Video Poker - Why is it so boring?

ChopleyIOM

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Is it just me who feels like falling asleep when playing video poker?

Every casino/software provider I play at, I always give it a go, and I always just get reminded that should I ever be afflicted by insomnia, video poker is the cure.

I realise that in many regards video poker is by far the best option to play at a casino, the RTPs can regularly be in excess of 99%, whilst still maintaining the chance of big wins with a straight flush and of course the big royal flush (which I admit I've never had).

Plus it's possible to assess the variance of a video poker simply by looking at the paytable, and thus choosing a poker variant depending on what sort of ride/risk you want, and then there are all the multi-hand variants to speed things along a bit.

Slots are just video poker with flashing lights and nice sounds and music really, they're still just random games where the casino software is showing you a result of a random pick, but slots have far lower RTPs than video pokers - so in that regard it makes no sense to play slots, but I massively prefer slots to video pokers.

I dunno, I guess I'll never like video poker - anyone else?
 
Each to their own, I'd guess.

I like Jacks or Better as well as Deuces Wild, and play them a lot in our Demo site.

BTW, Video Poker is like a slot only if there is an auto-hold. Otherwise, you definitely need to fire up those neurons in order to get the kind of returns you mentioned.

The Theoretical RTP of a typical Jacks or Better is 99.54%. If that auto-hold system is perfect (and I have read that many of them are not), then I agree that it is a high return but amazingly boring (coma inducing) slot game.

Chris
 
Each to their own, I'd guess.

I like Jacks or Better as well as Deuces Wild, and play them a lot in our Demo site.

BTW, Video Poker is like a slot only if there is an auto-hold. Otherwise, you definitely need to fire up those neurons in order to get the kind of returns you mentioned.

The Theoretical RTP of a typical Jacks or Better is 99.54%. If that auto-hold system is perfect (and I have read that many of them are not), then I agree that it is a high return but amazingly boring (coma inducing) slot game.

Chris

I take your point Chris, but surely once you've learned optimal strategy, you're back to where you started, which is a very drab looking and sounding slot machine?

Optimal strategy can be learned and/or looked up, and since it makes no sense to play with anything other than optimal strategy, using an auto-hold where available is clearly the way to go.

To me the idea of a random game having an 'optimal strategy' sort of goes against the point of playing a random game in the first place. If I want to challenge myself I'll fire up Battlefield 3!
 
Well, go have a look at the optimal strategy for Jacks or Better on the WizardofOdds site. (I think there are 3 - check for the one that specifies the 99.54% return.)

That one is kind of tough to learn. And I agree that having it available "on the side" is only good for training. And of course, there is always those "hunch bets" which adds to the excitement.

2 examples:

1. I saw someone hold nothing more than the Queen and 10 of Diamonds, and draw to the Royal Flush.

2. I saw someone throw away crap on the deal and draw to 5 Aces in Double Joker Poker.

Those are definitely jaw-dropping experiences.

But after that, it is speed. Kind of like doing the Rubik's Cube in under 60 seconds.

That would be kind of fun to see - having an auto-play on the Rubik's Cube.

Chris
 
Ho Hum

Is it just me who feels like falling asleep when playing video poker?

Every casino/software provider I play at, I always give it a go, and I always just get reminded that should I ever be afflicted by insomnia, video poker is the cure.

I realise that in many regards video poker is by far the best option to play at a casino, the RTPs can regularly be in excess of 99%, whilst still maintaining the chance of big wins with a straight flush and of course the big royal flush (which I admit I've never had).

Plus it's possible to assess the variance of a video poker simply by looking at the paytable, and thus choosing a poker variant depending on what sort of ride/risk you want, and then there are all the multi-hand variants to speed things along a bit.

Slots are just video poker with flashing lights and nice sounds and music really, they're still just random games where the casino software is showing you a result of a random pick, but slots have far lower RTPs than video pokers - so in that regard it makes no sense to play slots, but I massively prefer slots to video pokers.

I dunno, I guess I'll never like video poker - anyone else?

Just wait until you get a SEQUENTIAL ROYAL--You'll wake up!:p

MaryJean
 
Oooops :oops:, you are playing the wrong type of VP if you think it`s boring bud :p.

That's a very nice win (although I've had similar and better stakes vs prize ratios on slots), but it's still just video poker!

What is the 'right kind' of VP to play? Is multi-hand better? Are the higher variance games a better option?

As I understand it the likes of Jacks Or Better are the lowest variance games, and then the deuces variants or various wild games etc are the higher variance ones. (Where even a 3OAK is 1x stake return.)

I have had VP running at 3Dice for a little while now (real money but only 50p per hand) and there's sort of a glimmer of an appeal forming for me, but I'm still just thinking, 'I'd rather be playing slots.'
 
Well Chopley here is my take. I have probably(but maybe not) played more VP than maybe anyone on this forum. However I play mostly in Vegas and very little online. For some reason I find online VP a bit dull (I have no idea why that is). In Vegas I will play 10 hours a day for each day I am there and that is usually 7 days. I have had at least 100 royals but really have not kept track. My game of choice is double double bonus poker because I love those big 4 of a kinds with kickers.

I play more slots online than VP but yet hardly ever play slots in Vegas. Jacks or Better is to me the most boring game. Also in Vegas I can get some full pay games but online not so much. I also love triple bonus where 4 aces with a kicker pays the same as a royal.

VP can be on the boring side for many but your money will last longer for sure. Play more bonus games in VP and see what you think
 
Well Chopley here is my take. I have probably(but maybe not) played more VP than maybe anyone on this forum. However I play mostly in Vegas and very little online. For some reason I find online VP a bit dull (I have no idea why that is). In Vegas I will play 10 hours a day for each day I am there and that is usually 7 days. I have had at least 100 royals but really have not kept track. My game of choice is double double bonus poker because I love those big 4 of a kinds with kickers.

You mean this variation?

Remember I'm a low-roller so I'll probably only be on 50p/ÂŁ1 per hand and I'm an entertainment player more than anything! (Of course I like to win but I like my playtime as well :))

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If you're interested in relaxing and specifically don't enjoy learning strategies VP is going to be of very little appeal to you. It tends to appeal to a different type of gambler or at least a gambler in a different type of mood to those that enjoy roulette or slots play. VP often offers great odds to those willing to learn the strategies and in this way is the slots equivalent of Blackjack. The reason that Blackjack became so popular in the first place is it offered the player the chance to beat it. You get the same chance with VP in the right situation and the feeling of pride at being able to play the game at the highest RTP knowing that very few others will manage that.
 
Admittely video poker is quite tedious and Jacks or Better is the most boring variation because apart from the rare straight flush and royal flush the payouts are not that high. The OP could try the "Level-up / Multi-Strike" variation from which Seventh777 posted his screenshot. In that variation whenever you get a paying hand you move on to the next level, where payouts double each time you reach next level so if you reach the highest 4th level, you get paid 8X for any hand, which adds excitement. For example
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has a demo version of such a game.

Then there is always Kings of Chicago at Netent which is a a slot and video poker combined together.

I think there is market for those "carnival" video poker games, which are video poker games but include bonus games and free rounds to spice them up. These might appeal more to slots players.
 
Single hand VP is boring, prefer 3 or 4 hands at time. Haven't done well on 10, 50, 100 hands as the money can go fast.
 
I do sometimes play less than optimal strategy, since my VP sessions tend to be short. I really miss MG's analyze feature. If I had a reasonable chance at a decent hand, and the possiblilty of a royal without sacrificing too much, I'd play less than optimal strategy. I'm primarily a slot player, so I am looking for those big hits.

Now, I suppose I could use another poker calculator to do the same, but that may or may not breach terms. Or spend long time looking things up at Wizard of Odds. (which may or may not breach terms, lol).

I probably play either Deuces Wild or variations or Pick 'Em poker the most. Almost every bonus free session at RTG includes some Pick 'Em play. I learnt optimal strategy for that one long ago for B&M play, and it remains a fav.

The Double Up feature definitely adds excitement IMO.

I really like the VP interface at 3Dice, feels the most like the land based ones I play. I also trust the autohold there.

Usually if I can boost my bankroll I'm back to slots however.
 
Admittely video poker is quite tedious and Jacks or Better is the most boring variation because apart from the rare straight flush and royal flush the payouts are not that high. The OP could try the "Level-up / Multi-Strike" variation from which Seventh777 posted his screenshot. In that variation whenever you get a paying hand you move on to the next level, where payouts double each time you reach next level so if you reach the highest 4th level, you get paid 8X for any hand, which adds excitement. For example
You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.
has a demo version of such a game.

Then there is always Kings of Chicago at Netent which is a a slot and video poker combined together.

I think there is market for those "carnival" video poker games, which are video poker games but include bonus games and free rounds to spice them up. These might appeal more to slots players.

When Casino Action were alive, they had a Video Poker race over 24 hours on a Sunday. I would play nearly every week. The race aspect made things a little more interesting, with points being awarded for the amount wagered. I played the 4-UP variety on ÂŁ20 per deal, and raced away, often to the top:D

I played in bursts of an hour or two, then checked the scoreboard. I would take breaks if I was well placed early on, but as it was EST rather than GMT, the most exiting closing stages were after midnight. I either tried to build a very high score in lead position, or stayed up till 5am checking scores and playing.

After midnight, the tedium could set in along with tiredness.

One night I was well in front, and thought I would win without further play. Around 2am I checked the scores and saw that an American player had come from low down to take second place snapping at my heels. It was back to the game, but tiredness had me play on autopilot using autohold, I had a reputation and my country's honour at stake (the scoreboard was dominated by US players, our flags were shown). I intended to have the Union Flag sat atop a pile of star spangled banners, and most times this worked out:D

Well that night, half asleep at the terminal.....


this sure woke me up:eek:
 

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When Casino Action were alive, they had a Video Poker race over 24 hours on a Sunday. I would play nearly every week. The race aspect made things a little more interesting, with points being awarded for the amount wagered. I played the 4-UP variety on ÂŁ20 per deal, and raced away, often to the top:D

I played in bursts of an hour or two, then checked the scoreboard. I would take breaks if I was well placed early on, but as it was EST rather than GMT, the most exiting closing stages were after midnight. I either tried to build a very high score in lead position, or stayed up till 5am checking scores and playing.

After midnight, the tedium could set in along with tiredness.

One night I was well in front, and thought I would win without further play. Around 2am I checked the scores and saw that an American player had come from low down to take second place snapping at my heels. It was back to the game, but tiredness had me play on autopilot using autohold, I had a reputation and my country's honour at stake (the scoreboard was dominated by US players, our flags were shown). I intended to have the Union Flag sat atop a pile of star spangled banners, and most times this worked out:D

Well that night, half asleep at the terminal.....


this sure woke me up:eek:

Couldn't help yaself could ya...... :rolleyes:
 
That's a very nice win (although I've had similar and better stakes vs prize ratios on slots), but it's still just video poker!

What is the 'right kind' of VP to play? Is multi-hand better? Are the higher variance games a better option?

As I understand it the likes of Jacks Or Better are the lowest variance games, and then the deuces variants or various wild games etc are the higher variance ones. (Where even a 3OAK is 1x stake return.)

I have had VP running at 3Dice for a little while now (real money but only 50p per hand) and there's sort of a glimmer of an appeal forming for me, but I'm still just thinking, 'I'd rather be playing slots.'

There is a VP out there to suit everyone`s needs from very low variance (Jacks or better) to ultra high variance (Level up and various wild card options), obviously the games where you have wild cards are going to offer lower returns for most hands barring natural Royal Flushes, imho the variety of VP offered by MGS is by far the best out there, i`ve yet to see as many variants they have at any other software.

As far as VP versus Slots go, i`ve been gambling on line for roughly 5-6 years and playing slots is by far my biggest passion, and barring UK related x500 bet maximum payout slots (Rainbow Riches, Reel King etc) I have as yet failed to hit a true video slot Jackpot, whereas I have hit several natural Royal Flushes that all (unless you are not playing max coins) have the same returns, bearing in mind I rarely play VP compared to slots, so, with this aspect in mind and due to my personal experiences I think you have a way better chance of hitting big playing VP than you do playing slots.

Footnote:- The screenshot I provided was the result after ploughing around ÂŁ500-ÂŁ600 into level up poker at ÂŁ4 a go, so, how far you want to go to chase the big hits is down to you, and like their slots counterparts can have one of two endings ;).

P.S.

If you were playing level up poker at the same bet size as VWM in his screenshot and hit the same 4 hands your return would be ÂŁ60,000.
 
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I dunno, I guess I'll never like video poker - anyone else?
Nope - I don't like it much either. Just to slow (between decent wins) and dull for me.

I don't know why, but when I do fancy a flutter I usually go for 50-hand Deuces & Joker - probably the worst choice on the net! :p
(I'm guessing - I have no idea what the RTP is)

KK
 
The MGS level up either has a serious bug, it deliberately cheats, or it is not random.

Regularly, when you hit deal the button goes dead and the cards won't deal. Sometimes you get an error message, sometimes not, but in either case the only solution is shut down the game and restart it.......which is fine.....EXCEPT the cards have been dealt and the game is over without you having the opportunity to hold and draw. Sometimes, it even gives you a win on that level and shows that you have proceeded to the next level and lost....without any input from the player.

So, its either all predetermined from the bottom up, or it straight up cheats. If you don't have the chance to hold and draw, you aren't getting a fair game. MGS took it down a year or two ago to fix it, but it didn't work. Needless to say I avoid it now. In fact, I've always had a suspicion from the cards that were dealt that it wasn't random.....this error/cheat/bug confirmed it in my mind.

Anyone who has been around here a while knows that I never say stuff like this, so you can rest assured it is cast iron. I even thought about not posting it, but IMO I have sufficient evidence.
 
The MGS level up either has a serious bug, it deliberately cheats, or it is not random.

Regularly, when you hit deal the button goes dead and the cards won't deal. Sometimes you get an error message, sometimes not, but in either case the only solution is shut down the game and restart it.......which is fine.....EXCEPT the cards have been dealt and the game is over without you having the opportunity to hold and draw. Sometimes, it even gives you a win on that level and shows that you have proceeded to the next level and lost....without any input from the player.

So, its either all predetermined from the bottom up, or it straight up cheats. If you don't have the chance to hold and draw, you aren't getting a fair game. MGS took it down a year or two ago to fix it, but it didn't work. Needless to say I avoid it now. In fact, I've always had a suspicion from the cards that were dealt that it wasn't random.....this error/cheat/bug confirmed it in my mind.

Anyone who has been around here a while knows that I never say stuff like this, so you can rest assured it is cast iron. I even thought about not posting it, but IMO I have sufficient evidence.

I have to say Nifty that coming from you that carries a lot of weight, is this something you've raised with MG or is just one of those things where you're content in your own mind about it and that's enough for you?
 
The MGS level up either has a serious bug, it deliberately cheats, or it is not random.

Regularly, when you hit deal the button goes dead and the cards won't deal. Sometimes you get an error message, sometimes not, but in either case the only solution is shut down the game and restart it.......which is fine.....EXCEPT the cards have been dealt and the game is over without you having the opportunity to hold and draw. Sometimes, it even gives you a win on that level and shows that you have proceeded to the next level and lost....without any input from the player.

So, its either all predetermined from the bottom up, or it straight up cheats. If you don't have the chance to hold and draw, you aren't getting a fair game. MGS took it down a year or two ago to fix it, but it didn't work. Needless to say I avoid it now. In fact, I've always had a suspicion from the cards that were dealt that it wasn't random.....this error/cheat/bug confirmed it in my mind.

Anyone who has been around here a while knows that I never say stuff like this, so you can rest assured it is cast iron. I even thought about not posting it, but IMO I have sufficient evidence.

Yeah, I remember seeing this same bug. To me it looked like that when the game crashed and you entered back to it, it had dealt the next levels to the player without holding any cards for the initial draw. This is of course bad, because holding cards makes a huge difference to reach the next level. But I didn't notice anything indicating non-random / fixed with the draws. That is, I assume that the game simply played the next levels with holding zero cards.
 
Sensational post Nifty!!!

Why have you not written about this before and started a thread about it??? You are infact doing what you (rightly) call others to task for, which is making a sensational claim and not backing it up.

Can you elaborate please so the experts can look at it because I know you wouldn't make a claim like this lightly. Whatever is causing this it sounds like the outcome is highly favourable to MG and should be investigated.

It sounds highly interesting and you are most likely to be correct I reckon. Does sound more like a bug though as Jufo says.
 
The MGS level up either has a serious bug, it deliberately cheats, or it is not random.

Regularly, when you hit deal the button goes dead and the cards won't deal. Sometimes you get an error message, sometimes not, but in either case the only solution is shut down the game and restart it.......which is fine.....EXCEPT the cards have been dealt and the game is over without you having the opportunity to hold and draw. Sometimes, it even gives you a win on that level and shows that you have proceeded to the next level and lost....without any input from the player.

So, its either all predetermined from the bottom up, or it straight up cheats. If you don't have the chance to hold and draw, you aren't getting a fair game. MGS took it down a year or two ago to fix it, but it didn't work. Needless to say I avoid it now. In fact, I've always had a suspicion from the cards that were dealt that it wasn't random.....this error/cheat/bug confirmed it in my mind.

Anyone who has been around here a while knows that I never say stuff like this, so you can rest assured it is cast iron. I even thought about not posting it, but IMO I have sufficient evidence.

Who are you and what have you done with our Nifty??? :eek: I can't speak to the new fancy VP at MG, as I never had the opportunity to play them.

I prefer DDB, but the same strategy worked on that Aces game at MG, and I liked it, too. When at B&M I play the game I know best, with the best paytable. Sometimes that's JoB (yawn), or maybe DB.

Rather than boring, I dearly love playing VP, but find it totally exhausting after a few hours and must take regular breaks when playing in B&M. It makes my brain (and my back and arms) hurt... and I tend to play faster and faster as I get tired (I have no idea who I think I'm 'racing' against LOL) and make mistakes.

I'll take breaks and move to vid slots for some mindless relaxation, and bonus round 'rush', but then find myself making up 'strategy' as I play... "If I get $5 over starting balance, I'll play $1 a spin till I'm back to start balance, or win. And if I win, then...." :rolleyes: My hubby says I can't just play, I have to turn it into work.

I miss playing MG single hand and 4 hand VP with their nice autohold. (And Global Player .... man.... I do so seriously miss their VP and their little progressives... *sigh*)

VP and other low variance games (even vid slots) tend to 'move' more slowly... payouts are 'steady', and you lose more slowly (unless it's one of those days where you can't hit anything) than with the higher variance, 'exciting', games.
 
The MGS level up either has a serious bug, it deliberately cheats, or it is not random.

Regularly, when you hit deal the button goes dead and the cards won't deal. Sometimes you get an error message, sometimes not, but in either case the only solution is shut down the game and restart it.......which is fine.....EXCEPT the cards have been dealt and the game is over without you having the opportunity to hold and draw. Sometimes, it even gives you a win on that level and shows that you have proceeded to the next level and lost....without any input from the player.

So, its either all predetermined from the bottom up, or it straight up cheats. If you don't have the chance to hold and draw, you aren't getting a fair game. MGS took it down a year or two ago to fix it, but it didn't work. Needless to say I avoid it now. In fact, I've always had a suspicion from the cards that were dealt that it wasn't random.....this error/cheat/bug confirmed it in my mind.

Anyone who has been around here a while knows that I never say stuff like this, so you can rest assured it is cast iron. I even thought about not posting it, but IMO I have sufficient evidence.

Oh, I have been playing level up poker on and off for roughly 2 years and I have never experienced this error, so unfortunately I cannot comment on it, but, knowing your stance on things this has definitely got my attention, I have never noticed any weird happenings when playing level up, but then again i`ve never really been looking for them, I will however take on board what you have stated and next time I play it, I will pay more attention ;).
 
VP and other low variance games (even vid slots) tend to 'move' more slowly... payouts are 'steady', and you lose more slowly (unless it's one of those days where you can't hit anything) than with the higher variance, 'exciting', games.
VP is not a low variance game, the variance depends on the type of game and the player's strategy, but it is comparable to the variance of a slot machine.
 

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