Video Poker Tips & Strategies

If you're planning on giving video poker a try (which I highly recommend you do) then don't make the mistake of gaming with pure luck! Not only does using luck play into the hands of the casino it's also very easy to play with a basic strategy. Remember this is the kind of mistake that I made and lost with when I was a beginner! Since Jacks or Better Video Poker is the simplest form of the game (as well as a total classic) I recommend you start right here. To play Jacks or Better strategically, simply check the chart against you initial 5 card draw; hold the appropriate cards and discard the remainder. Many Microgaming video poker games are pre-set to highlight suggested holds, but double check with the chart.

Basic standard Jacks or Better Video Poker strategy chart

First Hand	Cards To Hold	Cards To 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

 

When you're ready to advance your video poker gaming – try out some more advanced systems, and make sure you select 'genre specific' strategies. Once you reach intermediate level (this has taken me 6 months to a year), you can realistically start thinking about beating the machines regularly, without relying on luck!

There are number of other casino games that combine both luck and strategy. Blackjack is one of the most strategically intense games that you can play at a casino, and Craps professionals employ a number of techniques to ensure winnings at the tables, learn more about Craps strategy here. Alternatively, try a game of Roulette which also has a number of strategy options depending on which system you may use. All in all these games offer hours of entertainment and when played right, some handsome rewards too!