Harness the power of video poker strategy to turn the tables in your favor! From mastering card decisions to adapting to game-specific tactics, we've got you covered. Learn the art of choosing which cards to keep and which to toss, and you'll be hitting those good hands like a pro!
I will help you better understand the risks, rewards, and odds and how to adapt to multiple situations to increase your winning chances.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Video poker strategy is the best way to improve your winning chances;
- Understanding and applying video poker strategy successfully highly depends on learning both the basics of the game and specific strategies;
- Every video poker strategy is based on knowing which cards to keep and which cards to discard in every possible situation;
- To beat video poker, you must be open to challenges and understand risks, rewards, as well what influences the odds in this game;
- Practice is an amazing way of developing strategic thinking and experimenting with a wide range of video poker tactics. Plus, it’s super fun!
If you want the exciting touch of slot machines combined with stress-free poker, this casino game is for you.
I say stress-free because video poker has you compete against the RNG software instead of other players under the impatient gaze of the dealer.
As such, if you are a beginner or just want to enjoy nice solo gameplay, video poker is simply amazing.
Here’s a super quick rundown
In video poker, you are dealt five cards and must make the best hand combination possible.
Place your bet, the machine will deal your initial hand, and you'll have to use what I'm teaching you across these guides to decide which cards to keep and which to discard.
Video poker can be a very lucrative casino game if you play it smart.
In fact, this game has one of the lowest house edges, and it would be a shame if you didn't take advantage of that.
Now, video poker comes in different shapes and sizes. The core idea stays the same, it's just the winning hands that change a bit.
Don't worry; this is part of the game and makes it so much fun.
Jacks or Better
As the name of this well-known variation implies, you must have a pair of jacks or higher to win. Nothing more, nothing else.
It's a simple variation and a good starting point for beginners looking to improve their video poker skills and get familiar with the game's basics while still getting nice winning chances.
Bonus, Double Bonus, and Double Double Bonus Poker
Payouts on steroids. These formats are loosely based on Jacks or Better and give you bonus (duuh) payouts for certain hands.
These variations allow for more winning poker hands. Different hands will get different bonus payouts. If you're lucky enough and play your cards right, Bonus (and Double, aaaand Double Double Bonus by extension) Poker paytables give high sums for premium hands.
Bonus Poker variations are super popular in many land-based and online casinos, and their lucrativeness makes it less risky to bet more. Because of that, you’re in for scoring more often.
But always remember
Betting more because of more winning odds does not mean you should not play moderately and stick to your budget.
Don't let those flashy bonus payouts cloud your judgement. It is satisfying, indeed, but if you're not careful, you'll suddenly end up spending much more than you should. Keep it cool, always!
Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild
Deuces Wild makes all 2s wild, so they can replace any other card. This offers great flexibility and helps in crafting a winning hand.
Similarly, Jokers Wild (also known as Joker Poker) lets you use the Joker cards to substitute for any other card.
These are fun variations of classic video poker and can be quite welcoming to newbies. You have more chances to make up a winning hand and enjoy the whole experience. But this naturally translates into much lower payout scales.
No one said hitting it big was easy, sadly.
Tens or Better
In Tens or Better, you'll need at least a pair of Tens to rustle up a win.
It's a bit easier to snag a payout compared to Jacks or Better, but you still need to use your head when hitting that “deal” button.
Aces and Faces
In this variation, you’ll be hunting the Aces and face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks). In addition, four-of-a-kind hands with Aces or face cards will get you an even bigger payday.
Video poker is the cousin of slots. They are both fun and entertaining, but video poker actually helps you get more winning chances.
Like, the difference between these two is that video poker lets you have a degree of control over how the game progresses by improving your hand.
That's an obvious indicator of the importance of understanding how to play. If you don't grasp how meaningful a strategy is or play it just based on luck, the game's perks are rendered worthless.
Knowing how to apply strategies translates into adaptability and flexibility, the key to winning more in video poker. So, I'm going to expand a bit on what I've discussed in my other guide about how to beat video poker and address basic strategies.
Know Your Pay Tables
This is one of the golden rules in video poker. Make sure you know the pay tables like the back of your hand. A pay table is like a treasure map showing you the payouts for different winning hands in a specific video poker variation. It's your road to riches, so don't ignore it!
Why does this matter so much?
“Can't I just play and hope for the best?”
No, sir, you can't. Knowing the pay tables is the difference between taking control of your fate and leaving it all to chance.
Different video poker games have different pay tables, even if they share the same name. That's right! Two "Jacks or Better" machines can have completely different payouts for the same hands.
So, when you play, always check the pay table before inserting those coins or hitting that "Deal" button.
How to Identify the Optimal Pay Tables for Higher Returns
To find the best pay tables, keep an eye on two essential elements: the payouts for the full house and flush.
For example
A "9/6 Jacks or Better" pay table offers 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush on a one-coin bet. This means that with max coins (usually 5), you'll get 45 coins for a full house and 30 coins for a flush. And that's exactly what you are looking for.
An easy way to spot the best pay tables in video poker games is to scour the casino doing detective work. Different video poker machines may offer different pay tables for the same game. Take a stroll around the casino floor and compare the payouts for full house and flush. You're on a mission for the best!
More of an online video poker type?
Don't worry, for there are online resources and user-friendly implementations to help you.
Many online video poker platforms display their pay tables for you to scrutinize.
In some cases, they are even explained in a beginner-friendly manner. Use that to your advantage!
Boost Wins by Playing Max Coins
Playing video poker with five coins is usually wiser if you aim at raking in bigger profits.
This is a little nugget of wisdom that works hand in hand with smart, strategic play. Here's why:
Supercharging Royal Flushes Wins
Royal Flush is the Holy Grail of Video Poker. Elusive yet ridiculously rewarding. When you lay down your battle plan and bet max coins, you will likely supercharge the payout to over 9000.
Let me break it down. Video poker machines often offer a bonus payout for hitting a royal flush when you bet the max coins. So, imagine you hit that sweet royal flush – a masterpiece of a hand.
Now, instead of just a nice payout, you get showered with coins (or pixelated coins, if such is the case).
Increasing Payout Percentages
Playing with max coins doesn't just pump up the royal flush winnings; it also enhances your overall payback percentage. Video poker games have varying payback percentages, and they usually get better when you bet the maximum coins. Let's assume a video poker game has a house edge of 5% for a one-coin bet and a 2% house edge for a max-coin bet. This means you reduce the casino's edge by 3%, so you can keep the engine running for longer.
In addition, by playing with max-coin bets, you can significantly reduce your expected losses, because you can lower the loss percentage of your total bets. Let's say a particular video poker machine has a payback percentage of 95% for a one-coin bet and a higher payback percentage of 98% for a max-coin bet. By playing with max coins, you're giving yourself a better shot at beating the house in the long run. Smart move, right?
Avoiding the Regret of "Almost" Moments
Now, that's a more subjective matter, but I think you should be aware of it, as you will likely experience it at least once in your life.
Imagine this– you've devised the best strategy for video poker, and things are going well. You're one card away from assembling the royal flush. Now, that's a tense moment, indeed.
But then, oh no, you realize you didn't bet the max coins, and that dreamy royal flush slips through your fingers like sand.
Playing with the maximum coins ensures that you won't experience those dreaded "almost" moments. You'll never have to wonder, "What if I had bet more coins?"
However
You still have to be aware of the risk vs. reward factor. It's perfectly fine to feel like you could've done better or won more, but NEVER chase losses and try to win your cash back.
It's a downward spiral to a nasty experience; we don't want that. What we want is to have an enjoyable, responsible, and safe gaming experience.
Understanding Low Pairs vs. Single High Card
When you're dealt your initial hand in video poker, you might encounter a common dilemma: Should you keep a single high card or go for that low pair?
It's like choosing between a beautiful smartphone that breaks to pieces the moment you glower at it or a bricky, sturdy phone that would probably chip the curb and have a super-lasting lifetime.
And let me tell you why you would want to go for that ugly phone.
Tactics for Discarding and Drawing Cards
After you receive your initial five cards, you have the option to keep some or all of them or discard any that don't fit your winning strategy. Your goal is to build the best possible hand by drawing new cards in place of those you tossed.
Tactics differ from one video poker variation to another, and it really helps to know when and what to discard. Don't worry, we will discuss this shortly, and more in-depth, game-specific guides will follow soon.
Secret Formula for Increasing Winning Chances - Low Pairs
Here's the scoop: Low pairs are like hidden gems that can lead you to treasure troves of winnings. Why are they so special? Because they increase your chances of landing valuable three-of-a-kind hands!
Imagine you have a pair of 4s in your initial hand.
Some folks might be tempted to discard the low pair and hope for that rare high card to match one of their single high cards.
But hold up! Keeping that low pair and drawing three new cards gives you a fantastic shot at completing a three-of-a-kind hand. And three-of-a-kind hands can be quite rewarding!
Stay In the Game for Longer - Focus on Low Pairs
In the game of video poker, having a pair is nice, but having a low pair is even better. Here's why:
| Better Odds for Three-of-a-Kind | As mentioned earlier, low pairs give you a higher probability of forming three-of-a-kind hands, which rank higher than one pair in most video poker games. |
| Enhanced Payouts | Three-of-a-kind hands often offer better payouts than one pair. So, by prioritizing low pairs, you're aiming for those juicier rewards. |
| More Consistent Winnings | Going for low pairs means you'll experience more frequent wins compared to hoping for a high card to pair with your initial card. |
To recap, if you focus on low pairs rather than a single high card, you'll be in the game for the long run.
It's better to craft low pairs more often and get more frequent wins than mindlessly discarding with the hope of getting something that matches your single high card.
Sometimes, small things matter more than just grinding for something less lucrative.
The Art of Risk-Taking: When to Break Up a Straight or a Flush
Sometimes, video poker and relationships work similarly. It's better to know when to break up than wait for something that will probably never happen. Hear me out on this…
In video poker, you'll often find yourself with a tempting straight or flush – a hand that's already promising some sweet rewards.
But before you get too comfortable with your hand, let's explore the situations when breaking up that winning hand can be the key to even greater success!
Evaluating Potential Gains Against Risks: The Balancing Act
Before you decide to break up your straight or flush, you need to conduct a quick mental assessment. Think of it as weighing potential gains against the risks involved. Ask yourself, "What can I achieve by breaking up this hand, and how likely am I to achieve it?"
Let's have a look at some potential situations when breaking up a straight or flush is beneficial.
Chasing the Royal Flush
One of the primary situations when breaking up a straight or flush makes sense is when you have four cards towards a royal flush.
For example
Let's say you're dealt 10♥ J♥ Q♥ K♥ 4♠. You have four cards to a royal flush, and the temptation to go for that elusive hand is strong.
Here, it's worth breaking up the straight (10-J-Q-K) and keeping the four hearts. Chasing the royal flush in such cases offers a much higher potential gain than sticking with the straight.
Higher Payouts for Stronger Hands
In some video poker variations, the payout for certain higher-ranking hands increases significantly. A three-of-a-kind or a full house, let's say, can offer a better payout than a simple flush. In such situations, breaking up a flush and trying for a stronger hand can be advantageous.
Another example
You have a flush with the following cards: 2♠ 5♠ 8♠ 10♠ K♠. While a flush is a solid hand, the payout for a full house or three-of-a-kind could skyrocket.
So, breaking up the flush and trying for a full house by holding 2♠ 5♠ 8♠ might be the smarter move.
Meditating on Odds and Probabilities Like An Ancient Philosopher
Video poker gurus are the Shaolin masters of assessing odds and probabilities. When deciding whether to break up a straight or flush, they consider the likelihood of completing a better hand with the remaining cards.
The good thing is you can learn how to analyze the probabilities of drawing specific cards that can help you build higher-ranking hands. A recommended starting point is to use strategy charts and odds calculators.
Eventually, you'll get better at weighing the odds and probabilities. Thus, if the odds are in your favor, it might be a strategic move to break up your current hand and aim for that more valuable combination.
Considering Jackpot Bonuses
In some video poker games, betting the maximum number of coins can unlock a bonus payout for hitting a royal flush.
As we saw earlier, when playing with max coins, the potential jackpot for a royal flush is significantly larger than with fewer coins.
In such cases, even if you have a straight or flush, the thought of the enhanced royal flush jackpot could make you think about breaking up the current hand and going for that ultimate prize.
Since video poker is more like a restaurant menu than just a singular experience, each variation has its own quirks and special rules, which invite the understanding and application of specific strategies.
Take it as a fun and enticing challenge that motivates you to practice and hone your skills while constantly discovering cool stuff and tactics you can incorporate into your play style.
Video poker variations are, quite unironically, like a slice of life. Improve, adapt, overcome, and hone your skill.
This is why knowing just one tactic won't help you win more.
You can't be rigid and hope a certain strategy works for everything.
I would very much like to have you adapt strategies– or even play around with your own tactics– and take on your favourite video poker machine with an open-minded and calculated approach.
Jacks or Better Strategy
When it comes to Jacks or Better, the basics are the building blocks of your strategy.
Always remember
A hand with at least a pair of Jacks or higher is your ticket to victory. So, don't underestimate those mighty Jacks – they're your golden ticket to a winning adventure!
Important Considerations
In the land of Jacks or Better, keep an eye out for the hidden gems – those situations that call for special consideration.
For example
If you have four cards to a royal flush, drop everything else and go all-in for that majestic royal flush!
Also, don't overlook the power of suited high cards. If you have two or more suited high cards, that's like finding a pot of gold! Hold onto these. You might just end up with a flush, or maybe even a straight flush for the ultimate jackpot!
Deuces Wild Strategy
Since the 2s can substitute for any card, Deuces Wild allows you a comfortable degree of flexibility and adaptability.
Don't hesitate to ditch the cards that do not align with your strategy. If you spot a potential winning hand, even if it means letting go of some high cards or pairs.
Since wild cards can turn one pair into two pair or a three-of-a-kind, be open to holding onto hands that you might discard in other poker variations.
The wild cards can turn a mediocre hand into a winning combination; so, to be more specific:
| If you get four 2s, hold them tight. That's the best hand you'll get in this game. The only thing that matters afterwards will be the fifth card. |
| The second situation would be when you get three deuces. Consider whether you can make a royal flush or five of a kind. If that's the case, then and only then hold your whole hand. |
| There can be instances where you don't have any 2s. Don't panic and hold any paying hands. Chances are you'll draw any 2s or another paying card so you can build a winning hand. |
| If you are dealt three cards to a royal flush, better hold these and hope for any 2s and/or paying hands that complete the winning hand. |
| In the worst scenario, you can end up with nothing of the above but a pair. Not all is lost because you can hold that pair and likely re-draw any 2s that will help you build a winning hand. |
Double Bonus Poker Strategy
Generally speaking, four-of-a-kind and pairs are the sweet spots in double bonus poker. Whether it's four Aces, four Kings, or any other set of four, they pay nicely.
For example,
You get 5♥ 5♦ 5♠ 7♣ J♠. So, three-of-a-kind. Seems like a nice trade, but think about it: when you hit those four-of-a-kind hands, the rewards multiply.
It's worth dropping the 7 and the Jack and going for that fourth 5♣.
Note that in some Double Bonus Poker games, you might get a bigger payout for four Aces than for other four-of-a-kind hands. So, adjust your strategy and aim for those specific high-paying four-of-a-kind hands to increase your winnings.
It's also wise to keep any three or four cards to a flush. Similarly, keep any pair you get, even if they're low pairs. Also, hang onto any possible high card. Finally, if you don't get any pairs, toss your hand.
Aces and Faces Strategy
In Aces and Faces video poker, Aces and Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) hold the crown of royalty.
When you're dealt Face cards, prioritize holding onto them and discard the rest. Forming a pair of Face cards or a pair of Aces is the key to reaping bountiful rewards.
Let's say you're dealt K♠ Q♦ 8♥ A♣ J♠.
Hold onto those K♠, Q♦, and A♣ with all your might, and hope to re-draw a pair of Face cards or a pair of Aces.
Or the other way around, if you get a pair, hold both cards no matter their value.
Also, try and keep four cards to a flush or, if you're close to building a royal flush, try your best to go for it and discard whichever cards you need.
Oh, and always play your max bet. Here's why:
Hand Rankings and Payout Differences
In Aces and Faces, hand rankings follow the standard poker hierarchy (see my beginner’s guide on understanding and playing video poker if you need a quick refresh of the hands). However, pay tables for specific hand combinations might differ from other video poker variations. Keep an eye out for the payout differences and adjust your strategy accordingly.
For example, in Aces and Faces, you might find enhanced payouts for certain combinations, such as four-of-a-kind hands with Face cards or Aces. Be strategic in aiming for these high-paying hands to maximize your winnings.
Joker Poker Strategy
In this variant, the Joker is the life of the party – it's the wild card that can transform your poker hand from ordinary to extraordinary!
To make the odds work in your favor, you need to adjust your video poker strategy for wild cards. Here's the trick: when you're dealt a Joker, consider it your lucky charm.
This versatile card can stand in for any other card in the deck, helping you form stronger hands. Be flexible and creative in using the Joker to your advantage!
How to Make Wild Cards Get Along with High-ranking Hands
Joker Poker is all about striking a perfect balance between the power of wild cards and the allure of high-ranking hands.
While the Joker can bring a touch of magic to your hand, don't forget the importance of traditional high-ranking hands like pairs, three-of-a-kind, and even full houses! Hold onto your high-ranking cards and use the Joker to complement them.
Say we are dealt 7♠ 9♣ J♥ J♦ and a Joker
In this situation, those two Jacks make a good pair that will surely help us. Discard 7♠ and 9♣, and keep the Jacks. The Joker will complete the three-of-a-kind.
More Stuff to Consider When Drawing for Winning Hands
When you're dealt a Joker, think strategically about the cards you want to discard and draw for the best winning hand.
If you have four cards towards a straight or a flush and the Joker, consider discarding the odd card out and use the Joker to complete the winning hand
Suppose you get 3♥ 4♥ 5♥ Joker A♦.
That's close to a flush. Toss the Ace, and let the Joker Work its magic. Now it's time to hope for a heart to complete the flush.
Tens or Better Strategy
You'll need at least a pair of Tens to claim a win. But don't stop there – pairs of higher-ranking cards are even more rewarding. This variation puts a spotlight on the power of those Tens and beyond.
In Tens or Better, the hand rankings follow the standard video poker format. All you have to do is pay attention to pairs. The higher the pair, the better your chances of winning.
Example
You're dealt 8♠ 8♦ 4♣ J♥ Q♠. Hold onto those 8♠ and 8♦ ! That's a pair, and it's your golden ticket to a win. Discard the 4♣, J♥, and Q♠, and keep those powerful 8s close.
With a bit of luck, you might even complete a two-pair or three-of-a-kind for an even bigger reward. Always keep any pair, even if it's a low scorer.
Understand the Importance of Pairs and High Cards
In Tens or Better, high cards are your regal allies. Even if you don't have a pair, keeping high cards like Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks can lead you to a winning hand.
For instance
You're dealt A♦ K♥ 6♠ 7♣ 2♠. While there's no pair in sight, those A♦ and K♥ are your knights in shining armor.
Hold onto them and discard the rest. A pair of high cards can lead to a winning hand or even a straight or flush if the right cards come your way!
Remember to Play Video Poker Variants with Max Coins
When going for certain video poker formats, your best bet (pun intended) is to play it with all five coins.
You'll get much higher payouts for winning hands as long as you adapt your strategy and play it smart.
It's wisest to play with max coins if you go for:
- Aces and Faces
- Joker Poker
- Tens or Better
Even if you have some control over the game's progression, don't forget that video poker strategy must also be completed with a keen understanding of the odds.
In video poker, the odds represent the likelihood of achieving a specific hand in a given situation. It's like your compass in the poker wilderness, guiding you towards (hopefully) favorable outcomes.
My previous guide on how to win at video poker helps you better understand this idea. If you’re new to this, it’s a great read.
On the flip side, we have the house edge, which is the casino's advantage in any game. It's a small percentage that the casino retains from each bet, ensuring they make a profit in the long run.
Fortunately, video poker has one of the lowest house edges in the world of casino games
With proper strategy and a bit of luck, it will be easier to direct the flow of the game towards higher winning chances.
What Dictates the Odds in Video Poker?
The video poker odds are influenced by several factors that can tilt the scales in your favor or challenge you on your poker journey. Here are the main culprits:
| The Pay Table | Different games and variations offer various payouts for specific hands. Studying the pay table helps you understand the potential rewards for your winning combinations. |
| Hand Rankings | The rarity of different hand rankings impacts the odds. For example, a royal flush is harder to achieve than a pair, so the odds of hitting a royal flush are lower. |
| Wild Cards | In games with wild cards, the odds change dramatically. Wild cards increase your chances of forming better hands, so games like Deuces Wild can have more favorable odds for certain combinations. |
| Number of Decks | Some video poker games use multiple decks of cards, affecting the odds. Generally, games with fewer decks can provide better odds for certain hands. |
| Maximum Coins | Playing with the maximum number of coins (usually 5) in video poker games can sometimes unlock better payouts for certain hands, like the royal flush. Always bet max coins when it's strategically beneficial! |
Focus on Making Informed Decisions
By choosing video poker games with favorable pay tables, understanding hand rankings, and considering wild cards, you can make informed decisions to improve your odds of winning.
Always play with a solid strategy, use odds calculators to assess probabilities, and choose games that align with your desired balance of risk and reward. The more you know, the better equipped you are to conquer video poker.
A great dude once said that preparations must be made before the battle.
Consider his advice and plan the perfect setup before playing video poker and using what you've learned here.
It all starts with playing at the right casino. And that means several things:
Choose a Reliable Casino
Whether it's an online platform or a land-based casino, prioritizing reliability and fairness is vital. Always do thorough research and find a high-rated video poker casino that offers fair gameplay, it's transparent and focused on customer safety and support.
Compare multiple options and read other players’ reviews. Never skip terms and conditions. If they have free demos, try them out first.
Look for High Payout Video Poker Games / Machines
Hunt machines with higher payouts / RTP (return to player). It's an important indicator of how much you can expect to win back and something you should always look for.
Also, consider progressive jackpot machines. These take the wins to a whole new level. In video poker, a progressive jackpot is a flexible payoff for the royal flush - the best and highest-paying hand - that continues to rise until someone hits it.
If you hit the right hand, you win the progressive jackpot plus any other winnings you might have earned from the game.
Safety for the Win
An enjoyable video poker experience is also accompanied by quality service and secure payments.
Make sure the platform you play at is properly licensed and audited, and if you go for the physical console, aim for fridges that have been independently audited for fairness and random outcomes.
Also, payment options should be flexible and safe enough to allow you to deposed and withdraw funds easily and quickly.
And by that, I mean sharpening your video poker skills with free or demo variants. Many online casinos feature such variants, and that is an amazing thing you must leverage.
In free video poker, you are free to do anything you want, at your own pace, without betting real money. As such, you have nothing to lose if you want to try your own tactics and screw it up.
It's better to learn valuable lessons while you're still free of consequences. Plus, it's super fun and contributes to a healthier gambling experience. That's because you play for the game's beauty, not for profit.
You can always have a go at our selection of free video poker games. There are dozens of themes and formats to choose from.
Do you prefer smartphone apps?
There's this video poker collection I really like.
It's called American Poker Casino; it's free, mobile-friendly, and absolutely nails it at emulating the 90s retro gaming atmosphere. And the best part, you have several video poker variants ready to be tried with what you've read in this guide.
Video Poker Strategy is Extremely Rewarding- on multiple levels.
First, you reap bountiful rewards since you've played smart and had a calculated approach. Nothing compares to taking matters into your own hands and actually seeing results.
Second, it can be really satisfying to see your hard work paying off. All that studying and practice will never be for nothing. It's your own commitment and dedication to improving. It's quite motivating for other aspects of your life, right?
It's like responsibility and cleverness combined with the exciting aspect RNG games tend to offer. Read that twice and always gamble responsibly.
To grow as a player, remember that video poker strategy and practice are your best friends.
When you spend time learning and understanding both the basics and complex mechanics, you are more likely to pull the game's outcome towards you.
Never overlook the pay tables, the odds, and game-specific strategies.
Practice them at your own pace with free demos, and watch as the fish becomes the shark.
You’re more than welcome to stick around for more video poker guides at our Academy, and I’ll be more than glad to see you improve your skills.
Keep it cool, keep it smart, keep it moderate, and you'll go far!
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