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Use our video poker strategy to maximize your winnings and minimize the house edge. The game offers some of the highest return-to-player (RTP) rates among casino games, often exceeding 99%, and mastering the right strategies can significantly boost your chances of success.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Video Poker Strategy
Before jumping into play, it’s important to have a firm grasp of the game and to find the right strategy that works best for you:
Understanding Video Poker Rules
Take some time to understand the basic rules of video poker. Each game you play follows a standard poker hand ranking system, but different video poker variants, like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild, have a unique twist to them. Knowing these basics will boost your confidence and maximize potential winnings.
Mastering Pay Tables
Pay tables are the roadmap to big bucks in video poker. They show information about payouts for different poker hands and vary between the games. Understanding how to read and compare these tables is crucial for identifying the poker variants with the largest potential earnings. Go for the games with more favorable pay tables – they’re your ticket to bigger wins.
Importance of Playing Max Coins
Playing max coins unlocks the best payouts in video poker, especially for higher hand rankings, such as the Royal Flush. Betting the maximum amount of coins qualifies you for the game’s top jackpot and offers the best return for your investment. If your budget allows it, always aim for betting max coins.
Understanding Poker Hand Rankings
Knowing the hierarchy of different poker hands helps you choose which cards to hold onto and which to discard. Always keep in mind the order of hands from highest (such as Royal Flush or Straight Flush) to lowest (such as Pair).
Using a Video Poker Strategy Chart
A video poker strategy card or chart is a clear guide to the best moves for any hand you’re dealt. Think of it as a cheat sheet based on mathematical probabilities that helps you make smart choices to improve your chances of winning. Whenever possible, keep one handy while playing video poker at online casinos for better outcomes.
Different Video Poker Strategies for Different Variations
Once you have taken the time to learn how to play video poker and understand video poker odds, finding the right strategy becomes crucial, especially if you’re aiming to increase your profit.
Since players are at different skill levels and have their own goals, many strategies are designed to help those who want to know how to win at video poker.
Below, we introduce the best methods to match your skill level and goals.
Joe YarnoldCasino & Betting Expert
Top 5 Video Poker Betting Strategy Tips
Winning at video poker isn’t just about luck. It’s about picking the right strategy for video poker variants you want to play and taking the time to make decisions. Here are some key tips to help you maximize your earnings and enjoy the game to the fullest:
Always Max Bet
Video poker basic strategy advises always betting the maximum number of coins (typically five) to secure the highest payout for a Royal Flush. Betting fewer coins reduces this payout and increases the house edge. If max betting exceeds your budget, opt for a lower denomination machine where you can comfortably wager the maximum.
Low Pairs Over a Single High Card
When you get a low pair and a high card, it’s often better to keep the low pair. It gives you a higher chance of improving your hand to a three-of-a-kind or something even better. While high or face cards are tempting, a pair offers more combinations and chances for a higher payout.
Aim For the Royal Flush
Passing on a guaranteed payout from a flush or straight can be challenging, but when you’re one card away from a royal flush, it’s statistically advantageous to take the risk. In Jacks or Better, holding four cards to a royal flush and discarding the fifth, even if it completes a paying hand, offers a higher expected return over time.
Know When to Quit
Like with any other online casino game, knowing when to quit in video poker is a valuable skill. Set a goal and a limit on your budget before you start playing. If you win or reach the limit, it’s time to stop. This approach will help you keep what you’ve earned and minimize losses.
Practice with Free Online Video Poker Games
Before engaging in a real money video poker casino, it’s advisable to practice using free demo versions available at most online casinos. These allow you to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics without financial risk. Additionally, many sites offer casino bonuses that can be used on video poker games, enabling you to play with bonus funds and potentially win real money. This approach combines the benefits of risk-free practice with the opportunity to earn actual winnings.
Cheat Sheet for Video Poker Payouts
Using a cheat sheet for video poker payouts is a great way to maximize the potential winnings. It removes the uncertainty from a video poker game while making sure you play each hand in the best possible way.
It doesn’t matter what video poker strategies you apply, a cheat sheet always comes in handy. Just make sure to choose one that has a game variant you want to play. The table below provides payouts for multiple poker games when betting a single coin:
| Game Variant | Royal Flush | Straight Flush | Four-of-a-Kind | Full House | Flush | Straight | Three-of-a-Kind | Two Pair | Jacks or Better | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 800 | 50 | 25 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0.5% – 1.5% |
| Tens or Better | 800 | 50 | 25 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Varies |
| Joker Poker | 800 | 50 | 100 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Varies |
| Aces and Faces | 800 | 50 | 80 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Varies |
| Double Double Bonus | 800 | 50 | 160 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Varies |
| Ultimate X Poker | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Deuces Wild | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Understanding Video Poker Odds
Understanding video poker odds is essential if you want to become a pro at playing video poker. This will help you implement the best video poker strategy and increase your chances of hitting the big wins.
In the table below, you’ll find a full list of odds for the most common video poker hands after the initial deal:
| Poker Hand | Odds | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush (initial deal) | 1 in 649,740 | 0.00015% |
| Royal Flush (after draw/discard) | 1 in 40,000 | 0.00025% |
| Straight Flush | 1 in 72,193 | 0.0014% |
| Four-of-a-Kind | 1 in 4,165 | 0.024% |
| Full House | 1 in 694 | 0.14% |
| Flush | 1 in 508 | 0.20% |
| Straight | 1 in 254 | 0.39% |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 1 in 47 | 2.11% |
| Two Pair | 1 in 21 | 4.75% |
| Jacks or Better | 1 in 6 | 21.46% |
What to Avoid in Video Poker
To improve your gameplay and maximize the odds of winning while playing video poker, you should steer clear of certain things:
- Discard the kickers (unmatched high cards) in Jacks or Better. Instead, stick to pairs or better.
- Discarding Low Pairs – While a high card may offer more frequent wins, retaining a low pair provides a higher average payout over time, making it the better choice for maximizing long-term returns.
- Don’t chase straights or flushes with three cards – while it does look tempting, it often leads to losses.
- Never break a winning hand (like a pair or two pairs) just to go for the potentially higher payouts. The only exception to this would be the case when you’re aiming for the Straight Flush.
- Playing less than the maximum bet – Payouts are linked to the number of coins you bet. If you don’t max bet, payouts are reduced, and the house edge is increased.
Pros and Cons of Using a Strategy in Video Poker
The perfect video poker strategy varies depending on the variant you’re playing, but all strategies involve understanding which cards to hold or discard to maximize your chances of success. It’s also crucial to read the paytables and comprehend the odds associated with each hand.
However, regardless of the strategy you choose, remember that video poker still involves an element of luck. No strategy guarantees a win, and the casino will always maintain an edge. Even though your decisions can reduce this advantage, the house ultimately retains the upper hand.Here are some pros and cons of implementing video poker strategies.
Pros:
- Using optimal strategy can reduce house edge
- Basic strategy is easy to implement even for beginners
- Better bankroll management
- Helps you make informed decisions
- Understanding a strategy and odds can enhance game enjoyment
Cons
- Removing spontaneity can become boring
- Overconfidence, the optimal strategy doesn’t guarantee wins
- Limited flexibility
- Some advanced strategies can have a learning curve
Video Poker Glossary
If you’re a beginner video poker player, some of the terms might confuse you. We’ve compiled a short glossary of the most frequently used video poker terms:
- Bankroll: The total amount of money you’re willing to gable with – your poker budget.
- Bet Max: The maximum number of coins you can bet on a single hand.
- Draw: The act of replacing discarded cards to complete your hand.
- Discard: The cards you choose to get rid of after the initial deal.
- Flush: A hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Four to a Royal Flush/Flush/Straight: You have four of the required five cards to make a royal flush/flush or straight.
- Full House: A hand containing three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- Hand: The set of cards dealt to a player.
- Hold: The cards you decide to keep during the draw phase.
- House Edge: The advantage the casino has over players.
- Jacks or Better: Video poker variant where you need at least a pair of Jacks to win.
- Kicker: The highest unpaired card in a hand.
- Pay Table: A chart that shows the payouts for different winning hands.
- Progressive Jackpot: A huge prize that increases with each player’s contribution.
- RNG (Random Number Generator): The technology used in a video poker machine to ensure that all deals are random and fair.
- Royal Flush: The highest possible hand in video poker, consisting of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit.
- Straight: A hand with five cards in a row, not all of the same suit.
- Three to a Royal Flush/Flush/Straight: You have three of the required five cards to make a royal flush/flush or straight.
- Wild Card: A card that can replace any other card to complete a winning hand.
Looking for More Guides?
Want to play more casino games like a true pro? Check out our other guides:
Conclusion
As discussed in this video poker strategy guide, employing a solid strategy offers significant advantages. Unlike many other casino games that are purely chance-based, such as slots or roulette, video poker combines elements of chance and skill. The decisions you make, specifically which cards to hold or discard, directly influence your chances of success. Therefore, regardless of the variant you choose, utilizing a solid strategy is essential.
FAQ
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Responsible Gambling
Remember, video poker and other forms of gambling should be fun and entertaining. Set limits and never chase losses. Responsible gambling is one of the best practices to ensure a positive gaming experience.
If you or any person you know are struggling, seek help or reach out to organizations below:
You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER for help with gambling problems at any time.
