On this page
Super Look Ahead Poker
Introduction
Any skilled gambler, or even someone cheating, acknowledges that knowing the next card that will be dealt offers a significant edge to the player. This concept is integral to Super Look Ahead Poker. After the initial deal, the game allows you to see the next card, which can either be accepted or rejected. However, it's important to note that IGT isn't naive enough to provide this information without a cost. It requires three additional coins on top of the regular five, which also enhances the pay table slightly. Below you'll find the complete set of rules.
Rules
- The gameplay is generally based on typical single-play video poker rules, unless stated otherwise.
- Players can engage normally by betting between one to five coins or opt for an eight-coin bet to activate the Look Ahead feature.
- All wagers must be placed prior to the deal being made.
- When the Look Ahead feature is activated, the game reveals the next card after the initial deal.
- Players can then select that next card if they wish to use it in their hand.
- Players will also indicate the cards they aim to hold, following the usual procedure.
- Choosing to keep the next card means it will be the first card drawn for the player.
- If the player decides not to take the next card, it will be discarded and will not be available during the deal.
- In addition to the three extra coins required for the Look Ahead feature, it also enhances the pay table for some hands.
Example
After placing an eight-coin bet, I received a specific hand on the deal. The small nine of spades displayed on the left is the next card available, which I can accept or decline.
I decide to hold onto the two aces and the nine of hearts, and I also accept the nine of spades as my next card, potentially allowing me to achieve at least two pair or even a full house.
As promised, the game replaced my first discarded card, the four of clubs, with the accepted nine of spades. Unfortunately, the draw did not yield a full house, so I was paid out for two pairs.
One reader questioned my strategy of keeping the two pairs, proposing that perhaps holding just the aces would yield a better outcome. After calculations, I've determined that the expected value of sticking with the two pairs is 13.04 coins, compared to just 7.81 for holding the aces alone.
Using my video poker hand analyzer The calculations may not yield accurate results because, after the Look Ahead card, you are drawing from a deck of 46 cards, not 47.
Games and Pay Tables
After I completed my analysis of the six different pay tables found at the Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, IGT graciously supplied me with a comprehensive list of all the games and pay tables where Super Look Ahead Poker is offered. Thankfully, my findings were consistent with this information.
The return rates shown in the following tables are calculated based on a full bet of eight coins.
Bonus Poker
BONUS POKER | 99.47% | 98.25% | 96.17% | 94.76% |
ROYAL FLUSH | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 75 | 100 | 70 | 50 |
FOUR ACES | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
FOUR 2's, 3's, 4's | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
FOUR 5's THROUGH K's | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
FULL HOUSE | 10 | 9 | 8 | 11 |
FLUSH | 6 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
STRAIGHT | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
THREE OF A KIND | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
TWO PAIR | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
JACKS OR BETTER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Bonus Poker Deluxe
BONUS POKER DELUXE | 99.80% | 98.68% | 97.78% | 96.52% | 95.64% |
ROYAL FLUSH | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 110 | 110 | 150 | 75 | 120 |
FOUR OF A KIND | 95 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
FULL HOUSE | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
FLUSH | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
STRAIGHT | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
THREE OF A KIND | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
TWO PAIR | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
JACKS OR BETTER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Deuces Wild
DEUCES WILD | 99.15% | 97.77% | 97.40% | 97.18% | 96.38% | 95.30% |
ROYAL FLUSH NO DEUCES | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
FOUR DEUCES | 200 | 200 | 210 | 200 | 200 | 270 |
ROYAL FLUSH WITH DEUCE | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
FIVE OF A KIND | 20 | 15 | 15 | 23 | 14 | 20 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 10 | 11 | 10 | 14 | 9 | 11 |
FOUR OF A KIND | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
FULL HOUSE | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
FLUSH | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
STRAIGHT | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
THREE OF A KIND | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Deuces Wild Bonus Poker
DEUCES WILD BONUS POKER | 99.92% | 99.28% | 97.71% | 96.44% | 95.71% |
ROYAL FLUSH NO DEUCES | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
FOUR DEUCES + ONE ACE | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
FOUR DEUCES | 230 | 260 | 260 | 270 | 290 |
ROYAL FLUSH WITH DEUCE | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
FIVE ACES | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
FIVE 3's, 4's, 5's | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
FIVE 6's THROUGH K's | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 10 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 11 |
FOUR OF A KIND | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
FULL HOUSE | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
FLUSH | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
STRAIGHT | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
THREE OF A KIND | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Double Bonus
DOUBLE BONUS POKER | 99.40% | 98.02% | 96.56% | 94.34% |
ROYAL FLUSH | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 100 | 120 | 140 | 100 |
FOUR ACES | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
FOUR 2's, 3's, 4's | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
FOUR 5's THROUGH K's | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
FULL HOUSE | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
FLUSH | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
STRAIGHT | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
THREE OF A KIND | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
TWO PAIR | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
JACKS OR BETTER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Double Double Bonus
DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS POKER | 99.42% | 98.32% | 97.21% | 96.18% | 95.07% |
ROYAL FLUSH | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 100 | 130 | 150 | 170 | 110 |
FOUR A's + ANY 2, 3 OR 4 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
FOUR 2's, 3's, 4's + ANY A, 2, 3, 4 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
FOUR ACES | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
FOUR 2's, 3's, 4's | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
FOUR 5's THROUGH K's | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
FULL HOUSE | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
FLUSH | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
STRAIGHT | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
THREE OF A KIND | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
TWO PAIR | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
JACKS OR BETTER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Jacks or Better
JACKS OR BETTER | 99.84% | 98.68% | 97.41% | 96.36% | 95.31% |
ROYAL FLUSH | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 160 | 100 | 120 | 150 | 120 |
FOUR OF A KIND | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 35 |
FULL HOUSE | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
FLUSH | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
STRAIGHT | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
THREE OF A KIND | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
TWO PAIR | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
JACKS OR BETTER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Triple Double Bonus
TRIPLE DOUBLE BONUS POKER | 99.95% | 98.70% | 97.56% | 96.46% | 95.56% |
ROYAL FLUSH | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
STRAIGHT FLUSH | 80 | 70 | 100 | 70 | 50 |
FOUR A's + ANY 2, 3 OR 4 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
FOUR 2's, 3's, 4's + ANY A, 2, 3, 4 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
FOUR ACES | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
FOUR 2's, 3's, 4's | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
FOUR 5's THROUGH K's | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 | 70 |
FULL HOUSE | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
FLUSH | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
STRAIGHT | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
THREE OF A KIND | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
TWO PAIR | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
JACKS OR BETTER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Rampart Games
The next table details the games and pay tables accessible at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas. These tables mostly reflect what I observed at the $1 denomination machines. They show the winning amount per coin for both five-coin and eight-coin bets in Look Ahead mode, with Look Ahead mode winnings multiplied by five. It's important to remember that the additional three coins are just a fee for the feature and are non-refundable.
Known Pay Tables
Base Game | Five Coins Bet | Eight Coins Bet |
---|---|---|
Bonus Deuces | 1-1-3-3-4-10-20-40-80-25-200-400-800 | 1-1-3-3-5-11-20-40-80-30-260-400-800 |
Bonus Poker | 1-2-3-4-5-6-25-40-80-50-800 | 1-2-3-5-6-8-30-60-100-120-800 |
Bonus Poker Deluxe | 1-1-3-4-5-8-80-50-800 | 1-1-3-5-5-10-90-150-800 |
Deuces Wild | 1-2-3-4-4-9-12-20-200-800 | 1-2-3-4-5-10-15-30-210-800 |
Double Bonus | 1-1-3-5-6-9-50-80-160-50-800 | 1-1-3-5-6-10-60-120-200-120-800 |
Double Double Bonus | 1-1-3-4-5-8-50-80-160-160-400-50-800 | 1-1-3-4-5-9-70-100-200-200-400-150-800 |
Jacks or Better | 1-2-3-4-5-7-25-50-800 | 1-2-3-5-6-9-30-150-800 |
Jacks or Better | 1-2-3-4-5-8-25-50-800 | 1-2-3-5-6-10-30-120-800 |
Analysis
My computer takes approximately three days to analyze all possible combinations for any given pay table when using a single core, so please understand why only a limited number of pay tables have been examined for this game. As always, these tables assume that players are employing optimal strategies.
In these tables, the return is calculated by taking the product of the win amount, the probability, and the ratio of 5 to 8. This multiplication by 5/8 is necessary because players are required to bet eight coins, yet the win amount reflects only five times what the pay table indicates.
The initial pay table listed was found on a $1 machine at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas. Notably, the bottom right cell indicates a return rate of 97.21%. This is designed to work alongside the standard '8-5' pay table for one to five coins, which returns 96.79%. Thus, making the maximum eight-coin bet provides a 0.42% better return in this particular game.
9-5-4 Double Double Bonus
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal flush | 800 | 87,974,754,408 | 0.000053 | 0.026271 | |
Straight flush | 150 | 511,450,150,320 | 0.000305 | 0.028636 | |
Four aces + 2-4 | 400 | 191,693,040,912 | 0.000114 | 0.028621 | |
Four 2-4 + A-4 | 200 | 435,357,510,696 | 0.000260 | 0.032501 | |
Four aces + 5-K | 200 | 453,386,164,320 | 0.000271 | 0.033847 | |
Four 2-4 | 100 | 927,656,831,448 | 0.000554 | 0.034627 | |
Four 5-K | 70 | 4,130,590,654,512 | 0.002467 | 0.107928 | |
Full house | 9 | 39,822,764,850,144 | 0.023783 | 0.133782 | |
Flush | 5 | 43,666,000,676,280 | 0.026079 | 0.081496 | |
Straight | 4 | 44,756,833,216,392 | 0.026730 | 0.066826 | |
Three of a kind | 3 | 150,797,450,143,008 | 0.090061 | 0.168864 | |
Two pair | 1 | 298,078,596,633,312 | 0.178022 | 0.111264 | |
Jacks or better | 1 | 314,575,758,077,112 | 0.187875 | 0.117422 | |
Nothing | 0 | 775,955,850,741,936 | 0.463426 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.972084 |
The subsequent pay table was also observed on a $1 machine at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, showing a return of 97.40%. This is paired with the regular '20-12-9-4' pay table for one to five coins, which returns 97.06%. Therefore, the maximum eight-coin bet yields a 0.34% higher return for this game.
30-15-10-5-4-3-2 Deuces Wild
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural royal flush | 800 | 83,918,830,752 | 0.000050 | 0.025060 | |
Four deuces | 210 | 461,394,275,328 | 0.000276 | 0.036167 | |
Wild royal flush | 30 | 6,199,475,041,824 | 0.003703 | 0.069422 | |
Five of a kind | 15 | 9,469,688,280,192 | 0.005656 | 0.053021 | |
Straight flush | 10 | 13,584,349,973,400 | 0.008113 | 0.050706 | |
Four of a kind | 5 | 140,427,624,551,424 | 0.083868 | 0.262087 | |
Full house | 4 | 91,740,005,743,392 | 0.054790 | 0.136975 | |
Flush | 3 | 68,060,026,344,744 | 0.040648 | 0.076214 | |
Straight | 2 | 135,383,947,846,632 | 0.080856 | 0.101070 | |
Three of a kind | 1 | 437,313,146,108,112 | 0.261177 | 0.163236 | |
Nothing | 0 | 771,667,786,449,000 | 0.460865 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.973958 |
This third pay table was seen on a $1 machine at the Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, presenting a return rate of 97.41%. It is accompanied by the standard '8-5' pay table for one to five coins, which returns 97.30%. The maximum eight-coin bet results in a 0.11% increase in return for this particular game.
120-30-10-6 Jacks or Better
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal flush | 800 | 87,215,339,304 | 0.000052 | 0.026044 | |
Straight flush | 120 | 479,009,969,424 | 0.000286 | 0.021456 | |
Four of a kind | 30 | 5,907,654,412,128 | 0.003528 | 0.066154 | |
Full house | 10 | 42,952,393,437,984 | 0.025653 | 0.160328 | |
Flush | 6 | 43,142,933,475,144 | 0.025766 | 0.096624 | |
Straight | 5 | 53,810,214,093,000 | 0.032137 | 0.100429 | |
Three of a kind | 3 | 142,049,396,498,112 | 0.084836 | 0.159068 | |
Two pair | 2 | 316,361,572,029,504 | 0.188941 | 0.236177 | |
Jacks or better | 1 | 288,962,118,973,584 | 0.172577 | 0.107861 | |
Nothing | 0 | 780,638,855,216,616 | 0.466222 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.974141 |
This fourth pay table is for a Bonus Poker This game was observed on a $1 machine at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, where the lower right cell indicates a return of 96.98%. It is coupled with the conventional '6-5' pay table for one to five coins, yielding a return of 96.87%. Therefore, the maximum eight-coin bet offers a 0.11% improved return for this game.
120-100-60-30-8-6-5 Bonus Poker
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal flush | 800 | 87,161,846,904 | 0.000052 | 0.026028 | |
Straight flush | 120 | 476,464,571,136 | 0.000285 | 0.021342 | |
Four aces | 100 | 485,617,017,312 | 0.000290 | 0.018127 | |
Four 2-4 | 60 | 1,358,845,897,248 | 0.000812 | 0.030433 | |
Four 5-K | 30 | 4,084,216,353,504 | 0.002439 | 0.045735 | |
Four 5-K | 8 | 43,027,630,882,848 | 0.025697 | 0.128487 | |
Flush | 6 | 43,115,409,755,352 | 0.025750 | 0.096562 | |
Straight | 5 | 52,517,457,440,136 | 0.031365 | 0.098016 | |
Three of a kind | 3 | 142,912,752,207,264 | 0.085352 | 0.160035 | |
Two pair | 2 | 317,563,998,665,184 | 0.189659 | 0.237074 | |
Jacks or better | 1 | 289,321,314,676,128 | 0.172792 | 0.107995 | |
Nothing | 0 | 779,440,494,131,784 | 0.465507 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.969835 |
This fourth pay table is for a Bonus Poker Deluxe This game was also seen on a $1 machine at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, noted for a return of 97.78%. It is linked with the '6-5' pay table for smaller bets (one to five coins), which provides a return of just 95.36%. Hence, betting the maximum of eight coins enhances the return by 2.42% in this case.
120-100-60-30-8-6-5 Bonus Poker
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal flush | 800 | 86,187,628,008 | 0.000051 | 0.025737 | |
Straight flush | 150 | 487,101,302,928 | 0.000291 | 0.027273 | |
Four of a kind | 90 | 5,964,527,372,832 | 0.003562 | 0.200374 | |
Full house | 10 | 43,148,140,961,760 | 0.025769 | 0.161059 | |
Flush | 5 | 42,998,298,155,208 | 0.025680 | 0.080250 | |
Straight | 5 | 50,806,022,851,656 | 0.030343 | 0.094822 | |
Three of a kind | 3 | 144,253,932,209,280 | 0.086153 | 0.161537 | |
Two pair | 1 | 319,221,563,756,544 | 0.190649 | 0.119156 | |
Jacks or better | 1 | 288,125,881,337,448 | 0.172078 | 0.107549 | |
Nothing | 0 | 779,299,707,869,136 | 0.465423 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.977756 |
This fifth pay table is for a Double Bonus Poker This game appeared on a $1 machine at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, with a recorded return of 98.02%. It corresponds with the '9-6-5' pay table for one to five coins, which returns 97.81%. Therefore, this indicates a 0.21% better return for the maximum eight-coin wager within this game.
120-200-120-60-10-6-5 Double Bonus Poker
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal flush | 800 | 87,903,486,864 | 0.000052 | 0.026249 | |
Straight flush | 120 | 477,063,459,576 | 0.000285 | 0.021369 | |
Four aces | 200 | 634,588,268,832 | 0.000379 | 0.047375 | |
Four 2-4 | 120 | 1,360,769,140,080 | 0.000813 | 0.060952 | |
Four 5-K | 60 | 4,074,588,838,656 | 0.002433 | 0.091255 | |
Four 5-K | 10 | 39,551,726,324,304 | 0.023622 | 0.147635 | |
Flush | 6 | 43,230,099,657,240 | 0.025818 | 0.096819 | |
Straight | 5 | 53,380,897,565,688 | 0.031881 | 0.099627 | |
Three of a kind | 3 | 147,488,441,293,440 | 0.088085 | 0.165159 | |
Two pair | 1 | 292,704,495,261,408 | 0.174812 | 0.109258 | |
Jacks or better | 1 | 306,800,841,320,568 | 0.183231 | 0.114520 | |
Nothing | 0 | 784,599,948,828,144 | 0.468588 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.980218 |
This sixth pay table is for a Bonus Deuces Wild This game was noted on a $1 machine at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas, showcasing a return of 97.71%. It goes hand in hand with the '9-6-5' pay table for one to five coins, which offers a return of 97.36%. As such, the maximum bet of eight coins yields a 0.35% higher return in this particular game.
260-30-80-40-20-11-5 Bonus Deuces Wild
Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural royal flush | 800 | 86,762,530,944 | 0.000052 | 0.025909 | |
Four deuces plus ace | 400 | 79,406,139,840 | 0.000047 | 0.011856 | |
Four deuces | 260 | 334,897,167,648 | 0.000200 | 0.032502 | |
Wild royal flush | 30 | 6,704,794,633,056 | 0.004004 | 0.075081 | |
Five aces | 80 | 1,085,585,492,160 | 0.000648 | 0.032417 | |
Five 3-5 | 40 | 2,731,647,700,512 | 0.001631 | 0.040786 | |
Five 6-K | 20 | 6,901,784,407,584 | 0.004122 | 0.051525 | |
Straight flush | 11 | 12,742,735,506,936 | 0.007610 | 0.052321 | |
Four of a kind | 5 | 150,279,034,967,232 | 0.089751 | 0.280473 | |
Full house | 3 | 72,815,935,161,312 | 0.043488 | 0.081540 | |
Flush | 3 | 70,269,531,218,856 | 0.041967 | 0.078689 | |
Straight | 1 | 62,500,654,811,304 | 0.037327 | 0.023330 | |
Three of a kind | 1 | 510,726,200,146,128 | 0.305022 | 0.190639 | |
Nothing | 0 | 777,132,393,561,288 | 0.464128 | 0.000000 | |
Total | 1,674,391,363,444,800 | 1.000000 | 0.977066 |
The following table provides an overview of the return rates from the tables above.
Summary
Game | Pay Table | Return |
---|---|---|
Bonus Deuces | 1-1-3-3-5-11-20-40-80-30-260-400-800 | 97.71% |
Bonus Poker | 1-2-3-5-6-8-30-60-100-120-800 | 96.98% |
Bonus Poker Deluxe | 1-1-3-5-5-10-90-150-800 | 97.78% |
Deuces Wild | 1-2-3-4-5-10-15-30-210-800 | 97.40% |
Double Bonus | 1-1-3-5-6-10-60-120-200-120-800 | 98.02% |
Double Double Bonus | 1-1-3-4-5-9-70-100-200-200-400-150-800 | 97.21% |
Jacks or Better | 1-2-3-5-6-10-30-120-800 | 97.41% |
Strategy
Sorry, you're on your own with that.
Comparison to Look Ahead Poker
There is a similar game called Look Ahead Poker . The only differences are:
- In Super Look Ahead Poker, players have the option to reject the Look Ahead card, unlike in Look Ahead Poker, where acceptance is compulsory.
- In Super Look Ahead Poker, players are required to pay an additional three coins for accessing the Look Ahead feature, compared to just two coins in traditional Look Ahead Poker.