Video poker’s popularity is booming in 2024, both in bustling casinos and on digital platforms. But navigating the complexities of the game can be a challenge. This guide is your essential tool to master video poker casino card game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ll simplify the rules, share winning strategies, and help you decide which cards to keep. Forget the complicated jargon – we keep it fun and straightforward, just like the game itself.
I. Video Poker Basics
Objective
Build the best possible poker hand from the five cards you receive. It’s like grabbing all the winning lottery tickets, but instead of pure luck, you use strategy to boost your chances of winning cash.
How to Play:
- Bet: Choose your wager.
- Deal: Press “Deal” to receive five cards.
- Choose: Select which cards to hold and which to discard.
- Draw: Press “Draw” to replace discarded cards.
- Win (or Lose): Your final hand is compared to the paytable to determine your payout.
Poker Hand Rankings:
Just like traditional poker, the higher your hand, the bigger your payout. The rankings are:
Video Poker Hand Rankings
| Rank | Hand | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit | A♥ K♥ Q♥ J♥ 10♥ |
| 2 | Straight Flush | Five cards in sequence, same suit | 5♦ 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ 9♦ |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | Q♣ Q♦ Q♥ Q♠ 7♣ |
| 4 | Full House | Three of a kind + one pair | J♠ J♣ J♦ 9♥ 9♦ |
| 5 | Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 2♥ 5♥ 7♥ 10♥ K♥ |
| 6 | Straight | Five cards in sequence, different suits | 8♣ 9♦ 10♠ J♥ Q♥ |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 4♣ 4♦ 4♥ 9♠ K♣ |
| 8 | Two Pair | Two different pairs | 7♠ 7♣ 3♥ 3♦ K♣ |
| 9 | One Pair (Jacks or Better) | Two cards of the same rank, Jacks or higher | J♠ J♣ 8♥ 5♦ 2♣ |
Game Variations:
- Jacks or Better: The classic with Jacks as the minimum winning hand.
- Deuces Wild: Twos are wild, meaning they can be any card.
- Bonus Poker: Offers bonus payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands.
- Double Bonus Poker: Even bigger bonuses for specific four-of-a-kinds.
- Joker Poker: The Joker acts as a wild card.
Experiment with different variations to find your favorite!
II. Video Poker Strategy
1. Mastering the Hold
The heart of video poker is deciding which cards to keep (hold) and which to discard. It’s a balancing act between playing the current hand and aiming for stronger future hands.
| Hand | Hold | Discard | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush, Straight Flush, 4 of a Kind, Full House | All cards | None | These are premium hands; hold them all for a guaranteed win. |
| 4 to a Royal Flush | The 4 cards to the Royal Flush | The 5th card | Go for the big payout! |
| Straight Flush Draw (4 cards to a Straight Flush) | The 4 cards to the Straight Flush | The 5th card | High potential for a strong hand. |
| 4 to a Straight (Open-ended) | The 4 cards to the Straight | The 5th card | Good odds of completing the Straight. |
| 4 to a Flush | The 4 cards to the Flush | The 5th card | Decent odds of completing the Flush. |
| 3 of a Kind | The 3 of a Kind | The other 2 cards | Chance to improve to Full House or 4 of a Kind. |
| 2 Pair | Both pairs | The 5th card | Chance to improve to Full House or 4 of a Kind. |
| High Pair (Jacks or Better) | The pair | The other 3 cards | Decent chance to improve to Two Pair, 3 of a Kind, or Full House. |
| Low Pair (e.g., 2s, 3s) | Varies based on game and draw | Varies based on game and draw | Consider potential for Straight/Flush or higher Pair. |
| 4 to a Straight Flush | The 4 cards to the Straight Flush | The 5th card | High potential for a very strong hand. |
| 2 High Cards (e.g., Ace and King) | Both high cards | The other 3 cards | Potential for a high pair or better. |
Important Note: This is a simplified chart. Optimal strategy varies depending on the specific video poker game and paytable. Always refer to a detailed strategy chart for your chosen game variation to maximize your chances of winning.
2. Money Management: Protecting Your Bankroll
Even the best video poker players face losing streaks. To avoid going bust, manage your bankroll wisely.
Bankroll Tips:
- Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t chase losses.
- Choose a bet size that matches your budget and risk tolerance.
- Know when to quit, both when winning and losing.
3. The House Edge and Payback Percentages in Video Poker
In video poker, the casino (the house) has a slight mathematical advantage called the house edge. This means over time, the casino is expected to make a profit. However, video poker stands out with relatively low house edges and high payback percentages, especially when played with the optimal strategy.
Payback percentage is the portion of wagers a machine is expected to return to players over the long run. Choosing games with higher payback percentages gives you more “bang for your buck.”
| Video Poker Variation | Payback Percentage (with optimal strategy) | House Edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better (9/6) | 99.54% | 0.46% | The classic, offering solid returns with good strategy. |
| Deuces Wild (Full Pay) | 100.76% | -0.76% | Can offer a player edge with perfect play, but high variance. |
| Double Bonus Poker (10/7) | 99.17% | 0.83% | Higher volatility, but potential for big payouts on 4 of a Kinds. |
| Joker Poker (Kings or Better) | 98.46% | 1.54% | Lower payback, but the Joker adds fun and unpredictability. |
| Bonus Poker Deluxe (8/5) | 99.64% | 0.36% | Similar to Jacks or Better, with enhanced payouts for 4 of a Kinds. |
4. Expected Value (EV): Your Secret Weapon in Video Poker
Think of Expected Value (EV) as your video poker compass. It guides you toward the most profitable choices, turning you from a casual player into a strategic shark.
What is EV?
Simply put, EV is the average amount you’ll win or lose on a bet over time. For example, consistently betting on black in roulette is a losing strategy because the odds (and EV) aren’t in your favor.
In video poker, each decision (holding certain cards, discarding others) has an EV. The choice with the highest EV is the mathematically best play, increasing your chances of winning over time.
Why EV Matters
Video poker isn’t just luck – it’s about skill. Understanding EV helps you make informed choices, increasing your odds against the house.
Every hand presents multiple paths, each with a different EV. Some paths lead to wins (positive EV), others to losses (negative EV). Choosing the highest EV path consistently puts the odds in your favor.
Using EV in Your Strategy
You don’t need to be a math whiz to use EV. Understanding the basics can significantly improve your decision-making. Here’s how:
- Game Selection: Not all video poker games are equal. Choose games with higher payback percentages – they have lower house edges and offer better EV.
- Hold/Discard Decisions: Use EV to determine the best way to play each hand. Sometimes, counterintuitively, holding a low pair (like 2s) might be better than a high card (like an Ace).
- Progressive Jackpots: These jackpots offer huge payouts but with lower EV for regular wins. Knowing when to chase the jackpot or play for smaller wins is key.
| Strategy | Explanation | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Bet Max | Most jackpots require the max bet to be eligible. | Don’t miss out on the big prize due to a smaller wager. |
| Know the Break-Even Point | Research the jackpot amount that makes playing profitable. | Avoid chasing jackpots that aren’t worth the risk. |
| Optimal Strategy for All Hands | Don’t neglect smaller wins while focusing on the Royal Flush. | Maximize your overall winnings and bankroll longevity. |
| Don’t Chase Losses | Set a budget and stick to it, even if the jackpot is tempting. | Responsible gambling keeps the fun in the game. |
| Choose the Right Machine | Different machines have varying jackpot sizes and odds. | Select machines with bigger jackpots or better odds. |
| Hand | Hold/Discard Strategy | EV Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush Draw (4 cards to a Royal Flush) | Hold all 4 cards, discard the 5th. | Highest EV play due to massive potential payout. |
| Straight Flush Draw (4 cards to a Straight Flush) | Hold all 4 cards, discard the 5th. | High EV, especially in games with good Straight Flush payouts. |
| 4 to a Straight (Open-ended) | Hold all 4 cards, discard the 5th. | Strong EV, as you have 8 outs to complete the Straight. |
| 4 to a Flush | Hold all 4 cards, discard the 5th. | Good EV, as you have 9 outs to complete the Flush. |
| Full House | Hold all 5 cards. | Already a strong hand with high payout, no need to discard. |
| Flush | Hold all 5 cards. | Guaranteed payout, no risk in discarding. |
| Straight | Hold all 5 cards. | Guaranteed payout, no risk in discarding. |
| 3 of a Kind | Hold the 3 of a Kind, discard the other 2. | Chance to improve to Full House or 4 of a Kind. |
| 2 Pair | Hold both pairs, discard the 5th card. | Chance to improve to Full House or 4 of a Kind. |
| High Pair (Jacks or Better) | Hold the pair, discard the other 3. | Decent chance to improve to 2 Pair, 3 of a Kind, or Full House. |
| 4 to a Straight Flush | Hold all 4 cards, discard the 5th. | High EV, especially in games with good Straight Flush payouts. |
| 2 High Cards (e.g., Ace and King) | Hold both high cards, discard the other 3. | Potential for a high pair or better. |
| 3 to a Royal Flush | Hold all 3 cards, discard the other 2. | Low probability, but high potential payout if you hit. |
| Low Pair | Depends on game and paytable, check for better draws. | Sometimes it’s better to discard for a higher potential hand. |
EV isn’t about guaranteeing wins on every hand; it’s about making informed decisions that give you a statistical edge over time. Remember, in video poker, it’s not just the cards you’re dealt, but the choices you make.
III. Additional Tips for Video Poker Success
Video Poker Etiquette:
Remember, even card sharks have manners.
- Respect the machine.
- Don’t hog the machine if others are waiting.
- Keep celebrations and frustrations quiet.
- Tip the attendants in a casino.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t fall into these rookie traps.
- Wrong Game: Research games with better payouts and lower house edges.
- No Strategy: Learn and use a basic strategy chart for optimal play.
- Chasing Losses: Don’t increase your bets to recover losses.
Where to Play: Online vs. Casinos
The choice is yours:
- Online: Convenient, accessible, wider variety of games.
- Casinos: Authentic atmosphere, but potentially more expensive.
Choose based on your comfort and preferences.
The History of Video Poker
Video poker originated in the late 19th century with mechanical poker machines. It wasn’t until the 1970s, with the introduction of electronic displays and random number generators, that it became the game we know and love today.
Now, video poker is a global phenomenon, loved for its blend of skill, strategy, and the thrill of chance. So, whether you’re in a Vegas casino or relaxing at home, you’re part of a long and exciting video poker legacy.
