Multi-Strike Poker 16X

 

Multi-Strike 16X is the same as Multi-Strike except there are five levels instead of four and a full bet is 25 coins instead of 20. The fifth level pays 16 times the first level. I noticed the game at the Red Rock casino in March, 2011.

Rules

1. The player can play one to five lines and one one to five coins per line.
2. The player is dealt five cards to the bottom, or level 1 hand. Sometimes the player gets a "Free Ride" card, which is replaced after about a second with a regular card.
3. The player keeps the cards of his choice and is given replacement cards, as in conventional video poker.
4. If player has any paying hand on the draw on level 1, or was given a Free Ride card on level 1, then he goes onto level 2. Otherwise, the game is over.
5. On level 2, the player is given a new hand from a fresh deck, along with another chance at a Free Ride card. All wins on level 2 are multiplied by 2. The player needs a free ride card on level 2 or any paying hand to advance to level 3; otherwise, the game is over.
6. On level 3, the player is given a new hand from a fresh deck, along with another chance at a Free Ride card. All wins on level 3 are multiplied by 4. The player needs a free ride card on level 3 or any paying hand to advance to level 4; otherwise, the game is over.
7. On level 4, the player is given a new hand from a fresh deck, along with another chance at a Free Ride card. All wins on level 4 are multiplied by 8. The player needs a free ride card on level 4 or any paying hand to advance to level 5; otherwise, the game is over.
8. On level 5, the player is given a new hand from a fresh deck. This is the top level, so no more Free Ride Cards. All wins on level 5 are multiplied by 16. After level 5, the game is over.

Free Ride probabilities vary from game to game and by level. The following table shows the probability of getting a free ride at each level in 7-5-4 Bonus Poker.

 

 

 

Strategy

Strategy in Multi-Strike and Multi-Strike 16X is not easy. There is a separate strategy for each level. Due to the incentive to advance, the earlier the level, the more the player should play conservatively, keeping in mind the benefit of getting any paying hand. However, with a Free Ride card, the player can revert to conventional video poker strategy, which is also applicable at level 5.

To get a strategy for any game and pay table, I suggest using strategy generating software like Video Poker for Winners or Video Poker Strategy Master. You will need to trick the software into giving you the right strategies. To do this, add 8 to each win, except keep a losing hand 0, and you will get a strategy appropriate for level 1. For level 2, add 6. For level 3, add 4. For level 4, add 2. In other words, add 2 for each level above your current level to the pay table win. By the pay table win, I mean the win per coin bet per level.

For example, for level 1 of Jacks or Better you would put in 9 for jacks or better, 10 for two pair, 11 for a three of a kind, up to 808 for a royal flush.

Return

The following table shows the games and pay tables available for Multi-Strike 16X. Here is a description of each column:

• Column 1: Shows the game and pay table.
• Column 2: Shows the return in conventional video poker.
• Column 3: Shows the return for regular Multi-Strike.
• Column 4: Shows the return for Multi-Strike Deluxe.

 

 

 

Returns for regular and Multi-Strike 16X were kindly provided by IGT, game maker, whom I thank.

More Information

My Multi-Strike Poker 16X appendix 1 shows my calculations for 7-5 Bonus Poker.

 

Written by: Michael Shackleford