Customer Reviews

Video Poker: Play Longer with Less Risk

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have read Ms. Costa's new video poker book and found it quite interesting. After reading her tips and tricks on playing video poker, I thought why not give it a shot. I live in Las Vegas so what better place to try it out. I must say I was optimistic when she described some of the little tricks other avid gamblers do especially when it came to holding three cards for about 30 seconds and the majority of the time the fourth one will come up. I can't tell you how many times I have tried this tip and actually got the fourth card. This is amazing and especially helpful when you get those four aces with a kicker. I have been leaving the casino with their money. My husband laughed the first time I did it and told me it would never work and just looked at me when the four of a kind appeared on the screen. Now I notice that he is doing it with success. I also try and get the noisest machine on the line and the ones closest to the door. Now, if I can only take Ms. Costa's advise and know when to leave a machine and take my $$$ with me. Thumbs up on this book.

If you've NEVER played video poker, this is a great starting place for tips and very basic strategy. Some of the statements the author makes are along the lines of; "I've heard that machines can be programmed to give better hands to lower bets." These make for interesting anecdotes, but not much in terms of substance. However, the author provides good information for introductory strategy that will definitely save the novice player money. In a book of this nature, I think it is essential that there be information on which machines are statistically full-pay machines and which are not. For instance, if a jacks or better machine pays 9 to 1 for a full house and 6 to 1 for a flush, perfect play over the long run will yield close to full paybacks, while a machine that pays 8 and 5 to 1 respectively, is only a 94% payback machine. This information is critical if you want to play for very long, but isn't found in this book.

I always had a good time at the Poker machines; but in the past not only have I NOT won, I've never been able to make my budgeted funds last as long as I'd like them to. What fun it was to take Carol's tips to the casino and try them out. Not only did I play longer, I took home all of my money, and some of "theirs" too. Even if that might not happen every single time, these new techniques just make the trips to the casino a lot more fun. Woo-hoo!

I'm only giving this book 1 star because the reviews are very skewed. If you know how to play it's of absolutely no help. Basically it talks about comps and playing longer by holding high cards along with some very basic strategy. There is nothing systematic at all. There is nothing about "how" to wager, just don't bet more than your bankroll can stand. You can buy the strategy cards at the casino or find them free online and your money would be better spent. Not much here to brag about. Just another book rehashing the same old ideas only with a different title and author.

Costa's system really works. After reading this book, I went to the casino, tried it out and came home a winner. In addition, the book was easy to read and very entertaining. I highly recommend it!!

In today's shaky economy a book like this is more important than ever. Using the advice in this book allows gamblers to enjoy video poker and stay in the game long enough to walk away a winner. One of the neat things about video poker is that one good win allows you to recoup any losses and this book shows you how to keep playing by getting those small wins or break even wins that keep you playing long enough to hit a straight flush, four of a kind, or even a Royal Flush. The book also tells you when to walk away and find another machine to play.