Enjoying Video Poker (without losing your shirt)

About the Book

Enjoying Video Poker...

Stan Hendricks, who has never played a serious game of table poker, has nevertheless been able to parlay his engineering background, analytical mind and years of experience with computer spreadsheets into the development of a really simple method that enables anyone...expert or novice...to "play the odds" and maximize the likelihood of success in playing video poker.

This book will show you, among other things, why...

• A casino can afford to offer nearly 100% payoff.
• It's usually better to hold a Jack than an Ace.
• Four cards of a flush is a better bet than an outside straight.
• Betting the maximum coins doesn't always give you better odds.
• A low pair is better to hold than a whole bunch of other options that might seem at first glance to be more desirable.
• Sometimes it may be worthwhile to "take a flyer" at a big winner even though the odds say otherwise.
• Your chances of getting an honest deal are pretty good.
• The cards you discard can affect the value of the cards you hold.
• You may have a better chance at a royal flush or high pair on the draw than you did on the deal.
• "Playing the odds" doesn't reduce your chance at a royal flush by very much.
• An inexpensive pocket game may be one of your best investments.
• Played expertly, video poker can offer a better rate of return than many other casino games; this book could pay for itself and then some in your first session!

This book is not just theory; results have been carefully documented in 25,000 hands and further supported by several hundred thousand hands played for fun on one of the pocket games. Graphs compare dramatically the results of cautious or reckless play. Tables are provided that help you decide which game is best for you and how to play it for best results. Even if you are not interested in video poker, this book is entertaining reading, and the information it contains can really help you enjoy the game...

(...without losing your shirt!)

About the Author

Born in Portland, Oregon, Stan Hendricks grew up in Klamath Falls where he was active in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed playing the clarinet and saxophone. After completing one year at Oregon State College, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve and served two years as Electronic Technician's Mate. Hendricks then returned to college, and graduated with a BS degree in mechanical engineering.

In 1952, the author married a wonderful woman named June and together they have four children. Hendricks has worked for 53 years as a senior estimator and project manager at Scott Company, a leading mechanical contractor. He enjoys camping, hiking, photography, music and reading.