Bodog poker has just introduced a new video poker game to their wide range of games - Shockwave Poker. This is a variation on Jacks or Better video poker which the casino advertises plays like normal video poker until you hit four of a kind. Then you enter the Shockwave mode. Before I discuss the Shockwave mode, I want to point out the odds chart for this one. Remember with video poker the odds chart influences how much of the game play is to your advantage. With Shockwave Poker, you’ll be playing an 8/5 game instead of a 9/6 game. Also, the payout for two pair is only 1 for 1, not 2 for 1. This means you’ll make less money on lower winning hands. So, when playing Shockwave Poker, you really do have to aim for the “Shockwave” bonus to turn the game to your advantage, and this should guide your play.
Shockwave mode begins with the next hand after your four of a kind and lasts for 10 rounds or until you get another four if a kind. If you draw a four of a kind in Shockwave mode, you’ll be paid at a bonus rate. So, what is Shockwave mode? Well, I had to play until I hit four of a kind to find out.
So, I played for about two hours before I hit four of a kind. This is actually a fairly short period of time, but keep in mind that I tossed out all betting advice and went for any hand that could lead to four of a kind to do this. That and the little detail that two pair pays out at only one for one brought my bankroll down more than in any normal Jacks or Better game. And the Shockwave bonus? Well, I had ten spins to hit another four of a kind, which would reward me the same as a royal flush. So, ten spins to try to do what had just taken me 3 hours. The odds were not with me.
My advice on this game is to give it a pass. Instead play Bodog’s Jacks or Better game for your video poker fun. Not only are the odds better, the cards are easier on the eyes. Unfortunately Shockwave Video poker uses themed cards that make it more difficult to tell which cards have just been presented to you.
