick such labels on video poker machines. If you pressed the start button a fraction of a second earlier or later in each hand, the results would be completely different.

Many also believe that video poker, which recently hit the jackpot, will be "cold" for a long time. Or Vice versa, that the machine, which has not paid for a long time, will soon become "hot." Indeed, any model pays within its theoretical return, but RTP manifests itself over a very long period.

All Video Poker Machines Are Rigged

Of course, if you are catastrophically unlucky, you can suspect the casino or the software developer of any fraud. You can even believe the most fantastic conspiracy theories.

But in this case, the question arises:

Why would you trust money to a casino whose fairness you doubt?

The largest video poker manufacturers do not allow gambling operators to interfere in the work of the RNG. So the owners of the casino can not wind the machines. If you don't believe it, you'd better find other entertainment. Save your nerves.

Club Cards Influence the Gameplay

Many real casinos issue club cards to their customers, which provide access to various additional services of the institution: free menu, statistics, the right to participate in draws, discounts, and so on.

However, not all players want to use them. The most suspicious claim is that such cards make video poker pay less. Allegedly, the casino compensates the costs in this way.

This claim is unfounded. Club cards are not linked to a random number generator, paytable, or other systems.

At an online casino, the rules and conditions of playing video poker are also equal for everyone. High rollers may be compensated according to the same principles as regulars.

You Should Rely on Your Intuition

You must understand the following:

Video poker is not a gambling game where you should rely on intuition. In each situation, you must make the optimal decision that increases the odds of winning.

Mathematicians have long calculated all the theoretically possible variants and made it clear how to act in each.

Yes, intuitions sometimes work. However, wrong decisions from the point of view of the optimal strategy often lead to victory. But such tactics will not lead to success in the long run.

You Get Programmed Cards in Exchange

Some players believe the cards you can get due to the exchange are allocated in advance. Supposedly they are known before you decide to change one or more sheets. That's not so.

Just read once more how the random number generator works. RNG constantly shuffles virtual cards without stopping after the player receives the starting hand.

When you see your five cards, the other forty-seven are continuously shuffled. When you specify how many you want to swap, the generator selects them randomly.

Winning and Losing Streaks Are Programmed

According to one of the most common misconceptions about video poker, the machines initially have a built-in series of winning and losing streaks. Allegedly, they pay more often during some periods, and during others, they give out combinations less often.

This statement is contrary to the principles of the RNG. Recall that unpredictable algorithms select the cards in each hand. At least, this is what all developers of gambling software insist on. What's the point of risking money on their machines if you don't believe them?

Of course, losing streaks and waves of successful draws do happen. They happened to any casino customer, regardless of his preferred game. But do not think that they are programmed.

You Should Often Change Games, Searching for a Lucky One

When Fortune turns its back on them, most players probably move from one video poker to another, hoping to find a "happy" model for them.

Let's remark: there is nothing wrong with this. If this approach gives you confidence and makes you feel more comfortable, you can safely look for a "lucky" machine. But you must understand that this does not increase the chances of success.

Multi-Hand Video Poker Games Require Special Strategies

The number of hands you can play simultaneously only affects the overall gameplay speed. This parameter does not affect the game's mathematics.

Accordingly, it does not matter how many lines you bet: one, three, five, or even a hundred. Sticking to the optimal strategy selected for this variety would be best.

Anyone Can Make a Living Playing Video Poker

Some people do play professionally, and video poker has become their primary source of income. But they are very few. Most casino customers are not suited to this craft.

There are several reasons for this:

• In online gambling, it is hard to find models with RTP above one hundred percent, and offline casinos are not available to everyone for several reasons.
• The house edge is slightly the most profitable variety, but usually, it is impossible to get rid of it completely.
• Online casino operators impose various restrictions on promotions and bonuses for video poker fans. It takes an impressive bankroll to wait out the losing streaks.

But many do not understand the main thing:

Advantage gambling is an exhausting process that takes a lot of time, causes a lot of negative emotions, hurts health, and is tiring physically.

Many players say they fell out of love with video poker when they turned it into a job.

In short, most users can recommend video poker as a beautiful gambling entertainment, not a profession.

Conclusion

First, video poker is a good choice because it lets you beat the casino. The best games allow you to play with the club on an equal footing or even tip the scales in your favor.

However, the results will be tangible if you avoid stupid mistakes and make an effort. You have to learn the basics, learn how to identify the best varieties, master the game strategy, and understand how to benefit from bonuses, loyalty programs, and other casino promotions.

Finally, here are a few practical tips:

• Put all the myths, legends, and prejudices associated with video poker out of your mind.
• Act in stages, moving to the goal in small steps.
• Do not rush to play video poker for money until you reach a high level.
• Trust only proven and reliable institutions.
• Do not believe the generous promises of dubious operators.
• Also, remember that overly lucky customers are suspicious.
• That is why many professionals play in several casinos at the same time.
• Learn how to manage finances.
• Beware of the development of addiction.
• Pay attention to the slightest signs of dependence on the game.
• Don't forget to read the articles about video poker on Casinoz.

We invite you to share your experience and ask questions in the comments to the article.