Multi-Strike Poker 16X

 

Multi-Strike 16X is the same as Multi-Strike This game includes five betting levels instead of just four, with the maximum bet set at 25 coins instead of 20. The fifth level offers payouts at 16 times the first level. I first came across this game at the Red Rock casino back in March 2011.

Rules

1. Players have the option to select between one to five lines, and can wager from one to five coins on each line.
2. Initially, players receive five cards for their level 1 hand. Occasionally, they may receive a 'Free Ride' card that is briefly visible before being switched out for a standard card.
3. Players are allowed to retain whatever cards they desire and will receive replacement cards, just like in traditional video poker.
4. If a player manages to obtain any winning hand during the draw on level 1, or is dealt a Free Ride card, they will proceed to level 2. If not, the game concludes.
5. During level 2, a new hand is dealt from a fresh deck, along with another opportunity to receive a Free Ride card. Wins at this level are doubled. To move to level 3, players must either obtain a Free Ride card or achieve a winning hand; failing which, the game ends.
6. At level 3, the player is again dealt a fresh hand along with a possible Free Ride card. Wins at this level are multiplied by four. To advance to level 4, players need to either get a Free Ride card or a winning hand; otherwise, the game terminates.
7. On reaching level 4, players are dealt a new hand from a fresh deck, along with a chance to receive another Free Ride card. Wins here are multiplied by eight. A Free Ride card or a winning hand is essential to proceed to level 5; if not, the game concludes.
8. At the final level, level 5, players receive a new hand from a fresh deck without the option of getting Free Ride cards. Wins at this stage are multiplied by 16, marking the end of the game once level 5 is completed.

The probabilities of receiving Free Ride cards differ by game type and level. The table below illustrates the chances of obtaining a Free Ride card at each level in the 7-5-4 Bonus Poker variant.

Strategy

Strategizing for Multi-Strike and Multi-Strike 16X can be complex, as a unique strategy is required for each level. Players generally adopt a conservative approach earlier in the levels to maximize the chances of landing any paying hand. However, once a Free Ride card is attained, standard video poker strategies can be used, which is valid at level 5 as well.

For personalized strategies tailored to any game and payout table, I recommend using strategy generating tools like Video Poker for Winners or Video Poker Strategy Master. To obtain the optimal strategies, adjust the software's recommended data by adding 8 to each winning outcome, keeping losing hands at 0 for level 1 strategies. For the subsequent levels, add 6 for level 2, 4 for level 3, and 2 for level 4, effectively increasing by 2 for every level above your current position.

As an illustration, for level 1 of Jacks or Better, you would input 9 for jacks or better, 10 for two pairs, 11 for three of a kind, extending up to 808 for a royal flush.

Return

Below is a table detailing the various games and payout structures accessible for Multi-Strike 16X, along with explanations for each column:

• Column 1: Shows the game and pay table.
• Column 2: Displays the expected return in standard video poker settings.
• Column 3: Indicates the return rate for regular Multi-Strike games.
• Column 4: Shows the return for Multi-Strike Deluxe.

The returns for both standard and Multi-Strike 16X were generously provided by IGT, the game's developer, which I greatly appreciate.

More Information

My Multi-Strike Poker 16X appendix 1 This section shows my calculations specifically for the 7-5 Bonus Poker.

Written by: Michael Shackleford