Pick ‘Em Poker
By Gayle Mitchell

This time, we bring you Pick ‘Em Poker, one of the very few VP versions that respect the straight flush hand with a higher return.
This game also rewards you with higher returns on all the winning hands in comparison to other VP versions and you are paid for a pair of Nines or Better at the low end.
The rules are very simple. The player is dealt two cards that remain constant and cannot be discarded.

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 do you choose?  Some strategy tips are provided below.
First, take a look at one of the most unusual VP pay schedules to be found beginning with a return of 2-1 for a pair of Nines or Better for a five coin maximum bet.
Although, the overall payback at 99.95% is lower than All-American Poker, this simple game provides ‘something different’ in VP land, especially when you pick ‘em just right.

We have provided a Pick ‘Em Poker pay-schedule illustration below.

Pay Schedule - Pick ‘Em Poker - 18/15            one-coin return          max. coin return
  
Pair-- Nines or Better                                       pays  2-1                   10 coins
Two pair (2 PR)                                               pays  3-1                   15 coins
Three-of-a-kind (3/kind)                                   pays  5-1                   25 coins
Straight (ST) (sequence, not same suit)              pays 11-1                  55 coins
Flush (FL) (non-sequential, same suit)                 pays 15-1                  75 coins
Full house (FH) (3 of a kind and a pair)                pays 18-1                  90 coins
Four-of-a-kind (any quad)                                 pays 120-1               600 coins
Straight flush (SF) (in sequence, same suit)                                      1199 coins
Royal flush (RF) (with max. coins)                                                    6000 coins
Overall Average Payback = 99.95%.

Strategy: Once your four cards are dealt 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 this selection is truly ‘the luck of the draw’.

Until next we meet, may all your VP choices turn out to be ‘royalty’.

(Gayle Mitchell is author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, E-Books, booklets & Slots Trilogy. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)