Why Strategy Matters in Video Poker
Many beginners approach video poker like slot machines, simply pressing “deal” and hoping for the best. This is a common mistake. While luck plays a role, video poker is fundamentally a game of skill. Each hand presents you with a choice: which cards to hold and which to discard. Making the optimal choice consistently can significantly reduce the house edge, sometimes even giving you a slight advantage over the casino in certain game variations. Think of it as a puzzle where the right moves lead to better rewards.
Understanding the Basics: Game Variations and Pay Tables
Before you can apply strategy, you need to understand the game you’re playing.
Different Video Poker Games
There are many variations of video poker, but some of the most popular include:
* **Jacks or Better:** This is the most common and often recommended starting point for beginners. As the name suggests, you need at least a pair of Jacks to get a payout.
* **Deuces Wild:** In this game, all twos (deuces) are wild cards, meaning they can substitute for any other card to form a winning hand. This dramatically increases your chances of getting high-ranking hands.
* **Joker Poker:** Similar to Deuces Wild, but usually features one or two Jokers as wild cards.
* **Bonus Poker / Double Bonus Poker:** These variations offer higher payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands, often at the expense of lower payouts for other hands.
Each game has its own optimal strategy, so it’s essential to know which version you’re playing.
The Importance of the Pay Table
Every video poker machine has a pay table displayed, showing you the payouts for each winning hand. This is incredibly important! A “full pay” machine offers the best possible return for that game variation. For example, in Jacks or Better, a full-pay machine typically pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush (often referred to as “9/6 Jacks or Better”). Machines with lower payouts (e.g., 8/5 or 7/5) have a higher house edge. Always look for the best pay tables you can find.
Core Strategies for Jacks or Better (The Beginner’s Friend)
Since Jacks or Better is the most common and easiest to learn, let’s focus on its core strategies. The goal is to make the best possible hand from your initial five cards, or to draw cards that give you the best chance of making a strong hand.
Always Play Max Coins
This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any video poker game. Playing the maximum number of coins (usually five) dramatically increases the payout for a Royal Flush. If you hit a Royal Flush with fewer than max coins, the payout is significantly smaller. It’s better to play fewer hands at max coins than many hands at fewer coins.
The Hierarchy of Hands
Familiarize yourself with the standard poker hand rankings, from Royal Flush (the best) down to a pair. This knowledge is fundamental to making strategic decisions.
Basic Holding Strategy for Jacks or Better
When you’re dealt your initial five cards, you’ll need to decide which to hold and which to discard. Here’s a simplified hierarchy of hands to hold, from best to worst, assuming you don’t already have a Royal Flush or Straight Flush:
1. **Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, Royal Flush:** Always hold these.
2. **Four to a Royal Flush:** Hold all four cards if you’re one card away from a Royal Flush (e.g., A, K, Q, J of hearts, plus a random card).
3. **Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind:** Always hold these.
4. **Four to a Straight Flush:** Hold these (e.g., 7, 8, 9, 10 of spades).
5. **Two Pair:** Hold both pairs.
6. **High Pair (Jacks or Better):** Hold the pair.
7. **Three to a Royal Flush:** Hold these (e.g., A, K, Q of hearts, with two random cards).
8. **Four to a Flush:** Hold these (e.g., four spades, one random card).
9. **Low Pair (Tens or lower):** Hold the pair.
10. **Four to an Outside Straight:** Hold these (e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9 – can be completed at either end).
11. **Two High Cards (unsuited):** Hold two high cards (J, Q, K, A) if they are not suited.
12. **One High Card:** Hold a single high card.
13. **Nothing:** If you have none of the above, discard all five cards and draw new ones.
This is a simplified list. There are more nuanced strategies for specific situations (e.g., when to break a small pair for a four-card flush draw), but this hierarchy will serve you well as a beginner.
Advanced Tips for Beginners
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, consider these tips:
Use Strategy Charts
For optimal play, professional video poker players use detailed strategy charts. These charts list every possible hand combination and tell you the mathematically correct decision. You can find these charts online, print them out, and use them while you play, especially when practicing. Don’t be shy about using them; they are your best friend for learning.
Practice with Free Games
Many online casinos offer free-play versions of their video poker games. This is an excellent way to practice your strategy without risking any real money. Play as much as you can, referring to your strategy chart, until the correct decisions become second nature.
Manage Your Bankroll
Responsible gambling is key. Set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Never chase losses. Video poker can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to play within your means.
Understand Variance
Even with perfect strategy, video poker involves an element of luck. You will have winning streaks and losing streaks. This is called variance. Don’t get discouraged by short-term losses; focus on making the correct strategic decisions consistently over the long run.
Conclusion: Play Smart, Play to Win!
