Hi all,
After listening to some of you on the bb's, I have decided I like Video Poker. I've been playing at Foxwoods. I was wondering if you all could tell me the best way to perfect my game? Is there software that I can purchase that will teach me? Thanks in advance for any help.

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Patty in CT

Patty,

Yes, there is software. First you need to decide which game or games you want to learn. I used Masque software. The problem, unless they have a newer version, is that it has none of the popular bonus games.
When you look at software I like the Masque program or there's one by Wang. Just make sure it has the games you want to play. Having one where you can change the pay table might be nice.

jm

Patty,

At our house we have "Win Poker" by Bob Dancer. We like it and it certainly has helped us with some of the various games.
The first software we had was "Video Poker Tutor". We rarely use that anymore as the graphics are much better on "Win Poker" and we like the larger cards plus the options available to us. Some of the games listed are Jacks or Better, Joker Wild, Double Joker, Deuces Wild and many variations, Bonus Poker, DB Poker, American Poker, Double, Double Bonus, and many others. You can set your own payoff tables to agree with the machines you usually play. It can also be set up for four play with all the various games. There are quite a few options such as being warned of a wrong play, they will select the correct play, or you may have no coaching at all.....if that's what you prefer.

As Jeff said, many have spoken about Masque and have liked that version. Probably best to decide what games you prefer to play and be sure the program includes them.

Whatever software program you choose, practice, practice, and practice some more.

Beth, I'm glad you posted that. Dancer is one of the real experts on VP.

jm

I would also agree that Winpoker is a great training tool. I use it to pratice all of the time. It seems to have helped me. Now if I could only find software to help me practice 5 deck frenzy.
Lee Ann

I have all three VP tutors but use the WinPoker program exclusively due to reasons already stated previously. At the fear of sounding like a VP "geek" I must point out that Dancer's name is used only to promote the product. The software is actually written by Dean Zamzow and is in the process of update at the moment. I expect the new version, when available, will be even better.
"How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, Practice, Practice!!"

SS,

Maybe the other guy wrote the software but I imagine the "strategy" used is Dancers. I know the Masque software was that way.

jm

Patty,

There are many good programs like WinPoker, Wong's, etc., that can help you practice. But I also find it very valuable to use "cheat sheets," cards that can fit into your pocket and you can lay down on the machine while playing.

Several folks make these, including the Las Vegas Advisor and Jazbo (he's particularly good for Atlantic City games). I have a strong preference for the readability and simplicity of Skip Hughes's cards.

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by gailsacco (edited August 09, 1999).]

Thank you all for your help. I think I shall try the Win Poker, but maybe I should wait for the updated version. Thanks again!

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Patty in CT

Hi Patty!

The one problem is that Foxwoods does not have a lot of decent video poker. Bob Dancer (and most of the good writers) gives strategy for the better games, like 10/7 Double Bonus, and 9/6 Jacks or Better. The best machines Foxwoods has are 9/6 Double Bonus which I believe pays only 97.8%. So anything you learn from Dancer, Frome, etc., would be much better applied during a trip to Atlantic City or Vegas. I do use Lenny Frome's strategies at Foxwoods, and it has definitely helped, but wanted you to be aware of the lack of decent VP there.

Cathy in Boston

Cathy: At Foxwoods, try All American Video Poker, which is over 100% return for perfect play. There are quarter machines there, at least there were last September, that had the high payback. I don't recall if there were any All American dollar machines.

All American is a different strategy that you will probably want to practice first, but basically you rarely throw away anything!

[This message has been edited by Veronica (edited August 11, 1999).]

Hi Veronica,

I wanted to wait until I had gone to Foxwoods again before I posted this. Went yesterday and checked out the All American Poker again (I have played it before without much luck). According to the book I have (Lenny Frome), the full pay version of this game pays 200 for a straight flush. The machines in the Grand Pequot casino (there are four I think) pay 50. So I assume this is not full pay, even though they do pay the same for the rest of the pay table. Am I wrong? If so I will give them another try. Thanks!!!

Cathy in Boston

PS: Hit for a straight flush and four fours within 20 hands of one another on a 9/6 Double Bonus yesterday! Yippee!

Cathy,
Congrats on the hit! Those straight flushes should pay more! They are so hard to get.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com