Video Poker, for many reasons, has become a favorite option of online gamblers when it comes to internet casino games. This is understandable since Video Poker usually does not have tight wagering requirements and, at the same time, the game can be played and enjoyed privately.
Nevertheless, Video Poker can also be a tricky game to play. Yes, it is reliant on factors such as luck and chance, but it is to a certain degree affected by controllable factors such as the power of your choice, particularly that which pertains to retaining and discarding cards. Obviously, you need to develop a strong strategy for winning, so you will not end up relying too much on your luck.
Take Note of the Version
There are, to date, many different versions of video poker available. Some of the popularly played types of Video Poker are Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Joker Wild. The rules of these versions are basically the same, but there are certain nuances that you have to take note of.
For example, the Video Poker variety Joker Wild includes the Joker card in the deck. This means that you can create a Joker Royal Flush, something not possible in other Video Poker versions. In Joker Wild, too, a Joker Royal Flush is one of the strongest combinations possible.
Thus, make sure to take note of these differences in the different versions; they can mean the difference between winning and losing. Before you even think of playing a particular Video Poker version, make sure that you are familiar with it.
Go for the Gold
Video Poker, as has already been mentioned, has room for strategy. Thus, you can better your odds by playing right. Though lady luck plays a notable role, your strategy and skill are no doubt also important. Having said this, perhaps the best way for you to win is to actually set your mind to it.
This is, of course, not to say, that you have to make rash decisions. Actually, your decisions should be hinged on the mindset that you have to win the gold. The gold, in this context, means the highest possible combination of cards that you could win, given the initial cards that you are dealt with. You should be ready with a backup plan, in case your ultimate plan of winning the best possible combination is not possible given the cards you’re given.
Be Cafeful with Mistakes
One thing you should remember about Video Poker is that mistakes may cost you a lot of money. You must be careful about every card you discard and every card you retain because, for all you know, the card you just gave up may have given you the win that you were looking for. It is also entirely possible that the next deal will make your hand worse rather than better.
Mistakes, in Video Poker, can never be small. They are either big, or really big. So before doing anything rash, make sure that you have carefully considered the odds of winning with your current set of cards and the odds of winning with the next deal before you decide to retain or discard cards.
Practise and More Practise
Adequate knowledge about Video Poker is invaluable. If you are really serious about playing and winning in Video Poker, then you should not only familiarize yourself with the rules of the game. You should also make sure to practice as much as you can. Good avenues for practice may be online casinos that offer free play for fun.
Strategy Cards
Here are some easy to use strategy cards you can follow
Jacks or Better Video Poker Strategy
|
Initial 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
|