1. A method for video coding, the method comprising: (i) selecting a first set of prediction modes; (ii) calculating an approximate cost of each of the first set of prediction modes; (iii) creating a second set of prediction modes including a prediction mode in the first set of prediction modes having a minimum approximate cost compared to other prediction modes in the first set of prediction modes; (iv) for each of other prediction modes in the first set of prediction modes: (a) calculating a probability P that one of the other prediction modes in the first set of prediction modes has higher Rate Distortion Optimization (RDO) cost than a mode having a minimum approximate cost; and (b) provided that the probability P is below a confidence level, adding the one of the other prediction modes in the first set of prediction modes to the second set of prediction modes, wherein the confidence level is in a range from about 0.2 to about 0.9; (v) calculating an RDO cost for each prediction mode in the second set of prediction modes; and (vi) selecting, from the second set of prediction modes, a prediction mode having a smallest RDO cost for the video coding, thereby reducing computational time for the video coding.