Simple Video Poker Strategies

Video poker is an extremely popular game because of its amazing returns. While players have a slight advantage in the majority of video poker games, a few simple mistakes when playing can throw the odds back into the house’s favor in the blink of an eye. Depending on which type of video poker game you plan to play, you’ll need to use a specific strategy in order to maximize your odds.

Let’s take a closer look at the individual strategies for three of the most popular video poker options on the market.

Jacks or Better

In this simple game, you start by making a wager. Afterwards, you are dealt five cards, and you select which you’d like to hold and which you’d like to replace. If you get a poker hand that is stronger than jacks or better, you win, so anything from a pair of queens up will do fine. Basic strategy cards are available to help you decide which play is more probable and potentially profitable, and following these guides should, over the long run, result in breaking even or better if mistakes are avoided.

Deuces Wild

In this game, twos are wild and can serve as any card you need to complete a winning hand. Since the chances of great hands are higher than in Jacks or Better, pay tables tend to be stingier. Hands that are three of a kind or better win, and the possibility of a deuce makes this exciting game a favorite in many gambling destinations. The inclusion of a wild card makes strategy cards for this game type slightly more complicated, but the odds of doing well remain extremely high.

Double Bonus Poker

With a perfect strategy, players are capable of completely eliminating the house edge and winning money in this slightly more complicated game. Similar to Jacks or Better, players win with a pair of queens or higher, but Double Bonus allows players to risk their winnings on a double or nothing bet at the end of each hand. This wrinkle can lead to big time winnings for savvy players.

Strategy for Double Bonus is similar to other video poker games in that basic strategy cards are available to guide you through difficult hands. Be sure to check the payout percentage for your choice of games, as it can range from full pay to as low as 95.27% on some machines.

The best video poker machines, when played skillfully, offer odds that rival any table game on the casino floor. Offering all of the solitary benefits of slot machines with an added kick of necessary skill, video poker has been growing in popularity for decades. Developing a sound strategy can, in many cases, tilt the odds in your favor in a way that few gambling opportunities can.

Using a strategy card is always a great idea when playing video poker, as they can improve your game and increase your odds. Whether online or in a casino, make sure that you’ve got your card nearby when playing video poker, and you’ll be on your way to big winnings in no time!