Having discussed the apparent (physical) features of the standard video poker machine, we are going to dedicate some time discussing the only component, which turns video poker into a skill-requiring game, rather than another type of slot. This component is known as the Random Number Generator (RNG).

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Some people may say that in order to be successful at video poker, one does not necessarily need to understand how the RNG works. In a way they may be correct. The reason why we put the stress on the RNG is because a number of video poker strategies, we shall discuss later, have the randomness of cards as their basis. In addition, there are a number of myths concerning the way the RNG deals the original hand and the draw.

What does it actually do?

People with insufficient knowledge tend to believe that the RNG shuffles virtual cards. This is why we need to clarify, that, in fact, it generates a combination of numbers within a predetermined range on a constant basis. If we take the Jacks or Better video poker game, each of the 52 cards included in the deck has a corresponding number (between 1 and 52). Whenever a player deposits coins or pushes the ”Bet One Credit” or ”Bet Max” buttons, the video poker machine's microprocessor collects five random numbers in a period as short as 1/1000 of a second, after which it ”translates” them into card images. Now the player has received a hand, which to begin the game with.

The first five cards are dealt in the above mentioned manner by all video poker machines. However, different machines generate replacements for the cards a player wishes to remove in a different manner. Those machines, which were manufactured before the mid-1980s, use a ”parallel method of dealing”. What is specific about the latter is that the machine simultaneously selects the five cards comprising the hand and the five replacement cards for the draw. Every replacement card is linked to one of the cards in the original hand, while also being lined up behind it. Only when the player decides not to keep a card, the replacement card will be shown. At the time these machines were made available to the public, there were people, who spoke against parallel dealing. The reason for it was the fact that the card a player needs to get a complete winning hand may turn out to be behind a card they kept, thus, they will not receive that card.

Later, between mid-1980s and late 1990s, a new type of video poker machines was introduced – machines that use a ”serial dealing” method. This means that when the machine deals the five cards in the original hand, it also selects five replacement cards (which cannot be viewed), that are stacked in a sequential manner. Regardless of which card the player decides to get rid of, the first replacement card in the sequence is shown. In case the player desires to get rid of three cards, the first three replacements in the sequence will be shown.

There is another method of card dealing, known as ”five and five dealing”. In this case the machine does not choose the replacement cards for the draw at the time when the original hand of five cards is dealt. After the first deal, the Random Number Generator continues producing combinations of numbers. Only when the player makes up his/her mind to keep particular cards, the RNG will choose replacements for cards, that have been discarded.

RNG myths

As we mentioned above, there are a number of myths in regard to the RNG's operation. Inexperienced video poker players may be intrigued by some of them and be influenced when making their playing decisions. Let us go through some of the myths and, at the same time, provide a reasonable explanation.

1. Once the player removes particular card/s, the machine will, at times, ”serve” him/her the exact same cards on the draw.

That is incorrect. After the player has made up his/her mind to get rid of a card (not pressing the Hold/Cancel button on the machine), the card will be taken out of play during the remainder of the current game. It is possible that the player may get a card of the same rank. For example, he/she decides to discard Ten of Diamonds and gets Ten of Spades in its place. Note that it is not the exact same card, which the player got rid of.

2. Video poker machines are programmed to operate in cycles of winnings and losses, or each string of bad hands is followed by a string of winners.

No machine is programmed to operate in cycles. The RNG has an algorithm, based on which to select the cards a player will get originally and on the draw. In addition, the dealing of cards is random, thus, there is no pattern to be recognized. Because of this, it is not possible to project if the video poker machine will be a winner or a loser, analysing hands in the past.

3. The video poker machine is likely to ”serve” a player a better hand, when he/she bets the minimum number of coins.

It is ludicrous to believe that there is a link between how much a player bets and what cards he/she will receive. No matter what the player's wager is, the RNG will generate a random hand of cards. People with experience in video poker would suggest to always bet the maximum number of coins. In case the player compiled a Royal Flush, he/she would receive a payout 800 times the amount bet, but only if the bet was a maximal one. In case the player placed a lower bet than the maximum, the payout would be 250 times the amount bet.

4. The video poker machine is likely to pay either more, or less, if the player uses a casino slot club card.

We should note that the purpose of slot clubs is to reward visitors for their loyalty to a particular casino. By using a free slot card, players may be rewarded with shows, rooms or meals free of charge. As the card reader on the machine is not linked to its RNG, the card will have neither a positive, nor a negative impact on the gameplay.

5. Video poker machines are usually programmed for a particular payout, and, thus, it is of no concern how one plays the game. His/her choice of which cards to keep is also of no concern, because the outcome will be one and the same.

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A player indeed has no influence on card dealing, but he/she can shape his/her final hand by making strategic moves, selecting the cards he/she wishes to keep. In video poker the choice of appropriate games and, especially, the skillful play will be rewarded. This, however, is not true for slots.

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Beginners should also note that there are video poker machines, known as video lottery terminals (VLTs), which select winning hands ahead of time, thus, they make any playing strategy worthless.