Top 10 Video Poker Mistakes - part two

Hello, I'm Mike Shackleford. Welcome to the second part of our discussion on the Top Ten Mistakes Video Poker Players Often Make.

#6 Over Tipping On Jackpots

According to legal requirements, if you hit a jackpot worth $1,200 or more, you must receive a W-2 G form, and the payout will be made in cash. But how much should you tip in such a situation? There are various opinions on this subject, and I'm certain many will disagree with my take in the comments section. Personally, I believe tipping on jackpots should fall between 0.5% and 2%. For smaller jackpots around $1,200, a 2% tip seems appropriate, while 0.5% for larger wins, like $10,000 or above, would be suitable. This is a sensible guideline, but avoid tipping excessively. I've heard stories of tips reaching 20%, which is utterly absurd. Remember, a casino should appreciate your patronage, not the other way around. One could even argue against tipping entirely since you didn’t request a hand pay. However, I think it may come off as stingy, and since tipping is a customary practice, just be careful not to overdo it.

#7 Not Paying Attention to Promotions

In numerous locations, casinos fiercely compete to attract players and frequently present special promotions aimed at drawing in visitors on specific days or for unique events. Whatever game you enjoy, make sure to utilize a player card to receive rewards for your gameplay. Attend during times when special promotions are available. Typical incentives can include days where players earn double or triple points, or if you wager a specified amount on a certain day, you might score a complimentary steak dinner or an invitation to a tournament. Regardless of the game you prefer, maximizing your benefits by participating during promotional periods is always wise. Your gaming activity can also create opportunities for future invitations to return.

#8 Leaving a Game in a High State

What I mean by this is that certain games offer rewards not just on the spot but can multiply your winnings in subsequent rounds or add funds to a bonus pool. Ultimate X serves as a prime example of this. In that game, when you achieve specific hands, you're not only paid immediately, but you also receive a multiplier for your next hand. Thus, a significant blunder would be playing, winning well, and then neglecting to capitalize on your next multiplier. In a game such as Ultimate X, you should keep playing until it no longer offers multipliers. On the flip side, savvy players often scout the casino for machines that have been abandoned by others who’ve missed out on multipliers. Remember, if you're engaged with a game that features multipliers, you should only leave when the machine is at its least advantageous state.

#9 Leaving Credits on the Machine

Regardless of whether you favor slots, video poker, or keno, it's essential to cash out when you finish. Never forget to press that cash-out button. It can be tempting to overlook it, especially after a nice win when you feel the urge to exit quickly. So before rushing out, ensure you hit that cash-out button and redeem your ticket. Don't bring it home only to let it expire.

#10 Playing Defective Machines

You might wonder what types of issues could signal a faulty machine. A common issue in video poker is when buttons become sticky, meaning when you press them, they fail to record your decision to hold that card. If you find yourself at a machine with buttons that occasionally malfunction, always confirm that the machine registered your commands to keep the cards you wish to hold. Or, better yet, it might be wise to avoid that machine altogether and switch to one that operates properly.

Bars are often hotspots for encountering machines with sticky keys, as patrons frequently eat, drink, and smoke nearby. Food residue and ashes can accumulate, leading to malfunctioning buttons. Thus, be particularly cautious about sticky keys when using machines in a bar setting.

Another frequent issue is with the player card readers failing to properly read your card. Don't automatically assume that the machine detects your card when you insert it. These machines can be quite sensitive and might not always register cards correctly. Ensure to wait for a notification, like 'Hi Steve,' before starting your game. It’s also a good practice to periodically check that the reader is functioning as intended. I've experienced situations where I inserted my card, and the machine read it flawlessly initially, only to lose connection later without any input from me, causing me to miss out on earning points. It’s crucial, always, to ensure that you’re accruing credits for your gameplay on any machine you use.

That wraps up our discussion on the top 10 errors often made by video poker players. If you didn’t catch the first part, I encourage you to watch it. For an extensive array of information pertaining to video poker, be sure to visit my website internetradiomercedes.com.

Part 1

Written by: Michael Shackleford