Video poker, despite being founded on RNG principles, is a game of skill on the secondary level. Once a player sees the results of the luck of the deal, there's an element of skill and decision-making before the luck of the draw.

For a long time, it remained a relatively untapped field of exploration for expansion into video animation technology and bonusing. That all changed at last year's Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas when a new generation of video poker products was unveiled by several manufacturers, including WMS Gaming's World Series of Poker Final Table Bonus, which is now available, and IGT's soon-to-be-released World Poker Tour Multi-Strike Super Video Hold 'em.

But the most interesting example of taking the skill factor associated with video poker to the next level comes from IGT with its Opponent Poker.

You can play Opponent Poker as a single-hand game if you so choose, but for an additional bet equal in amount to your own hand, you can play against two animated opponents and have the opportunity to win credits not only from your own winning hands but also theirs if you beat them.

The game begins with the same starting cards for all three hands. Your opponents' hands are played by the computer using near-optimum strategy in regards to what cards are held. Prior to making your own decision, you can see this result and in the process not only hone your skills but add a new dimension of strategy to the traditional game.

When you hit the deal/draw button, each hand uses an independent deck and simultaneously you see the results of all three hands. If you have the high hand, you'll win those credits plus the credits of one or both of your opponents who are also holding winning hands but of lesser value.

In the event your winning hand ties your opponent(s), you'll win the credits from your own hand, while those credits and the credits from your opponents' hands will go into a pot that's digitally represented on the screen. The pot will continue to grow in this manner until there's a clear winner. You have the option at any time to take your third of the pot as winnings without being forced to gamble them.

Opponent Poker will make its debut this fall in Nevada casinos.

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"Coffee is for closers." -- Glengarry GlenRoss

This sounds like a neat twist on the regular VP games. Can't wait till it debuts. I'll be sure to post and let everyone know how it plays.