I'd intended to surface my observations re Jean's new book, Frugal
Video Poker, for some weeks but have fallen behind in almost
everything lately. At any rate, here goes:
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"Where the HECK was this book 7 years ago?!" That's my initial take.
While perhaps far from an expert in the subject, I consider myself
reasonably well informed. The lion's share of that vp knowledge has
been compulsively gleaned from groups such as this (I'll accord
specific credit to Skip Hughes group as having provided a graduate
seminar early on).
It doesn't take a struggle to recollect on the incredibly maddening
task of getting my hands around the basics. The whole thing seemed to
be in a code posing a challenge comparable to deciphering the Rosetta
tablet. Beyond the rudimentary effort of identifying a paytable and
shoving my cash into the machine, everything else was a stretch (just
scouting machines was a head banging experience).
There's been an absolute dearth of good primers. Dan Paymar's "Video
Poker - Optimum Play" (published 8 years ago) was the key resource
prior to this year, and that was rather inapproachable to me while a
novice (but proved a strong resource over time).
The information I've accumulated over time has been entirely amassed
in hit-or-miss piecemeal fashion. And I imagine that every other
player has travelled down the same road. To call it frustrating and
inefficient hardly scratches the surface.
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Jean's book is a bible re "all things video poker" and should be
considered an indispensible resource for anyone tackling the game.
It's comprehensive in covering the play basics:
- paytables and game strategy
- slot clubs
- promotions
- vp variants (multiline, progressives, "novelty plays" - e.g. MS)
Along the way immeasurable advice and insights are shared re aspects
such as preparation and practice and selecting plays. Of particular
value is the bankroll concept -- something that's a bit esoteric for
early players but is a critical concern to get under one's belt.
The topic discussions are impressively extensive. And the material is
presented in a logical fashion, with one chapter naturally building on
those prior. I can't over stress the extent to which this leads to a
very approachable text.
For those who've elected to purcahse the FVP software, there's also a
thorough tutorial (contributed by Viktor Nacht) that will guide you in
utilizing the software to your greatest advantage.
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It should be clear that I believe Jean has touched on all the critical
bases. I'll credit her with a home run, pushing beyond the stregth of
her earlier books.
There's no question that a novice player (with up to a year or two
under their belt) will strongly benefit from the book. But I consider
the skills of any video poker (perhaps excepting the very most
consummate) as likely benefiting from any measure of additional
insight. (That's why I hang around here.)
As you'd expect, the book hasn't been revelationary for me -- but it
has been information. Bev, hardly a novice, found it valuable in
rounding out general background. A particular side benefit is that
we've found it a pleasant share with uninitiated friends and familary
who've wondered (or been underwhelmed by) what this whole thing is
about. Some have been astounded to find that there's something more
entailed in the play than with your typical slot.
- Harry
).