Free
Casino Games Information
HOW
TO WIN VIDEO POKER
Video Poker Strategy
Video poker is a game of skill as well as luck. The video
poker machines are programmed to pay-out up to 100% when
players play at the expert level, the casinos can do this
because the immense majority of players don't play anywhere
near the expert play level required. Here are a few tips
to bring your playing closer to an expert level and improve
your odds of winning. Play only machines that tender full
payback that is they will, in theory, payback all of the
dues played. If the machine payback is not posted then look
at the chart on the machine and pick out one that pays the
most for a full house and a flush. The superior the return
then the higher that machine pays-out. For example on a
jacks or better machine:
Machine Return |
Machine Payback |
| 9 for a full house / 6 for a flush |
99.5% |
| 8 for a full house / 5 for a flush |
97.4% |
| 7 for a full house / 5 for a flush |
96.3% |
| 6 for a full house / 5 for a flush |
95.2% |
The payouts for every machine are attached
to the machine. The maximum number of coins is also shown.
It is a good idea to forever play the maximum number of
coins in order to be eligible for the bonus payout for a
royal flush. Also make sure the machine has accepted all
of your coins before playing in the event that you do get
a big win you want to be absolutely sure the five coins
were played.
Play progressive machines, they can pay
large amounts for a royal flush and make the payout more
in line with the complexity of obtaining a royal flush (about
once in every 40,000 hands). Play progressive machines that
are showing about 80% of the payoff amount and be sure to
play the necessary number of coins to be entitled for the
payoff.
Don't forget that in video poker you are
playing a machine. The machine is programmed to only payoff
when a player holds one of the posted hands. Don't hold
a kicker card (a high value card to be used along with a
pair) this works when playing against other players but
the machine doesn't care and you have lost the opportunity
to draw a better card.
Don't draw to an inside straight (where
you have four cards and need one in the middle to fill a
straight). On the other hand if you have an open-ended straight
(you have four consecutive cards and only need one at either
end to fill a straight) then take a shot at making the straight.
Always keep any pair vs. holding a high
card. Many players would discard a pair of two's and keep
one or more high cards, this is not the best strategy, try
for three of a kind you have better odds.
Always keep a high pair vs. a four-card
open straight, a four-card flush or a three-card royal.
Try for three of a kind with the knowledge that at worst
you have recovered your bet.
Always keep a low pair over a four-card
open end straight. The low pair has more value than going
for the straight and should be kept.
A three-card royal should be kept over a
low pair, a four-card flush and a four card open end straight.
The bonus for the royal flush makes it a better play.
Don't be afraid to draw five cards if you
have garbage (one that doesn't have a least one high card).
Basic Playing Strategy Summary:
Cards in your hand |
Draw |
| 4 of a kind or better |
0 cards (keep all your cards) |
| 4 cards to a royal |
1 card |
| Full house or flush |
0 cards (keep all your cards) |
| 3 of a kind |
2 cards |
| 4 card straight flush |
1 card |
| Straight |
0 cards (keep all your cards) |
| 2 pair |
1 card |
| High pair |
3 cards |
| 3 cards to the royal |
2 cards |
| 4 card flush |
1 card |
| Low pair |
3 cards |
| 4 card straight |
1 card |
| 3 card straight flush |
2 cards |
| 2 high cards |
3 cards |
| 1 high card |
4 cards |
| Garbage |
5 cards |
