VIDEO POKER. To say that video poker has emerged as a booming business wouldn't do it justice.

To say that video poker has emerged as a booming business wouldn't do it justice. Today, thronging mobs of natives and tourists alike crowd the world's casinos and, more recently, log on to the internet to try their "hand" with the elusive Lady Luck. Many will win; many will lose - but why?

Ostensibly, the goal of each and every form of video poker is the same: end up with the best hand. Sounds easy, right? Although the appeal of such fast-paced, easy-access gambling is obvious, many a "customer" may be taken aback by the apparent techniques, strategies, and subtleties essential to a true understanding of video poker and its many variants.

A typical aspect your average Joe ignores is game selection, i.e., finding the best spot to put up your money in order to maximize the return on your investment. This could mean finding the ideal game that matches your skill levels, or recognizing which online website will give you the biggest bang for your buck (the choicest online poker site is usually one that is well-populated, wherein you'll have an easy time recognizing and playing with people at your skill level).

A pitfall inherent in this form of gambling stems from a tragic flaw of the human condition: lack of self-control. Although for some it may take tough bouts of trial-and error, the smart gambler will avoid playing for too much money, set goals and keep them, and know when to walk away (or turn off the computer). Remember that to win more, you must be willing to lose more; some casino games allow one to bet up to one-hundred credits on a single hand, so be sure practice self-control! In this arena, you truly are your own guardian angel, and that means that you had better be careful, selective, and smart.