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On the software front, I'd recommend Frugal Video Poker over winpoker
to begin with. It overcomes one key problem that can prove a real
frustration in winpoker practice, handling of those limited situations
in which the presence of a peripheral card to the crux of the hand
(termed a penalty card) calls for a slight twist on the "optimal" play.
The difference in advantage between taking the penalty card into
account and ignoring it and sticking with what otherwise is the
standard play is very small. The best advice for a novice is to
ignore them and, in fact, many more advanced players do just that
since they can prove more a costly distraction than a benefit.
Winpoker will ignore penalty cards only with some modestly complex
tweaking, FVP has a setting that will ignore them altogether. When
learning a difficult game, I'm certain to set my wife loose on FVP.
Frugal Video Poker has the added feature of preparing strategy cards
that you can use as direct reference to determine the best play in any
situation. These are invaluable during practice as well as your
initial play. Outside of FVP, you will have to purchase an additional
software tool (vp strategy master is recommended as an alternative) or
purchase pre-prepared cards from a number of vendors for each game you
wish to play.
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There's a database in this forum of the best games to be found in AC:
http://members.cox.net/vpfree/E.htm
Each entry includes a link to a detailed discussion of the casino and
past comments. (See the vpFREE home page for other useful links.)
In addition, the acvpp forum is ideal for keeping up with the latest
plays and promotions in AC and extensive discussions on the casinos.
4. Which slot clubs should I join? Will my play in AC carryover to
LV?
Obviously you should join where you play, and I personally recommend
joining only when you're prepared to give the casino play at the
strongest level you expect to maintain. I'd avoid joining just to
drop in for an hour's play.
Most casinos target offer strengths to the average level of play you
give them. The stronger that average, the more attractive and
valuable that play.
Others may advocate joining several casinos so you can see what
introductory offers you qualify for. However, it's my experience that
joining up without giving significant play won't likely gain you much
and will impair your longer term average down the road. I recommend
that you focus on only one or two casinos to begin with which sound
most attractive to you based upon everything you read.
Play can carryover to Las Vegas to a limited extend at those casinos
that operate in both places. This now include Caesars/Bally's/Hilton,
Harrah's, and Resorts. Harrah's has recently acquired Caesars, et al
so that down the road expect those operations to be fully integrated.
At minimum, the carryover includes LV access to the comps that you've
earned in AC. You'll also likely receive occasion play offers for LV,
although they may be weaker than what you receive for AC. If
interested in a LV trip, you can call and see if they'll offer better.
If your play qualifies for a host (usually around $15K+/night,
although it varies) a host can pave your way to a LV comp, even if the
property doesn't have a direct relationship in LV>
I hope my questions make sense and are reasonable to ask at this
stage. If there's anything else that I probably should have
asked, but didn't think of it just let me know. Thanks.
They're totally reasonable and intelligent. Spend some time browsing
these forums and you'll find a wealth of useful info. The groups are
(almost 
always receptive to members' questions.
- harry