Pick Em Video Poker

by Gayle Mitchell

Pick Em Video Poker is one of my favorite VP versions and one of the reasons is that the pay schedule respects the straight flush hand with a higher return.

This VP game also rewards you with higher returns on all the winning hands in comparison to other Video Poker versions and you are paid for a pair of Nines or Better at the low end.

The game rules are very simple. The player is dealt two cards at the beginning of each hand that cannot be discarded during the play of this particular hand.

At the same time, two other cards are dealt to the right, each of which is a pile of three cards with only the top card showing.
The player then ‘picks’ one of the two piles of three card sets to complete the five-card hand.

But, which set of three do you choose?  Some strategy tips are provided below.

First, take a look at one of the most unusual Video Poker paytables (18/15) to be found beginning with a return of 2-1 for a pair of Nines or Better for a five coin maximum bet.
18/15 refers to an 18 coin return for a full-house when betting one-coin and 15 coin return for a flush. 

This simple game provides ‘something different’ in VP land, especially when you pick ‘em just right.

We have provided a paytable illustration below.

Overall Average Payback = 99.95%. 

Pick Em Strategy:
Once your four cards are dealt (two on the right and two piles of three to the left of the screen) and surveyed, you will then ask these questions before picking one of the two card sets.
Keep in mind that Nines or better pay and should influence your pick.
 

• Is there a pair with either pick?
• Is there two parts of a straight with either pick?
• Is there three parts of a straight with either pick?
• Is there two parts of a flush with either pick?
• Is there three parts of a flush with either pick?
• Is there three-of-a-kind with either pick on the way to 4-of-a-kind?
• Is there two parts of a straight flush with either pick?
• Is there three parts of a straight flush with either pick?
• Is there a two card Royal with either pick?
• Is there a three card Royal with either pick?
• If none of the above, it’s your pick and truly ‘the luck of the draw’.
  

  May all your VP choices turn out to be ‘Royalty’.

  Pick Em Video Poker is followed by All Aces-Super Aces
  OR
  
  Return to Learn Video Poker Program