Ultimate X (single line)

Introduction

Ultimate X is a widely loved variation of video poker. It introduces an exciting mechanic: when the player opts to double their wager, not only do they receive normal payouts based on the pay table, but they also earn a multiplier for their subsequent hand. This section is specifically focused on the single-line iteration of Ultimate X Poker, which you can typically find on Five Star machines. A separate page is dedicated to the multi-line version .

Rules

1. When playing with a stake of one to five coins, the gameplay resembles traditional single-line video poker.
2. Doubling a five-coin wager activates the Ultimate X feature.
3. Under the Ultimate X feature, winning players will receive their usual payout and a multiplier for their next hand.
4. Any multipliers will apply only to the winnings from the following hand, but do not stack with additional multipliers.
5. Below are some established tables displaying known multipliers.

Example

Here are three consecutive hands I played at VideoPoker.com . Images are used with permission.

In the previous hand, I achieved a pair of queens, earning a payout of 5 credits along with a 2x multiplier for the next hand.

During the following hand, I managed to get a flush. Although it normally pays out 30 credits, the 2x multiplier increased it to 60 credits, and I accrued a 10x multiplier for my next hand.

Unfortunately, in my third hand, despite having a significant 10x multiplier, I did not win anything.

Return

The subsequent table outlines the returns for identified Ultimate X games and their respective pay tables, calculated based on optimal player strategies.

Analysis

This table presents my findings on the 8-6 Jacks or Better game. It's arranged by the highest total payouts. The return is determined by multiplying the probability of an event times the potential winnings and dividing by 2. This adjustment accounts for the fact that the player must wager two units, while winnings are based on a single unit bet. The bottom right cell reflects a final return of 98.573%.

The standard deviation for the 8-6 Jacks or Better is 5.71, in relation to the total amount wagered.

The following table illustrates the probabilities of each multiplier in the 8-6 Jacks or Better scenario using optimal strategy.

On average, players can expect a multiplier of around 2.0095.

Strategy

In the single-line version of Ultimate X, it’s crucial to have distinct strategies for each multiplier occurring on the current hand. Although in the multi-line version you can utilize a generalized strategy since multipliers can balance out across hands, this does not apply in the single-line format.

With my tool, you can devise your own strategies tailored to any game and payout table. To utilize it, when faced with a specific multiplier, simply input in the 'prize' column for each hand: win + multiplier - 1. For example, with a 4x multiplier and a payout of 25, your entry would be 4 + 25 - 1 = 28. video poker strategy maker To help you get started, here are some links to strategies focused on 8-6 Jacks or Better.

You can gain a significant edge if you stumble upon a game that has multipliers left unattended! If you notice this, play a hand with five coins per line, then cash out. Likewise, it's wise never to leave a game where multipliers are present. Either wait for a hand in which you lose on all lines or ensure you wager five credits per line on your final hand. Avoid risking leaving a multiplier game because you can't afford to place another bet.

• 1X Multiplier .
• 2X Multiplier .
• 3X Multiplier .
• 4X Multiplier .
• 7X Multiplier .
• 10X Multiplier .
• 12X Multiplier .

I extend my gratitude to Gary J. Koehler for providing the return data featured on this page. My own evaluations confirmed the return figures for the Jacks or Better variant.

Acknowledgement

by Gary J. Koehler (437K) is a detailed 18-page academic paper discussing the methodology behind the analysis of Ultimate X.

Internal Links

• Ultimate X Poker Analysis — The standard version can be played using either 3, 5, or 10 hands.
• Ultimate X A very realistic adaptation of Ultimate X can be enjoyed at
• Ultimate X Bonus Streak

Outside Links

Calculating the standard deviation in n-play video poker VideoPoker.com . A free membership is required.

Written by: Michael Shackleford