Video Poker Strategy – Tips and Tricks
By
Dan Holmes
Casinos.US Writer Updated: 10/25/2024
Dan Holmes is our ultimate go-to expert when it comes to table games, slots, casino regulations, and legalization. He’s been in the industry for over 30 years, and his skillful insights have built him a strong following on the Internet. Dan’s favorite game is blackjack and loves to analyze and track revenue trends, as well as the tactics of players.
Video Poker Strategy
Video poker is a tantalizing mix of the thrill of slots and the strategy of traditional poker, but don’t be fooled—it’s an entirely different beast. Whether you’re playing Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Double Bonus, a calculated approach can increase your odds and make you feel like a poker prodigy.
While you won’t be reading your opponent’s bluff or raising the stakes at a table, video poker still demands skill and attention to detail. If you’ve ever sat in front of one of those glowing machines and wondered, “Is there a method to this madness?”—the answer is a resounding yes, in regard to video poker strategy. Welcome to online video poker strategy: where luck meets know-how.
- Difference between poker and video poker
- Basic strategy for video poker
- Best strategy for video poker
- Tips for video poker
- Smart video poker strategy
- Become a video poker expert
The Difference Between Table Poker and Video Poker
First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception. Table poker and video poker are two distinct games and mastering one doesn’t necessarily make you a star at the other. Sure, both feature the same basic hand rankings (you’ll still be praying for that royal flush), but the similarities stop there. Think of it this way – table poker is the social butterfly of card games, while video poker is the introverted cousin who’s really into numbers.
| Table Poker | Video Poker |
|---|---|
| This is the version most people envision when they think of poker—a group of players sitting around a table, sipping drinks, exchanging glances, and trying to outwit each other. Bluffing is king here, and reading your opponents is essential. Your success in table poker depends on your ability to manage psychological warfare as much as it does on the cards in your hand. | Enter the casino machine. There are no opponents to bluff or stare down, no chips to count, and no pot to push all-in on. Instead, it’s you versus the machine, playing a game built purely on mathematical probabilities. What video poker lacks in social dynamics, it makes up for in speed and strategy. Each decision you make—hold, draw, or fold—has a direct impact on the outcome, and there’s no one to blame for your losses but yourself (or your lack of strategy). |
Basic Strategy for Video Poker: Start Here
Now that we’ve established what makes video poker unique, let’s dive into what everyone wants to know: video poker and how to win. The foundation of any successful video poker strategy is to make sure you’re playing optimally – this means knowing which cards to hold and which to discard based on the variant of the game you’re playing.
Different variations have different optimal strategies, but the basic principles remain largely the same. You need to understand the payout table of the game you’re playing and stick to it like a dog with a bone. Knowing the game’s payout structure tells you which hands are most valuable and which hands you should aim to complete. After all, what’s the point of trying to build a flush if the payout is significantly lower than a full house?
Key Points for Basic Strategy:
- Know the Payout Table – Each machine has a payout table, and these can vary widely. Play the machine that gives you the best return for the hands you aim to achieve.
- Play Max Coins – In most cases, playing the maximum number of coins unlocks the highest payout, especially for royal flushes. Don’t skimp on this—it’s the difference between a good payday and a massive one.
- Hold High Cards, Discard the Rest (Jacks or Better) – In a basic Jacks or Better game, it’s usually smart to hold onto cards that are likely to form a high pair (Jacks, Queens, Kings, Aces) and discard everything else unless you’re one card away from a straight or flush.
Best Strategy for Video Poker: Be Selective
One thing you quickly learn when playing video poker is that the sheer variety of games can be overwhelming. Each variant, whether it’s Joker Poker, Deuces Wild, or Double Double Bonus, has its own quirks, and what works for one game won’t necessarily work for another. That’s why video poker strategy boils down to being selective not just in the cards you hold, but in the game, you choose to play.
Deuces Wild
In Deuces Wild, any deuce (2) acts as a wild card, which can substitute for any other card to create a winning hand. It’s one of the more exciting variants because of the potential for massive hands. But you need a different approach here. Since deuces are wild, you’ll want to hold onto any 2s like they’re gold bricks and aim for those big hands.
- Key Tip: In Deuces Wild, always hold any deuces, even if it means breaking up a pair or a low winning hand. The potential for higher hands outweighs the immediate payout.
Jacks or Better
This is the classic version of video poker and often has the simplest strategy. In Jacks or Better, you win if you have a pair of Jacks or better, hence the name. There’s less volatility here than in games like Deuces Wild or Bonus Poker, but that doesn’t mean you should take it easy.
- Key Tip: Always hold onto any pair, but if you don’t have a winning pair, go for the high cards like Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces. Avoid chasing flushes and straights unless you’re just one card away.
Tips for Video Poker: Become a Pro
If you’re still reading, it’s probably because you want some inside knowledge on video poker and how to win. There’s no magical formula to guarantee you walk out of the casino a millionaire, but there are several tips for video poker that will keep you in the game longer and maybe even tilt the odds in your favor.
Know When to Walk Away
Yes, video poker machines are fun, and yes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the thrill of hitting a big hand. But even the best strategy for video poker won’t save you from the reality of variance. Make sure to set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it.
If you hit a nice win early on, consider cashing out or at least pocketing some of your winnings. Just as in the best online slots, customers should practice responsible gambling at all times. That’s why it’s important to set up your time and budget limits in advance.
Slow Down and Avoid Auto-Hold
Most video poker machines have an auto-hold function that suggests which cards you should keep based on the current hand. It’s tempting to rely on it, but it can sometimes steer you wrong. Machines are programmed with generic settings, and they don’t always take into account the best move for every situation. Trust your instincts and learn the strategy for yourself.
- Video Poker Tip 1 – Study basic strategy charts for your preferred game variant. These charts are freely available online and outline the mathematically optimal decision for every possible hand.
- Video Poker Tip 2 – Take advantage of casino bonuses and rewards programs. Most casinos offer comps or cashback for frequent players, which can help extend your playtime and offset some losses.
Video Poker Strategy in Action: Making Smart Decisions
When you’re in the thick of a game, you’ll often be faced with tough decisions—do you break up a low pair in hopes of completing a flush? Do you discard three cards when you already have two high ones? These split-second choices are where the best strategy for video poker comes into play. Let’s look at some common situations where your decision-making will make or break your bankroll:
- Low Pair vs. High Cards – If you have a low pair (say, 4s) and a high card (like a King), many players will be tempted to go for the high card in hopes of forming a better pair. Resist this temptation! Low pairs are more likely to pay out than going for an uncertain hand.
- Four to a Straight or Flush – If you’re just one card away from a straight or flush, it’s often worth holding the four cards and going for the high payout. However, don’t chase too many high-risk draws, as this can quickly drain your credits.
Becoming a Video Poker Expert: Practice Makes Perfect
Finally, remember that the ultimate video poker how to win tip is to practice. You don’t have to lose real money to get better at video poker. There are plenty of online simulators and free video poker apps where you can hone your skills without risking your bankroll. Here are a few bonus practice tips:
- Track Your Play – Keep a log of your sessions, noting which hands you held and whether they resulted in a win or loss. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you’ll be able to fine-tune your strategy.
- Learn One Game at a Time – Rather than jumping from one video poker variant to the next, master the intricacies of a single game before moving on to another. Jacks or Better is a good starting point for most players.
Video poker is one of the rare casino games where skill can significantly affect the outcome, so it pays to be strategic. By understanding the basic strategy for video poker and keeping a cool head in the face of tough decisions, you can give yourself the best possible chance to succeed.
