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Video Poker Trainer

Video Poker Trainer

by appstorelottery·Mar 31, 2026·3 points·2 comments

AI Analysis

●●SolidNiche GemCozy

Retro CRT trainer auto-highlights mathematically optimal plays from academic research.

Strengths
  • Cites specific academic source (Ethier's Doctrine of Chances) for strategy validation.
  • Auto-scrolling trainer highlights best moves in real-time during gameplay.
  • 25-step priority list covers edge cases most trainers skip.
Weaknesses
  • Only supports 9/6 Jacks or Better, not popular variants like Bonus Poker.
  • Video poker trainers already exist (WinPoker, Video Poker for Winners).
Category
Target Audience

Video poker players, gambling strategy enthusiasts

Similar To

WinPoker · Video Poker for Winners

Post Description

I've created a trainer for video poker based on the 99.54% RTP strategy as outlined in "The Doctrine of Chances" by Steward N. Ethier (p 554 table 17.5). Apparently the maximum RTP for video poker wasn't proven until 2010, which is astonishing to me given the game has been in the wild since 1979. Note this is a strategy for classic 9/6 Jacks or Better (Full Pay) - it does not apply to popular variants which followed.

A full "cycle" in video poker from the house perspective is regarded as around 13k hands played (in which case you should see a royal flush). What I can see from the general public playing video poker over 18,471 hands is that the global RTP is 94.29% - which means the vast majority of players are using a sub-optimal strategy. This also means that 9/6 Jacks or Better was/is likely a very profitable game for land based casinos back in the day.

Looking forward to any feedback!

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