Video poker is one of the most strategic and rewarding casino games available online. Unlike traditional slot machines, which rely solely on luck, video poker allows players to influence the outcome through strategy and decision-making. Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced player searching for advanced techniques, this guide will provide in-depth strategies that will help you maximize your winnings and reduce the house edge. In this article, we will cover the fundamentals of video poker, the best strategies for various game types, and some advanced techniques that can give you an edge over the house.
Understanding Video Poker: Basics and Terminology
Before diving into advanced strategies, it’s important to understand the basics of video poker. The game is based on five-card draw poker, but instead of playing against other players, you are playing against the house. You are dealt five cards, and after looking at your hand, you can choose which cards to keep and which ones to discard. New cards will replace the discarded ones, and the final hand is compared against the paytable to determine your winnings.
Here are some key terms and concepts every video poker player should know:
- Paytable: The paytable shows the payouts for each hand, including the payouts for a royal flush, straight flush, four-of-a-kind, and other poker hands. The paytable will vary depending on the variant of video poker you are playing.
- RTP (Return to Player): RTP refers to the percentage of wagers that the game is designed to return to players over time. Video poker games typically have high RTPs, often ranging from 95% to 99%.
- Optimal Strategy: Optimal strategy refers to the best possible move for every scenario in the game. Knowing the optimal strategy for each hand can dramatically improve your odds of winning.
Best Video Poker Variants and Their Strategies
There are several variations of video poker, and each comes with its own paytable and strategy. Let’s look at some of the most popular video poker variants and the strategies you can use to optimize your gameplay.
1. Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most common and popular video poker game. It is simple, easy to understand, and offers one of the highest RTPs. The goal is to get at least a pair of Jacks or better to earn a payout. The game has a standard paytable, which pays for hands like a pair of Jacks, two pairs, three of a kind, and higher.
Optimal Strategy: In Jacks or Better, the best strategy is to keep any pair of Jacks or better and discard the rest of the cards. If you have a hand with no pairs, keep any high cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces), as they increase your chances of making a winning hand. For more advanced players, there are specific strategies for more complicated hands, such as four cards to a royal flush or a four-card straight.
Fun Fact: The name "Jacks or Better" comes from the fact that the lowest-paying hand is a pair of Jacks. This is the only video poker game where the lowest winning hand is specifically defined.
2. Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is another popular variation of video poker. In this version, the 2s (deuces) are wild, meaning they can substitute for any other card to help complete a winning hand. The paytable is typically more generous in Deuces Wild, with larger payouts for hands like four of a kind and a five-of-a-kind.
Optimal Strategy: The strategy in Deuces Wild is slightly more complex due to the wild card element. A basic strategy would be to keep any pair of Jacks or better, as well as any hands that have at least one wild card, such as a four-card straight flush. If you are dealt a hand with two wild cards, you should generally keep them, as they offer the best chance of completing a strong hand.
Advanced Tip: For hands with multiple wild cards, aim to create the best possible five-of-a-kind or royal flush. For example, if you are dealt four cards to a royal flush with a wild card, you should keep the four cards and discard the fifth card to try for the royal flush.
3. Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker offers higher payouts for certain hands, such as four-of-a-kind. While it has a slightly lower RTP than Jacks or Better, it can be more rewarding if you know how to play correctly. This variant is ideal for players who are experienced with video poker and want to take advantage of the larger payouts.
Optimal Strategy: In Double Bonus Poker, the key is to take advantage of the higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. Keep any four cards to a four-of-a-kind and aim for the best possible combination of four cards. If you are dealt a pair, hold onto it, and aim for the possibility of a four-of-a-kind.
Advanced Tip: If you are dealt two pairs, consider keeping the higher pair and discarding the lower one. This increases the chance of landing a four-of-a-kind, which pays significantly more in Double Bonus Poker.
Advanced Video Poker Strategies
Now that you understand the basics of video poker and the strategies for various variants, let’s explore some advanced techniques that can elevate your game and give you an edge over the house.
1. Card Counting
Card counting is often associated with blackjack, but it can also be applied to video poker. In video poker, the goal is to track the remaining high-value cards in the deck (such as face cards and Aces) that could help you create winning hands. By keeping track of the remaining cards, you can make more informed decisions about whether to hold or discard certain cards.
How It Works: As you play, assign a value to each card in the deck. For example, face cards and Aces might be worth +1, while lower-value cards might be worth -1. The idea is to track the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck. When there are more high cards left, you have a better chance of getting a high-paying hand like a royal flush or straight flush.
2. Bankroll Management
One of the most important strategies for any casino game is managing your bankroll. For video poker, this means setting limits for yourself and knowing how much you can afford to lose before you stop playing. Having a solid bankroll management strategy will help you avoid getting caught up in the excitement of the game and prevent you from losing more than you can afford.
How to Manage Your Bankroll: Start by deciding how much money you want to spend on video poker in a session. Divide this amount into smaller units that will allow you to play for a longer period of time. This will help you take advantage of streaks of good luck and ensure you have enough funds to recover from any bad hands.
3. Multi-Play Video Poker
Many online video poker games allow you to play multiple hands at once, increasing your exposure to winning hands. Multi-play video poker is an advanced strategy that allows you to increase your potential payouts, but it also requires greater bankroll management and focus.
How It Works: Multi-play video poker lets you place bets on several hands at the same time. While this increases the amount of money you can potentially win, it also increases the risk. The key is to make sure you are familiar with the optimal strategy for each hand and to have enough funds to cover multiple bets.
Conclusion
Video poker is a game of skill and strategy that rewards players who are willing to put in the effort to learn the best tactics. By understanding the various video poker variants, employing optimal strategies, and using advanced techniques like card counting and bankroll management, you can significantly improve your chances of winning. Whether you’re playing Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Double Bonus Poker, the strategies outlined in this guide will help you make more informed decisions, maximize your returns, and enjoy a more rewarding video poker experience.
Remember, video poker may offer a low house edge and a high RTP, but success ultimately comes down to your ability to make the right decisions. Practice, patience, and persistence are essential to mastering the game. Good luck!
