The 5 Aces games that Mark describes are the second best of each type. 8-6
DB is 99.017%, 8-6 DDB is 98.942%.
I suspect that IGT has somebody to do the math. I also suspect that they
are very careful.
Williams had some problems with the math related to the Multi-Pay Poker and
blackjack games on their product.
(For the correct evaluation of the former see Frugal Video Poker.)
From the articles in Bob Dancer's current column it is clear that Liam
Daily and Bob Dancer are working on 20-10-6-5 Joker Two Pair.
ยทยทยท
[Original Message]
From: Harry Porter <harry.porter@verizon.net>
To: <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 5/5/2004 7:55:04 AM
Subject: [vpFREE] Re: New Game - 5 Aces JoBMark wrote:
> The game intrigued me, and I have to thank Harry for the
> well-reasoned attempt to guess the EV.You're welcome. As a reminder, in absence of better info at the time
I assumed that the fifth Ace was suited. Because it's not suited, no
flushes, SF's, or RF's are possible when it's present in the hand,
reducing EV considerably.> I used a regular DDB type strategy that said generally, when in
> doubt, save the Ace(s) alone. Straight draws to the 2-5 and T-K
> should certainly move up.Clearly a good move on the Aces. The value of the straight holds
definitely increases, but not likely enough to change strategy. The
straight is still a relatively weak hand. (For example, I certainly
expect suited 2 4 5 9 to beat out non-suited 2-5, likewise a pair to
beat 2-5.)> Also, I will be quite interested to read the Dancer article.
> How in the world can he calculate an EV "for perfect play" for this
> game when perfect strategy has not been calculated? Does he have
> software that he doesn't sell? Is he privvy to some manufacturers
> super-computer that can calculate perfect strategy for this odd
> game?I haven't seen the article, but he may simply be relying on
information provided by the manufacturer. The casinos look to the
manufacturer for optimal ER info to ensure they don't install a
paytable that'll kill them.Of course, the manufacturer will also give the casino an indication of
actual expected hold relative to optimal ER (e.g. "2% below"). With a
game like this, where strategy is likely non-intuitive, a considerably
sub-optimal return is likely. As far as how the designer's determine
ER, they employ math whiz's who are reasonably on par with Dean Zamzow
or Jim Wolf.> p.p.s Why hasn't Dancer done a Joker Wild Guide? could that be next
> in the series?His recent comments on the winpoker group would suggest that this
indeed is in the works. For the sake of completeness, it looks like
he'll even address the 97.2% AC JW game, making allowance for 5K
progressives that would push the game positive.- Harry
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