Video Poker (Bob Dancer stuff? Playing for comp value)

[JKDStudent]

I've looked through the past couple of months of posts here, and while I've seen several video poker posts, I haven't seen anything that addresses my specific questions. That being said...

I live in South Jersey and am within an hour of AC. I generally won't go down unless I'm staying the night, but I'm also not yet playing poker of a high enough limit to justify spending money on rooms.

Harrah's gives comps like there's no tomorrow, and I would love to get a Borgata Black Label (but that would take A LOT of play). I'd like to play video poker at break even (or even SLIGHTLY below) solely for getting comped rooms, and to a lesser extent cashback and general comp dollars.

Does anyone have any experience with the Bob Dancer training software and strategy guides/cards? I've checked out the Wizard of Odds, and it actually doesn't seem too difficult, which doesn't seem like it should be right. I've got no problem sitting at a machine for a few hours here and there to build up some comps, but I want to know how I can get the most out of my time.

Advice? For what it's worth, my play would be at Harrah's and/or Borgata, if anyone wants to check out what's available there specifically. Link for clicking ease

Thanks.

[playersare]

if you read the VPfree east coast forums you'll see that a lot of the regulars grind their comps at Borgata. technically, any casino in AC with a decent number of 9/6 JoB machines should suffice (Trump Plaza and Sands should also have decent selection, as well as Bally's with their Pick Em machines and the aptly-titled "Gold Room").

the casinos owned by Harrah's corporation (also the Showboat) have a reputation for poor paytables. there is currently only a smattering of $1 and up JoB machines at Harrah's AC right now, and a bank of DBDJ quarters which have very difficult play strategy and high variance - I wouldn't start there as a beginner. Showboat also had nothing better than 8/5 jacks for a long time...BUT with the recent House of Blues expansion came a bunch of brand new 9/6 machines to attract new customers. if VIP comp status is what you seek, it will be a LOT easier to reach Total Rewards Platinum ($30,000 VP coin-in) or even Diamond ($100,000) than it would to get Borgata Black ($300,000). one strategy that has worked in the past is to get a premium players card from a smaller casino, and then take that over to the Borg and ask for a Black upgrade on the spot. then you can be double mackin'.

also note that with the Harrah's properties, you don't usually have to "earn" your free room during your stay - they will usually just give it to you upfront just for showing up, as long as you book online and the computer says you're eligible. of course you should earn some points while you're there to show good faith, but I'd be surprised if you ever have to pay for a room Sunday-Thursday at Harrah's or Showboat, or more than $125 on Saturday.

as for software, Bob Dancer's WinPoker is pretty much the gold standard (though Jean Scott's Frugal VP I heard ain't bad either). books like the American Casino Guide (Steve Bourie) and Video Poker - Optimum Play (Dan Paymar) will also help you become a Jacks or Better expert, and truthfully that may be the only VP game you will ever need to learn for the purposes you laid out. unfortunately, NJ and CT are not really good for Deuces Wild, and most of the Joker and Bonus varieties usually do not offer enough of a higher advantage to offset the higher variance and learning curve.

[JKDStudent]

Many many thanks. This is exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for.

[ChipWrecked]

I've used the WinPoker software for several years. You'd be surprised how many mathematical errors you can make even when you think you have a game down.

One thing to keep in mind is that VP variance is crushing. Pros are playing from royal to royal and might hit two a year playing full time. Thinking you are going to play 'break even' is very optimistic. You have to look at the value of your comps to offset the downswings.

Always play full coin. And look hard at those pay tables. I'm not familiar with AC, but in Vegas and Reno the pay tables vary wildly even in the same area at the same coin amount. Do not play bad payout machines, the variance is bad enough.

On the good side comp wise, you are just another slot player, so that's a plus.

Good luck!