Video poker is a classic casino genre that has also become increasingly popular online. It partially happens because this is a game based not only on luck but also on skills. In other words, you can increase your chances of winning by making smart decisions.
Still, if you want to win at video poker, you need to use the right strategy in each game and scenario. Next, we will share some tips and strategies for you to have success at video poker online.
The first thing for anyone aiming to collect video poker wins is to understand the game's rules. There are several variations of video poker, each with its own set of rules. The difference is mostly in the combinations of cards accepted and the payouts in each case.
Some popular variations include:
- Jacks or Better
- Deuces Wild
- Joker Poker
- Aces and Faces
The best strategy depends on the video poker variation you are playing. You should always review the winning hands and their payouts before making a decision. That information is normally shown on a table all the time.
Video poker strategies are all about deciding what to do after the cards are initially drawn.
As the first five cards are revealed, you have to choose which ones you will want to hold to form a hand. Then, you will click on DRAW to receive new cards. They will be combined with the ones you kept initially.
Basically, you should aim to keep cards that could potentially form a winning hand. But that is not always an easy decision, as you can have two or more promising paths to follow as the first cards are shown.
Here are some common choices when certain scenarios are given:
- Four to a Straight/Flush: hold all four cards
- Three to a Royal Flush: hold
- Three cards to a Straight Flush: hold
- A pair of any value: hold them and draw three new cards
- None of the scenarios above: hold all the jacks or higher
By following that, you tend to get more winnings and avoid taking unnecessary risks. But remember: there’s no guarantee. Even if you follow the instructions we gave, there’s always a good chance you won’t receive the cards you were expecting after they are drawn again.
One of the reasons why video poker is such a popular online casino game is because it has a relatively low house edge. This means that the casino's advantage is minimal, giving players a better chance of winning. Additionally, some variations of video poker offer players a progressive jackpot, which can result in amazing payouts.
Some of the best variations of video poker to win at include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. These variations offer the best odds for players and can be found at most online casinos.
To increase your chances of winning at video poker, it's important to learn the correct strategy for each specific scenario you are playing. By following those strategies and practicing responsible gambling habits, you can increase your chances of success at video poker online.
Whether you’re playing poker at an online casino or a land-based casino, the royal flush is the premium hand. In other words, getting this hand might land you the game’s top-most prize, which is the jackpot. But to hit the royal flush, your hand must consist of five sequential cards of a similar suit. The arrangement starts from the 10 and goes all the way to the Ace.
Meanwhile, the royal flush pays out 4,000 coins for every five-coin bet ($1.25). In return, this gives you a total of $1,000. Along with the royal flush, you can also scoop a big win with the following hands:
- Four aces - $100
- Straight flush – $62.50
- Four 2s through to 4s - $50
- Four 5s through to kings - $31.25
- Full house - $10
- Flush - $6.25
- Straight - $5
- Three of a kind – $3.75
- Two pair - $2.50
As you may already know, walking away with the video poker jackpots is no mean feat. However, there are a few tips to help you be the winner.
Playing Maximum Coins
Playing all five coins in video poker is the only way to pocket the 800 coins in a single payout. Betting anything less will give you 200 coins. Therefore, if you’re looking for a video poker jackpot, bet all the available coins.
Interestingly, the probability of getting the royal flush remains the same even if you wager fewer coins. So, what’s the difference? Logically, getting 800 coins for a single payout is a lot better than getting 200 for a single payout.
Play for High Stakes
Sounds straightforward, huh? Most players are usually afraid to risk much on a single shot. But the truth is that you can’t win those $100,000 video poker jackpots when playing with fear. Players who play for high stakes win more considerable sums with the maximum coin bet.
For example, some video poker games let players risk up to $25 per hand. Therefore, if you choose the maximum bet, you can easily go home with a six-figure salary.
Have a Big Bankroll
Honestly, you don’t stand a chance to win a six-figure pay if you don’t have a big bankroll. That’s because video poker can be expensive to play, especially when chasing a jackpot. That said, having a big bankroll ensures you stay at the table for longer, maximizing your winning potential in the process.
However, the bankroll should be money that you can comfortably live without. In addition, you should have a stop-loss limit. For instance, if you can comfortably play with $20,000 and you plan on wagering $10 per hand, this means you’ll have up to 2,000 betting units (20,000/10). In that case, you can walk away after playing 100 or 200 units with or without success.