Flip & Pay Poker

Introduction

Flip & Pay Poker is an innovative variant that overlays traditional video poker, whether it's a single-line or multiple lines. Players have the option to enjoy the game as usual or pay a fee up to five coins per line to activate the Flip & Pay functionality. When this feature is triggered, selected cards can change their rank by one position while maintaining their suit, provided the new hand meets or exceeds a two pair.

Rules

1. With Flip & Pay active, players can engage with the game similarly to regular three, five, or ten-play video poker formats. Moreover, if a player opts to pay a fee equivalent to their total wager while forgoing the feature, they can still activate Flip & Pay.
2. When the Flip & Pay function is engaged, only one card can flip rank, while its suit remains unchanged, based on the following betting conditions:
   • The outcome of the flip must yield a hand with two pair or better.
   • The flipped card should produce a hand with a higher expected value compared to the original.
   • The flipped card must not already be among the player’s hand.
   • The flip should enhance the initial hand by at least one tier; for instance, upgrading a pair to three of a kind.
3. In scenarios where multiple cards meet all these criteria, the game will select the card flip that results in the best expected value for the hand.
4. Cards ranked from three to king can shift one rank up or down. For example, a seven of hearts may change to either a six of hearts or an eight of hearts.
5. The deuce can flip to a three or ace.
6. The ace can flip to a deuce or king.
7. Players retain the option to revert a flipped card if they wish, although it’s generally recommended not to do so.
8. If a card is flipped, the original card is returned to the deck, making it available for future draws.
9. Besides activating the feature, the extra fee enhances the pay tables, often improving payouts for straights, flushes, and full houses.

Example

In the example provided, I initially received a 9 of hearts in the second position. Increasing its rank turned what could have been a pair of tens into three tens.

In the preceding image, I hold three tens and decided to discard a jack and a six. By accepting the flip, the 9 of hearts goes back into the deck.

On the draw, I received a 10 of spades, enhancing my hand to four tens and resulting in a payout of 125 credits.

Analysis

Action Gaming Return Table

The table below outlines all available games, their respective pay tables, and returns for Flip & Pay. This information was generously supplied by Action Gaming. Note that my returns might be slightly higher. The table details both the pay table and expected return for the base game, based on a five-coin wager, alongside the adjusted pay table and return when the feature is active.

External Links

• Flip & Pay Poker -- Join the conversation in my forum at Wizard of Vegas.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Gary J. Koehler for confirming the returns presented in the above tables.

Written by: Michael Shackleford