General video poker strategies revolve around making informed decisions regarding card selection and betting to improve your chances of winning. In this general group, our experts listed strategies that will help you better understand the whole point of video poker games and make you a more advanced player.
Become A Winning Video Poker Player - Expert Strategies on How to Win
Video poker is an online casino game that not only offers you some of the highest odds in casino gambling but also gives you a chance to influence the game’s outcome. But, even though it has pretty basic rules, video poker is a game where luck is still the dominant factor.
Many online video poker players think that luck is the main reason why they don’t win, but it is not 100% true. The catch is in the video poker strategies. That is the crucial thing you need to know after learning to play video poker.
Since there are a lot of video poker strategies that can bring you bigger and better winnings and make you an experienced player, our experts have singled out only the most important ones. So, read on to learn the best ways to play this casino game and maybe win the jackpot.
What Are General Video Poker Strategies
Understand the game
The first and most important strategy is to learn how to play online video poker. Rules are simple and easy to understand, so you will not spend that much time learning how to play it.
Learn the hand ranking
After you learn online video poker rules and understand the game, you now need to learn the value of different poker hands. This knowledge serves as your guide in the game, helping you decide which cards to keep or discard.
Perfecting your video poker strategy involves getting these hand rankings, recognizing when you’re close to a valuable hand, and making wise choices. It’s not just about spotting potential winning combinations; you also need to calculate your chances of completing them with the remaining cards.
Striking a balance between going for high-value hands and securing smaller wins is the core of a great video poker strategy. For a quick guide, these are the paying hand rankings in the video poker game Jacks or Better, from lowest to highest:
- Pair of Jacks or better
- Any Two Pairs
- Three of a Kind
- Straight
- Flush
- Full House
- Four of a Kind
- Straight Flush
- Royal Flush
Go through the video poker glossary
A Video Poker Glossary is a valuable resource for beginners. It offers a comprehensive list of terms and terminology specific to online video poker.
Use a strategy chart
A video poker strategy chart, also known as a video poker strategy card, is a handy tool for you as a new video poker player. It acts like a helpful map, showing you which cards to keep and which to eliminate in the game.
Using this strategy card is a big part of improving video poker. It makes the decision-making part easier and stops you from making costly mistakes.
When you use a strategy chart, it turns online video poker from a game of chance into a game of skill. It gives you the edge you need to improve your chances of winning in the long run.
Check the pay tables
Pay tables are like the rulebook that tells you how much each hand is worth in video poker. They’re your guide when deciding which cards to keep and which to throw away.
For you as a beginner, it’s important to understand the values of different hands and how much they pay out. Look for video poker online games with better pay tables because they can give you more money back, making you more profitable. Every game is different, so knowing which pay tables are good is a smart move.
In the game Jacks or Better, there are many different pay charts you can find. But if you want the best chance, go for the 9/6 pay chart or better. This means you get nine coins for a full house and six for a flush. Choosing a pay chart that offers less than 9/6 is risky because it means the casino makes more money from you, and you’ll lose your money faster.
Bet with maximum coins
If you include this idea in your basic video poker strategy, it can boost your chances of winning big. Betting the most coins can indeed make your money go down faster, but you have a much better shot at getting a huge prize, especially the sought-after Royal Flush bonus that most online video poker games offer.
This is because when you bet the maximum coins, the Royal Flush prize is often much bigger. For example, a game might pay 250 times your bet for a Royal Flush with one coin but 4,000 times your bet with five coins. That’s 800 times your bet per coin instead of just 250 times, which is a big difference. The other prizes stay the same based on your bet.
Simply put, this strategy makes your wins even more rewarding, making the risk worth it. Even though it might seem strange to risk more in a game of chance, remember that video poker also involves strategy, and sometimes, taking smart risks can lead to big rewards.
Search payback percentages
Online video poker games with higher payback percentages give more money back to you over time. That is why you should try to play games with high payback percentages.
Video poker glossary
This glossary helps you understand the game’s unique language, including terms related to hand rankings, strategies, and the various video poker variants available.
From basic terms like “Action” and “Cash back” to more advanced concepts like “Inside Straight” and “Wild Card,” this well-organized glossary ensures that you can navigate the complexities of video poker, make informed decisions, and improve your gaming experience.
Action
The total amount of wagered money.
Bankroll
The total amount of money you have available for gambling, whether in the form of chips or sitting in your bank account.
Cash back
A monetary bonus awarded to you in return for playing with a given casino.
Cycle
The average number of hands played before the top jackpot, often achieved with a royal flush, is won in a video poker game. While this term might suggest a predictable pattern of wins, it’s important to note that each hand is entirely random. In fact, it’s possible to experience back-to-back jackpot wins, illustrating the inherent unpredictability of game.
Full Pay
The “best” version of a game is the one that gives you the highest chance of winning. For instance, in the game called Jacks or Better, the 9/6 version is considered the best. It’s called “full pay.” There are other versions where the casino has more of an advantage, so it’s better to steer clear of those. However, in some online casinos, you might not find the full-pay games as an option.
Kicker
In regular poker games, kicker” refers to an additional card that doesn’t directly contribute to the primary ranking of a hand but can influence the outcome when two players have the same ranked hands. Kickers are most commonly associated with hands like pairs, two pairs, and three of a kind. However, in video poker, you don’t need to worry about these tiebreaker cards because they serve a different purpose.
Drawing Hand
A poker hand that requires a specific card to improve in value.
Face Card
A card category with Kings, Queens, and Jacks.
House Edge
The house’s statistical advantage is displayed as a percentage. For you, a lower house edge is a good thing. The online casino, on the other hand, is looking for the highest edge possible.
Inside Straight
An “inside straight” is a possible straight in poker that needs one or more specific cards to fill a gap in the middle of the sequence. For example, if your hand has 5, 6, 7, and 9, you need to draw an 8 to make it straight.
Outside Straight
An “outside straight” is a possible straight that requires drawing one of two cards to complete a sequence of five in a row. It’s easier to make than an inside straight. For example, if your hand has 8, 9, 10, and J, you can get a straight with either a 7 or a Q. However, in video poker, you don’t need to worry about these tiebreaker cards because they serve a different purpose.
Progressive Jackpot
A “progressive jackpot” gets bigger when you don’t win it. Many games are connected to the same jackpot, and there’s no limit to how big it can grow. After someone wins it, it goes back to the starting amount.
Payout Table
A “payout table” is like a chart that shows how much each hand is worth in relation to your bet.
Wild Card
A card in a specific video poker game that can act as any other card to create a more valuable hand.
Short pay
“Short pay” video poker games are not the best because they have less generous payouts. You should usually avoid these.
Volatility
“Volatility” measures how much a game might vary from what’s expected in terms of your winnings. If a game has high volatility, your bankroll can go up and down a lot. Some players think high volatility is riskier, but it’s a debated topic.
RNG
“RNG” stands for random number generator. It’s like a digital tool that makes random events happen fairly. In video poker, it creates a random 5-card hand from a deck that doesn’t really exist.
Explanation Of A Strategy Chart
Here, our experts created a standard video poker strategy chart that tells you which cards to keep and which ones to swap for each starting hand. Just follow the instructions from top to bottom in the table.
| Starting Hand | How Many Cards to Keep | How Many Cards to Replace | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 5 | 0 | Hold, do not discard anything |
| Straight Flush | 5 | 0 | Hold, do not discard anything |
| Four of a Kind | 5 | 0 | Hold, do not discard anything |
| Full House | 5 | 0 | Hold, do not discard anything |
| Four to a Royal Flush | 4 | 1 | Hold the four, discard the remaining card |
| Flush | 5 | 0 | Hold, do not discard anything |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 2 | Hold, discard unnecessary cards |
| Straight | 5 | 0 | Hold, do not discard anything |
| Four to a Straight Flush | 4 | 1 | Hold the four, discard the remaining card |
| Two Pair | 4 | 1 | Hold, discard unnecessary cards |
| High Pair | 2 | 3 | Good chance to improve |
| Three To A Royal Flush | 3 | 2 | Hold the three, discard the other two cards |
| Four To A Flush | 4 | 1 | Hold the four, discard the remaining card |
| Low Pair | 2 | 3 | Can improve to two pair or three of a kind |
| Four To A Straight | 4 | 1 | Hold the four, discard the remaining card |
| Three To A Straight Flush | 3 | 2 | Don’t break a high pair |
| Two To A Royal Flush | 2 | 3 | Only when you have nothing else |
| Two High Cards | 2 | 3 | Good chance to make a high pair |
| One High Card | 1 | 4 | Discard all cards, draw five new ones |
| Nothing | 0 | 0 | Redraw for better cards |
The Best Winning Strategies For All Video Poker Variants
In video poker, strategy is not a one-size-fits-all concept, as it varies slightly depending on the specific variant you choose to play. Whether you’re exploring Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus Poker, or any other variant, understanding the nuances of each game is crucial for success.
Here, we present five essential strategy tips that cater to different scenarios you might encounter when engaging in online video poker. These tips aim to improve your decision-making skills and improve your overall performance in the game.
Jacks or Better
If you have four cards in sequence for a straight or all from the same suit for a flush, keep all four.
If you have three cards toward a royal flush, hold them.
When you have a pair of any value, hold the pair and replace the other three cards.
If you have three cards for a straight flush, keep them.
If none of the above apply, retain any jacks and cards higher than a jack.
Deuces Wild
Four deuces are the best hand; keep all four.
If you have three deuces, hold your entire hand only if you can form a royal flush or five of a kind.
Without any deuces, keep any paying hands.
When you have three cards for a royal flush, hold them.
If none of the above fits, but you have a pair, hold the pair.
Double Bonus
Keep any three cards to a flush.
Keep any four cards to a flush.
If you have a pair, keep it, even if it's a low-value pair.
If you have a single high card, retain it.
If you don't have any pairs, discard your entire hand.
Aces and Faces
Always wager the maximum bet.
When you get a pair, hold both cards, regardless of their value.
If you're close to forming a royal flush, discard the necessary cards to pursue it.
Retain four cards to a flush.
Always keep a winning hand, except when a royal flush is potentially within reach.
Joker Poker/Jokers Wild
Hold three of a kind when you get it.
If you have a higher-ranked hand than three of a kind, keep those cards.
When you have four cards for a high-payout hand, hold them.
If you get three cards for a high-payout hand and one joker, keep these four cards.
Bet the maximum each time.
Tens or Better
Keep a paying hand unless you believe you can form a royal flush.
Always wager the maximum amount; never bet less.
Retain any pair, even if it's a low-ranking pair.
Understand your paytable and identify the highest-scoring hands.
Don't hesitate to discard all five cards if they hold no value.
Strategic Card Decisions for Better Video Poker Gameplay
The decision to keep or discard cards in video poker depends on several factors, including the specific game variant, your current hand, and the potential hands you could achieve. Here are some specific guidelines that our experts singled out for you:
High Cards:
Always keep high-value cards such as Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces. These cards are valuable in forming winning pairs or creating stronger hands like Straights, Flushes, or even coveted Royal Flushes.
Completing Hands
If you’re just one card away from completing a Flush or a Straight, it’s usually a wise move to hold your current cards and anticipate drawing the missing card to complete the hand.
Pairs
Hold on to pairs, regardless of their rank, even if they are low-value pairs. Pairs serve as the building blocks for constructing Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, Full House, or even Two Pair hands, all of which are considered winning hands in video poker.
Know When to Break a High Pair
Knowing when to break up a high pair is one of the most crucial video poker strategies.
For example, while holding a high pair may seem like a strong position, what if you’re just one card away from completing a straight flush or a royal flush?
In such scenarios, it can be more useful to break the pair by discarding one of the paired cards in search of the more rewarding hand. This is because a Straight Flush or Royal Flush offers significantly higher payouts than a simple pair.
This strategy highlights the importance of setting your hand not only based on its current value but also by considering its potential future value. It’s these subtle yet strategic decisions that can markedly improve your overall performance in video poker.
Play Better With Video Poker Odds
When you’re immersed in online video poker, that irresistible sensation of a long-awaited royal flush being just around the corner may cross your mind.
But how likely is it, and what are your actual odds of forming the various winning hands in video poker? To give you the answer to this question, our team of video poker experts created the table below that provides a clear view of the probabilities of crafting the different hands that can lead to video poker success.
Understanding these odds is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of hitting those elusive but rewarding hands.
| Hand | Odds |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush (dealt straight away) | 1 in 650,000 |
| Royal Flush (created by you holding/discarding cards) | 1 in 40,000 |
| Four Aces with a Kicker | 1 in 16,236 |
| Straight Flush | 1 in 9,150 |
| 2s to 4s with a Kicker | 1 in 6,984 |
| Four Aces | 1 in 5,761 |
| Four Deuces | 1 in 4,909 |
| 2s to 4s | 1 in 2,601 |
| Four of a Kind | 1 in 423 |
| Full House | 1 in 90 |
| Flush | 1 in 85 |
| Straight | 1 in 80 |
Our Experts Recommended Strategies For You
As we are moving to the end of this video poker strategy guide, we asked our experts to recommend only the best strategies that helped them in playing video poker game. Below we listed those strategies in order to help you win this casino card game. Here is what our experts did say:
Be aware that even though video poker games have almost the same rules, there are some differences among them that you need to know. After all, they affect strategies to be significantly different. That is why you need to group games into three major groups. The first group of video poker games are the ones that don’t have a wild card (in Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker).
The second group is the games Deuces Wild and Deuces Wild Bonus, where all the twos or the deuces are wild cards, and the third group of games, where jokers are wild. Once you divide games into groups, focus on one group of video poker games and learn strategies only for that type of game.
Play a video poker game that is called a full-pay video poker game. Here, our experts mean a poker game that has the highest payoff schedule for that particular game. Those games pay 9/6 (9 coins for the full house and 6 for the flush).
When you receive a pair, our experts advise you to retain it, even if it’s a low-ranking pair. Holding onto a scoring hand is more careful than risking a potential return of nothing by discarding a low pair in pursuit of a potentially higher-scoring hand.
When you are playing video poker, there’s no rush. Unlike games with dealers or other players, you’re not bound by time constraints. Take your time to consider your decisions and select the optimal move without any pressure.
Recommended Online Casinos For Video Poker Games
And now, after all these important strategies, you are officially ready to try your skills and start playing video poker games. Since sometimes it is hard to find the proper video poker game, we asked our experts to select recommended online video poker casinos.
VPN Online Casinos
For video poker enthusiasts who prioritize privacy and variety, our best VPN online casinos are the perfect solution. These casinos offer a double benefit, ensuring the protection of your online activities with VPN security while providing an extensive array of video poker games.
With the added layer of anonymity, you can explore a wide range of video poker variants and sharpen your skills without restrictions. These VPN casinos allow you to play your favorite video poker games while safeguarding your data, making them the go-to choice for privacy-conscious players who relish the world of video poker.
Mobile Casinos
In the era of mobile gaming, online casinos have recognized the demand for a seamless and universal gaming experience. Our top casino sites for mobile are not only optimized for mobile devices but also offer an exceptional selection of video poker games for on-the-go players.
Whether you’re a Jacks or Better enthusiast or prefer the thrills of Deuces Wild, these top mobile casino sites have you covered. Their mobile-friendly interfaces ensure you can relish the excitement of video poker games from the comfort of your smartphone or tablet, providing both convenience and variety for you who seek the best of both worlds in mobile gaming.
FAQ
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
Video poker combines elements of both skill and luck. Skill plays a significant role in deciding which cards to hold or discard, while luck determines the cards dealt to you. However, implementing an effective strategy can influence the overall outcome of the game.
What is the best strategy for video poker?
The optimal video poker strategy varies depending on the specific game variant. However, general strategies typically involve:
- Keeping cards that could lead to strong poker hands.
- Employing a strategy chart.
- Consistently wagering the maximum number of coins for improved returns.
What are the best hands to hold in video poker?
In video poker, the best hands to have are those that are already winning combinations, including a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, or a pair of Jacks or Better. Holding cards that have the potential to form any of these hands is also a wise approach.
What is the best pay table for video poker?
The most favorable video poker paytable offers the highest payouts for different hand rankings. The “9/6” paytables, which provide a 9x payout for a full house and a 6x payout for a Flush in a Jacks or Better game, are considered advantageous.
Is it better to hold a low pair or a high card in video poker?
In video poker, it’s typically more advantageous to retain a low pair rather than a high card. A low pair can potentially lead to higher-paying hands like Three of a Kind, Full House, or Four of a Kind.
How to interpret a video poker strategy list?
Understanding a video poker strategy list involves following the recommendations provided for each potential hand you may encounter during the game. These lists typically guide you on which cards to keep or discard, based on the likelihood of forming winning combinations.
It’s crucial to match your actual hand with the recommendations on the strategy list to make informed decisions and maximize your chances of success in video poker.
Azyadi Niyas
Hello our dear players, my name is Azyadi Niyas. I am coming from Doha, and at the beginning of 2012, I joined the casino industry. Enjoying casino games is very hard for Arab people, so I am here to help you. Is some Arab casino safe, how do you deposit money, and how do the bonuses work were all questions to which we were eager to know the answers. We all need a little help sometimes, or just a different point of view, so feel free to ask me anything that you want to know.