This is the fourth article in a series. This month, Quick Quads Video Poker is examined. This game is explored for strengths and weaknesses, pluses and minuses. Hopefully you will use this information to make intelligent choices concerning video poker games you choose to play.

Only four-of-a-kinds of 2 through 10 are eligible for quick quad consideration. Also, in order to complete the hand as a quick quad, the other two cards must be under a 10 and aces always count as one.

Please note that if the final hand is a full house as well as a quick quad (ex: 44422), the hand is paid as a four-of-a-kind.

Quick Quads is available in most of the popular video poker game versions such as Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus, Triple Bonus, Double Double Bonus, Triple Double Bonus, and Triple Bonus Poker Plus.

Initially, Quick Quads was only available in a multiline format of three or five lines. Now single line versions are available, though you may have to look for them a bit.

The pay tables for Quick Quads are a bit different than for the standard game. Pay tables for 9/6 Jacks or Better standard and Quick Quads are shown below.

Notice that the pays are the same for both games with the exception of the four-of-a-kind. Quick Quads pays nearly twice as much thanks to the extra completion possibilities. Also notice that the overall return is only slightly higher for Quick Quads. What must be remembered is even though the pays listed are the same, Quick Quads requires six credits before the additional quads come into play. The following table shows the relative return by hand, factoring in the six credits required to activate the Quick Quads feature.

This table clearly shows that even though Quick Quads four-of-a-kinds amount to almost a quarter of the total return, every other hand returns less per credit.

The extra credit required to play Quick Quads causes the bankroll requirements to increase. Make sure you are properly bankrolled should you choose to play.

It may not be apparent from a casual glance at the pay tables and a basic understanding of how the game is played, but the strategy for quick quads is quite different from that for the standard version of the game. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, every hand other than the four-of-a-kind has a reduced return. Second, and most importantly, four-of-a-kinds can be made in many more ways. This means that three-of-a-kinds are more important. Three-of-a-kinds with a kicker (a card that can be combined with another to add up to one of the three like cards) are even more important.

While there is only one strategy line for three-of-a-kind in the standard 9/6 Jacks or Better game, there are two in Quick Quads - three-of-a-kind with a kicker, and three-of-a-kind without a kicker.

Certain two pair hands also become more important - any that can become a quick quad by matching one of the pairs. These hands are AA22, 2244, 3366, 4488, and 55TT.

Select single pairs with a kicker (or kickers) also take on greater importance.

These are listed below.

• 33 with A2
• 44 with A3
• 55 with A4 or 23
• 66 with A5 or 24
• 77 with A5, 25, or 34
• 88 with A7, 26, or 35
• 99 with A8, 27, 36, or 45
• TT with A9, 28, 37, or 46
• 22 with A
• 33 with A or 2
• 44 with A or 3

If all of the additional concerns above are not enough for you, hands containing three to a flush that could result in a quick quad are also included in the strategy.

• A56
• A67
• A78
• A89
• A9T
• 257
• 268
• 279
• 28T
• 358
• 369
• 37T
• 459
• 46T

You can check out these strategies at these links:

Single line versions of the game are somewhat limited. The additional credit required to activate the Quick Quad feature means bankroll requirements are increased. The strategy is significantly more complex than the strategy for the standard version of the game.

One last caution - make sure to check the entire pay table to make sure you are playing a game with a decent return. It makes no sense to play Quick Quads at a one, two, or more percent disadvantage over the standard games that may be available in the same casino. Vigilance always pays off.

If you can find a Quick Quads game with a decent return, if you have an adequate bankroll, and if you have the proper strategy mastered, Quick Quads will be fun, exciting, and profitable as well.

So, until next time,

All the best in your casino and life endeavors.