When 7/5 Bonus Poker is BETTER than 8/5 Bonus Poker.

[RS__]

I understand the thinking but this is dangerous. I wonder if that "small edge" in video poker can really survive the variance of the game?

Depends on the edge you're getting. Of course, playing a small edge on VP is risky, since variance is pretty high. And if you're playing with a small edge on VP, in my opinion, you shouldn't be focused on speed -- you should be focused on accuracy. I play fast, I know I give up some of my edge to the house because of this, but I'm OK with that, since I'm only playing if I get a pretty decent edge (at least 2-3%....but usually 5-9%).

[Dan Druff]

Depends on the edge you're getting. Of course, playing a small edge on VP is risky, since variance is pretty high. And if you're playing with a small edge on VP, in my opinion, you shouldn't be focused on speed -- you should be focused on accuracy. I play fast, I know I give up some of my edge to the house because of this, but I'm OK with that, since I'm only playing if I get a pretty decent edge (at least 2-3%....but usually 5-9%).

You're finding 5-9% edges in VP in the year 2015?

I doubt that.

[redietz]

You're finding 5-9% edges in VP in the year 2015?

I doubt that.

There's a special casino in South Dakota. You borrow from the loan shark who owns the place, pay 20% up front on the loan, then play with a 5-9% edge. I win there all the time. It's a shame you have to sign up again every day, and they're only open from 2 PM to 3 PM.

[jbjb]

You're finding 5-9% edges in VP in the year 2015?

I doubt that.

You have to look outside the box. Vulturing games are easy to get massive edges in. Just one triple play with all the having a 2x on a 96% game yields a 92% edge for the vultures if I'm not mistaken.

[Alan Mendelson]

You have to look outside the box. Vulturing games are easy to get massive edges in. Just one triple play with all the having a 2x on a 96% game yields a 92% edge for the vultures if I'm not mistaken.

If I'm not mistaken what you are talking about is walking around a casino looking for unused bonuses left on machines for a single play. Yes there are "players" who do this. I see them at Rincon all the time -- looking and walking and watching for players who get up from Ultimate X machines leaving a bonus.

It's a wonderful life, isn't it, being an AP these days?

[jbjb]

If I'm not mistaken what you are talking about is walking around a casino looking for unused bonuses left on machines for a single play. Yes there are "players" who do this. I see them at Rincon all the time -- looking and walking and watching for players who get up from Ultimate X machines leaving a bonus.

It's a wonderful life, isn't it, being an AP these days?

Location is going to matter. I just used that as an example of the edges that can be obtained from VP. If I see a play, I'll play it. But basically, I stick to table games. It's a matter of keeping your eyes open.

[Alan Mendelson]

Let's be clear about these fantastic "edges" on machines. They are one time events (one play) that might happen once an hour. A year ago an "AP" showed me this "system" as we walked thru four different Strip casinos looking for bonuses on machines. It reminded me of looking for abandoned credits on slots. What a system. What a life.

[OneHitWonder]

It reminded me of looking for abandoned credits on slots. What a system. What a life.

Reminds me of the small town drunks who are run out of Las Vegas. It's not easy being run out of Vegas because they'll tolerate just about anyone.

[jbjb]

Sure beats losing and chasing stupid status points.

And Vegas is a lousy location for hustling machines.

As for going for the 7 stars since this got way off topic, it's best to do it as cheaply as you can.

[arcimede$]

I understand the thinking but this is dangerous. I wonder if that "small edge" in video poker can really survive the variance of the game?

Variance is easily handled with a sufficient bankroll.

[OneHitWonder]

Sure beats losing and chasing stupid status points.

Neither is a hell of a lot better than either.

Good thing we have brains in our heads. Using those is another matter.

Next, you guys will tell us to bring more money to the casino.

[Alan Mendelson]

This is funny:

First arcimede$ says variance is handled with a sufficient bankroll.

Then OneHit Wonder responds with the cautionary "next, you guys will tell us to bring more money to the casino."

It's all kinda crazy, isn't it?

[RS__]

You're finding 5-9% edges in VP in the year 2015?

I doubt that.

Yes. And I'm not talking about ultimate x or something stupid like that either.

[Alan Mendelson]

If you're finding edges of 5-9% and it's not on "vulturing" Ultimate X machines, you're going to have to show us. Because there are few who will believe you.

[jbjb]

If you're finding edges of 5-9% and it's not on "vulturing" Ultimate X machines, you're going to have to show us. Because there are few who will believe you.

Even I don't know about those. Has to be with added comps, points and such.

[redietz]

Even I don't know about those. Has to be with added comps, points and such.

Okay, I was going to make a smart ass remark like, "Maybe the missus works the guys next to him, and he adds that income to the total," but I'm above that, I think.

I guess it's possible that 5-9% edges exist in this country somewhere. I kind of doubt, however, that anyone who had located them would mention it on a public forum. What would be the point? Braggadocio? Letting others know they are playing wrong games, but -- nah,nah, nah -- it's a secret and I'm not telling?

May as well claim to have beaten Wilt's womanizing record -- like me.

[regnis]

My friend had a 5% edge per hour. That's the juice he charged degenerate gamblers--5% per hour.

[arcimede$]

This is funny:

First arcimede$ says variance is handled with a sufficient bankroll.

Then OneHit Wonder responds with the cautionary "next, you guys will tell us to bring more money to the casino."

It's all kinda crazy, isn't it?

Bankroll is not the same thing as the money you bring to a casino (although that is sometimes erroneously confused with the long term bankroll I mentioned).

[OneHitWonder]

Bankroll is not the same thing as the money you bring to a casino (although that is sometimes erroneously confused with the long term bankroll I mentioned).

If you bring very small amounts to the casino, then you will never lose a lot. Some sessions will be shorter than others. But, eventually variance will pop up, and any and all losses will be recouped.

The longer you play, the greater the final or one-time variance which otherwise ruins the "professional gambler" (in one way or another, especially wrt profit). Only small losses can be thus recouped overall. Might take a while, but the trips will "get you out of the house" sans the usual subconscious dread.

[arcimede$]

The longer you play, the greater the final or one-time variance which otherwise ruins the "professional gambler" (in one way or another, especially wrt profit). Only small losses can be thus recouped overall. Might take a while, but the trips will "get you out of the house" sans the usual subconscious dread.

Variance works both ways. You can also win large amounts. However, I am also a believer in only bringing a set amount to the casino to avoid potentially large losses. More for the mental aspect than anything mathematical.