Best Strategies for playing Video Poker

Video poker is one of the few types of gambling games where you can actually use a strategy. Unlike slots, everything depends not only on luck, but also on your decisions. If you are looking for a game where you can increase your chances of success with the help of knowledge, video poker is a great choice.

In this article, we will analyze the key strategies, draw tables, and tips that will help you improve your results in popular video poker games such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker.

What is video poker?

Video poker is a mix of poker and a slot machine. The player is dealt 5 cards, after which he can choose which cards to keep and which to discard. Then there is an exchange, and if there is a winning combination in the final hand, the prize is paid according to the paytable.

Advantages of video poker:

• High RTP (up to 99.95% with the right strategy).
• Simple rules.
• The player’s influence on the result.
• A variety of game options.

Main types of video poker

What influences your success in video poker?

• Choosing the right game option.
• Knowledge of the paytable.
• Using the correct drawing strategy.
• Discipline and bankroll management.

Strategy for Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is the most popular variety. The main goal is to collect a combination of at least a pair of jacks.

Draw table: what to leave

Using such a table, you will increase the RTP to the maximum value of 99.54%.

Strategy for Deuces Wild

In this game, deuces replace any card. This increases the probability of building strong combinations, but complicates the strategy.

Basic tips:

• 4 deuces — always keep it.
• 3 deuces — keep them, change everything else.
• 2 deuces — aim for a square or straight flush.
• 1 deuce-keep only strong combinations with it.
• No twos — just like in regular poker: at least three, two pairs or higher.

RTP in Deuces Wild can reach up to 100.76% with the correct paytable and strategy.

How do I choose a video poker machine?

Pay attention to the paytable-it determines how profitable a particular machine is. In Jacks or Better, a full payment is considered ideal:

If a full house pays 9 and a flush 6, it’s 9/6 Jacks or Better, and it has the maximum RTP. If you see 8/5, this is a less profitable option.

General Strategy Tips

• Play with maximum coins.Only with a bet of 5 coins, the royal flush is paid at 4000 (not 250×5 = 1250). This significantly increases the impact on the distance.
• Use simulators.There are many simulators on the web that allow you to train your strategy with hints.
• Don’t pursue emotions.As in other games, do not try to “win back”. Strategy requires composure.
• Control your bankroll.As with other gambling games, it is important to clearly limit the amount you are willing to spend.
• Keep your tables handy.Even experienced players often use cheat sheets — this is normal.

Common mistakes of beginners

• Leave two pairs instead of one. In some cases (for example, in Deuces Wild), it is more profitable to discard one pair for the sake of a full house.
• They don’t place the maximum bid. Because of this, they lose the potential for a royal flush.
• They play incomplete versions. Machines with low payouts significantly reduce the chances of success.
• They neglect the strategy. Just an “intuitive” game turns video poker into a slot with a lower RTP.

Conclusion

Video poker is one of the most” fair ” casino games if you know how to play it. By using draw tables, choosing machines with the correct paytable, and following discipline, you can reduce the casino’s advantage to almost zero — and in some versions, even gain a mathematical advantage over the course.

This is an ideal choice for those who love strategy, analysis and want more control over the result. The main thing is to practice, study and keep cool.