Video poker is a game with a comparatively small house edge. In its best (and scarce) variations, the player can even get an advantage over the casino. Of course, this is only possible if you follow a basic strategy. But does it mean that you can win every time you gamble? Not.
Most video pokers have pretty high volatility. You should consider this parameter when you choose a game.
What Is Video Poker Volatility?
Volatility, or variance, is a deviation from the theoretical return to the player.
To some extent, you can call it luck. In other words, even if you play according to the optimal strategy, it does not mean you won't lose all your money or become the owner of a big win.
So, some types of video poker have higher volatility than others. It does not mean they are worse because the variance is not the same as the payout percentage. It's just that the probability of winning or losing large amounts is higher than in games with more minor variances.
Why Is Video Poker Variance Important?
Understanding volatility helps you win. No one can predict, for example, when the top winning combination will bring you a large payment. Nevertheless, considering this factor is essential to get most of the game.
Imagine that you have a small bankroll but want to play video poker a little longer.
- If you choose a game with high variance, you risk quickly leaving without money.
- On the other hand, long played on the slot with low dispersion may seem tedious because frequent small payments make you feel you struggle on the ground.
Thus, video poker with low volatility is better for inexperienced players with a small bankroll, and varieties with high levels of variance will be more enjoyable for players who are well versed in the game's nuances.
How to Choose Video Poker by Its Volatility
Of course, choosing video poker with the most suitable variance would be much easier if game producers provided the information on this parameter. Unfortunately, most of them do not offer this data.
Therefore it is necessary to estimate the variance by examining the paytable, RTP, and other characteristics.
For example, you might know Jacks or Better (house edge of about 99.5%) and Double Bonus (house edge of nearly 100%) by Microgaming. If you compare their paytables, you'll notice that the multipliers for the most valuable poker combinations are much higher in Double Bonus.
If you play these video pokers for some time, you will notice that poker combinations appear much more frequently in Jacks or Better. This means the volatility is lower than in Double Bonus, where payouts are significant but combinations are rare.
Of course, all these calculations are approximate, but they will help you select a type of video poker, more suitable for your playing style and bankroll.
