Split Card Poker

Introduction

Split Card Poker is an innovative video poker variation from IGT that allows two cards to fill one slot, making it much more straightforward to create high-paying combinations. The two cards are always suited and may either match in rank or be consecutive. To activate the Split Card option, the player needs to place a double bet, which serves as a fee and does not enhance any winnings, except for the addition of a five of a kind entry in the payout table.

Rules

Here's how I comprehend the governing rules.

1. This game is structured around traditional multi-play video poker.
2. When you place a bet of one to five coins per line, the game operates like standard multi-play video poker.
3. By staking ten coins per line, players unlock the Split Card option, while all payouts remain based on a five-coin bet per line.
4. A random selection will be made from one of the 52 typical cards to be swapped with a Split Card.
5. One of the cards displayed on the Split Card will be the one it orchestrated a replacement for, while the second card will always match its suit and be either the same rank or one rank higher or lower than the original card. For instance, if the initial card is an ace, the second card on the Split Card could either be another ace, a king, or a two. All these potential second cards have equal chances.
6. When the Split Card feature is active, players can expect to receive a Split Card on the deal roughly 25% of the time; this likelihood can fluctuate based on the game and payout table.
7. In cases where a player does not receive a Split Card on the deal, there remains the possibility of acquiring one during the draw phase.
8. Should the Split Card generate more than one winning hand in a single round, only the highest-ranking hand will yield a payout.
9. With the Split Card option enabled, an entry for a five of a kind will be added to the payout table.

Technical Note: For those who appreciate precision, I must admit I'm not entirely sure how this game is programmed. My understanding is that the game likely first determines the possibility of receiving a Split Card without inspecting the cards themselves. For example, if the likelihood is precisely 25%, the game could generate a random integer from 0 to 3; if it’s 3, a Split Card is awarded. Regardless of whether a Split Card is destined for the deal, the game continues to deal hands behind the scenes until one is produced with or without the Split Card, guided by the player's predetermined outcome. In any event, the draw is naturally completed with the remaining 47 cards, regardless of whether a Split Card is included.

Below are images showcasing the actual rule displays.

Examples

In the image above, I received a jack and queen of clubs in the middle position during the deal. I decided to hold that card along with the two natural queens in the first and second positions. When I drew, I improved my hand to four of a kind, a flush, and three of a kind across my three hands.

In the screenshot mentioned earlier, I successfully drew a Split Card featuring two jack of spades in the first position of the bottom hand. This, combined with two natural jacks, resulted in a four of a kind.

It’s important to note that the lower hand in the screenshot presented has both a three of a kind and a flush. However, only the superior hand, the flush, qualified for a payout.

Analysis

The tables shared below were provided concerning the games and payout structures available for Split Card Poker. Nevertheless, the return rates follow those applicable to standard video poker. Please bear with me as I follow up on the returns for Split Card Poker. (Last updated: 12/2/15)

Strategy

Unfortunately, you'll need to manage that independently for the time being.

Acknowledgements

I want to express my gratitude to IGT for furnishing the payout tables above and for clarifying the rules. My thanks also go to VideoPoker.com for the screenshots that have been used with their permission.

Written by: Michael Shackleford