Huntington Press: Frugal Video Poker

Frugal Video Poker
by Jean Scott

Description
Table of Contents
Excerpt

Excerpt:

     Here I go again—writing a book I never planned on writing and certainly didn’t want to write. Why would I, a 67-year-old grandma who is trying to retire, take on a job that is extremely complex and continually frustrating, that involves thousands of hours staring at a computer until the eyes glaze over and the brain shuts down, and that when you think you’re almost finished, you feel the need to revise and rewrite at least a dozen more times?
     Back in 1996 and l997 when I was writing my first book, The Frugal Gambler, I saw the need for this book. At the beginning of the video poker chapter I wrote: “My approach is a little different than the one that other books take, in that I won’t be providing a lot of how-to details on playing video poker; that’s a book in itself.” And although at the time there were some good VP resources, I’m amazed at the small number of them listed in the 1998 edition, compared to the wealth of VP information we have today.
     However, I always hoped that someone would write a VP how-to book that, one step at a time, detailed the way that the beginner could learn to play video poker and slowly but surely work up to becoming a knowledgeable player. I thought perhaps one of the well-known VP gurus and/or a mathematician would bring out this book. But although many of these writers provide us with extensive writings on various general and specialized VP subjects—and I’m grateful for every bit of information they give us—there’s no one book that the average gambler can go to for a comprehensive look at the video poker situation in casinos today and to learn how to play skillfully.
     I guess it’s both the writer and teacher in me that refuse to let me retire. If no one else will write a book that I can recommend to all those who beg me for down-to-earth practical light-on-math help, well, I’ll have to do it myself. Not being strong in math—remember, I taught English, not math—I identify strongly with these players. But the one thing my husband Brad and I have learned from 22 years of gambling in casinos, the last 16 playing VP with great financial success, is that you don’t have to be an egghead mathematician to be a knowledgeable gambler. Not that you don’t have to understand some basic math principles—you do. And the more math you can understand, the easier and quicker will be your walk up the VP path. However, so many resources today have figured out the math for you that all you have to do is study and apply the existing tools. This book shows you how to do that.
     Which brings me to introducing those who helped me write this book. In the background is Jim Wolf, my friend and the math and computer whiz who developed Frugal VP, the software that can help you overcome any concerns you may have about learning to play a math-based game. Beside me has been Viktor Nacht, skilled gambler and proprietor of RGE Publishing, whose technical contributions are invaluable for both the new and the experienced VP player. He provides practical computer lessons that make the text much easier for beginning players to understand and give them a chance to practice at home without putting any of their money at risk. His lessons teach the skills one concept at a time, so you can wend your way along the VP road at your own speed and as far as you wish to go. And perhaps most importantly, he keeps the humor going, whereas I tend to get too serious.
     I couldn’t have written this book without both Jim’s and Viktor’s assistance. They filled all the gaping holes when my computer and math skills came up short. So now, come along with us to explore the exciting world of video poker and learn how it can make your casino fun cost you less and last longer.

Description:
     Frugal Video Poker is the most comprehensive book ever written on practicing, playing, and winning at this popular casino game. Video poker is beatable when you know what pay schedules to look for and how to play when you find them. Whether you want to play for profit or merely make your money last longer in a casino, Frugal Video Poker will take you where you want to go.
     Beginners are walked through the basics, first learning to distinguish between good and bad paytables, then playing the strategies that maximize the machine’s potential. Players who already have some experience will discover crucial bridge concepts that lead to improved results. For experts, Frugal Video Poker covers special opportunities, such as tournaments, promotions, progressives, and the cutting-edge new games—an extensive resource section paves the way to advanced study.
     And everyone can benefit from the detailed lessons on how to use readily available video poker computer software to take the game to its highest level.

Reviews/Media Mentions:

Atlantic City Press, Casino City Times, Fun N' Games Magazine, The Press of Atlantic City, Southern Gaming & Destinations

"Frugal Video Poker belongs in every casino player's library."
—Southern California Gaming Guide