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 results in a higher edge for the player. It yields better results by allowing you to maximize your value and win more over the long haul. It is worth mentioning that adjustments to the intermediate strategy are necessary when you play certain video poker variations.
Implementing intermediate strategy in full-pay games will 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 you practice in demo mode until you fully master all recommended plays. Feel free to do so at one of the online casinos featured below— all of them offer free versions of video poker you can play with virtual credits.
Keep in mind that intermediate strategy is considerably easier to learn once you have already grasped the fundamentals of basic video poker strategy. If this is not the case, we advise you to revisit our detailed article on basic video poker strategy.
Overview
The intermediate strategy is a bit more complicated than basic video poker strategy. Nevertheless, it has proven to be more efficient and accurate, which definitely makes it worth trying. Despite its higher complexity, many players find it easy to learn, provided they are already familiar with basic strategy and its fundamental principles. Like all effective gambling strategies, the intermediate approach shows you the optimal playing decisions based on your starting hand. It is the perfect option for more seasoned players who want to take their video poker skills to the next level and improve their game.
Deciding whether to keep or replace certain cards becomes considerably easier with the intermediate strategy. That said, we should warn you that using this strategy does not guarantee you will win every single hand, as a certain level of chance is always involved. What it does do is give you the best shot at becoming a winning video poker player. It achieves this by effectively decreasing the house edge and improving your chances of forming winning combinations. The intermediate strategy is preferred by gamblers who want to make the most of every betting session. Another reason for its popularity is that it enables players to generate more profits in the long term.
How the Intermediate Strategy Works
As already mentioned, the intermediate strategy tells you the best move based on the cards in your initial hand. What sets it apart from other video poker strategies is that it is relatively easy to learn. The following chart considers the cards in your starting hand and recommends the best move accordingly. It illustrates the most common situations you will inevitably encounter during the game, which makes it extremely useful and reliable.
For instance, if players are dealt three cards to a Royal Flush, it is best to break up an open-ended straight and draw two cards. If four of the cards in their hand are high cards (Ace, Jack, King, and Queen), they should break the hand only if the Jack and Queen are suited. If they 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 be a great guide for all players, as it boosts their chances of winning. Armed with it, players will easily decide which cards are worth keeping and which ones should be replaced. Although you can find different versions of the intermediate strategy chart, they are all based on the same principles.
Using it is easy; all you must do is look up your combination of cards in the chart. Take your time to consider every possible winning combination you can form and act accordingly. Once you commit the chart to memory, following this intermediate strategy will become as easy as pie.
Important Considerations
Online gambling is now legal in many countries worldwide, which makes video poker more accessible than ever. Playing from the comfort of your own surroundings can be extremely beneficial, as it allows you to conveniently consult your strategy chart whenever you are uncertain. With some practice, you will be able to memorize all the moves and implement them when needed.
Online casinos offer many advantages that their land-based counterparts lack, hence the massive appeal they hold for players worldwide. Most gambling sites provide demo versions of their video poker games, allowing players to practice their strategies with zero risk to their bankrolls. This way, you can get the hang of any video poker variation and become accustomed to its rules without risking any of your hard-earned cash.
Another way to remember the chart is to keep it in a visible place at home; this allows you to memorize the moves without investing too much effort or time. People who don’t play video poker regularly can also use some of the available strategy cards. It is also important to pay special attention to similar card combinations to ensure you can tell them apart.
Players should also keep in mind that whenever they want to try an exciting new variation of video poker, they must consider the additional rules beforehand and alter their strategy accordingly. This doesn’t mean that a completely new strategy is required for every single video poker variant; only certain plays need to be reviewed. For instance, some moves may become irrelevant if a variation does not include 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 hold the best cards and form a winning combination.
Conclusion
Video poker is undoubtedly one of the most exciting casino games of all time, enjoyed by millions worldwide. It is a game of both skill and luck, which means you can influence the outcome by using the right strategy. The intermediate strategy featured on this page enables players to reduce the house edge significantly and increase their chances of winning in the long term. The chart shows which card combinations are worth keeping in particular situations and provides valuable information about what to discard and when.