Video Poker Trainer:

An Example of Applied

Behaviorism

Goals/Objectives• Demonstrate understanding of poker strategy

and tactics by holding cards which maximize potential payout

• Recognize and avoid common mistakes made when playing video poker

• Demonstrate mastery of strategy and tactics by scoring 100% at each of three training levels

Training:

• Player is dealt 5 cards (stimulus)

Training:

• Card combinations which hold potential for payout are explained via scrolling banner at the top of the screen (cues)

• Odds chart is displayed above the deal for reference (cues)

• Player selects which card(s) to hold and taps “Check” (response)

• Green check mark and pleasant chimes indicate a correct answer

• Red “X” and buzz indicate an incorrect answer

Training

(positive reinforcement)

(punishment)

Training• After player’s choice

is reinforced or punished, the correct choice for cards to hold blinks in yellow (feedback)

• Correct choice is also described in words (feedback)

Training• Player taps “Deal Next

Hand” to continue (next practice opportunity)

• “Hand Details” screen

describes the odds for winning the hand on the screen (discriminative stimuli)

Training

• Hand Details Screen:

Other Behaviorist Features:

• Three Levels of training which move from easy to most difficult (shaping)

Other Behaviorist Features:• Players must demonstrate understanding

of individual scenarios before they are combined (chaining)

“Go for the Flush” “Keep the Suited High Cards” “Go for the Royal Flush” “Keep the High Pair”

Other Behaviorist Features:• The game provides a

discriminative stimulus in that it is appropriate training for a specific type of poker machine – 9/6 Jacks or Better

Other Behaviorist Features:• Reinforcement

schedules Fixed Ratio: – Clicks “check” for

reinforcement or punishment

Variable Ratio:– Favorable hands dealt on

an unpredictable basis

Other Behaviorist Features:• Frequent opportunities

to receive feedback– The correct response is

explained for each hand dealt

Summary

• Applies Behaviorist principles to teach players tactics and strategy

• Stimulus-Response-Stimulus framework• Chaining, Shaping used to teach the new

behavior• Behavior strengthened with varying

reinforcement schedules