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 December 2006 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Life & Leisure Lady Luck: Video Blackjack vs. Pick’em Poker By Dennis Occhino
The exact opposite happened. Video Blackjack did not receive the expected action while video poker’s popularity exploded. Today there are multiple game versions of video poker including the popular “Pick’em Poker”. Video Blackjack Here are a few reasons that may have contributed to this game’s decline: There are no huge jackpots like the 4,000 coins Royal on video poker and the mega jackpots on slot machines. Payouts are even money for all wins including blackjack. Table games pay 3 to 2 for a blackjack. Doubling down is restricted to 11 & 10 only. Soft doubling, doubling after split and re-splits are not allowed. Card counting is ineffective because the 52-card deck is shuffled after every hand. All the above increases the house edge to more than 2% from the less than 1% when playing perfect basic strategy at a table. Why play? These are a few good reasons: Small bankroll? Play one coin per game. With no large jackpot, max coin play of 10 or 20 units is irrelevant. Need practice? Take your time and practice your basic strategy. No need to worry about being intimidated by a player or dealer judgmental eyes. Need to kill time? If your significant other is running up the charges at a mega mall, A $20 bill can go a long way on a 25-cent game. Pick’em Poker Here is a version of video poker that is simple to learn and play. It is not found everywhere but when found you may have to wait for a seat. One of the reasons you may have to hunt for a game is because it can yield over a 99% return if played properly. Here is how the game is played: A single 52 card deck is used. Player makes a bet from 1 to 5 coins. 2 up cards are dealt to the left of the screen. 2 additional sets of 3 cards each are dealt, one face up, two face down on each set. Player must then select one of the 2 sets which s/he thinks will make the best poker hand when combined with the 2 up cards. Once selected the five-card hand will be revealed. The pay schedule for Pick’em Poker is:
Gayle Mitchell, author of Casino Gambling Made Easier book publications, recommends the following strategy when you’re ready to “Pick’em”: In regard to either choice, is there: • A pair? • Three parts of a straight? • Three parts of a flush? • Three of a kind? • Three parts of a straight flush? • Three parts of a royal? If none of the above, call on Lady Luck! Both Video Blackjack and Pick’em Poker can be found on Bally Game Machines in Las Vegas and locally at Seneca Niagara and Casino Niagara. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
