Your Key Guide to Video Poker Strategy

Video poker entered the gambling scene in the 1970s. Since then, it has grown bigger and wider, taking over other games in online casinos. It’s among the few casino games that offer the highest odds. Also, a player can influence the final outcome of a game.

That is not all; video poker brings the house edge into play. At the same time, players get a chance to win big.

Video poker could be your ultimate answer if you are looking for gambling anonymity. You avoid the pressure that comes with live comments in your game. Most importantly, video poker is one of the easiest casino games to play. It does not call for any unique skills or anything extra.

Despite that, it’s crucial to learn how to win video poker slot machines. This guide will help you. We shall be discussing video poker strategy.

Continue reading.

Why Do You Need a Strategy?

Slot machines are quite straightforward in their operation. They are popular because anyone can play them without any prior experience. All one has to do is insert money on the machine and press a button to start spinning.

You have no control over the next move. The RNG creates random combinations to determine the winner.

Unlike slot machines, video poker lets players pick a game they want to play. Like any other apuestas online game, there is also randomness in play, but with better chances for the player.

The dealer presses a button to deal five cards at random. The player then selects the card, keeping some and discarding the others. That means players have total control over what they want to do with the cards. And that’s where the similarity with random slot machines ends.

The decision to keep or discard all the cards depends entirely on the player. You can decide to throw all of them away, hoping to get a royal. Or, you can hold just the ace and throw away the rest, again, hoping for a royal. This is one hand that promises the most money.

Example 

Assume that you are dealt a flush in spades. Your hand has Ks, Qs, Js, Ts, and 3s.

You may have total control over these cards. But not every decision you make comes with the same effect.

Consider an even extreme instance where you have four 3s and one Ace. What can you do with these cards? Should you save the straight flush with the 9 spades? Or discard all the cards?

We already know that a straight flush pays more. But a royal flash promises more pay times. It makes this a tough decision to make.

But then, it’s all on you. None of the decisions you make may be easy, and yet you still have to make one.

And that is where strategy comes in. You will know what to do when faced with difficult decisions with a proper approach. The idea is not just to win but to get the best hand too.

Understanding Different Types of Video Poker

Your first line of action should be learning about video poker as much as possible. A good betting site like te apuesto.com will share all the info you need.

This is a game that mimics a Five Card Draw game. It’s a simple variation that is today, mostly played online.

Initially, this was a single game, “Jacks or Better.” But today, there are several variations created over the years to improve its playability and attract more games.

Here are some of the most popular variations:

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is the closes variation of Jacks or Better. The main difference is that a pair of tens can also give you a win.

Deuces Wild

In this game, you can be dealt with any deuce. This card replaces any other card in the card deck.

Joker Poker

Joker Poker has become a popular variation. Here, a single joker card is added to the standard deck cards. This card can replace all the other cards. But you will need at least a pair of kings to win.

Ace and Faces

Here is another variant that has grown very popular. It comes with additional payouts if a player makes four-of-a-kind with Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces. You can get better pay using a straight flush.

Bonus Poker

Additional bonus for a player who makes four of a kind. The game with a lower overall payout also has a decreased RTP.

Video Poker Strategy – Jacks or Better

The key to video poker strategy is knowing how it all works. It’s a game that includes odds and math. Casinos know they will win eventually since it’s based on probability.

Before anything, you need to look at the paytable. The game pays 9 for a full house and 6 for a flush. A 9/6 paytable is more recommended for Jacks or Better.

Once you have the right paytable, you can start playing firsthand. Decide the cards to keep and those to replace before pressing the deal button.

Do not be tempted to experiment by making an on-the-spot decision. This can affect your bankroll negatively. Also, do not try to chase some long shots. Stick to this strategy, and you will not regret it.

Tips for winning in video poker

Here are some tips you can use with this strategy to win more.

  • Take advantage of bonuses and promotions. Many people forget to claim their bonuses, which end up being wasted. Some extra cash can go a long way in improving your game.
  • Keep your bankroll healthy. A good bankroll is important in any gambling game. You should always have a budget and keep a few coins for your sessions.
  • Play progressive video poker. A progressive jackpot is quite hard to win. But it offers the best rewards for a player that finally wins them.
  • Pick a suitable machine. Choose your video poker machine based on the house edge. The lower the house edge, the higher the payout.
  • Keep it calm. You don’t need to be in any hurry. The best strategy is to stay calm at all times and play at your own pace.

These this should get you a good start in your next video poker game. And since you know you need a strategy, you have a better winning chance.