The Video Poker Edge: How to Play Smart and Bet Right [Paperback]

Linda Boyd (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former math teacher Boyd's guide to winning bucketfuls of change is not for the casual casino-goer: readers will come across sentences like "the mathematically correct way to play any dealt hand is based on the stated payout table in conjunction with statistical probabilities"; be required to keep straight variances, expected returns and expected values (some are percentages; some are currency equivalents); and learn how to read seemingly cryptic charts before sinking their teeth into the meat of Boyd's strategies. But, for the left-brained set, Boyd's book is a boon: she excels in breaking down which hands to play, which types of video poker games offer better chances of payouts for large and small bankrolls, betting strategies and the different types of casinos and games readers can expect to find across the country. Readers who already know their way around a Harrah's will want to skip the sections dealing with gambling addiction, budgets and casino etiquette and cut to the discreetly pocketable payout charts and the approximately 40 pages Boyd dedicates to strategy. Savvy video poker players could win back the cover price in a night.
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Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Square One Publishers (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757002528
• ISBN-13: 978-0757002526
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #143,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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  Books > Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Gambling > Video Poker

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Video Poker 101, May 18, 2007

By	C. Keller (Southern California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Video Poker Edge: How to Play Smart and Bet Right (Paperback)

If you are new to VP (video poker) this is a great book to start with. Boyd keeps it real simple for the beginner and covers a lot of ground in 150 pages. If you've already read a few other video poker books like Dancer's or Paymar's you won't really find anything new in here. Although I did like her coverage of VLT's (Video Lottery Terminals).

The little bit of math that is covered in the book, has simple and easy to follow examples that a sixth grader could understand. And there are lots of clear and concise tables to help you understand the concepts on how to play smart VP, from learning the optimum strategies, to identifying good VP machines.

There's good coverage of the most common types of VP machines you will find in casinos. There is also a good explanation of ER (Expected Return), EV (Expected Value) and variance. Although ROR (Risk of Ruin) was mentioned, she didn't go into any depth on the subject, which surprises me because she covered everything else so well.

The tear-out strategy cards in the back of the book are a nice bonus, because you can buy them separately from online dealers for about $5-$8 each. The cards cover...9/6 Double Double Bonus Poker (98.98%), Pick'em Poker (99.95%), Full-Pay Deuces Wild (100.76%), 10/7 Double Bonus Poker (100.17%), 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%), 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe (99.64%), and Not-So-Ugly Deuces Wild (99.73%).

If you are serious about learning VP I would also get some good VP training software like...Video Poker for Winners, Frugal Video Poker software, or WinPoker.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book WILL give any Video Poker player a real edge!, May 11, 2006

By	VP Queen (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Video Poker Edge: How to Play Smart and Bet Right (Paperback)

I have a large library of video poker books, since I have been playing this fascinating game for more than 20 years. This book ranks among the best in that genre.

The author has made sure that the book is as readable as it is
practical. While enjoying the excellent writing, I was also able to learn some new things about Video Poker. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all Video Poker players whether this is their first foray into a casino, or they have been playing for many years.

Last week, I had the excellent strategy cards from the book, in my purse during a visit to a local casino. I was playing a game with which I was very familiar, and doubted that I would need to consult the cards. However, one of those very tricky and difficult hands did occur, and it was snap to make the right
decision after consulting the appropriate card. It was a very nice feeling not to have to guess at the right hold, but have the correct answer immediately available. It was almost like having a Video Poker expert sitting along side of me!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Current, With It, and On the Money, March 21, 2007

By	Larry from Maryland - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Video Poker Edge: How to Play Smart and Bet Right (Paperback)

Just got back from both Las Vegas, and Atlantic City. Played my favorite -
Video Poker - at a bunch of different places in both cities. You can't imagine what wonderful help and guidance I got from The Video Poker Edge -
How to Play Smart and Bet Right - by Linda Boyd. This book is on the money! It guided me to the "right" machine at each casino I visited. Then
it told me all the right "moves" to make. This terrific book made me a
winner. I'll BET it can do the same for you!!!!!!