Video Poker Intermediate Strategy
| Updated: Gain a Greater Edge with Intermediate Video Poker Strategy
Assuming you have already mastered basic video poker strategy, you can build on that foundation and hone your skills by learning intermediate strategy. Although it is more complicated, intermediate strategy is well worth memorizing and practicing because it can provide a higher expected return. It helps you maximize the value of your decisions over the long term. Keep in mind that adjustments to intermediate strategy may be necessary when playing certain video poker variations.
Implementing intermediate strategy in full-pay games can boost your long-term expected return and improve your chances of winning. However, its greater complexity can sometimes lead to costly playing errors. We suggest that you practice in demo mode until you fully master all the recommended plays. You can do so at one of the online casinos featured below; all of them offer free versions of video poker that you can play with virtual credits.
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Keep in mind that intermediate strategy is considerably easier to learn once you have grasped the fundamentals of basic video poker strategy. If you have not yet done so, we advise you to revisit our detailed article on basic video poker strategy.
Overview
Intermediate strategy is more complicated than basic video poker strategy. Nevertheless, it can be more efficient and accurate, making it worth learning. Despite its greater complexity, many players find it manageable, provided they are already familiar with basic strategy and its fundamental principles. The intermediate approach shows you the optimal playing decisions based on your starting hand. It is a suitable option for more experienced players who want to take their video poker skills to the next level and improve their play.
Deciding whether to keep or replace certain cards becomes considerably easier with intermediate strategy. That said, using this strategy does not guarantee that you will win every hand, as chance is always involved. What it does is help you make stronger decisions based on the cards you are dealt. It achieves this by helping to minimize the house edge and improve your chances of forming winning combinations. Another reason for its popularity is that it can help players improve their returns over the long term.
How the Intermediate Strategy Works
As mentioned above, intermediate strategy tells you the best move based on the cards in your initial hand. Although it is more detailed than basic strategy, it becomes easier to apply once you understand its structure. The following chart considers the cards in your starting hand and recommends the best move accordingly. It illustrates common situations you may encounter during the game, making it a useful reference.
For instance, if you are dealt three cards to a Royal Flush, it is best to break up an open-ended straight and draw two cards. If four cards in your hand are high cards (Ace, Jack, King, and Queen), you should break up the hand only if the Jack and Queen are suited. If you have three offsuit high cards and one of them is an Ace, it is better to discard the Ace. The reasoning behind this last move is that it improves your chances of forming a Three of a Kind or Four of a Kind.
| Video Poker Intermediate Strategy | |
|---|---|
| Players’ Hand | Best Move |
| Four-Card RoyalAKQJ5 | Draw 1 |
| Three of a KindKKK72 | Draw 2 |
| Four-Card Straight Flush6789K | Draw 1 |
| Two PairsJJ33K | Draw 1 |
| High PairJJ267 | Draw 3 |
| Three-Card RoyalAKQ27 | Draw 2 |
| Four-Card FlushA3795 | Draw 1 |
| Small Pair77285 | Draw 3 |
| Open-Ended Straight5678Q | Draw 1 |
| Three to a Straight Flush89102A | Draw 2 |
| Two-Card Royal – No TenAK278 | Draw 3 |
| Inside Straight – Three High Cards810JQ3 | Draw 1 |
| Three High Cards – No AceAJ1027 | Draw 2 |
| Three-Card Straight Flush89102A | Draw 2 |
| Two High CardsKQ258 | Draw 3 |
| One High CardA5279 | Draw 4 |
| Mixed Low Cards25789 | Draw 5 |
When applied correctly, this intermediate strategy can help players make stronger hold-and-discard decisions. With the chart as a guide, players can more easily determine which cards are worth keeping and which should be replaced. Although different versions of the intermediate strategy chart are available, they are based on the same general principles.
Using the chart is straightforward; all you need to do is find your card combination and review the recommended move. Take your time to consider the possible winning combinations you can form before acting. Once you commit the chart to memory, following this intermediate strategy will become much easier.
Important Considerations
Online gambling is legal in many jurisdictions, making video poker more accessible. Playing from the comfort of your own home can be beneficial, as it allows you to consult your strategy chart whenever you are uncertain. With practice, you will be able to memorize the recommended moves and apply them when needed.
Online casinos offer several advantages over their land-based counterparts. Many gambling sites provide demo versions of their video poker games, allowing players to practice their strategies without risking their bankrolls. This way, you can learn how a video poker variation works and become familiar with its rules without risking any of your hard-earned cash.
Another way to learn the chart is to keep it in a visible place at home so that you can review the recommended moves regularly. Players who do not play video poker often can also use one of the available strategy cards. It is important to pay close attention to similar card combinations so that you can tell them apart.
Players should also keep in mind that whenever they try a new video poker variation, they should review its additional rules and adjust their strategy accordingly. This does not mean that a completely new strategy is required for every video poker variant; only certain plays may need to be reviewed. For instance, some moves may become irrelevant if a variation does not pay for certain hands, such as a high pair. It is always best to adapt your strategy to the specific video poker variant so that you can make the strongest hold-and-discard decisions.
Conclusion
Video poker is a popular casino game that combines skill and luck. Although you cannot control which cards are dealt, you can improve your decisions by using the right strategy. The intermediate strategy featured on this page can help players reduce the house edge and improve their expected return over the long term. The chart shows which card combinations are worth keeping in specific situations and provides useful guidance on what to discard and when.