How to Win Using the Right Video Poker Strategy
Unlike basic blackjack strategy, there is no single, trusted strategy for winning at video poker. There are too many variants of the game, and they come with various features and RTPs. However, there are a few video poker tips you can carry with you, and we’ll discuss those tips here as we show you how to win at video poker.
Study the Paytable
If you’re playing real video poker online, you need to know your paytables. Luckily, these should be displayed on the main game screen.
The paytable shows you what you need to qualify and how much you get for a royal flush, which tells you what hands you should give up to chase that prize.
Keep Low Pairs
In our guide on Joker Poker vs Deuces Wild, we discussed two popular video poker games that require high qualifying hands. But just because your pair doesn’t qualify doesn’t mean you should give it up.
You have more chance of getting a three-of-a-kind with a pair than you do of landing something better by scrapping those cards.
Chase the Big Hands
If you have four to a flush, straight flush, or royal flush, go for it! Your odds of landing a win are slim, but they’re much higher than they were at the start, and with four to a draw, your expected value goes through the roof.
It’s also worth holding three to a royal flush. Again, your odds are slim, but this is a key move in any video poker strategy, as the massive payouts make it worth your while.
Know the Odds
We’ve all been at poker tables with complete newbies who make strange moves, such as betting big when they need a runner-runner. It’s because they don’t know the odds of hitting those cards—they just know it can happen, so they play for it.
The same is true for video poker. Before playing for those big hands, you should know how likely they are to land. For instance, the odds of hitting a royal flush with the first five cards are 649,739 to 1, which justifies those big payouts.
But if you only need one card to complete that hand, your odds are 47 to 1 (discounting the four cards you keep and the one you discard, there should be 47 left, and only one is helpful to you).
It’s still high, but many games pay at least 800 to 1 for a royal flush, so it’s worth it. If you’re playing with Joker Wilds, your odds improve significantly.
Summary: How to Win at Video Poker
Remember to always study the paytable, know your odds, keep low pairs, and play for big hands! Also, practice makes perfect, and it helps to research video poker’s basic strategy for specific games, including our Jacks or Better strategy chart and Joker Poker strategy.
Checking that the game has a high RTP is also key.
Video Poker Common Queries
How do you win consistently in video poker?
You can increase your odds by holding all pairs and above; stick with high RTP games.
What is the easiest video poker game to win?
Jacks or Better is one of the most popular among video poker pros.
Is there any skill in video poker?
Yes, luck plays a significant role, but you must know the paytable, understand what to hold, and have good basic poker knowledge.
What is the secret to winning at poker?
Staying measured, controlled, and logical is essential for all poker games.
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