Video poker made its entry in the 1970s. It has proven to be a popular form of gaming. Video poker offers players the opportunity to gamble with anonymity, skill and a relatively low "house" advantage.
The objective of video poker is to achieve a winning combination of cards. The player firstly chooses how much to bet on the game. The machine then presents the player with 5 cards. The player chooses which cards, if any, to keep and discards the remaining cards. The machine then replaces the discarded cards with new ones.
The payout schedule displays the machines winning combinations and the values for each combination. These values vary according to the credit bet.
If the player's last hand of cards form a winning combination, the player is awarded an amount corresponding with this combination and the number of coins bet.
Some machines give players the opportunity to win even more credit, by allowing them to bet their winnings and original bet using a secondary betting system.
There are various forms of video poker, such as 'Jacks or better', 'Aces Faces', 'Deuces Wild' and 'Joker Wild'. Each is said to have varying rules and strategies.
Basic video poker winning combinations
Below is a list of common video poker winning combinations. Some video poker games incorporate other combinations also.
Royal Flush
A Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace, all in the same suite.
Straight Flush
5 cards in sequence and in the same suite.
4 of a Kind
4 cards of the same rank and in any suite + 1 unmatched card.
Full House
3 cards of the same rank and in any suite + 2 cards of the same rank and in any suite.
Flush
5 cards of any rank and in the same suite.
Straight
5 cards in sequence and in any suite.
3 of a Kind
3 cards of the same rank and in any suite + 2 unmatched cards.
2 Pairs
2 cards of the same rank and in any suite + 2 other cards of the same rank and in any suite + 1 unmatched card.
1 Pair
2 cards of the same rank and in any suite + 3 unmatched cards.
'JACKS OR BETTER' VIDEO POKER TIPS
This form of video poker generally requires a minimal winning combination of 2 'Jacks'. Always check the machine's payout schedule to confirm this.
Ensure you understand the payout schedule prior to deciding whether to bet and how much to bet on each game. Try to compare different machines and see if any offer a higher payout rate for certain winning combinations, such as for 'full house' or 'flush'.
Generally, it seems more beneficial to bet the maximum amount of credit on each game. The jackpot for a 'Royal Flush' combination, for example, is only awarded if the player has bet the maximum number of coins. The problem, however, is that this has the potential to quickly exhaust your wallet. With this in mind, find a machine that best suits your budget. A quarter machine may suit your budget more so than a dollar machine, for example.
If your initial hand of cards does not contain a winning combination but contains a 'Jack', 'Queen', 'King' or 'Ace', it may be worthwhile holding onto this card and discarding the other four.
If your initial hand does not contain a winning combination but shows the potential to give you one should you hold certain cards and discard others, consider the probability of obtaining certain combinations versus other combinations.
If your initial hand does not contain a winning combination and seems to hold no promise of one should you hold any cards, consider discarding all 5 cards. The next lot of 5 cards have the potential to give you a winning combination.
If your initial hand contains a winning combination, it is generally less risky to hold on to the cards that form this winning combination than to not do this in the hope of obtaining a higher winning combination. This is probably a question of guaranteed returns versus possibly higher returns that are NOT guaranteed.
If your initial hand contains a '4 of a kind' combination, hold onto all cards as changing the unmatching card will not improve your winning combination.
If your initial hand contains 4 cards needed to achieve a 'Royal Flush' or 'Straight Flush' but you need one more card to achieve this winning combination, SERIOUSLY CONSIDER holding onto these four cards and discarding the non-matching card. 'Royal Flush' and 'Straight Flush' combinations are most rewarding.
If your initial hand contains 4 cards needed to achieve a 'Straight' or 'Flush' but you need one more card to achieve this winning combination, consider holding onto these four cards and discarding the non-matching card. 'Straight' and 'Flush' combinations are relatively rewarding.
Recognize when a jackpot (large value) has been won. Some machines will ask you to call an attendant who will organize payment to you. Never handle or walk away from a machine that has just produced a jackpot winning. Call the attendant or have someone call him/her for you while you wait at the machine.
Find out if the venue you intend to play at offers other incentives, such as points, meals, accommodation, etc., that goes with your game play. This however doesn't mean that you should play purely for these secondary benefits.
Practice your strategy for free using a video poker simulator. Many online casinos offer free game play.
Try to recognize when your luck may have changed. There are many examples of people winning significantly then "getting greedy", so to speak, and losing everything.
Make sure you empty the machine of your credit prior to leaving it. Each year, people accidentally abandon machines that still have their credit inside.
Assign a budget for the day's play. If the budget is lost, you will know when to leave the casino.
Don't bet more than you can afford to lose.
http://add-articles.com/Article/Video-Poker--Jacks-or-Better--Tips/72616
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
General Rules For Playing Blackjack
The game of Blackjack takes a lot of knowledge on when to hit, when to stand, and when to double, take insurance, or split a pair into two hands. This can mean the difference between playing blindly and losing or playing smart with a strategy and winning. There are simple rules to the game that are very easy to follow.
In Blackjack you and the dealer start with two cards. Yours will be face up and the casino dealer will have one face up and one face down. You are allowed to hit until you are comfortable with your number or until you bust. This is also the time when you decide to double, take insurance, or split a pair. After that time it is then the casino dealer’s turn. They can hit until they have beat you or until they bust. You then take your earnings, or not, based on who had the best hand.
You may double after you receive your first two cards. If you choose this, you are only allowed one more card, no more. The dealer, however, can continue to hit to try and beat you.
You may take insurance before the game starts if you see that the dealer’s showing card is an Ace. You are really betting against yourself because you are betting on the dealer having Blackjack. So if they do have Blackjack, you lose the hand but win something for taking insurance. If they do not have Blackjack then you lose what you bet on insurance, but win if you have a better hand than the dealer. You may also split if you are dealt a pair.
Blackjack is a game of luck and skill. There are several gambling choices and sometimes, as with insurance, you can win even if you lose. Knowing the rules and tips on when to hit and stand will help you become a better player and maybe even a winner.
http://add-articles.com/Article/General-Rules-For-Playing-Blackjack/73459
In Blackjack you and the dealer start with two cards. Yours will be face up and the casino dealer will have one face up and one face down. You are allowed to hit until you are comfortable with your number or until you bust. This is also the time when you decide to double, take insurance, or split a pair. After that time it is then the casino dealer’s turn. They can hit until they have beat you or until they bust. You then take your earnings, or not, based on who had the best hand.
You may double after you receive your first two cards. If you choose this, you are only allowed one more card, no more. The dealer, however, can continue to hit to try and beat you.
You may take insurance before the game starts if you see that the dealer’s showing card is an Ace. You are really betting against yourself because you are betting on the dealer having Blackjack. So if they do have Blackjack, you lose the hand but win something for taking insurance. If they do not have Blackjack then you lose what you bet on insurance, but win if you have a better hand than the dealer. You may also split if you are dealt a pair.
Blackjack is a game of luck and skill. There are several gambling choices and sometimes, as with insurance, you can win even if you lose. Knowing the rules and tips on when to hit and stand will help you become a better player and maybe even a winner.
http://add-articles.com/Article/General-Rules-For-Playing-Blackjack/73459
General Rules For Playing Roulette
Roulette is a very simple game to play. There is little to the game after bets are placed, besides that the wheel is spun and you win by where the ball lands. Most of the rules involve the actual betting that goes on in the game.
There are certain things that you can bet on, these include:
Single numbers up to 36 with a 35 to 1 payout
On a line, which bets on two numbers at once, with a 17 to 1 payout
On a row, with an 11 to 1 payout
On a corner, with an 8 to 1 payout
Two rows, with a 5 to 1 payout
1st 12 (numbers 1-12), 2nd 12 (numbers 13-24), or 3rd 12 (numbers 25-36), with a 2 to 1 payout
1-18 or 19-36 collectively, with an 1 to 1 payout
Red or black, with a 1 to 1 payout
Even or odd, with a 1 to 1 payout
Your payout is based on where you had placed your bet and it is always wise to keep your bets with each other. For example, bet on 12, red, and even instead of 12, black, and odd. This keeps you from being your own opponent because to win, you also have to lose.
Roulette is a very simple casino game once you know how to place your bet. Gambling on it can be confusing at first but, once you get the hang of it, can be exciting due to the various ways you can place your bets on each round. Deciding on a betting strategy can even be half the fun!
http://add-articles.com/Article/General-Rules-For-Playing-Roulette/74346
There are certain things that you can bet on, these include:
Single numbers up to 36 with a 35 to 1 payout
On a line, which bets on two numbers at once, with a 17 to 1 payout
On a row, with an 11 to 1 payout
On a corner, with an 8 to 1 payout
Two rows, with a 5 to 1 payout
1st 12 (numbers 1-12), 2nd 12 (numbers 13-24), or 3rd 12 (numbers 25-36), with a 2 to 1 payout
1-18 or 19-36 collectively, with an 1 to 1 payout
Red or black, with a 1 to 1 payout
Even or odd, with a 1 to 1 payout
Your payout is based on where you had placed your bet and it is always wise to keep your bets with each other. For example, bet on 12, red, and even instead of 12, black, and odd. This keeps you from being your own opponent because to win, you also have to lose.
Roulette is a very simple casino game once you know how to place your bet. Gambling on it can be confusing at first but, once you get the hang of it, can be exciting due to the various ways you can place your bets on each round. Deciding on a betting strategy can even be half the fun!
http://add-articles.com/Article/General-Rules-For-Playing-Roulette/74346
Good Old Arcade Machine Games
Do you remember the good old arcade machine days?
You know, the ones you could play for just 20 cents or 40 cents at the very most?
You’d jump on your bike or catch a bus and head down to your local arcade center. There’d be loads of machines just waiting to be played: Pacman(TM), Space-Invaders(TM), Galaga(TM) and many more. “Ooh, what’s this new game?”
All you needed were a couple of dollars and you could be playing for ages. Sure, the graphics and sound effects were not as high-tech as those produced by today’s machines, but did anyone care?
Those games and many others rated tops on the addiction scale. One of my personal favourites was Galaga(TM). It’s an early 80’s alien shoot-em-up I was hooked on.
Home computers were not very common back in those days. Playing your favourite arcade game on a home computer was not always possible. Even if it was, the quality of the home computer version was sometimes not as good as that of the arcade version.
Things are very different today. The home computer is much more sophisticated. Software has evolved several hundred-fold. The Internet as we know it has come into being. People can now play classic and newer arcade games, as well as sports games, board games and much more at home and for free.
http://add-articles.com/Article/Good-Old-Arcade-Machine-Games/74436
You know, the ones you could play for just 20 cents or 40 cents at the very most?
You’d jump on your bike or catch a bus and head down to your local arcade center. There’d be loads of machines just waiting to be played: Pacman(TM), Space-Invaders(TM), Galaga(TM) and many more. “Ooh, what’s this new game?”
All you needed were a couple of dollars and you could be playing for ages. Sure, the graphics and sound effects were not as high-tech as those produced by today’s machines, but did anyone care?
Those games and many others rated tops on the addiction scale. One of my personal favourites was Galaga(TM). It’s an early 80’s alien shoot-em-up I was hooked on.
Home computers were not very common back in those days. Playing your favourite arcade game on a home computer was not always possible. Even if it was, the quality of the home computer version was sometimes not as good as that of the arcade version.
Things are very different today. The home computer is much more sophisticated. Software has evolved several hundred-fold. The Internet as we know it has come into being. People can now play classic and newer arcade games, as well as sports games, board games and much more at home and for free.
http://add-articles.com/Article/Good-Old-Arcade-Machine-Games/74436
Lineage 2 Popular Online Game Meets Sci-Fi
Lineage 2 is a highly rewarding massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), introduced by NCSoft Korea. Since its launching on October 1, 2003, Lineage 2 continues to enthrall the players from all over the world, with its strong graphic drive coupled with detailed as well as vast environment. Lineage 2 is the sequel to the Lineage – the reigning subscription winner in the MMORPG world. Further, the game is credited to be one of the only few games that avoid such problems as lack of variety and disequilibrium primarily when a race becomes dominant in relation to another. However for playing the game, there are certain minimum system requirements such as Pentium 3 800MHz or better, RAM with a capacity higher than 256M, GeForce2 or better 3D Graphics card, 56K Internet Connection, and HDD space of 8GB.
Lineage 2 is designed in such a way that it should be played from the point of view of a third person. Once the game is started, you are taken to the amazing world of Adena where Player versus Player combat is constant. You are given option to choose from any of the five fantasy races, such as, the dark elves, humans, dwarves, elves, and orcs, each with its own class trees, which in turn enables players to alter their character appearance. The selection of race not only tests the players’ ability but also the way they will later develop or advance in the game. All of the races are great for combat, but dwarves differ significantly from the others and they are the only race possessing crafting skills. Additionally, players can decide between two starting classes; fighter or a spell caster. Fighters can use weapons, and the other, as the name indicates, use spells.
Movements involved in the game are accomplished by either pointing or clicking. But, in order to play the game, you must have a clear idea on RPG. One of the worth mentioning features of Lineage 2 is the use of Soulshots and Spiritshots, which play the role of a weapon or a spell for a single bow. Another unique feature involved in this game is grinding level. Above all, the game’s GUI is amazingly clean and utilizes screen space very proficiently. Lineage 2 is also renowned for its character models, particularly female characters which take after beauty pageant. Other relevant features of the game are class advancement and specialization; large variety of in-game events for players to cooperate in; advanced graphic engine; no zoning and hence one big world; castle sieges; political as well as economic systems; simple interface as well as easy to learn game structure; and clan housing and castles.
However, in order to attain success, Lineage 2 involves the application of certain weapons such as arrows, healing potions, and soulshots, which can be acquired through its purchase via Lineage 2 Adena. Lineage 2 Adena is the currency considered invaluable in Lineage 2. But farming cheap L2 Adena is not an easy task. It mostly comes from such sources as quests, monsters, and other players. Selling items to players is regarded as one of the best ways to gather plenty of Lineage 2 Adena, since many of the weapons applied in the game may be of high price in the private stores. Popular ways to buy Lineage 2 Adena also include farming weapons from quests or monsters and selling it to vendors. Another great way to earn Lineage Adena 2 is through clans by taxing the surrounding lands if they own a castle in the area. But, it is recommended not to buy Lineage 2 Adena from NPC merchants.
There is a limit to what words could convey. So, in order to get the true feel of Lineage 2 Adena, try competing in one of the races and don the various character colors. Real time gaming helps you to learn and understand the game better.
http://add-articles.com/Article/Lineage-2---Popular-Online-Game-Meets-Sci-Fi/74570
Lineage 2 is designed in such a way that it should be played from the point of view of a third person. Once the game is started, you are taken to the amazing world of Adena where Player versus Player combat is constant. You are given option to choose from any of the five fantasy races, such as, the dark elves, humans, dwarves, elves, and orcs, each with its own class trees, which in turn enables players to alter their character appearance. The selection of race not only tests the players’ ability but also the way they will later develop or advance in the game. All of the races are great for combat, but dwarves differ significantly from the others and they are the only race possessing crafting skills. Additionally, players can decide between two starting classes; fighter or a spell caster. Fighters can use weapons, and the other, as the name indicates, use spells.
Movements involved in the game are accomplished by either pointing or clicking. But, in order to play the game, you must have a clear idea on RPG. One of the worth mentioning features of Lineage 2 is the use of Soulshots and Spiritshots, which play the role of a weapon or a spell for a single bow. Another unique feature involved in this game is grinding level. Above all, the game’s GUI is amazingly clean and utilizes screen space very proficiently. Lineage 2 is also renowned for its character models, particularly female characters which take after beauty pageant. Other relevant features of the game are class advancement and specialization; large variety of in-game events for players to cooperate in; advanced graphic engine; no zoning and hence one big world; castle sieges; political as well as economic systems; simple interface as well as easy to learn game structure; and clan housing and castles.
However, in order to attain success, Lineage 2 involves the application of certain weapons such as arrows, healing potions, and soulshots, which can be acquired through its purchase via Lineage 2 Adena. Lineage 2 Adena is the currency considered invaluable in Lineage 2. But farming cheap L2 Adena is not an easy task. It mostly comes from such sources as quests, monsters, and other players. Selling items to players is regarded as one of the best ways to gather plenty of Lineage 2 Adena, since many of the weapons applied in the game may be of high price in the private stores. Popular ways to buy Lineage 2 Adena also include farming weapons from quests or monsters and selling it to vendors. Another great way to earn Lineage Adena 2 is through clans by taxing the surrounding lands if they own a castle in the area. But, it is recommended not to buy Lineage 2 Adena from NPC merchants.
There is a limit to what words could convey. So, in order to get the true feel of Lineage 2 Adena, try competing in one of the races and don the various character colors. Real time gaming helps you to learn and understand the game better.
http://add-articles.com/Article/Lineage-2---Popular-Online-Game-Meets-Sci-Fi/74570
Monday, January 29, 2007
Slot Machines Online A Glimpse at 5 New Microgaming Slot Machine Games
Microgaming is the major software provider for the online gambling industry. Over the past two years, Microgaming has launched over 100 new casino games, including more than 50 slot machines. Each of these new slot games has its own unique theme, ranging from chocolate to dinosaurs. This article summarizes 5 of Microgaming's newest slot games, including Big Kahuna, Tunzamunni, Tomb Raider, Ladies Nite, and Gift Wrap.
Big Kahuna is a 5-reel, 9-pay-line video slot machine with a jungle theme. Big Kahuna accepts coins from 1¢ up to $1.00. One or more Big Kahuna symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. One symbol pays out $2, two symbols pay out $10, three symbols pay out $200, four symbols pay out $1,000, and all five Big Kahuna symbols pay out $8,000.
Tunzamunni is a 3-reel, single pay-line progressive slot. Its jackpot starts at $10,000 and sometimes goes above $100,000. With a maximum bet of just 25¢, Tunzamunni is an ideal game for low rollers. You win the Tunzamunni jackpot by playing the maximum bet of 25¢ and by hitting a White, Red, and Blue Seven (in that exact order) on the pay-line.
Introduced in October, 2004, Tomb Raider is probably the most successful online slot machine game to date. Tomb Raider's success is partly due to its association with the popular computer game, The Tomb Raider Series. Tomb Raider is a 5-reel, 15-pay-line video slot machine with a science fiction theme. You enter into a world of lost treasures and the "irreplaceable" Lara Croft. Two or more Tomb Raider symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. Two symbols pay out $5, three symbols pay out $200, four symbols pay out $2,000, and all five Tomb Raider symbols pay out $7,500.
Ladies Nite is a 5-reel, 9-pay-line video slot machine that appeals to the ladies. Its theme is fun and fashion. You enter into a world of hunky waiters, pina coladas, and glittering dance floors. Two or more Glitterball symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. Two symbols pay out $10, three symbols pay out $200, four symbols pay out $2,000, and all five Glitterball symbols pay out $10,000.
Gift Rap is a 5-reel, 25-pay-line video slot machine with a traditional Christmas theme. There are plenty of elves, spinning tops, teddy bears, and music boxes. Two or more Wild Bauble symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. Two symbols pay out $3, three symbols pay out $50, four symbols pay out $500, and all five Wild Bauble symbols pay out $6,000.
Whether you play slots online or blackjack in Vegas, remember to only gamble with the money that you can afford to lose. Decide beforehand how much you wish to spend, and don't exceed your spending limit should you lose. Never gamble when you are tired or irritable. Finally, have fun and quit while you are ahead. By following these simple rules of gambling, your casino experience will be more fun-filled and enjoyable.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Slot-Machines-Online:-A-Glimpse-at-5-New-Microgaming-Slot-Machine-Games&id=350502
MMORPGs Player Versus Player
PVP stands for player versus player and is a part of the end game for many MMORPGs currently on the market. Player versus player combat allows players to compete against other players in duels or team warfare.
Player versus player in MMORPGs cant be compared to the FPS counterpart (counterstrike, quake etc) as it is not twitch based combat. Player skill in pvp is defined by awareness and knowledge of the character the player controls (abilties, spells etc). PVP is not entirely up to the player's skill as its results are also defined by the items the character wears.
The most argued issue of pvp in mmorpgs is the balance issue. On the one side you dont want any sort of class or skill combo to be more powerful than others, as that would give an unfair advantage to the people playing that class. On the other hand you do not want to end up with all classes feeling the same. Gladly mmorpgs are very team/group oriented games, and as soon as we distance ourselves from the need to be a solo hero slaying everything in our sight we can counter the balance issues by grouping up with other players. Somewhat at least.
A healer does not need to do the same amount of damage as a mage, a healer should heal. Having group based pvp allows that to happen. The problem is, everyone wants to dish out the damage once in a while and so players will complain either way.
A second issue of player versus player combat in mmorpgs is the pve vs pvp balance. In my opinion there is no way to balance those two against each other successfully and still have a fun game. PVE players play to advance their characters and gain powerful items. Powerful items will give them an unfair advantage in pvp against those players that spend the majority of the time enjoying the pvp content. In my opinion pve and pvp parts of the game need to be separated or the focus needs to be put exclusively on one part.
When I say separated i mean it. Could have two roads of character advancement, one for pvp and one for pve. Items gained while doing pve content only work against pve content and vice versa. Have a ranking system for the pvp road that awards the player with items as they gain rank. This would solve the item balance issues. But there is still the skill , spell issue, that needs to be balanced for both pve and pvp as well.
Maybe its just time we stop over analyzing the games we play and just play them for the ... you know ... whats the word ... fun ... for the fun of it. Then the developers could spend their precious time focusing on other aspects than reaching 100% character balance.
http://ezinearticles.com/?MMORPGs:-Player-Versus-Player&id=340844
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)