Multi Play Video Poker
Written March 5, 2008 by Jack Jones
This week’s article from Mark Pilarski looks to clear up some confusion on Multi Play Video Poker.
Dear Mark,
I’m hoping you can clear up a question that’s been bothering me for long time. I’ve noticed quite frequently on 50 and 100-play video poker machines that when I get dealt two pair, I very rarely see any full houses. It’s almost as if the machines are rigged against me! It seems like the 50 and 100-play have different programming or something. A video poker expert that I know said they are programmed similar to a slot machine. Is that true? Sandy P.
Dear Mark,
Why is it that every time I play 50 and 100 play video poker machines, I make less money than when I play your standard video poker machine? Pete D.
Both Sally and Pete seem to be on to something here, so we’ll answer these questions together.
That expert was correct, Sandy. Like today’s cybernetic slots, all video poker machines use a random number generator (RNG) software algorithm to determine the game’s outcome. The number of coins played cannot influence the end result. It doesn’t make any difference if one coin is being wagered or 50 or 100.
Also, they should have the same expected return - that is, if the pay tables are identical. Herein lies the secret — why both of you are coming out cash-poor when playing the multi-play boxes. It’s not because there is some sort of monkey business happening, but that multi-play video poker games usually have stingier pay tables than do their single-play kissing cousins. Typically, the more the hands offered, the worse the pay table.
For those who do prefer multi-play games, I suggest that you look for pay tables equal to that of a single-play game. Although a bit tough to ferret out, they do exist. Once found, perfect basic strategy always remains the same, be it for 1-play, 3-play, or 100-play.
Quick tip: Assuming that both Sandy and Pete were to find identical pay tables, they will then need to ask themselves what they normally would play on a single play machine, and will then need to divide that number by 50 or 100. For instance, if they play $1 single-line machines, they should then play a one-cent 100-line game, or two-cent 50-liners.