General Tips and Strategy
While video poker is close to traditional style Poker, there are some differences in how the two games are played. That is not to say that all the rules have to be thrown out of the window and it is time to learn a new game. Many of the rules are exactly the same. After all, Poker is Poker in any form.
So is there any sort of strategy to video Poker or is it just simply inserting coins and pressing buttons? A player still needs to understand how a Poker hand works, and which hands are stronger than others. This isn’t about randomly pressing buttons, nor is it any easier since it is a solitary game. A player’s decisions make all the difference here, so there are a few things to take into consideration.
First off is the application of a proper winning strategy. Making the right moves can actually affect the payback percentage of the game. While video Poker may seem similar to a slot machine, the numbers that are generated are not determined by a payback percentage. The numbers are determined based on the various outcomes found in a deck of cards. So yes, if played properly, there can be more of a positive outcome.
It is also important to understand how the game’s pay tables work, and to have a bankroll that will compensate for both winning and losing streaks.
Essentially, you want to play “obvious” winning hands to their logical conclusion. This means keeping pairs, or if you have two pair, going for the full house, etc. That’s pretty simple.
But video poker also has one key difference in strategy – if you have nothing to really go for, try for the royal flush. This means if you are dealt Ace, three, five, six, and ten, and the ace and ten are the same suite, then go for the Royal. If they aren’t the same suit, keep the ace and drop the rest (some machines let you discard all of your cards.)
In addition to the above, the machine you play may make a difference. Some machines pay 2 to 1 for a pair of tens or better (instead of the usual Jacks or better). That’s always nice. Other machines have Deuces Wild, etc.
Remember, it’s you against the machine, and all you need to do is get a good hand. No bluffing Texas Jack or the like (thank goodness). So in that respect, Video poker shares some strategy with Let it Ride Poker and the like.
So brush up on your hand values, drop a few coins in the video poker machine, and give it a try. May Lady Luck be sitting next to you (buy her a drink - it helps!)
