Video Poker Strategy & Odds: When to Hold What
A proven video poker strategy is vital, no matter whether a gambler is just starting or he is already a seasoned punter. This game of chance perfectly combines elements of expertise and luck. It is for this reason that our team decided to compile a detailed guide on how to win at video poker.
We cover the odds of forming combinations and provide a ‘priority list’ of cards that are suggested for keeping. Also, there are tips and recommendations from the author, tailored to different variants of the discussed entertainment. Those who want to understand what moves bring success will find the article valuable.
Video Poker Strategy for Beginners
- The analysis of numerous studies (strategy-wise) clearly reveals a basic thing for winning at video poker. It is to comprehend the rankings of all available combinations and know which cards to keep or get rid of.
- After newbies have learnt the rules of video poker, they should proceed to learn what hands are weighed in gold. It is also necessary to deeply study the payout configuration of the specific subtype of the game. This will undoubtedly help risk-takers make cleverer choices during any round.
- Additionally, those British gamblers who don’t yet know how to beat video poker should not ignore various tactic charts. These guidelines are useful instruments that prompt individuals to select the most favourable moves during the round. We are sure that studying them will also help novices considerably diminish the number of possible mistakes.
First, let us talk about the chances of hitting hands. The concept is paramount in making informed and responsible decisions.
Video Poker Odds Explained
In all types of videopoker, odds refer to the likelihood of collecting certain combinations. This information does not just fall from nowhere. It is calculated in accordance with the cards the participant is dealt by the robotic system. As a rule, they may also differ depending on the title selected. The current market counts dozens of offerings from more and less popular software vendors.
How are Odds Formed in Video Poker?
This gambling entertainment suggests the use of a typical 52-card deck.
Video poker strategy says that each combination has a known mathematical likelihood, which operators utilise to form payout tables.
In turn, the pay table unswervingly influences the RTP percentage and actual odds of a certain game variation. A right-playing tactic can increase a punter's winning odds. We’ve compiled a video poker cheat sheet, which provides a clear breakdown of typical odds across different variants. Check out the table below:
| Hand | Jacks or Better Odds, one in | Double Bonus Odds, one in | Double Double Bonus Odds, one in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 40375 | 48040 | 40783 |
| Straight Flush | 9125 | 8838 | 9115 |
| Four of a Kind | 415 | 5025 (4 Aces) | 5023 (4 Aces) |
| Full House | 82 | 85 | 84 |
| Flush | 92 | 64 | 66 |
| Straight | 87 | 61 | 76 |
| Three of a Kind | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Two Pair | 7.2 | 7 | 6 |
| Jacks or Better | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.0 |
An example of a paytable for Jacks or Better:
Video Poker Strategy Chart: What is It?
A video poker strategy chart is a visual table which is intended to help punters maximise their chances of success in a round. The chart ‘dictates’ optimum moves relying on EV calculations (expected value) and mathematical probability. It ranks all probable hands by value, from best to worst, and clearly demonstrates which cards to keep or get rid of. When an enthusiast receives his/her hand, they can look at the strategy chart and see what it recommends for their specific scenario. To follow the hints or not is totally up to the user.
Utilising such a table allows UK-based punters to diminish the virtual casino advantage and improve their video poker odds considerably. Our team has compiled an example of such a chart with explanations below:
| Hand Example | What to Hold | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ace of Clubs, Ace of Spades, Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Hearts, 5 of Clubs | 4 Aces | Punters are recommended to always keep a 4 of a Kind because it pays very well. |
| 10 of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Queen of Hearts, King of Hearts, Ace of Hearts | Royal Flush | This is the best available hand, which should always be held. |
| 6 of Clubs, 7 of Clubs, 8 of Clubs, 9 of Clubs, 10 of Clubs | Straight Flush | According to video poker strategy, it is a strong hand with tremendously towering pay-offs. |
| 7 of Spades, 9 of Hearts, 9 of Spades, 9 of Diamonds, 9 of Clubs | 4 of a Kind | It is a hand with big payouts. Cardmates recommends that players never break it. |
| Queen of Spades, Queen of Diamonds, 4 of Spades, 4 of Clubs, 4 of Diamonds | Full House | It is another combination of decent payouts. So, punters should keep all five cards. |
| 2 of Diamonds, 3 of Diamonds, 4 of Diamonds, 5 of Diamonds, 10 of Clubs | 4 to a Straight Flush | We recommend those punters who still don’t comprehend how to win at video poker, hold the suited succession. It is a perfect chance to collect a very solid hand. |
| Jack of Diamonds, Jack of Clubs, King of Hearts, Nine of Spades, Five of Spades | Pair of Jacks or Better | We advise risk-takers to keep a pair with high values (pictures mainly) since it guarantees a good payout. |
| Queen of Spades, King of Spades, Jack of Spades, Ten of Spades, 4 of Clubs | Four to a Royal Flush | Players should hold 4 suited cards. If one manages to complete this combination, big cash prizes are ensured. |
| 4 of Spades, 5 of Diamonds, 6 of Clubs, 7 of Hearts, 2 of Spades | Four to a Straight | It is advised to keep 4 in sequence because it is a perfect chance for a straight. |
| Queen of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Four of Spades, Eight of Clubs, 2 of Diamonds | Two High Cards (of the same suit) | It is a perfect option for collecting straight or higher combinations. |
How to Win at Video Poker
From our years of expertise, we are 100% sure that both luck and tactics influence players' overall success in this sort of gambling entertainment. Hence, our team wants to share with UK residents crucial tips on how to play video poker and win. Please, study them below:
- Learn the hand ranking carefully. It is vital to memorise all possible card combinations, their place in the hierarchy and potential payouts. The knowledge of whether your current hand is weak or strong is actually the foundation. As the first step to strategic play, it means making smart decisions on which cards to get rid of or keep, rather than pointless guessing.
- Make the best of video poker strategy charts. They are intended to help punters select the best move according to already existing cards. Following it prevents costly mistakes and thus saves finances for further rounds. E.g., the chart tells when a draw is unlikely to improve, so it shouldn’t be chased.
- Choose full-pay machines. This tip implies that punters find VP games with peak payout percentages. For instance, it may be a ‘Full Pay’ variant of Deuces Wild. If a player manages to find such entertainment in a safe online casino, he/she will receive much better odds compared to gaming products with lower pay tables.
- Practice in free demo mode. Train and test video poker strategies at no expense before starting to play with hard-earned money. It builds confidence among amateurs. A little reminder that demo versions are only available after age verification to comply with the gambling laws in the UK.
Video Poker Tips for Different Variants
Plenty of gaming games are available on online casino sites with a UKGC licence. Among them, there are some VP variations.
Although they may seem very similar to an inexperienced player, each has its own rules and the best video poker strategy to follow.
Let's look at the peculiarities of the three most frequently played modifications.
Double Double Bonus and How to Beat It
- UK punters should concentrate on Full House and 4 of a Kind. Here, these combinations always provide individuals with drastically higher payouts. It is especially true if the combo is Four Aces with a kicker. Thus, the author recommends that participants keep cards that could lead to either hand.
- High pairs are also favourable to be kept. For instance, a pair of Jacks or more is crucial for triumphing. Consequently, it would be beneficial for the British to hold such cards to improve the chances of collecting a better winning combination. This is a prominent hint at how to win at video poker of the DDB type.
- Risk-takers are advised to only chase flushes and straights if they are missing one necessary piece. If a person decides to keep possessing consecutive cards offsuit, this reduces the expected return. The same applies to suited nonsequential cards. In this case, a high pair looks more promising.
Jacks or Better and How to Beat It
- Prioritise high cards. The matter is that when players are lucky to be dealt such high cards as Aces or Queens, they should keep them because they boost the probability of making strong combinations like a Straight or a Pair.
- According to a trendy video poker strategy, players should better not break Four of a Kind or a Full House. When individuals are lucky enough to be dealt any of these combos, they ought to leave all five cards in the arsenal. Both are already powerful hands with high payout potential, so keep away from breaking the triumphant combination.
Deuces Wild and How to Beat It
- Hold deuces (2s). Deuces are Wild cards in this type of VP. Hence, gamblers are advised to hold them because they are intended to replace any card, which considerably enhances the chances of success.
- Individuals should make the best of 4 to a Straight Flush. In case a punter has four cards to a Straight Flush, it is better to keep them. The matter is that completing the SF provides them with bigger payouts, which is much easier with Wild cards.
Quick Summary
To crown it all, our video poker strategy guide will come in handy for everyone who is going to play VP. Any type. Keeping cards by instinct may work sometimes, but the math behind payouts enables punters to follow specialised charts for optimum decisions. Applying different strategic moves in gameplay is the golden key to lowering remote casino edge. This, in turn, leads not only to an enjoyable time spent but also to winning at video poker in some sweet amounts. Of course, let’s not forget that luck still rules the world of gambling, and VP is no exception. So always play responsibly!
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FAQ
🤔 Can you consistently win at video poker?
No, consistent winning at video poker is not possible. Although this game involves some strategic moves and skills, the outcome of each round is still controlled by RNG. However, it is possible to improve one’s potential for success with optimum decisions and the most appropriate tactics for every particular VP variation.
🤔 Is it better to hold a high card or low pair in video poker?
As a rule, holding a low pair over a single high card is preferable. The matter is that the first variant offers more chances to create a 3-of-a-kind or even a 4-of-a-kind. Both secure bigger payouts. When no other powerful options are available at the moment, holding high cards is fine.
🤔 What video poker game has the best odds?
Full Pay Deuces Wild. It provides gamblers with a more than 100% return if they choose the right tactic. Another great option is Jacks or Better, which has a 99.54% RTP. It means that British individuals should better seek videopoker machines with the highest returns and most favourable pay tables.
🤔 Is there any skill in video poker?
Yes, certain skills are undoubtedly involved in this game. These include mastery of keeping cards and discarding them. Optimal moves are key to an effective strategy in lowering the house edge. However, fortune still has a significant effect on gameplay, particularly during the initial deal.
🤔 Is video poker beatable?
Yes, this game can be beatable if punters utilise discipline and optimal play. Unlike many other virtual games like roulette, VP provides users with a low casino advantage that can be reduced and even nearly eliminated. So, understanding how to beat video poker machines includes studying the best tactic charts and practising skills.
