Video Poker Strategy
Although poker has been one of the most popular land based casino games for quite some time, video poker only raised its head in the 1970s with the birth of the commercially-available computer chip. Since then, the game has evolved into one of the most played casino game – both in land based casinos and online casinos.
Video poker is in essence a combination of 5 card poker and slots. The graphics are in a constant state of change, with newer and faster machines being entered into the market at regular intervals. The basics of the game, however, are the same. Although there is an element of luck involved in video poker, there is also a way to gain the edge over the house with by following a few simple strategic tips.
Video poker, by combining the intricacies of poker with the bells and whistles of slots, allows for a very intriguing and enjoyable game – and any game is enjoyed more if the player knows the rules. Knowing the rules not only allows you to concentrate on and appreciate the nuances of the game, but also allows you to play at a level where strategy can come into play.
The rules of video poker are quite simple once you get the hang if it. In fact, if you can play 5 card poker then you will grasp video poker quite quickly. Video poker machines are played with one to five coins, with five being the maximum bet. Five cards are then dealt by the machine to the player and the player must then choose which cards to discard.
The amount you win depends on the hand. The ranking system works the same as in table poker. Certain versions of video poker also pay out more than others.
Because there is no fool-proof way to win at gambling, it is important to learn a few of the strategies in order to minimize the chances of losing. Playing any game for free is one way to become familiar with any game, and there are many sites that offer free video poker. The most popular versions of video poker are Jacks or Better and Double Bonus Poker. These games only pay out to a winning hand which contains a pair of jacks or better. The fact remains that there are so many variations of video poker so tabulating a strategy for each one would be futile. The following strategies can be adapted to every version of video poker as the rules are consistent throughout.
Jacks or Better Video Poker Strategy
| Dealt hand | Cards you should hold | Cards you should discard |
| Royal Flush | 5 | 0 |
| Straight Flush | 5 | 0 |
| 4 of a Kind | 4 | 1 |
| 4 Card Royal Flush | 4 | 1 |
| Full House | 5 | 0 |
| Flush | 5 | 0 |
| 3 of a Kind | 3 | 2 |
| Straight | 5 | 0 |
| 4 Card Straight Flush | 4 | 1 |
| Two Pairs | 4 | 1 |
| Pair of Jacks or Higher | 2 | 3 |
| 3 Card Royal Flush | 3 | 2 |
| 4 Card Flush | 4 | 1 |
| Pair Lower Than Jacks | 2 | 3 |
| 4 Card Straight | 4 | 1 |
| 3 Card Straight Flush | 3 | 2 |
| 2 Card Royal Flush | 2 | 3 |
| 3 High Cards | 3 | 2 |
| 2 High Cards | 2 | 3 |
| 1 High Card | 1 | 4 |
| Anything Else | 0 | 5 |
Double Bonus Poker (Jacks or Better)
| Initial Hand | Cards you should hold | Cards you should discard |
| Royal Flush | 5 | 0 |
| 4 Aces | 4 | 1 |
| 4 Twos, Threes, or Fours | 4 | 1 |
| Straight Flush | 5 | 0 |
| 4 Fives Through Kings | 4 | 1 |
| 4 Card Royal Flush | 4 | 1 |
| 3 Aces | 3 | 2 |
| Full House | 5 | 0 |
| Flush | 5 | 0 |
| 3 Twos, Threes, or Fours | 3 | 2 |
| 3 Fives Through Kings | 3 | 2 |
| Straight | 5 | 0 |
| 4 Card Straight Flush | 4 | 1 |
| 2 Pairs | 4 | 1 |
| 2 Aces | 2 | 3 |
| 3 Card Royal Flush | 3 | 2 |
| 4 Card Flush | 4 | 1 |
| Pair of Jacks, Queens, or Kings | 2 | 3 |
| 4 Card Straight | 4 | 1 |
| 3 Card Straight Flush | 3 | 2 |
| Low Pair | 2 | 3 |
| 2 Card Royal Flush | 2 | 3 |
| 3 Card Flush | 3 | 2 |
| 3 High Cards | 3 | 2 |
| 3 Card Straight | 3 | 2 |
| 2 High Cards | 2 | 3 |
| 1 High Card | 1 | 4 |
| Anything Else | 0 | 5 |
If you win a hand against the machine, you will also be given the opportunity to double or nothing. This is done through the machine drawing one card and then you having to pick one of 5 cards. In order to win, you have to pick a higher card. However, if you choose a lower card then you lose.
There is no sure way to judge whether this is a good strategy or not, so you should use this option at your discretion. The general school of thought is that once you have won a hand, you should pocket your winnings and move onto the next hand.
Remember to play with your head and not to let emotions take control of your playing style. In the end, it is you who is making all the calls so you should set yourself limits and play within those limits.
- Video Poker Rules and How to Play
- Video Poker History
- Video Poker Strategy