Introduction



Video poker is an interesting game to play that combines both elements of skill and luck. Developed in the late 1970's and early 1980's it has grown to become one of the most popular forms of gambling around the world. By selecting machines with a high payout table and using the appropriate strategy players can reduce the casino's house edge to less than one percent. In some situations it is even possible to gain an edge over the casino, especially if cash back and complimentaries are considered. This makes video poker one of the cheapest forms of gambling around. In this article I will examine the use of tools to help player's identify the correct machines and how to play perfectly or near-perfectly to reduce the house edge to a minimum.









Playing



There are a number of online and offline video poker tools (both free and commercial) that allow players to practice playing without betting any money. These games are very good simulations of the real thing and players can learn the basic operations of video poker machines without risking their hard earned cash. These tools also allow experienced players to practice against newer versions of video poker.



Teaching



Some of the more advanced video poker tools and software have the ability to teach players the optimal strategy for many video poker rule sets. By alerting to players to mistakes they make during play and keeping detailed statistics, these tools allow players to analyze the accuracy and speed of their play. Some of the most important statistics kept are amount won/lost, error rate, average cost of error, and hands per hour.



Analysis



The most advanced video poker tools and software programs are able to analyze almost any set of game rules and pay tables. The analysis program cycles through all possible combinations, assuming the player makes no strategy mistakes, to calculate the house edge. In addition to calculating the house edge the analysis program provides the data necessary for the tools to teach players how to play as described in the previous section. This makes it possible for players to play and practice not only against standard games but also against new games that are continuously being produced by video poker game makers.



Conclusion



Video poker tools and software programs offer players the ability to become experts at a game with very little cost and a few hours of time. In addition to allowing players to play for free, they offer the ability to teach and analyze. For free tools and reviews of the leading commercially available software visit http://www.videopokertools.com

By: Mike Turner -

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Mike Turner writes for Online Poker Tools and other gambling websites.