Video Poker Strategy

If you are looking for guidance in your journey to master video poker strategy, you shouldn’t look any further – our experts have checked out all the strategies to help you improve your chances of winning. Trying to find a video poker strategy that works for you can be tricky, so let us walk you through what we think is the best way to play video poker online and increase your chances of a win.

Strategies for Different Video Poker Variants

No matter what type of video poker machine you’re playing, there are always strategies you can put in place to maximise your chances. From Jacks or Better to Double Bonus and Aces & Faces, we’ve got all the tips you need to know when playing each variant.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is the most popular and perfect for players just starting with video poker. The strategy required to excel involves understanding when to hold and when to fold so that you can get the best possible combination of winning cards, such as a straight flush.

If you have four cards that could form the highest winning combination, then keep them all; however, if you don’t have those cards, hold onto those with the highest value individually instead.

By familiarising yourself with which hands will give you the best payouts, you can make smarter decisions when playing Jacks or Better, increasing your chances of hitting that coveted open straight flush.

Double Bonus

Double Bonus video poker is a variation of Jacks or Better with some added bonuses. The main difference here is that the payouts for different hands are higher than usual, with four-of-a-kind earning you more money.

As such, the optimal strategy for this game can be slightly different compared to Jacks or Better – the key is to hold on to high pairs and four-card straights instead of cards that form three or four of a kind.

In addition, it’s important to remember that to qualify for the bonus payouts, you need at least a pair of jacks in your hand; if you do not have any high pairs, then discard them all and draw new cards until you get something that falls into one of the above categories. Doing so will increase your chances of winning big when playing Double Bonus video poker machines.

Aces and Faces

Aces and Faces is a popular video poker variant based on Jacks or Better. Like most video poker games, the goal is to get a winning poker hand with the best possible combination.

However, compared to other variants, one of the advantages of Aces and Faces is that it offers bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands made up of face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) and Aces.

If you have any of these combinations when you draw your five cards, you should be sure to hold onto them.

Additionally, if you don’t have a high pair, then it’s best to discard all five cards and draw new ones to increase your chances of getting one of these valuable hands. With some strategic play and luck, you can increase your chances of winning big by playing Aces and Faces.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is a video poker game based on Jacks or Better. It is unique because it gives out stronger pay table payouts for certain hands than other variants, such as four-of-a-kind, which pays out double the usual amount.

As such, the strategy for this game can be slightly different from the others – the key is to hold onto any high pairs you have and discard any low pairs to build up better hands.

It’s also important to remember that you need at least a pair of tens to qualify for the bigger payouts; if you don’t have any, then it’s best to discard them all and draw new cards until you do.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is an exciting video poker variant based on Jacks or Better. The main difference in this game is that all the Deuces (2s) are wild and can be used to create any winning hand from pairs to a Royal Straight Flush.

This gives players the advantage of making more winning hands than they would in regular video poker games.

As with other variants, it’s essential to focus on high pairs and remember that you need at least three of a kind to qualify for payouts. You should also aim to create four-of-a-kind hands with the help of the wild cards and hold onto them if you have any chance of hitting one.

Video Poker Odds Explained

Video poker is a game of chance, but the odds of winning can be calculated to make decisions that increase the chances of success. Knowing the video poker odds can help players maximise their winnings and minimise losses.

The odds are determined by the number of cards in a deck and how they can make up certain hands. The list below illustrates the probability of making different hands with a standard 52-card deck:

• Royal Flush: 1 in 649,740;
• Straight Flush: 1 in 72,192;
• Four of a Kind: 1 in 4,164;
• Full House: 1 in 694;
• Flush: 1 in 509;
• Straight: 1 in 253;
• Three of a Kind: 1 in 47;
• Two Pairs: 1 in 21;
• Jacks or Better (Pair): 1 in 26;
• Nothing (No Pair): 85% (1 / 0.85).

From this list, it is easy to see that Jacks or Better pays out often, while Royal Flushes rarely happen. Generally speaking, low pairs such as twos and threes should be discarded since they have very low odds compared to higher pairs like Queens or Kings.

As well as understanding the odds, having knowledge of strategy basics will also improve your winnings over time.

6 Video Poker Tips for Maximising Your Winnings

Video poker is an enjoyable game found in local casino and online casinos. To maximise your winnings, here are six tips to bear in mind:

1. Understand the Paytable: Familiarise yourself with the different hands and the payouts listed on each machine’s paytable. Not all the best video poker machines are the same, so understanding what you need to win is essential.
2. Check the RTP (Return to Player): Look for a video poker machine with a high RTP value, which means it returns more money for every wager over time due to a low house edge.
3. Avoid Playing Progressives: Progressives may have higher jackpots, but they usually come with lower base game returns, which is why you should avoid them unless you’re willing to risk more money for a larger reward.
4. Take Advantage of Bonuses: Look out for bonuses from online casinos, such as match bonuses and free spins, that can help boost your bankroll while playing better video poker.
5. Use Strategy Charts: Strategy charts provide advice on which cards to hold and discard to improve your chances of success; consulting one before each hand will give you an edge over arbitrary decision-making.
6. Know When to Quit: Setting limits on how much you’re willing to spend will help you stick to responsible gambling practices; it’s best not to chase losses with bigger bets if luck isn’t on your side.

How to Choose the Right Online Casino for Video Poker

The right strategy for playing better video poker is to choose a reliable and secure online casino. There are several basic strategy tips to consider if you want to win money, such as bonuses, licence & security measures, payout percentage, etc., so spend time researching the options before deciding. Below are some key factors to consider when selecting an online casino.

Play With Bonus

Bonuses are a great way to extend your playtime and increase your chances of winning. Look out for sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses and other promotions offered by the casino or video poker machines – these can provide extra cash or free spins that will help boost your bankroll so you can play more video poker and beat the house edge.

Security & License

Security and licensing are essential factors for video poker players when playing video poker online. Make sure a reputable gaming authority licences the casino and that it uses SSL encryption software to protect your data and financial information. It should also have a privacy policy to protect your data.

Payout Percentage

The payout percentage is a valuable indicator of how much you can expect to win when you play video poker at an online casino. Look for websites that offer high payout percentages, as this will give you the best chance of winning big prizes and bonus offers. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before you start playing.

Final Words

No matter what type of video poker you’re playing, proper strategy on the tables can always be used to maximise your chances of winning money in your video poker sessions. From Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild, different video poker games have their own guidelines that must be followed to increase the odds of a big win.

Remember to read the rules before playing, keep an eye on your bankroll and take advantage of any bonus offers. With some strategic play and luck, you can come out on top.