Video poker has long been a staple of both land-based and online casinos, offering a unique blend of strategy and luck. Unlike slot machines, video poker requires players to make decisions that affect the outcome, making it a game of skill as much as chance. While technology and gaming trends have evolved, many classic video poker strategies remain effective today. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, mastering these strategies can improve your odds and make your play more rewarding.
Mastering the Basics: Know the Paytable
Every video poker variant has its own paytable, which determines the payouts for different hand combinations. Understanding the paytable is crucial because it directly affects the game’s expected return. Games like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Bonus have different hand rankings and payouts, so learning the best version with favorable payback percentages is essential.
Look for machines with full-pay versions, which offer the highest returns to players. For example, a full-pay Jacks or Better machine typically returns about 99.54% with optimal strategy. Learning the paytable and knowing which hands to prioritize—like holding a high pair over low cards—sets a solid foundation for success.
Practice Optimal Hand Selection
In video poker, optimal hand selection means choosing the cards that maximize your chances of forming a winning hand. Beginners often make the mistake of holding cards based on intuition rather than statistical advantage. Memorizing strategy charts for your chosen variant helps guide these decisions.
For example, in Jacks or Better, always hold a four-card flush or straight draw over a high pair, and break up low pairs in favor of a four-card straight or flush. In Deuces Wild, keeping all four deuces or three if you don’t have a five-card hand is standard practice. These strategies reduce the house edge and improve long-term profitability.
Play Maximum Coins for the Royal Flush Bonus
One of the most important video poker strategies is to always play the maximum number of coins, usually five, to qualify for the full payout on a royal flush. While playing fewer coins reduces your bet, it also significantly reduces the royal flush payout, often by thousands of credits.
Max coin play ensures you maximize your potential return and take full advantage of the game’s payout structure. If your bankroll is limited, consider playing on a lower denomination machine to maintain max coin play without overspending. This approach balances your chances of hitting big jackpots with responsible bankroll management.
Practice and Use Free Play Options
To refine your strategy, take advantage of free play options offered by online casinos or practice apps. These tools allow you to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics and strategy charts without risking real money. Consistent practice helps solidify your understanding of hand selection, paytable differences, and variance management.
Many modern apps also include features like strategy suggestions and performance tracking, allowing you to identify areas for improvement. By honing your skills in a risk-free environment, you’ll be better prepared to play confidently and efficiently in real-money games.