The Rise of Advantage Play and Authors
The history of video poker is distinct from slot machines due to a critical element: skill. This single factor allowed for the development of Advantage Play (AP)—mathematically derived strategies that could tip the odds in the player's favor.
The Pioneer: Lenny Frome
Lenny Frome laid the foundation for video poker strategy in the 1970s and 1980s. A mathematician and actuary, Frome applied rigorous analysis to calculate the first strategies for Jacks or Better.
His work established the fundamental truth: video poker could be solved. Unlike slot machines, where outcomes were opaque, video poker's use of a standard 52-card deck meant every probability could be calculated.
The 1990s Technical Refinement
Dan Paymar
Dan Paymar advanced Frome's work with more sophisticated analysis:
The Software Revolution
The rise of personal computing enabled a new era of analysis. Stanford Wong and Dean Zamzow led the software revolution:
WinPoker and Video Poker for Winners
These programs allowed players to:
For the first time, perfect play was achievable for dedicated students of the game.
The Golden Age: Dancer and Scott
The late 1990s and early 2000s represented a "Golden Age" of Advantage Play, led by two distinct but complementary figures.
Bob Dancer: The Technical Master
Bob Dancer exemplified high-stakes technical play:
Dancer proved that the mathematics worked in practice, not just theory. His success inspired thousands to study the game seriously.
Jean Scott: The Frugal Gambler
Jean Scott demonstrated a different path to advantage:
Scott's approach recognized that the game extended beyond the machine—the entire casino ecosystem could be exploited.
The Total Return Equation
The Scott approach revealed a powerful truth: a 99.54% game becomes profitable when combined with casino incentives:
The Over 100% Machines
Some machines offered inherent advantages:
These "Full Pay" archetypes returned more than wagered over an infinite timeline, provided perfect play. Casinos hosted them as loss leaders, knowing recreational players made enough errors to ensure profitability.
The Industry Reaction
The rise of advantage play triggered countermeasures:
Paytable Tightening
Casinos systematically reduced payouts:
Variable-State Games
New games like Ultimate X introduced complexity:
Player Tracking
Sophisticated analytics allowed casinos to:
Legacy
The Advantage Play era demonstrated that with sufficient knowledge and discipline, the gambler could become the house. While casinos have adapted, the fundamental principle remains: video poker rewards skill, and those who master it can compete on more favorable terms than in any other casino game.