Is playing with an edge possible in video poker?
In this article, we look at how to pit your wits against the machine using purely brain power; once engaged, you have a 50-50 chance to overcome the house advantage.
It’s a common tip that to play a video poker game without the advantage is in the vicinity of insane. But what does that imply? That there are people out there taking advantage of some stupid mistakes by the casinos? Yeah right, and a blackjack pays 5 to 1.
In reality, (and possibly new to you since noone cuts through the bull) - nobody ever walks into a casino anywhere, sits down at full pay deuces wild, 10/7 DB poker, or 9/6 JB with creative comps, and plays with a mathematical advantage of any kind. Why? Simply because those advantages are theoretical over an infinite amount of time with absolutely unattainable computer-perfect play, and even the most addicted players pound away less than 8 hours a day, which is nothing more than a disconnected series of short-term attempts.
The casinos know this - why don’t they? The math never lies, but playing to the math is impossible. Where this all started that the casinos would actually allow people to play their machines, who so blatantly announced their superiority over certain games with any kind of credibility, I’ll never know. Name one casino in Nevada that worries about such stuff. They certainly allow them to play all right - to the tune of taking their money.
Now let’s use our heads some more. Who said the human mind is limited to never figuring out ways to overcome odds of any kind? Based on our history we already know this is untrue. When it comes to games of chance, the mathematicians always seem to have the last word. Not any more. Up until 4 years ago, while I played optimal strategy, I had less than a 15% rate of leaving casinos a winner. Since then I’ve had a greater than 98% success rate, and it is dead on target to the expectation that took me nearly 3 years to develop with the help of several consultants in many countries. It is loaded with special manoeuvers and inconsistencies, but is simple in its premise of setting pre-determined win and loss goals, and never deviating from them.
Progressive in nature - after losses and wins - it is far from the dangerous Martingale system, which plays a minor role in the overall methodology. Willpower, determination, bankroll, and the ability to always do what you say you are going to do - a feat almost impossible to perform while involved in casino action - are the ultimate keys. It is the true test of a gambler who has entered the arena for the purpose of gambling to win, and not simply to have his performance rated.
