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Some video poker machines offer an
option that allows you to risk the payout on a winning hand for the
chance of doubling the payout. This side proposition will pop up on
every winning hand. If you agree to do it, the typical play mechanics is
to have a random card revealed on the screen. You then pick one of four
random face-down cards. If your card is higher, you double your
winnings. If it is the same rank, it's a push. If you win, you can keep
on going with the double-or-nothing offer until you lose, decide to
stop, or reach the machine's limit. Many players believe that this is a
scam to deprive them of their winnings - especially when they see too
many aces pop up as the card they have to beat. In reality, there is no
trick; the cards are completely random, just as they are in the regular
part of the game. This is a purely 50-50, even-money bet, a casino
rarity in which there is no house edge whatsoever. It has some
drawbacks. Although it is a fair bet, it compels you to put your
winnings at stake. Those winnings are part of your payback percentage
for video poker and by risking them, even in a purely even bet, you are
increasing the volatility of the game. It's not like you are
playing a completely separate game where you can control your stake -
that would be very nice. Also, the bigger the fantasy you have of
doubling your winnings into a fortune, the less chance you have of
achieving it.
Most important, if you are playing
video poker the way you want to play it - at over 100% return - this
feature hurts you. Why would you want to make an even bet when you would
play with an advantage? Once you have the edge, you want to get in as
many hands as possible; you don't want to be slowed down by doubling up,
which will just result in a push with the house in the long run.
However, it could be a smart bet if
you are playing a less than 100% return game. The even-money double-up
bet will slow down your play and expose less of your bankroll to the
house edge. The bet won't win you more money, but it lets you lose less
- and that is especially good if you enjoy the feature. Essentially, the
double-up feature does not change anything in the long term. But it will
make your money come and go faster, and it will slow down your regular
play - a benefit when the house has the edge and a detriment when you
have the edge.
Read:
Video
poker
How
to play video poker
Video poker
strategy
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