Playing Ultimate X Video Poker: Rules & Strategy DESCRIPTION. Ultimate X Video Poker is a variant of video poker that plays the same as standard video poker when playing. MULTIPLIERS AND RETURN. The multipliers for winning hands vary depending on the type of game, pay table, and the number. You can find Ultimate X Poker at the following Harrah's casinos Click on your favorite casino below to play this game with pay tables that are found at that location. Pay tables may vary by denomination. Along with Flip and Play Poker, the Ultimate X games are highlights among new videopoker games from IGT. And when it comes to new video poker highlights, IGT is the place to look. Scientific Games has some nice recent video poker offerings through its acquisition of WMS Gaming and some classic video poker games through Bally Technologies. Ultimate X is available as a multi-hand and single-hand video poker game. If you wager 10 coins per line instead of five coins, you will earn a multiplier, not on the current hand, but on the following hand (i.e., betting 10 coins per line puts you in the Ultimate X mode). Ultimate X Video Poker is a variant of video poker that plays the same as standard video poker when playing one to five credits per line. The real allure of this game, however, comes when the player doubles the max bet from five to 10 credits per line. When this happens, each winning line sets up a multiplier for that line on the next game played.
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About video poker
Video poker is a game that’s based on five-card draw poker. It’s a single player game, where the player tries to create as valuable a poker hand as possible. If they create a hand above a certain value (usually a pair of jacks) they win cash. If they don’t, they lose their stake.
For each round, the player is dealt five cards face up via a video screen. They must then choose whether to hold any of their cards for the ‘draw’. They can hold any number from zero to five. All cards that are not held are then re-dealt, and the final hand evaluated.
Winning hands can often be gambled via a ‘higher or lower’ game. UK players will be familiar with this concept as it was used in the popular 70s/80s quiz show ‘Play Your Cards Right’. A single card is dealt and the player must guess if the next card in sequence will be higher or lower. If they choose correctly, their prize is doubled. Choose incorrectly, and all winnings for that hand are lost. Players can usually gamble in this way up to five times in succession.
The history of video poker
The first video poker games arrived at the same time as ‘Pong’ and early, primitive personal computers. Video monitors were hooked up to integrated circuits in which the game was programmed. Early video poker consoles were dismissed as a passing fad.
All this changed in the early 1980s when SIRCOMA, the company that would eventually become International Game Technology, decided to concentrate on perfecting the video poker console. This turned out to be a Vegas-shattering success, as it gave poker players who felt intimidated while playing on casino tables the chance to play their favourite pastime against a faceless ‘opponent’.
The popularity of video poker has yet to wane. While not too popular with Las Vegas visitors, the locals tend to enjoy playing video poker machines off the main Vegas strip. Nearly all real-world casinos will house a few video poker terminals under their roof.
Despite massive strides in computer technology and in particular video graphics, contemporary video poker machines are little different from their primitive forebears. Video poker fans are keen that their game is kept as ‘traditional’ as possible, and video poker has not developed in the same way that online slots games have evolved to be feature-rich monsters.
Video poker at online casinos
Nearly every single online casino will offer at least one variety of video poker, and most will offer several. While not as popular as slots, blackjack or roulette, video poker is a rarity as with correct play and taking in all factors, the house edge can be swung ever-so-slightly in favour of the player.
There are four main varieties of video poker:
- JACKS OR BETTER – This is the main version of the game. To secure a win, a player must end up with a hand that contains at least a pair of jacks. All other hands lose. Payouts start at x1 for any qualifying pair, up to x800 for a Royal Flush.
- ALL AMERICAN – Similar to Jacks or Better and with the same basic rules, but with a better payout structure. There are increased payouts for flushes, straights and straight flushes, but reduced payouts for full houses and two pairs.
- DEUCES WILD – The lowest winning hand in this game is a set, but as the name suggests, all deuces (twos) are wild. There are additional winning hands, such as Five of a Kind, Wild Royal Flush and Four Deuces. The five-credit version of this game with the correct pay table actually has a negative house edge when played with perfect strategy.
- JOKER POKER – Also know as ‘Joker’s Wild’, is played with a deck containing 53 cards in which one of them is a joker and can be used as any card when drawn. The lowest possible winning hand is a pair of kings, and Five of a Kind and a Wild Royal Flush are added to the the mix just as with Deuces Wild. Again, if the pay table is set correctly, the player actually has a 0.64 percent edge over the house with perfect strategy. There are also self-explanatory sub-variations of Joker Poker known as Kings or Better, or Two Pairs or Better.
Multi-hand video poker games have become popular at online casinos in recent years. This allows you to play up to 100 hands at one from the draw. If, for example, you hold two aces before the draw and play 100 hands, you can play all 100 hands with two aces and three newly drawn cards. This is very beneficial if you are dealt a winning hand before the draw.
Other less common varieties of video poker are as follows:
- ACES AND FACES – A standard game with increased payouts for four of a kind of any face card or an ace. Payouts for other hands such as a full house are reduced.
- ALL ACES or BONUS POKER – Same as Jacks or Better but with increased payouts for four aces, deuces, threes or fours, and reduced payouts for other hands.
- BONUS FLUSH – Jacks or Better but with increased payouts for flushes.
- DEUCES AND JOKER – A combination of Deuces Wild and Joker Poker or Joker’s Wild.
- DOUBLE BONUS – Same as Bonus Poker but with a different payout structure.
- DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS – As above, but with other bonus hands such as four aces with a two, three or four kicker.
- DOUBLE JOKER – Same as Joker Poker or Joker’s Wild but with two jokers instead of one.
- PICK’EM POKER – Players are dealt four cards. They must keep the first two, and MUST discard either (not both) of the next two. After the decision has been made, the final two cards are dealt to complete the hand.
- TENS OR BETTER – A pair of tens is the lowest winning hand. There are reduced payouts for flushes and full houses.
Learn how to play video poker
Learn how to play online video poker with RightCasino’s online guide.
Online video poker was introduced to casinos in the 1970s as a single-player equivalent to table poker. At the time, it was a bit of a technological marvel and quickly became popular. Today, the game is still played widely for its simple rules, low house edge and the possibility of big wins. Our step-by-step guide will steer you through the rules and variants of video poker so you can get the most out of this exciting casino game.
How to play
The rules of video poker are extremely straightforward…
Pick your coins
In most versions of video poker, you will use an electronic interface to bet on a virtually-generated straight poker hand. You begin by making a wager of up to five ‘coins’ (the value of which depend on the game and chosen settings). The more money you are happy to wager, the more you can win. Usually, your winnings are simply multiplied by the amount of cash you gamble, although you may receive a bonus lift if you go the whole hog with five coins.
Generating your hand
Once your stake has been set, the game will generate a hand of five cards based on a digital, 52-card deck (up to 53 in ‘Joker Wild’ games). This is your starting hand. In some games you can play 5, 10, 25 or even 100 hundred hands all at the same time. Each hand will begin with your ‘main’ hand as the base.
Choosing discards
Once your starting hand has been generated, you can choose which of your cards to discard. The discards are then replaced with new cards from the remaining deck.
Collect your winnings!
You are then paid on the value of your hand according to a paytable. Usually for a qualifying pair, you receive back the same amount of money you gambled. Payouts go up as far as a royal flush, for which you typically receive back 250x your stake.
Darest you gamble?
You can usually gamble your winnings when you hit a successful hand at video poker. If you do decide to gamble, you’ll be presented with a card, and you have to guess whether the next card drawn will be higher or lower. If you pick right, your prize is doubled. If you choose unwisely, then you lose everything. Depending on the game, you should be able to go ‘double or quits’ up to five times in succession.
Video poker variations
Find the best house edge with our list of popular video poker variations.
There are several different versions of video poker, all of which come with extremely favourable odds for the player (even positive expectation by some estimates). See which variants present the best edge with our overview of video poker variants (along with pay-tables). All pay-outs are calculated according to betting five credits and assume ‘optimal’ play.
Jacks or Better
Also known as 9/6 Jacks or Better. This is the most common form of video poker and payoffs begin at a pair of Jacks.
Hand | 1 Credit | 2 Credits | 3 Credits | 4 Credits | 5 Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
Three of a kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
Two pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
House edge: 0.54%
Deuces Wild
![Ultimate Video Poker Ultimate Video Poker](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PTV49yoq0gI/maxresdefault.jpg)
In this game, all 2s (‘deuces’) are wild, changing their rank and suit to form better hands. This variant returns a higher return for ‘natural’ hands that contain no wild cards.
Hand | Pay-out (multiple of bet) |
---|---|
Natural Royal Flush | 800 |
Four deuces | 200 |
Deuces Royal Flush | 25 |
Five of a Kind | 16 |
Straight Flush | 13 |
Four of a Kind | 4 |
Full House | 3 |
Flush | 2 |
Straight | 2 |
Three of a kind | 1 |
House edge: 1.1%
All American
This variant features higher pay-outs on flushes and straights and lower returns on full houses and pairs.
Hand | Pay-out (multiple of bet) |
---|---|
Royal Flush | 800 |
Straight Flush | 200 |
Four of a Kind | 34 |
Full House | 8 |
Flush | 8 |
Straight | 8 |
Three of a Kind | 3 |
Two Pair | 1 |
Jacks or Better | 1 |
House edge: 1.5%
Tens or Better
As you would expect, pay-outs start at a pair of 10s.
Hand | Pay-out (multiple of bet) |
---|---|
Royal Flush | 800 |
Straight Flush | 50 |
Four of a Kind | 25 |
Full House | 6 |
Flush | 5 |
Straight | 4 |
Three of a Kind | 3 |
Two Pair | 2 |
Tens or Better | 1 |
House edge: 0.9%
Joker Wild
This variant includes one Joker as a wild card. The lowest qualifying hand is a pair of Kings and, as with Deuces Wild, natural hands offer a better return.
Hand | Pay-out (multiple of bet) |
---|---|
Natural Royal Flush | 1000 |
Five of a Kind | 200 |
Joker Royal Flush | 100 |
Straight Flush | 50 |
Four of a Kind | 17 |
Full House | 7 |
Flush | 5 |
Straight | 3 |
Three of a Kind | 2 |
Two Pair | 2 |
Kings or Better | 1 |
House edge: 1.4%
Aces and Faces
This variant offers different pay-outs for four of a kind, depending on rank, with aces giving the best return.
Hand | Pay-out (multiple of bet) |
---|---|
Royal Flush | 800 |
Straight Flush | 70 |
Four of a Kind (Aces & 8s) | 80 |
Four of a Kind (Sevens) | 50 |
Four of a Kind (Other) | 20 |
Full House | 8 |
Flush | 5 |
Straight | 4 |
Three of a Kind | 3 |
Two Pair | 2 |
Jacks or Better | 1 |
House edge: 0.74%
Full and low pay video poker
Most online casinos offer full pay machines only, meaning that pay-outs are nine times your wager for a full house and six times for a flush. Low pay machines offer a lower return (8/5, where full houses and flushes return eight and five times your bet respectively are most common). This results in a higher house edge.
If possible, you should always aim for full paying machines with a better return. Any game with a lower return than those in the tables above would be considered ‘low-pay’. Be sure to check the pay-outs before hazarding any cash.
Video poker strategy
Beat the house edge with our guide to basic video poker strategy.
Video poker is one of the few casino games where it is possible to beat the house edge. This page will introduce you to basic strategy for full-pay video poker variants (with and without wilds) via a series of hand charts, helping you get an edge over the casino with mathematically ‘perfect’ play. Credit to Michael Shackleford (AKA ‘The Wizard of Odds’) for these systems. If you need some help with the terminology, check out our poker glossary here.
Without wilds (e.g. Jacks or Better)
The following are the best plays, in order of absolute best to absolute worst (‘high’ card indicates a pair of Jacks or better).
1 | Dealt Royal Flush |
2 | Dealt Straight Flush |
3 | Dealt Four of a Kind |
4 | Four to Royal Flush |
5 | Dealt Full House |
6 | Dealt Flush |
7 | Three of a Kind |
8 | Dealt Straight |
9 | Four to Straight Flush |
10 | Two Pair |
11 | High Pair |
12 | Three to Royal Flush |
13 | Four to a Flush |
14 | Unsuited K/Q/J/10 |
15 | Low Pair |
16 | Four to an outside straight with 0-2 high cards |
17 | Three to a Straight Flush |
18 | Suited Q/J |
19 | Four to an inside straight, four high cards |
20 | Suited K/Q or K/J |
21 | Suited A/K, A/Q, Q/J |
22 | Four to an inside straight, three high cards |
23 | Three to a straight flush |
24 | Unsuited K/Q/J |
25 | Unsuited Q/J |
26 | Suited J/10 |
27 | Two unsuited high cards, kings highest |
28 | Suited Q/10 |
29 | Two unsuited high cards, ace highest |
30 | J only |
31 | Suited K/10 |
32 | Q Only |
33 | K Only |
34 | A Only |
35 | Discard anything else |
Pay-out: 99.54%
With wilds (e.g. Deuces Wild)
In the list below, a natural denotes a hand that uses no wild cards.
1 | Natural Royal Flush |
2 | Four to a Royal Flush |
3 | Straight Flush |
4 | Four of a kind |
5 | Full House |
6 | Three of a Kind |
7 | Straight/Flush |
8 | Four to an outside straight flush |
9 | Suited Q/J/10 |
10 | Four to an inside straight flush |
11 | Three to a royal flush, except Q/J/10 |
12 | Pair |
13 | Two Pair |
14 | Four to a Flush |
15 | Four to an outside straight |
16 | Three to a straight flush, spread 3-4, suited |
17 | Two to a royal flush, jack highest |
18 | Three to a straight flush, spread five and suited |
19 | Four to an inside straight, except missing deuce |
20 | Two to a royal flush, queen highest |
21 | Two to a royal flush, king highest, no penalty cards |
22 | Discard anything else |
Pay-out: 100.76%
Mobile video poker
Play virtual video poker anytime, anywhere on a variety of compatible devices.
Advancements in technology have made it possible for online gambling to be enjoyed from the convenience of a mobile phone. Video poker is an extremely popular game that is enjoyed across the globe by millions of players, many of whom choose to play via a smart device.
What is mobile video poker?
By recent estimates, around $10 billion is wagered through mobile platforms every singly year, and mobile revenues are increasing all the time.
Video poker on mobile devices is identical to the game you would expect on desktops: the interface is the same, as are the rules of play. The only difference is that you can gamble literally anywhere, as long as you have a compatible device and a robust internet connection.
Video poker on mobile devices
As video poker is a relatively simple game to port to mobile platforms, it’s genuinely surprising that more software providers do not provide versions of video poker for mobile devices. The reason for this could be due to the ban on US-based players from the mobile casino arena, and that video poker is still seen as an activity suited to US casinos.
There are a few mobile casinos that do offer a version of video poker on mobile devices – 32Red, for example.
Most casinos that offer video poker requires a download in order for players to be able to play the game. These downloads are only typically available for Android and iOS based systems. As more and more mobile software providers begin to embrace HTML5 as the mobile-coding ‘option of choice’, more games will be available for Windows Phone and BlackBerry users.
How to player video poker on a mobile device
Playing video poker on a mobile devices is as simple an affair as playing video poker at any online casino.
Unfortunately, only the most basic version of video poker – Jacks or Better – seems to be available for mobile platforms.
You begin the game by selecting the size of your bet, using from one to five coins. Once you’re happy hit the ‘Deal’ button to be dealt your poker hand consisting of five cards.
Tap any cards that you want to keep. You will see some indication that the card you have selected has been held. When you’re satisfied with your selection, hit the ‘draw’ button to receive your final poker hand. If you’ve managed to land a poker hand with at a least the value of a pair of jacks, then you will be paid according to the pay table as presented with the game.
Video Poker Wild Multihand
Jacks or Better
Play Your Cards Right
Most video poker games resemble each other closely. The big differences from
game to game are the pay tables and the presence of any multipliers. (Some games
have wild cards, too.)
game to game are the pay tables and the presence of any multipliers. (Some games
have wild cards, too.)
In Ultimate X Poker, you can double your bet and activate a random
multiplier.
multiplier.
One other variation from one game to another is how many hands (or lines) you
get to play. Many video poker variations only come in single line or multi line
versions, but Ultimate X is available in both versions.
get to play. Many video poker variations only come in single line or multi line
versions, but Ultimate X is available in both versions.
This page covers the basics of how to play video poker in general and
Ultimate X specifically. This is probably the only page you’ll need to read
before playing the game. We also go into detail about the pay tables and
strategies for the games.
Ultimate X specifically. This is probably the only page you’ll need to read
before playing the game. We also go into detail about the pay tables and
strategies for the games.
The Basics of Playing Ultimate X Video Poker
Ultimate X video poker follows the usual pattern for video poker in general:
You insert money into the video poker machine, which is converted into
credits based on the denomination of the machine. For example, if you insert
$100 into a quarter machine, you have 400 credits. Insert that same $100 into a
$5 machine, and you only have 80 credits.
credits based on the denomination of the machine. For example, if you insert
$100 into a quarter machine, you have 400 credits. Insert that same $100 into a
$5 machine, and you only have 80 credits.
The terms “credits” and “coins” are used interchangeably.
You then decide how many coins to bet on your hand-you can choose 1 coin, 5
coins, or any number of coins in between.
coins, or any number of coins in between.
But the correct strategy is always to make the 5-coin bet. Here’s why:
- The payoff for a royal flush is the jackpot. If you bet 1, 2, 3, or 4 coins,
the payoff for that hand is either 200 for 1 or 250 for 1, depending on the
game. - But if you bet 5 coins, the payoff is 800 for 1.
That’s a huge difference. A royal flush only comes up once every 40,000 hands
or so, but the difference in payoff is enough that it will subtract 2% or so
from the overall payback percentage of the machine. (We’ll explain more about
payback percentages in the next section.)
or so, but the difference in payoff is enough that it will subtract 2% or so
from the overall payback percentage of the machine. (We’ll explain more about
payback percentages in the next section.)
After you choose how many coins to play, the machine “deals” you a 5-card
poker hand. You can choose to keep or discard any, all, or none of the cards in
your hand. You do this by pushing the “hold” button beneath each card, or you
can just touch the card on the screen.
poker hand. You can choose to keep or discard any, all, or none of the cards in
your hand. You do this by pushing the “hold” button beneath each card, or you
can just touch the card on the screen.
The machine replaces the cards you’ve discarded, and you win an amount based
on the poker hand you’re left with. The machine has a posted pay table which
indicates how much each hand is worth.
on the poker hand you’re left with. The machine has a posted pay table which
indicates how much each hand is worth.
You’ll notice that video poker isn’t like traditional poker because you don’t
have to beat another player’s hand. You just get paid based on how good your
hand is.
have to beat another player’s hand. You just get paid based on how good your
hand is.
You’ll also notice that video poker isn’t like a slot machine, either. The
symbols on slot machines are arbitrary with arbitrary probabilities assigned to
each of them. A slot machine has a pay table, but without knowing the
probability of getting each symbol, you have no way to calculate the payback
percentage or house edge for the game.
symbols on slot machines are arbitrary with arbitrary probabilities assigned to
each of them. A slot machine has a pay table, but without knowing the
probability of getting each symbol, you have no way to calculate the payback
percentage or house edge for the game.
With video poker games, including Ultimate X Poker, you know that the
probabilities are based on those of a 52-card deck. That’s not enough for the
average player to calculate the actual payback percentage for the game, but with
a computer, making that calculation is easy.
probabilities are based on those of a 52-card deck. That’s not enough for the
average player to calculate the actual payback percentage for the game, but with
a computer, making that calculation is easy.
That’s a huge difference, by the way. In one game, you can know what the odds
you’re facing are. In the other, you can’t. We always go for a known over an
unknown.
you’re facing are. In the other, you can’t. We always go for a known over an
unknown.
The wrinkle that Ultimate X Poker adds to this gameplay is the option to
double your bet in exchange for a multiplier applied to your winnings.
double your bet in exchange for a multiplier applied to your winnings.
Here’s how that works:
The maximum bet on a normal video poker game is 5 coins. If you bet 5 coins
on an Ultimate X game, the game proceeds as if it were a regular video poker
game. In fact, depending on the pay table, Ultimate X IS another video poker
game-it’s just a video poker game with an optional multiplier you can activate.
on an Ultimate X game, the game proceeds as if it were a regular video poker
game. In fact, depending on the pay table, Ultimate X IS another video poker
game-it’s just a video poker game with an optional multiplier you can activate.
To activate this multiplier, all you must do is bet 10 coins on the hand
instead of 5.
instead of 5.
This isn’t that innovative a feature, but Ultimate X has a unique way of
applying their multiplier. Most video poker games offering multipliers assign a
random multiplier. Ultimate X bases the multiplier on the ranking of your final
hand.
applying their multiplier. Most video poker games offering multipliers assign a
random multiplier. Ultimate X bases the multiplier on the ranking of your final
hand.
Here’s an example:
- A royal flush, straight flush, or 4 of a kind results in a 2X multiplier.
- A full house results in a 12X multiplier.
- A flush results in an 11X multiplier.
- A straight results in a 7X multiplier.
- A 3 of a kind results in a 4X multiplier.
- 2 pairs result in a 3X multiplier.
- A pair of jacks or better results in a 2X multiplier.
We should point out that the sizes of the multipliers vary based on which
machine you’re playing. These are just example numbers from a commonly used pay
table.
machine you’re playing. These are just example numbers from a commonly used pay
table.
It’s also important to point out that these are NOT the payouts for the
hands. This is a multiplier applied to the payout you would have had.
hands. This is a multiplier applied to the payout you would have had.
A royal flush pays off at 800 for 1 normally. In the above example, that hand
would pay off at 800 X 2, or 1600.
would pay off at 800 X 2, or 1600.
One of the perks of playing Ultimate X Poker is knowing the size of the
multipliers. Many video poker games assign multipliers randomly. This converts
those games into a slot machine of sorts, because without knowing how often or
when the multipliers are applied, you can’t calculate the payback percentage for
the machine.
multipliers. Many video poker games assign multipliers randomly. This converts
those games into a slot machine of sorts, because without knowing how often or
when the multipliers are applied, you can’t calculate the payback percentage for
the machine.
But since we know the probability of getting each hand, we also know the
probability of getting the multiplier, so we can calculate what that does to the
payback percentage for the game.
probability of getting the multiplier, so we can calculate what that does to the
payback percentage for the game.
Like many video poker variations, the feature of Ultimate X Poker sits on top
of an existing game variation and pay table. The following games are available
in an “Ultimate X version”:
of an existing game variation and pay table. The following games are available
in an “Ultimate X version”:
- Bonus Deuces
- Bonus Poker
- Bonus Poker Deluxe
- Deuces Wild
- Double Bonus
- Double Double Bonus
- Jacks or Better
- Joker Poker
- Triple Double Bonus
The Pay Tables and Payback Percentages for Ultimate X Video Poker
The pay tables for the variations of Ultimate X Poker aren’t significantly
different from standard variations of the game. For example, it’s easy to find
an Ultimate X video poker game of Jacks or Better with an 8/6 pay table.
different from standard variations of the game. For example, it’s easy to find
an Ultimate X video poker game of Jacks or Better with an 8/6 pay table.
Here’s what that pay table looks like:
Coins/Hand | 1 coin | 2 coins | 3 coins | 4 coins | 5 coins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
Straight flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
4 of a kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 123 |
Full house | 8 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 40 |
Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
3 of a kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
2 pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Pair of Js+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Let’s just talk about the basic pay table first. It’s a Jacks or Better pay
table, and it’s called an 8/6 Jacks or Better game because it pays 8 for 1 for a
full house and 6 for 1 for a flush. Those are the 2 hands that video poker game
designers modify the payouts on to adjust the payback percentage for the game.
table, and it’s called an 8/6 Jacks or Better game because it pays 8 for 1 for a
full house and 6 for 1 for a flush. Those are the 2 hands that video poker game
designers modify the payouts on to adjust the payback percentage for the game.
The payback percentage for this game in its unvarnished (non-Ultimate X
version) is 98.4%.
version) is 98.4%.
That’s not bad, but the full pay version (9/6 Jacks or Better) game offers a
99.54% payback percentage.
99.54% payback percentage.
That payback percentage assumes that you’re making the correct decision on
every hand, too. If you’re a novice or have no card sense, you can safely
subtract between 2% and 4% from that theoretical return.
every hand, too. If you’re a novice or have no card sense, you can safely
subtract between 2% and 4% from that theoretical return.
Let’s also talk briefly about what that number means. The payback percentage
is the amount of each bet that the casino expects the machine to pay back to the
player over time. It’s expressed as a percentage.
is the amount of each bet that the casino expects the machine to pay back to the
player over time. It’s expressed as a percentage.
With a game offering a 98.4% payback percentage, the casino expects you to
get back $98.40 for every $100 you put through the machine.
get back $98.40 for every $100 you put through the machine.
And the formula for calculating how much money you put through the machine is
easy enough, too. You just multiply the number of bets by the bet size.
easy enough, too. You just multiply the number of bets by the bet size.
The christmas tree game. An average video poker player plays about 600 hands per hour. That sounds
like a lot, but it’s a fast-paced game.
like a lot, but it’s a fast-paced game.
If you’re playing a quarter machine and making a 5-coin bet on every hand,
you’re putting 600 X $1.25 = $750 per hour into action.
you’re putting 600 X $1.25 = $750 per hour into action.
With a payback percentage of 98.4%, you’re mathematically expected to win
back $738 per hour. You’re expected to lose $12 per hour.
back $738 per hour. You’re expected to lose $12 per hour.
It’s also important to understand that this is a long-term expectation. In
the short run, your results will almost certainly vary in one direction or
another. A long-term expectation starts to become closer to reality the more
bets you make. Over one or a dozen bets, you could be way off from the
expectation. But over 6000 or 60,000 bets, your results will start resembling
the mathematical expectation.
the short run, your results will almost certainly vary in one direction or
another. A long-term expectation starts to become closer to reality the more
bets you make. Over one or a dozen bets, you could be way off from the
expectation. But over 6000 or 60,000 bets, your results will start resembling
the mathematical expectation.
The effect of the multiplier on the payback percentage varies based on what
the multipliers are set for. If we assume that the example multipliers above are
in use on an 8/6 Jacks or Better game, the overall payback percentage for the
Ultimate X version of the game becomes 99.42%.
the multipliers are set for. If we assume that the example multipliers above are
in use on an 8/6 Jacks or Better game, the overall payback percentage for the
Ultimate X version of the game becomes 99.42%.
That’s almost (but not quite) as good as a standard full pay game.
Another effect that the multiplier has on the game is adding to its
volatility.
volatility.
What’s Volatility?
That’s how much deviation from the expectation you can look forward to in the
short term. A game with low volatility has fewer swings in either direction. A
game with high volatility has larger swings.
short term. A game with low volatility has fewer swings in either direction. A
game with high volatility has larger swings.
Ultimate Video Poker Harrah S
When you’re doubling the amount of your wager on each hand from 5 to 10
coins, you increase your chances of having larger losing swings. You also
increase your chances of having larger winning swings because of the multiplier.
coins, you increase your chances of having larger losing swings. You also
increase your chances of having larger winning swings because of the multiplier.
What does this imply to the player?
You need a larger bankroll than you might normally use on a lower volatility
game.
game.
Then again, if you’re playing any casino game where the house has an edge
over the player, you’ll eventually lose all your money-if you play long enough.
The effect of a larger bankroll is merely to keep you in action longer before
going broke.
over the player, you’ll eventually lose all your money-if you play long enough.
The effect of a larger bankroll is merely to keep you in action longer before
going broke.
Becoming a professional gambler is beyond the scope of this page, but we’ll
say this:
say this:
Professional gamblers refuse to place a bet unless they have an edge over the
other party-the casino, the bookmaker, the competition at the poker table, etc.
other party-the casino, the bookmaker, the competition at the poker table, etc.
You can find rare versions of video poker which have a payback percentage of
over 100%, but not in an Ultimate X edition. If you’re playing Ultimate X Poker,
you’re playing a game where the house has an unassailable mathematic edge.
over 100%, but not in an Ultimate X edition. If you’re playing Ultimate X Poker,
you’re playing a game where the house has an unassailable mathematic edge.
Find Ultimate X Video Poker Online or Off
Real money online casinos don’t generally offer Ultimate X Poker games. It’s
an IGT product, so it’s under trademark. You might find games resembling this
one at various online casinos, but it’s an unusual enough feature that we can’t
even think of a similarly-named knockoff to recommend.
an IGT product, so it’s under trademark. You might find games resembling this
one at various online casinos, but it’s an unusual enough feature that we can’t
even think of a similarly-named knockoff to recommend.
If you’re determined to play online, you can play the free version of the
game available at VideoPoker.com, but keep in mind that the pay tables there are
more generous than you’ll usually be able to find in a casino.
game available at VideoPoker.com, but keep in mind that the pay tables there are
more generous than you’ll usually be able to find in a casino.
Unlike a lot of video poker variations, Ultimate X is reasonably easy to find
in major casino destinations. According to the game’s page on VideoPoker.com, 98
casinos in Nevada offer the game, and the state has over 502 machines. Ultimate
X Poker is also popular at California casinos, 27 of which offer the game.
in major casino destinations. According to the game’s page on VideoPoker.com, 98
casinos in Nevada offer the game, and the state has over 502 machines. Ultimate
X Poker is also popular at California casinos, 27 of which offer the game.
Ultimate X Poker Strategy
The strategy for Ultimate X Poker varies slightly from the base game-because
of the multipliers. Keep in mind that some hands are more valuable when those
multipliers are in effect.
of the multipliers. Keep in mind that some hands are more valuable when those
multipliers are in effect.
You can find strategy charts for all the variations of Ultimate X we’ve
listed above on the game-specific pages for those variants. They all work the
same way-start at the top of the chart, compare your hand with what’s listed,
and stop when you get to a hand you have. Then keep those cards, discarding the
rest.
listed above on the game-specific pages for those variants. They all work the
same way-start at the top of the chart, compare your hand with what’s listed,
and stop when you get to a hand you have. Then keep those cards, discarding the
rest.
Most of the time, this means hanging onto your pat hands. The philosophy is
to let the machine deal you a winner. On rare occasions, you’ll have the
opportunity to choose between a huge draw (like 4 cards to a royal flush)
instead of hanging onto a pat hand (like a high pair). In those cases, the
payoff for the huge draw needs to be immense to make it worthwhile to break up a
hand that’s guaranteed to pay off.
to let the machine deal you a winner. On rare occasions, you’ll have the
opportunity to choose between a huge draw (like 4 cards to a royal flush)
instead of hanging onto a pat hand (like a high pair). In those cases, the
payoff for the huge draw needs to be immense to make it worthwhile to break up a
hand that’s guaranteed to pay off.
Finally, here’s one piece of meta-strategy specific to Ultimate X Poker:
The multipliers are added to your subsequent hands. This means that it’s
possible to walk away from the machine while multipliers are still left to be
applied.
possible to walk away from the machine while multipliers are still left to be
applied.
In other words, you play a hand. Based on the final hand, you get a
multiplier which is applied to your next hand. If you run out of money before
playing that next hand, the multipliers are still on the machine.
multiplier which is applied to your next hand. If you run out of money before
playing that next hand, the multipliers are still on the machine.
You should NEVER walk away from a machine where you’ve earned a multiplier.
Ultimate Video Poker Games
And if you’re savvy and have the inclination, it’s worthwhile to find
Ultimate X machines where other players left before applying their multipliers.
If you only took advantage of those situations, you would have an edge over the
casino.
Ultimate X machines where other players left before applying their multipliers.
If you only took advantage of those situations, you would have an edge over the
casino.
Free Video Poker Harrah's 100
You’d be playing so few hands per hour with that strategy, though, that it
would be impossible to earn any respectable hourly winnings that way.
would be impossible to earn any respectable hourly winnings that way.
Conclusion
Ultimate X Poker is a great game with a subtle bonus feature that improves
the payback percentage. We’re fans of games with a transparent edge, which is
why we enjoy video poker so much. Unfortunately, many VP games fail to make the
effect of their bonus features on the payback percentage transparent.
the payback percentage. We’re fans of games with a transparent edge, which is
why we enjoy video poker so much. Unfortunately, many VP games fail to make the
effect of their bonus features on the payback percentage transparent.
Ultimate Video Poker
Ultimate X Poker is a refreshing change of pace in that respect. We’re also
fans of games where the bonus feature improves the payback percentage instead of
decrease the payback percentage.
fans of games where the bonus feature improves the payback percentage instead of
decrease the payback percentage.
You’ll want to make subtle adjustments to your strategy, but your best bet
with Ultimate X Poker is to look for machines which have leftover multipliers on
them.
with Ultimate X Poker is to look for machines which have leftover multipliers on
them.