A tragedy at Pick'em Poker




Note: Not to further discourage players, payout line of three of a kind is hilighted in advance :-).


Without doubt, the most glorious moment in Video Poker is when you've got a ROYAL FLUSH.

On the other hand, what is the most nail-biting situation in Video Poker??

Some may say, "it's when you've got a 5 of a kind with three deuces at DW. Then, by discarding the pair , it turned to be a lower hand (usually quads)." Yes, it's heartbreaking ! and many play players including pros hold such 5 of a kind . This surelly decrease your EV, but at the same time it decreases the volatility. So, comparing the risk (SD) and EV, it's also rational not to break such a 5 of a kind. Anyway, by holding them, you can play with comfort.

So, I believe the most nail-biting situation is when you are DEALT 4 deuces (4 DUKS) at Pick'em poker. It will happen to you!!. The photo above is a REAL exmaple of such a tragedy.


PLACE: The Empire bar at New York New York, which is affetionately called "The Pick'em BAR".
DENOMINATION: $1 machine
DATE: A sunny day in March 1999.
Player: My friend Gen, an expert Paigow Poker player who also loves skiing in Lake Tahoe.
Photo: by Ikeike, a solid hold'em player.

Alas
Had it been Loose Deuces, he'd got $2,000
Had he drawn to 4 Deuces at Pick'em, he'd got $600
Had it been Double Bonus, he'd got $400

At least,

Had it been Jack or Better, he'd got $125

But it was deat 4 ducks at Pick'em.
What actually he got was, $25. Well done, Gen!! :-)


Final Caution:
Such a disaster will happen to you once in 20825 hands (all deat quads combined, or once in 270725 hands for the quads of the specific rank).
It seems rare, but in 40 hours on average, it will happen!!. Just in case, be prepared for it.

Additional information
This column is an extension of my website, which is written in Jpananese. If you can read Japanese AND if your computer supports Japanese fonts, check it. There are many topics on casino games such as the reviews of over 50 books on Blackjack and other casino games, including mathematical thoughts on several casino games with positive EV.


Also, send any comments and suggesitons to me.