All American Poker
By Gayle Mitchell

I am sure that many video poker players believe, as I do, that the straight flush hand does not receive the respect and certainly not the higher payout it deserves.
During our expeditions to search for full-pay video poker, we pass and scan row upon row of pay schedules. You can always count on one common denominator and that’s the straight flush payout of 250 credits.

Finally, we arrive at All American Video Poker where the generous 1000 credit payout for a straight flush gets our attention.
Another attention-grabber of All American is that ALL straights, flushes and full houses
payout 40 credits, unlike any other VP slot. 
The overall average payout for American Poker is 100.72% and take note, that payout is
almost the same as full-pay 9/5 Deuces at 100.76%, further highlighting the value of this game.
All American pay schedules can also be offered under the names of Gator Bonus Poker and Draw Deluxe.

Two other VP entries reflect straight flush recognition. They are Pick ‘Em Poker at 1199 credits and Super Aces with only a slightly higher than usual payout of 300. Both these versions, however, do not offer a higher overall percentage.
We have provided an All American pay-schedule illustration below.

Pay Schedule - All American Poker - 8/8               one-coin return              max. coin return
  
Pair--Jacks or Better                                         returns the bet                   5 coins
Two pair (2 PR)                                                returns the bet                   5 coins
Three-of-a-kind (3/kind)                                        pays 3-1                      15 coins
Straight (ST) (sequence, not same suit)                   pays 8-1                      40 coins
Flush (FL) (non-sequential, same suit)                      pays 8-1                      40 coins
Full house (FH) (3 of a kind and a pair)                     pays 8-1                      40 coins
Four-of-a-kind (any quad)                                      pays 40-1                    200 coins
Straight flush (SF) (in sequence, same suit)              pays 200-1                 1000 coins
Royal flush (RF) (except with max. coins)                  pays 250-1                  4000 coins
Overall Average Payback = 100.72%.

Strategy: To begin--do not and I repeat, do not play this game with the same Jacks+ strategy that you have wisely memorized, because you will reduce the overall average payback to 97%.
Optimum strategy is involved and I have simplified this learning curve by suggesting a few simple questions you should ask before determining hold and discard decisions based on this particular pay schedule.
All pat hands dealt are, of course, held.

Is there four parts of a Royal?
Is there four parts of a straight flush?
Is there a four-card flush?
Is there a four-card outside straight?
Is there a four-card inside straight?
Is there a 3-card straight flush with only one gap? (E.g., 5, 6, 7, 9)
Is there a three card Royal?
Are there three cards of the same suit?
Are there three unsuited high cards (Jacks+) of a straight?
Is there a two card Royal?
Is there two pairs? (Hold both for possible full house)
Is there one pair?

You will discover that you seldom throw away all five dealt cards.
Lastly, accuracy counts more than speed here, especially for a beginner.
I strongly suggest a strategy cue card or VP software tutor if you plan to pursue the profits available with All American.

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)