Video Poker Strategy Guide: Tips for Every Variation

Introduction

Video Poker offers the excitement of traditional Poker along with the simplicity of slot machines. Unlike traditional Poker, where you compete against other players, video Poker allows you to play at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for players of all skill levels.

In this blog, we will explore effective strategies that can enhance your video Poker experience.

What is Video Poker?

Video Poker is a casino game that draws from the rules of five-card draw poker. Players engage with this game on a computerized console resembling a slot machine, aiming to create the strongest possible Poker hand. The game's card dealing process uses a random number generator (RNG). Initially dealt five cards, players can choose which ones to keep or discard before receiving new replacements. Success depends on forming winning hands as defined by the paytable, which differs across various versions of the game.

Video Poker Strategy Chart 

Using strategy charts can significantly improve your gameplay in video Poker. These charts outline the best moves for every possible hand combination, ensuring that you are making mathematically sound decisions to maximize your returns. 

Strategies to Win in Video Poker

Each variation of the game has unique rules and payout structures. Here’s an in-depth look at ‘tried-n-tested’ video Poker basic strategy.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is one of the most well-known and commonly played video Poker games. The payout structure is simple, with the objective being to achieve a pair of Jacks or better for a winning hand.

Jack or Better Video Poker Strategy:

• Always Retain High Pairs (Jacks or Better): When dealt a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces, keep them since they ensure a payout. Discard any lower cards unless they are part of a stronger combination like three-of-a-kind or four-of-a-kind.
• Having Four Cards to a Royal Flush: If you are holding four cards that could potentially complete a Royal Flush (the game’s highest paying hand), always retain those and discard the fifth card.

Low Pairs vs. High Cards: When you receive a low pair (below Jacks) without any higher hands, it is best to keep the pair. This strategy offers better potential for achieving three-of-a-kind, a full house, or even four-of-a-kind—all of which offer higher payouts than combinations involving high cards alone.

Three Cards to a Royal Flush: If you hold three cards that could form a Royal Flush, discard the other two and aim for the major payout. Unsuited High Cards: When you are dealt no pairs or combinations, keep any unsuited high cards (J, Q, K, A). High cards increase your chance of forming a winning pair or better combinations on the draw.

Deuces Wild

In Deuces Wild, all four 2s (Deuces) act as wild cards, which can be substituted for any other card to complete a winning hand.

Deuces Wild Video Poker Strategy:

• Always Keep a Deuce: In this variation, deuces are incredibly valuable and can transform nearly any hand into a winning one. If you receive one or more deuces, hold onto them and aim to construct your hand around these cards.
• Four Deuces (Automatic Winner): If you receive all four Deuces, discard the remaining card and try to achieve a Royal Flush.
• Three Deuces: When you have three Deuces, keep all of them and discard the other two cards. The likelihood of achieving a Five-of-a-Kind or a wild Royal Flush is exceptionally high, offering opportunities for big payouts.
• Four to a Wild Royal Flush: If you possess a Deuce and four suited cards that compose part of a Royal Flush, discard the fifth card to boost your chances of completing the wild Royal Flush.
• Full House or Better: If you are already holding a Full House or better, keep it. In Deuces Wild, you should aim for stronger hands, but the probability of improving beyond a Full House is generally not worth the risk.
• Three Cards to a Straight Flush (with Deuces): If you have a Deuce and three suited cards to a straight flush, keep the suited cards and discard the remaining two. The Deuce acts as a wild card to complete the flush or straight.

Bonus Poker

Bonus Poker is similar to Jacks or Better but offers higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially when you hit four Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s.

Bonus Poker Strategy:

• Concentrate on High Pairs (Jacks or Better): In games like Jacks or Better, it is essential to always retain any high pair because they ensure at least a basic payout.
• Low Pairs: Retain low pairs if you lack any high pairs or stronger combinations. Although they do not ensure a win, low pairs offer the potential to advance to three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind, or even a Full House.
• Four to a Royal Flush: Always retain four cards toward forming a Royal Flush and discard the fifth card.
• Three of a Kind or Better: Always hold onto a three-of-a-kind hand. Although the goal is to achieve four-of-a-kind for an extra payout, it's important not to overlook the solid reward that comes with getting a Full House.
• Four Cards to a Straight or Flush: Retain these cards if you have four towards completing a straight or flush, particularly when there are no opportunities for forming a higher hand. 

Double Bonus Poker

Double Bonus Poker builds on Bonus Poker but offers even bigger payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands, particularly four Aces.

Double Bonus Poker Strategy:

• Hold Aces: Always prioritize holding Aces, especially if you have three Aces. Four Aces pay out huge bonuses, making it essential to chase this hand.
• Three to Four of a Kind: If you are holding three cards to four-of-a-kind (especially Aces or 2s, 3s, or 4s), keep them and discard the others. The bonus payout is worth taking the risk.
• Low Pairs: Keep low pairs unless you have a higher-value hand to chase, such as three or four Aces.
• Four to a Flush or Straight: If you have four suited cards, keep them, especially if there’s no higher hand to pursue.

Double Double Bonus Poker

Double Double Bonus Poker takes the excitement up a notch, with even larger payouts for four-of-a-kind hands with a kicker (a specific high card).

Double Double Bonus Poker Strategy:

• Prioritize High Pairs and Aces: Hold onto any high pair (especially Aces) to maximize the odds of hitting a winning hand. Aces can lead to big payouts, particularly when combined with additional low cards for four-of-a-kind.
• Three Aces: If you are dealt three Aces, always hold them. The potential for hitting four Aces with a kicker pays out significantly.
• Two Pairs with Aces: If you have two pairs that include Aces (e.g., Aces and 2s), hold onto them. The chance of converting them into four-of-a-kind with the right draw can make you win big rewards.
• Four to a Royal Flush: As with other variations, keep four cards to a Royal Flush and discard the fifth card. This remains a top priority, as it can lead to the highest payout.
• Three to Four of a Kind: If you have three cards that can potentially make four-of-a-kind, prioritize holding them, especially if they involve Aces or low pairs.
• Four to a Straight or Flush: If you have four cards that could create a straight or flush, hold onto them, particularly if you don’t have a higher-value hand to pursue.

Joker Poker

Joker Poker introduces a wild card (the Joker) into the standard video poker setup, allowing for a greater variety of winning hands.

Joker Poker Strategy:

• Hold onto the Joker: If you are dealt the Joker, always keep it. This card can help form high-paying hands, including five-of-a-kind, wild Royal Flushes, and more.
• Four of a Kind with Joker: If you have four of a kind that includes the Joker, hold onto it, as it guarantees a payout.
• Three to a Straight or Flush: If you have the Joker and three cards that can complete a straight or flush, keep them. The Joker can help complete these hands easily.
• Two Pairs: If you are dealt two pairs and the Joker, consider keeping both pairs for the chance to form a Full House, especially if one pair is high.
• High Cards: Always retain high cards (Jacks or better) if you are not close to forming a more valuable hand. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best video Poker strategy?

The strategy for video Poker varies by game variant. For Jacks or Better, always hold any Jacks or higher. In Deuces Wild, prioritize holding onto wild cards. Familiarizing yourself with strategy charts can reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.

Can you practice video Poker for free?

Numerous online casinos and gaming platforms provide free games, enabling you to learn how to win at video Poker. This offers an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the rules, understand paytables, and hone advanced strategies before playing for actual stakes. 

What is a video Poker strategy card?

A video Poker strategy card is a handy guide that ranks hand combinations based on their optimal play for specific game variations like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. It helps players make the best decisions by showing which cards to hold and discard, ensuring they play mathematically sound hands. 

Conclusion

Mastering video Poker requires practice and discipline. Each variation presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Always remember to enjoy the process, as video Poker can be both fun and rewarding when played wisely.