Top Strategies for Video Poker Variations

This article covers the basics of video poker strategy, which is essential for anyone looking to play successfully. While luck does play a part, making smart decisions matters just as much. The main focus is learning which cards to keep and which to discard, and you’ll find clear tips here to help with those choices. Understanding these key concepts leads to greater confidence and better odds of winning. Let’s get started and break down the fundamentals of video poker strategy.

Video Poker Rules

Before you start playing, I think it’s important to understand these basic rules that apply to most video poker games:

• Start by placing your desired bet on the machine.

 

• You will be dealt five cards face up from a standard deck.

 

• Select which cards you want to keep; the others will be discarded.

 

• The discarded cards are replaced with new ones drawn from the deck.

 

• Your final five-card hand is compared against the pay table to determine if you have a winning combination.

 

• Payouts are based on traditional poker hand rankings and the pay table for the specific game.

How To Play Video Poker

Video poker gives players control over each hand and the opportunity to improve their results through smart choices. Once you’ve placed your bet, the game will deal you five cards on the screen. Take a moment to review your hand and decide which cards you’d like to keep. After you select the cards to hold, the machine will automatically discard the others and draw new cards in their place. Your goal is to build the strongest possible poker hand. When your final hand is complete, the machine checks it for any winning combinations and awards payouts instantly if you qualify.

Video Poker Hands

In video poker, you receive five cards from a virtual deck, just like in traditional poker. Your aim is to form the highest-ranking poker hand you can. Winning combinations include a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, and Three of a Kind. The stronger your final hand, the higher your payout—hands like a royal flush or four of a kind award the largest prizes.

Royal Flush

Straight Flush

Four of a kind

Full House

Flush

Straight

Three of a Kind

2 Pairs

Video Poker Strategy Table

In the game of video poker, I have found that mastering strategies is essential for maximizing your chances of winning. These strategies focus on making the smartest choices for which cards to hold and which to discard, depending on the specific variation of the game you are playing.

I’ve put together this table to show the best strategies for each common video poker hand.

Video Poker Strategies

Progressive Jackpot Strategies: In video poker games with progressive jackpots, the prize keeps growing until someone wins it. When the jackpot is especially large, I recommend giving these games a try, as this can significantly increase your potential return. Remember, it’s usually necessary to make the maximum bet to qualify for the jackpot, so plan your bankroll carefully before playing.

Deuces Wild: In this version of video poker, every two acts as a wild card and can substitute for any other card. I recommend holding onto any deuces you are dealt, as they can greatly increase your chances of making strong hands. Build your hand around these wild cards, aiming for combinations like five of a kind or a wild royal flush.

Double Bonus Poker: In this game, payouts for four of a kind hands, especially four aces, are much higher than usual. I recommend playing more aggressively to chase these top hands, even if it means breaking up smaller winning hands like full houses or flushes to go after four of a kind.

Joker Poker: In this version, a joker is included in the deck and serves as a wild card that can stand in for any other card. I recommend using the joker to complete powerful hands such as straights, flushes, or royal flushes. Since hands with the joker are especially valuable, be sure to adjust which cards you keep or discard depending on whether you have the joker.

Bonus Poker: In this variation, specific four of a kind hands pay out more than others. I recommend always looking for opportunities to make these high-paying hands. For example, if you are dealt three aces, consider discarding the remaining two cards, even if they form a smaller winning hand, to try for the fourth ace and a bigger payout.

I’ve found that each of these games calls for its own unique strategy, and knowing the best approach for each variant can greatly increase both your success and your potential winnings.

Video Poker Tips

• Understand Variance: Video poker games vary in how often and how much they pay out. High variance games feature large jackpots but pay less frequently, while low variance games provide more frequent, smaller wins. Select a game that matches your risk tolerance and bankroll.

 

• Use a Strategy Card: For more complex games such as Deuces Wild or Double Bonus, consider using a strategy card. These handy guides show the optimal plays for every hand you might receive, making it easier to make smart choices and improve your results.

 

• Look for Progressive Jackpot Machines: If you are aiming for larger payouts, choose machines that offer progressive jackpots. These jackpots increase as more people play and can result in substantial prizes, though winning them is rare.

 

• Manage Your Bankroll Wisely: Decide in advance how much you are comfortable spending and stick to that limit. Select a machine with betting options that fit your budget, and avoid games that require high wagers if you have a smaller bankroll.

What Not to Do in Video Poker

In video poker, I have learned that avoiding common mistakes is just as important as knowing the right strategies. Here are some key errors to watch out for and avoid.

• Learn from Your Mistakes: I recommend using software that analyzes your play. It can highlight the mistakes you make and suggest ways to improve. This kind of feedback is extremely helpful for becoming a stronger player.

 

• Chasing Losses: Trying to recover money you have lost by continuing to play, also called chasing losses, often results in even bigger losses. I find it much better to stick to your budget and avoid letting emotions influence your decisions.

 

• Ignoring the Paytable: Not all video poker machines are alike. If you play without checking the paytable, you might miss out on games with better payouts. I always recommend choosing a machine with a favorable paytable.

 

• Playing Without a Strategy: Starting a game without any strategy makes it much more likely that you will make costly mistakes. Even learning a basic strategy can make a noticeable difference and improve your chances of winning.

 

• Not Betting the Maximum Coins When Needed: On many video poker machines, the biggest payouts, especially for a royal flush, come only when you bet the maximum number of coins. If you don’t, you could miss out on these big wins.

 

• Overlooking Lesser Hands: Sometimes players focus too much on hitting the big jackpot hands and ignore smaller wins. Remember, smaller wins can add up over time and keep your bankroll healthy.

Examples of Video Poker Starting Hands

In video poker, your initial hand plays a big role in shaping your strategy. Below, I’ve shared a few examples of common starting hands, along with tips for deciding how to play each one.

• High Pair (Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces): I always hold onto a high pair and discard the other three cards, aiming for three of a kind, four of a kind, or even a full house.

 

• Low Pair (10s or lower): While not as strong, I still keep a low pair and draw three new cards, hoping to improve the hand.

 

• Four to a Flush: If I have four cards of the same suit, I keep them and draw one card to try to complete the flush.

 

• Four to a Straight: With four cards in sequence, I hold those and draw one more in hopes of hitting a straight.

 

• Three to a Royal Flush: If my hand includes three cards toward a royal flush, like an Ace, King, and Queen of the same suit, I keep those and draw two, going for the top payout.

 

• Two High Cards of the Same Suit: I keep both high cards, such as a King and Queen of hearts, and replace the rest, which could lead to a pair, a flush, or even a royal flush.

 

• Two High Cards of Different Suits: I keep the two high cards and draw three new ones, aiming for a pair or a stronger combination.

 

• One High Card: When I have just a single high card, I keep it and replace the other four, hoping to make at least a pair.

 

• No High Cards: If there are no high cards or promising combinations, I usually replace all five cards for a fresh start.

Keep in mind that video poker is all about creating the strongest hand you can with the cards you’re dealt. Sometimes, you need to take a calculated risk and hope for an upgrade when you draw new cards. Other times, you might start with a solid hand and just need to make a small adjustment for the best result.

Pay Tables and Financial Returns

I recommend taking a close look at the pay table before you start playing. The pay table tells you exactly how much you can win for each hand, such as a flush or a full house. Every video poker machine has its own pay table, so the payouts might be different from one to another. By understanding the pay table, I think you can make smarter choices and select games with better chances to win. I’ll explain what to look for in a pay table to help you find the best options.

Jacks or Better (9/6 Full Pay)

Deuces Wild (Full Pay)

Bonus Poker (8/5)

Double Bonus Poker (10/7)

Double Double Bonus Poker (9/6)

Keep in mind that these return percentages are based on making the optimal decisions every time. Actual returns may be lower, particularly if you are still mastering the game. Most payouts increase with larger bets, except for the Royal Flush, which typically offers a special bonus payout when you bet the maximum of five coins. Always review the specific paytable for the machine you’re playing, as payouts can vary.

Practicing Your Skills

I recommend practicing your video poker skills with free online games or simulators before you start playing at an online casino. This is a great way to get comfortable with different game types and sharpen your strategy without risking any money. You can try some free video poker games on our website here to start building your skills. The more you practice, the better your chances of winning when you play for real.

Key Takeaways for Video Poker

I’ve learned that having a solid strategy is key if you want to excel at video poker. My success isn’t just about luck, it also comes from knowing which cards to hold and which ones to discard. Taking the time to understand the rules and strategies for each variation can really boost your chances of winning. With regular practice and patience, video poker skills will improve and the game becomes even more enjoyable.