Video poker misconceptions

Most true fans of gambling entertainment believe one or another of the myths about casino games. Misconceptions about slot machines, roulette, blackjack and other category models are widespread.

Video poker has also not gone unnoticed by amateur sleuths. The most common misconceptions associated with this game will be discussed below.

The essentials of video poker

For the purposes of this article, we won’t look at the general rules of video poker. There are two reasons for this:

1. First, they are described in detail in other topical publications.
2. Secondly, this material is designed for experienced users who are fond of this game.

In video poker, the Random Number Generator works as follows: It shuffles the virtual pack of cards continuously, even if the player is inactive. The process never stops.

In practice it looks like this:

1. As soon as the client presses the Deal button, the generator draws five cards which are currently at the top of the deck.
2. It then proceeds to shuffle the remaining cards (forty-seven if there are no jokers in the deck).
3. When the player asks to replace the cards, the Random Number Generator shuffles the correct number of sheets, taking them again from the top of the deck.
4. This approach allows for unpredictable draw results. Essentially, the generator simulates the work of a croupier in a casino.
5. Tampering with the random number generator is a violation of gambling laws.

If gambling regulator finds out that an operator or software producer is doing something like that, it will revoke its license. There have already been such cases in the history of online gambling.

Now let’s get to the main topic of the article.

Misperceptions about video poker

It should be noted that many video poker myths are almost identical to video slot misconceptions. This is not surprising, as both games run on random number generators and even have similar designs.

But below we will be looking at popular legends as they relate to video poker.

Hot and Cold Machines

Any player has been in a situation where a particular machine pays little or no money over a long period of time or, conversely, produces combinations in almost every hand. This gives rise to myths about “cold” and “hot” video pokers.

In fact, such a definition can be made as soon as the game session is over. It is impossible to predict how the machine will behave next. There are more than two and a half million payouts. The random number generator selects one of them at random in each hand. There is no consistency to speak of.

Video poker Jacks or Better

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

Many people also assume that a video poker machine that has recently hit the jackpot will be “cold” for a long time. Or conversely, that a machine that hasn’t paid for a long time will soon become “hot”. Indeed, any model pays within its theoretical return, but the RTP manifests itself over a very long time frame.

Charged video pokers

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

But in that case a question arises: Why would you trust money to a casino, the honesty of which is doubtful?

Major video poker manufacturers do not allow gambling operators to interfere with the Random Number Generator. So the casino owners can’t tamper with the machines. If you don’t believe that, you are better off finding yourself some other entertainment. Take care of your nerves.

The effect of club cards on gambling

Many real casinos give customers club cards that give them access to various extra services of the establishment: free menus, statistics, the right to participate in raffles, discounts and so on.

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

This claim has no basis in fact. Club cards are not linked to a random number generator, payout table or other systems.

At online casinos, video poker rules and conditions are also equal for everyone. For high rollers they calculate payouts according to the same principles as micro limiters.

Believing in a premonition

You must understand:

1. Video poker is not a gambling game in which you should rely on your intuition. In every situation, you must make a decision that leaves you with the best chance of winning.
2. Mathematicians have long ago calculated all the theoretically possible outcomes and made it clear how to act in each of them.
3. Yes, the “gut” sometimes works. Incorrect from the point of view of the optimal strategy decisions often lead to victory. But such tactics on a long time horizon won’t lead to anything good.

Pre-selected cards to swap

Some players believe that the cards you can exchange are selected in advance. Allegedly they are known before you decide to swap one or more sheets. This is not the case.

Once again, let’s reiterate an important principle of how a random number generator works:

1. The random number generator constantly shuffles the virtual cards and does not stop after the player receives the starting hand.
2. When you already see your five cards, the other forty-seven are continually shuffled. Only when you specify how many sheets you want to change, does the generator randomly select them.

Programmed strips

According to one of the most common misconceptions about video poker, a series of winning and losing streaks are initially built into the machines. Allegedly, during some time slots they pay more often, while during others they produce combinations less frequently.

This statement goes against the principles of the Random Number Generator. Recall that the cards in each hand are selected according to unpredictable algorithms. At least that is what all gambling software developers insist on. If you do not believe them, what sense to risk money on their machines?

Joker Poker

Of course, black bars and waves of lucky draws do happen. Any casino customer, regardless of the gambling game they prefer, would find themselves in them. But don’t assume that they are programmed.

Changing machines in search of good fortune

Probably the majority of players, when fortune turns its back on them, switch from one video poker machine to another in the hope of finding a “lucky” model for them.

Let’s face it: there’s nothing wrong with that. If this approach gives you confidence and makes you feel more comfortable, you can safely look for a “lucky” slot machine. But you should understand that this does not increase your chances of success.

Different strategies for identical single and multiple line video poker

The number of hands you can play at the same time only affects the overall gameplay speed. This parameter has no effect on the mathematics of the game.

Accordingly, it doesn’t matter how many lines you bet on: one, three, five or even a hundred. You have to stick to the optimal strategy chosen for the variety.

Anyone can make a living playing video poker

No argument, some people do play professionally and video poker becomes their main source of income. But they are few and far between. The majority of casino customers are not suited to this craft.

There are several reasons for this:

1. Online gambling is hard to find models with RTP above one hundred percent, and offline casinos are not accessible to all for a number of reasons.
2. In the most profitable varieties, the advantage over the establishment is very small.
3. online casino operators impose various restrictions on promotions and bonuses for video poker enthusiasts.
4. Requires an impressive bankroll to wait out the black bars.

But many people just don’t get the main point:

1. Professional casino gambling is a grueling process that takes up a lot of time, causes a lot of negative emotions, has a negative impact on health and is physically exhausting.
2. Many players tell us that they fell out of love with video poker as soon as they turned it into a job.
3. In short, most users can recommend video poker as a great gambling pastime rather than a profession.