Ultimate X Keno

Introduction

Ultimate X Keno operates similarly to a typical four-card spot keno. However, in addition to receiving immediate wins, players also earn multipliers for the next game played on the same ticket. To utilize this feature, players are required to double their original bet; thus, the winnings for the current game are calculated based on half of the total amount wagered.

This game is what industry insiders refer to as a 'variable state' game, where the expected return for any given gameplay state fluctuates according to the multipliers accumulated from the previous rounds. Those who play Ultimate X video poker will likely already understand this concept. In contrast to the video poker variant, in Ultimate X Keno, players must invest to activate the multiplier feature.

Players who specialize in maximizing their advantages are particularly fond of games like this, as casual players often leave behind substantial multipliers. If the previous player left behind significant multipliers, the upcoming game state can provide a strategic edge for future players. For additional insights, refer to my section on vulturing multipliers.

Rules

1. Players are required to select between 3 and 8 spots across four cards, designated as A, B, C, and D.
2. There is an option for a quick pick, which allows spots to be randomly selected.
3. Participants can place bets of 8, 16, 24, or 32 credits, which will be evenly distributed across the four cards.
4. Half of the wager for each card will be dedicated to activating the multiplier feature. Therefore, each card's winnings will derive from only half the betting amount. Unlike Ultimate X Video Poker, players cannot opt-out of this multiplier feature.
5. The winnings for the ongoing game will be determined based on one of the established pay tables below.
6. Moreover, players will receive multipliers rooted in the current game, as outlined in the multiplier tables below, which will be applied to ensuing games on the same card.
7. The final payout for each card in the current game is computed by multiplying the base win with the multiplier acquired in the prior round.
8. Each card has distinct multipliers depending on the denomination, amount wagered, and number of selections made.

Pay and Multiplier Tables

The pay and multiplier tables provided come from VideoPoker.com, which are generally assumed to be among the most generous available.

The following pay and multiplier data is sourced from the Suncoast in Las Vegas; note that, unlike VideoPoker.com, achieving 3 out of 3 awards an 8x multiplier instead of 7x.

Example

On each of the four cards, I wagered two credits while selecting six numbers each. It's important to remember that half of the total amount staked is a fee for activating the multiplier feature, meaning all winnings depend on one credit per card. The following table gives an overview of the payouts and multipliers associated with selecting six at VideoPoker.com.

Here's a summary of the outcomes across all four cards based on the previous game.

• Card A: Current multiplier is 1x. No hits resulted in a base win of 0. Therefore, total winnings = 1×0=0.
• Card B: Current multiplier is 1x. Achieved two hits resulting in a base win of 1 and a multiplier of 2x for the next Card B. Consequently, the total winnings are 1×1 = 1.
• Card C: Current multiplier is 1x. Secured one hit for a base win of 0. Thus, total winnings = 1×0=0.
• Card D: Current multiplier is 2x. Recorded four hits resulting in a base win of 4. Therefore, the final total for this card is 2×4=8, and it also achieved a multiplier of 7x on the subsequent Card D.

The total win on the game above is 0+1+0+8=9.

Here's a summary of the outcomes across all four cards based on the previous game.

• Card A: Current multiplier is 1x. Secured three hits leading to a base win of 2. Therefore, total winnings = 1×2=2, along with a multiplier of 5x for the next Card A.
• Card B: Current multiplier is 2x. Achieved one hit resulting in a win of 0. Total winnings = 2×0=0.
• Card C: Current multiplier is 1x. Secured one hit for a base win of 0. Thus, total winnings = 1×0=0.
• Card D: Current multiplier is 7x. Secured two hits yielding a base win of 1. Therefore, total winnings = 7×1=7, plus it earned a multiplier of 2x for the subsequent game.

The total win on the game above is 2+0+0+7=9.

Here's a summary of the outcomes across all four cards based on the previous game.

• Card A: Current multiplier is 5x. Achieved four hits that led to a base win of 4. Therefore, the total winnings equal 5×4=20, along with a 7x multiplier for the subsequent Card A.
• Card B: Current multiplier is 1x. One hit resulted in a base win of 0. Thus, total winnings = 1×0=0.
• Card C: Current multiplier is 1x. Achieved two hits for a base win of 1. Therefore, total winnings = 1×1=1.
• Card D: Current multiplier is 2x. Secured one hit for a base win of 0. Therefore, total winnings = 2×0=0.

The total win on the game above is 20+0+0+1=21.

Analysis

The following table illustrates the number of potential combinations based on varying numbers of catches versus selections.

The subsequent table outlines the probabilities for achieving different numbers of catches based on the number of selections made.

The next table provides an expected return analysis for various combinations of picks and catches, based on the VideoPoker.com pay table.

In the next table, the anticipated multiplier for each unique combination of picks and catches, according to the VideoPoker.com multiplier table, is presented.

Lastly, the table showcases the average base game win, average multiplier, and total winnings calculated using the VideoPoker.com pay and multiplier tables. The total winnings equal the product of the base win, average multiplier, and 0.5. The explanation for multiplying by 0.5 (or halving) is that players must double their bets to activate the Ultimate X feature, and this fee is non-refundable. Therefore, all winnings are derived from half of the total amount wagered.

Summary

The following table reveals the overall return based on the number of picks across two known sets of pay and multiplier tables.

Vulturing Ultimate X Keno

The term 'vulturing Ultimate X' has been in use for years, denoting the practice of seizing advantage in Ultimate X video poker by exploiting large abandoned multipliers. This strategy can also be applied to Ultimate X Keno.

Each card, along with the number of picks ranging from 3 to 8, presents unique multipliers. It is essential to cycle through all combinations of 4 × 6 = 24 to identify potential multipliers. No one claimed that vulturing was quick and easy; it is a time-intensive process. Select the number of picks for each card that maximizes expected multipliers, while attempting to have as much overlap in your choices among the four cards as possible.

Based on the rules from Suncoast, which typically yield an average return of 91.45%, it appears that acquiring at least seven multipliers is necessary for the game to offer an advantage. Keep in mind to treat what looks like a non-multiplier as a 1x multiplier. This takes into account not only the immediate win from the next round but also the potential accumulation of 7 or more multipliers in the following spin, which allows for a strategic advantage. Be sure to choose overlap numbers across the four cards whenever feasible.

Screenshots

Click on any image to view a larger version.

Base pay table

Multiplier pay table

External Links

• VideoPoker.com -- A platform where you can engage in Ultimate X Keno along with numerous other keno and video poker games. A Gold membership is required to access the newest games, including Ultimate X Keno.
• Discussion discuss Ultimate X Keno on my forum located at Wizard of Vegas.

Written by: Michael Shackleford