It is a practice among casinos to lure new customers and to reward existing ones for their loyalty by holding tournaments on a periodical basis. These tournaments may encompass not only video poker but a number of casino games. Some of the tourneys may require a participation fee, while others are usually free of charge to the most loyal visitors of the particular casino.
In case there is no charge involved, players may lose only their time. If, however, there is a fee, a player needs to weigh out what the tournament will cost and what benefits may be obtained by participating in it.
A glance at the casual tournament
Video poker tournaments are usually conducted for 1-2 days, while no cash or coins are used. Each participant usually plays in one or more short sessions, each approximately 15 minutes in duration. An identical number of credits are provided to every player at the beginning of every session. Tournaments usually feature video poker machines with pay tables, which are specially adjusted for the respective event, and specific ”tournament chips”.
On the screen of each machine one is able to find the following:
- Session Timer, which tracks how much time remains from the current play session;
- Credit Countdown, which tracks how many credits remain for play;
- Win Counter, which visualizes all the points a player managed to accumulate throughout the play session. It adds the points for every winning combination but does not deduct the points for losing hands.
The participant, who managed to obtain the largest number of points during all of their play sessions, will be announced a tournament winner. A curious moment to note is that participants do not cash in their credits.
Tournaments do not reward everybody
Video poker tournaments are usually meant to offer rewards for between 25% and 50% of participants. When an entry fee is involved, a number of players are able to break even at least, while, at times, even score a small profit. It is common for tourney participants to receive complimentary meals and small gifts (mugs, t-shirts, etc). As for the winner’s prize, they are usually awarded from one to a few thousand US dollars in cash, while at times, the prize may be as large as $20 000-25 000.
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Anyone who feels confident in their video poker skills and considers themself up to the challenge may join a tournament. If the goal is to win and not just to compete, they will need to play as quickly and as accurately as possible. In order to prepare for the event, one needs to obtain a copy of the rules and the pay table in advance. This way they will be able to set their computer tutorial program and begin practicing from the comfort of home. As tournaments run at a fast pace, one needs to be very well acquainted with their playing strategy in order to make smart and timely decisions! As speed pays off, one should strive to get in as many hands as possible in every session.
If possible, one needs to arrive at the casino earlier and watch a session being played at the moment in order to obtain knowledge of the whole process and, of course, boost their confidence.
Another useful tip for when one participates in a speed tournament; they should consider playing with both hands instead of one finger only. The touch screen should not be used, as it is far too slow. If one practices playing with both hands before the tournament, they will manage to develop the mental and motor skills required to play more swiftly. In tournaments, players with vast experience have a huge edge, because a key factor in fast play is to discern patterns and make timely decisions. A seasoned video poker player will look at a hand and understand, for example, that a choice is to be made between two cards to a Royal Flush and four cards to a Flush. For a beginner drawing such a conclusion will certainly take a longer time. Years of playing is the only way to enhance.
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