Artificial Intelligence

Do Video Poker Machines Have It?

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in many computer and video console games, but do video poker machines have similar artificial intelligence features programmed into them?

Many players who lose consistently swear that this must be the case. They often complain that the machines seem to be going out of their way to tease and taunt them – for example, by dealing the card they really needed on the previous hand on the very next hand, instead of when they actually wanted it.

The truth is that video poker machines don’t work like that. Although a poker machine is operated by a computer, it is not programmed to think of mischievous ways of emptying your wallet. It is programmed to shuffle the deck, deal five random cards on the screen and then wait for you to choose which ones you want to keep and which ones you want to discard. When you have done that, the software deals random cards to replace the ones you have discarded. Your final hand is then evaluated to see if it has won and, if it has, the appropriate payout is made.

If the card you so badly needed on the last hand is dealt on the very next hand, this isn’t a sign that the machine is out to get you. It is simply coincidence – although we admit that it can be a very frustrating one.

The good news is that, because a video poker machine is totally indifferent to the person who is playing, you have just as much opportunity to win as anyone else. And if you play good basic strategy you can actually have a better chance than players who rely on blind luck. In some cases – for example, if you’re playing 9/6 Jacks, full-pay Deuces Wild or 10/7 Double Bonus games – you can reduce the house edge altogether and possible even tips the odds slightly in your favour if you adopt perfect strategy and play the maximum number of coins.

So, the next time you’re tempted to think that the online video poker machine you are playing has artificial intelligence, think again. You’re probably just having a run of bad luck, and if you think your frustrations will affect your play, you should consider taking a break. The machines will still be there when you calm down, and your luck will hopefully be better when you return.

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