Video Poker Tips
| Updated: Boost Your Winning Chances with These Video Poker Tips
Video poker players can significantly improve their long-term winning odds by adopting the correct strategy for holding and discarding cards from their starting hand. While strategy is vital for the success of any savvy video poker player, there is more to the game than simply knowing what to hold and what to replace. The game has various other subtleties you should be aware of if you hope to become a profitable player in the long run.
For instance, the paytable can make or break any video poker variation. The number of coins you wager per round also impacts your long-term profitability, and so does the way you manage your bankroll. Continue reading as we elaborate on these points and provide you with a few more valuable tips that can help you transition from a rookie to a video poker master.
Learn a Reliable Strategy and Stick to It
Using an adequate strategy can influence the outcome of video poker rounds because the game combines skill with luck. Depending on their experience level and risk tolerance, video poker players can choose from basic, intermediate, and advanced strategies. It has never been easier or more accessible to take advantage of a reliable system, and this valuable opportunity should not be wasted. By using a strategy, players can significantly improve their odds and reduce the house edge.
Video poker strategies are effective because they show you the optimal moves to make in any possible situation. Strategy plays are based on mathematics rather than hunches and intuition, sparing you from relying solely on luck. Replacing or holding particular cards is no longer guesswork when you follow proper video poker strategy. Some players tend to ruin solid card combinations in an attempt to form an even better hand.
For example, you run a high risk of losing if you break up a pat Full House, according to most strategies. In most cases, when potential winning pairs are discarded, the house edge increases and improving your starting hand becomes harder. Of course, there are exceptions that prove the rule, and this is yet another reason why players need a reliable strategy. These and many more examples clearly show that if players want to win in the long term, it is essential to use an efficient strategy.
Search for Full Pay Machines
One of the most important things players should consider when choosing a video poker game is its payout percentage. Also known as Return to Player (RTP), this percentage has a direct bearing on the amount you will end up winning over time. Reductions in the payout percentage will cost you money even if you use an advanced strategy and apply it correctly. The paytable can be a good indicator of the average return a given video poker variation yields in the long term.
Hence, players should always consider the paytable when looking for lucrative video poker games. There are two winning combinations they should take into account when playing Jacks or Better: the Full House and the Flush. If the paytable offers 9 to 1 for a Full House and 6 to 1 for a Flush, this means you are playing a full-pay version of the game, also known as 9/6 Jacks or Better. If the paytable offers 8 to 1 for a Full House and 5 to 1 for a Flush, players will lose money much faster as these lower payouts lead to a reduction in the RTP (around 97%). The 9/6 games pay back around 99% of the money wagered; therefore, it is always better to play them.
Play with the Maximum Number of Coins
Most video poker experts recommend betting the maximum number of coins, usually five. This is because the payouts for Royal Flushes are disproportionately high when five coins are in play compared to one, two, three, or four coins. Even though Royal Flushes rarely occur, it is best to bet the maximum number of coins to ensure you extract the most value from this powerful winning combination.
Most video poker machines offer a higher payout for a Royal Flush when players have wagered the maximum number of coins. In addition to receiving a bigger payout when five coins are used, you also become eligible for a progressive jackpot. By contrast, playing with fewer coins does not qualify you for a progressive prize.
Have a Money Management System
When it comes to video poker, it is essential for players to manage their funds wisely. They should always set win goals and loss limits based on the size of their bankrolls. The win goal and the loss limit should be set at the start of every session and depend entirely on the funds available for the day. Besides these restrictions, players also need to be disciplined enough to stick to their money management plan. Without self-control and loss limits, they risk depleting their bankrolls and spending more money than they can afford to lose.
It is also essential to take into account the minimum bet requirements of your chosen video poker game. For instance, a $100 bankroll is insufficient to play a dollar machine. Players will not be able to bet the maximum number of coins and, as a result, will end up losing in the long term. The bottom line is that even if they get lucky and win, without a money management strategy they will part with their winnings in no time.
Look for Video Poker Games with Bonuses
Hundreds of online casinos offer video poker, which makes it possible to find bonuses and promotions exclusively intended for fans of the game. It is indeed worth looking for such offers as they can be both exciting and beneficial. However, examine the terms and conditions of a bonus before you claim it and check its wagering requirements. It is also a good idea to consult the paytable to make sure your chosen variation offers a decent payout percentage.
Gamble Responsibly
Last but not least, it is essential to gamble responsibly if you wish to fully enjoy video poker. This casino game can be a great source of entertainment as long as it has no negative impact on your life. It is both challenging and exciting, not to mention that it offers relatively good chances of winning since its house edge is extremely low. However, to make the most of it and enjoy a high level of entertainment, you should spend your money rationally and adhere to your win goals and loss limits. With a reliable strategy and money management plan, you can profit in the long term. It is worth mentioning that the casino will always have an edge, no matter what. This is precisely why casinos offer video poker in the first place.
Conclusion
Video poker is one of the most interesting casino games, enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. It is a blend of skill and luck, which is why numerous strategies have emerged over the years to improve players’ winning chances. Therefore, it is possible to make a profit in the long term, but only if gamblers are familiar with all of the game’s subtleties. Those who want to improve their odds can simply have a look at the above-mentioned tips and see for themselves whether they truly work.