PLAYER STRATEGY
VIDEO POKER: The Devil in the Details “I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona From the front porch, you can see the sea, I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona If you’ll buy that I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free”, - George Strait
I can remember being given the choice between the “old” system and the “new” when I retired from teaching. My colleagues in the math department simply crunched the numbers and, as expected, the old system was infinitely better. There’s a reason that people with seniority in a system, not just in education, can choose but those without it are forced to accept the “wonderful” adjusted rules. Nowadays many casinos, like retirement systems, are also changing their policies for cash, comps and even promotions. Like everybody else, they make the new system sound like an amazing deal for patrons, but if you buy that you’ll also consider ocean front property in Arizona, especially if they throw the Golden Gate in free. Instead of naively believing the hype and cleaver sales pitch you should do your own comparative analysis. I tried, for example, clarifying a casino’s VIP policies at a local casino, ironically in Arizona, and got a response that would have confused Confucius. Here are some tips to help you decipher the house’s rewards system. Benefits: Not everyone values the same perks so you must focus on what’s most important to you. For me it’s cash drawings (both VIP and open to all players), comped rooms, bounceback cash and extra drawing tickets. You, for example, may place a high value on comped meals and show tickets. Study the rewards at each card level along with the requirements. Earned: The benefits that are in black and white are crystal clear and you’ll find them on card-level descriptions. You should read all mailers from your casino carefully and make sure you slide your player’s card as soon as you get to the casino. Discretionary: Some of the best perks are unadvertised and if you don’t ask, you’ll never even know they exist. In fact, the best rationale for earning the highest-level card without busting the bank is to have access to these bonuses. Examples are spa days, gourmet meals, shopping 18
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sprees, luxury suites and invitations to special cash drawings. You may think the invites are automatic depending entirely on your play, but you’d be wrong. If you’re a frequent player with a high-level card, then wrap around the grapevine’s trellis to find out about unadvertised “special events”. Other players, especially high rollers, will give you an unfiltered assessment of what’s going on at your local gaming hall. Hosts: The real key to being included in coveted bashes and drawings often lies with your host. The caveat is that hosts do not treat all their players equally, especially if they have a limited number of slots and are responsible for selecting the invitees. Drawings: I mentioned two types of drawings, those open to all players and those for “invited guests” only, and not necessarily based on your card level. Invitation Only: The prizes for these drawings tend to be higher than those open to everyone and there is more equity for players due to fewer participants. Open: I’ve noticed a recent downgrading in both the number and value of prizes. If the casino only draws one or two names every hour, then there is not much incentive to participate. I think every drawing should include at least three names per hour and if winners aren’t present there should always be replacements. Final Thoughts: Many casinos are changing their cash and comp policies to new ones promoted as sensational for players. Sometimes, like ocean front property in Arizona, the pitch doesn’t match the product. Carefully examine the amount of cash awarded for coin-in between the old and new systems along with all other benefits. If you’re confused with hocus pocus answers by casino staff try finding the wisest high rollers and ask them. With major downgrading of both felt games (rules and rakes) and slot choices (unseen slot chips and visibly downgraded VP pay tables) it’s important to see through the smoke and mirrors to choose your best casino and maximize their perks. You can see her videos on YouTube or view them on American Casino Guide’s web site and her radio interviews are on iTunes. Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.
Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, writes for “Southern Gaming and Destinations”, “Arizona Player” and the latest edition of “American Casino Guide”. You can see her videos on YouTube or view them on American Casino Guide’s web site and her radio interviews are on iTunes. Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and her free strategy cards for the most popular games.
“I AM NOW RESURRECTING SOME OF THE MEN’S “INSIGHTS” SO WE CAN SEE HOW THESE FELLAS ACTUALLY FELT ABOUT WOMEN WHO DARED STAND AT THE TABLES WITH THEM.”
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