The 5 Best Video Poker Strategies
Unlike many casino games that are all down to luck, video poker is a game that requires skill and a good strategy. The decisions you make during play can directly impact the outcome and improve your chances of winning. Therefore, having a solid strategy is vital if you're aiming to come out on top consistently. Video poker offers various strategies you can employ to increase your odds, which can significantly reduce the house edge and boost your long-term profitability. By understanding the importance of strategy in video poker, you can turn it into a profitable venture. In this article, we'll explore the top 5 video poker strategies to help you maximise your chances of success.
Strategy 1: Always Play Maximum Coins
When playing video poker, you should always bet the maximum number of coins. Most video poker machines offer a bonus payout for a Royal Flush when you're playing with the maximum coins. By betting the max, you give yourself a chance to win the highest possible payout. This strategy is especially crucial when playing progressive video poker machines, where the jackpot grows with every coin played.
Playing with maximum coins not only heightens your chances of hitting that lucrative Royal Flush but also improves the overall payout percentage of the machine. By maximising your bet, you ensure you get the most value from every hand dealt. While this strategy might require a larger bankroll, the potential rewards are well worth the investment.
Strategy 2: Get to Know the Pay Tables
To boost your winning potential at video poker, it's essential to understand the pay tables. Each machine has its own pay table, clearly showing how much you'll be paid for each winning hand. Take the time to study the pay table carefully to identify machines offering higher payouts and better odds.
We recommend opting for machines with a 9/6 pay table – this means you'll receive 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush. This combination offers a low house edge of just 0.46%. Steer clear of machines with 8/6 and 9/5 payouts, as they typically come with higher house edges, diminishing your chances.
Pay tables can vary quite a bit from one machine to another, even within the same online casino. Some machines might offer better payouts for certain hands, while others could have lower returns. It's vital to familiarise yourself with the pay table before you hit 'deal' and select machines that promise the best possible payouts for your play.
Furthermore, pay tables offer valuable insights into the house edge and the expected return to player (RTP) of the machine. By comparing the pay tables across different machines, you can pinpoint the ones that offer the highest expected return, significantly improving your overall odds of winning.
Strategy 3: Using the Optimal Strategy Chart
If you're playing video poker, an optimal strategy chart is a great tool to help you make the best decisions. It tells you which cards to keep and which ones to discard in each possible situation. These charts are available for popular variations like Deuces Wild, Double Bonus Poker, and Jacks or Better. They use math and probability to help you make the best choice for each hand.
You can find video poker games at regulated mobile casinos, like those from Microgaming, Playtech, and NetEnt. Playing video poker online has a lower house edge than many other casino games. But it's important to know the rules of the game, such as which cards to keep and discard.
If you're interested in Microgaming's video poker games, here are some standard house advantages:
- Jacks or Better: 0.46%
- Aces & Eights: 0.91%
- Deuces & Joker: 0.93%
- All American: 0.62%
- Deuces Wild: 3.23%
Before you start playing, make sure you know the hand rankings. For example, in Jacks or Better, you need at least two jacks to win. Aces & Eights has a higher house advantage, but it offers bonuses if you make a hand with a face card and an ace.
Using an optimal strategy chart might take some practice, but it's worth it. It helps you make the best decisions possible, lowers the house edge, and improves your chances of winning.
Strategy 4: Managing Your Bankroll Effectively
In any form of gambling, effective bankroll management is essential. It's crucial to set a budget for your video poker sessions and stick to it. Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose, and never chase your losses.
A common mistake many video poker players make is betting too much of their bankroll on a single hand. This can quickly deplete your funds and leave you with nothing to play with. Instead, it's recommended to bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each hand to ensure that you have enough funds to withstand losing streaks.
Another aspect of bankroll management is knowing when to walk away. If you've been playing for a while and haven't had any significant wins, it's best to take a break and come back another time. It's important to recognize that video poker is a game of ups and downs, and you won't win every time. By managing your bankroll effectively, you can minimize your losses and maximize your chances of long-term success.
Strategy 5: Knowing When to Walk Away
Knowing when to walk away is a crucial strategy in video poker. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and keep playing even when you're losing. However, chasing losses is a surefire way to deplete your bankroll and leave the casino empty-handed.
A good rule of thumb is to set win and loss limits before you start playing. Decide on the amount you're willing to lose and the amount you want to win. Once you reach either of these limits, it's time to walk away. This strategy ensures that you only end up losing what you can afford. It allows you to enjoy your winnings without giving them back to the casino.
It's also important to take breaks during your video poker sessions. Playing for extended periods can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making. Take regular breaks to clear your mind and come back refreshed. By maintaining a clear head, you can make better decisions and increase your chances of winning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Video Poker
While we've covered the best video poker strategies, it's also important to be aware of common mistakes that many players make. Avoiding these mistakes will help you maintain a winning edge and maximize your profitability.
One common mistake is playing with too many hands. It's tempting to play every hand you are dealt, but this can quickly lead to losses. Instead, be selective and only play hands that have the potential to form strong winning combinations. Folding weaker hands will save you money in the long run and improve your overall profitability.
Another mistake is not practicing proper bankroll management. As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to set a budget and stick to it. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets. By practicing effective bankroll management, you can ensure that you have enough funds to withstand losing streaks and maximize your chances of success.
Additionally, it's important to avoid playing video poker machines with low payout percentages. Some machines may have a significantly higher house edge than others, making it almost impossible to win in the long run. Always check the pay tables and choose machines that offer the best possible payouts and expected returns.
FAQ
Why is Playing the Maximum Bet Important in Video Poker?
Betting the maximum amount in video poker is vital as it significantly boosts your chances of landing a Royal Flush and securing the highest possible payout. Many machines offer enhanced payouts for a Royal Flush when you wager the maximum coins. This is particularly relevant for progressive video poker games, where the jackpot grows with each play. While it may require a larger starting balance, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile strategy.
How Can Understanding Pay Tables Improve Your Video Poker Game?
Understanding pay tables is essential in video poker because it helps you identify the machines that offer the best odds and the highest payouts. Each machine features a unique pay table that details the payouts for each hand. By studying these tables before you play, you can choose machines that offer the most favourable conditions. Pay tables also provide insights into the house edge and the machine’s expected return, helping you make more informed decisions when playing in the UK.
What is a Video Poker Strategy Chart, and How Do I Use It?
A video poker strategy chart is a guide that advises you on which cards to hold and discard in every possible hand scenario. These charts are based on mathematical probabilities and can significantly improve your chances of winning by ensuring you make the most advantageous decisions. These charts vary depending on the specific video poker game and require some practice to use effectively, but they can substantially reduce the house edge.
Why is Bankroll Management So Important When Playing Video Poker?
Effective bankroll management is essential in video poker to minimise potential losses. This involves setting a budget for each session and sticking to it, ensuring you only gamble with funds you can afford to lose. Wagering too much of your bankroll on a single hand can quickly deplete your funds. Managing your bankroll effectively helps you weather losing streaks and improves your chances of long-term success. Remember to gamble responsibly.
When Should a Video Poker Player Know When to Stop Playing?
Knowing when to stop is crucial in video poker. Establish win and loss limits before you begin playing, and once you reach these limits, it’s time to quit. This strategy helps you avoid chasing losses and ensures you don't spend more than you can afford. Taking regular breaks is also important to prevent fatigue and maintain clear decision-making.
What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid When Playing Video Poker?
Common mistakes in video poker include playing too many hands and poor bankroll management. It’s best to be selective with your hands, as playing every hand can lead to quick losses. Always stick to your budget and avoid chasing losses. Also, avoid machines with low payout percentages, as they have a higher house edge, making long-term wins more difficult.
How is Video Poker Different from Other Casino Games?
Video poker stands apart from most casino games because it requires skill and strategy, not just luck. Your decisions directly influence the game's outcome, and a well-thought-out strategy can consistently improve your chances of winning. Unlike games that rely purely on chance, video poker allows players to influence their success through strategic choices.
Can Playing Video Poker Be a Profitable Activity?
Yes, video poker can be profitable if you employ the correct strategies. Understanding pay tables, using optimal strategy charts, and managing your bankroll effectively can reduce the house edge and improve your long-term profitability. However, it requires discipline, practice, and informed decision-making. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
Is Playing Progressive Video Poker Machines Worth It?
Playing progressive video poker machines can be worthwhile, particularly when you bet the maximum amount. These machines offer jackpots that increase with each play, presenting the chance for a substantial win. However, it's important to be aware of the odds and manage your bankroll carefully, as progressive machines often require larger bets.
How Important is Strategy in Video Poker?
Strategy is crucial in video poker, as it directly impacts your chances of winning. Using strategies such as understanding pay tables, employing strategy charts, and managing your bankroll can significantly reduce the house edge. Unlike games of pure chance, your actions and decisions in video poker can lead to more favourable outcomes in the UK.
