Professional Casino Gambling Tips - Video Poker

2006 November 12, Elyshia P.

Video Poker is an exciting game that combines the thrills of slot machines with the skill of poker. People underestimate the amount of skill involved in Video Poker, so here are some tips to improve your play.

Video Poker machines are programmed to payout up to 100% when players play at an expert level. This effectively means there can potentially be little to no house edge! The reason why casinos can do this is because most people do not play at the expert level required to obtain this payout level.

The first thing to remember is that in Video Poker you are playing against a machine, not a person like in regular poker. So make sure you read the payouts of the game carefully, and choose a game that offers the highest payback.

Usually games offer a bonus or jackpot payout if you hit a Royal Flush with the maximum number of coins, so always play the maximum number of coins even if this means dropping down to a denomination level that you are comfortable with. Usually it is a good idea to play progressive jackpot games as their payouts are more in line with the odds of actually hitting a Royal Flush. Look for progressive jackpot games showing about 80% of the payoff amount.

Regular poker strategies are not suitable for Video Poker. For example holding a high card with a Pair isn't optimal as it doesn't improve your chances of obtaining a highest payout. You are not trying to get a better hand than your opponent; you are trying to reach the highest payout level possible. Some people will also discard a low Pair in favour of holding one or more high cards to attempt to reach the minimum payout level. This thought process is flawed as you are betting off trying to draw to Three-of-a-Kind to reach a higher payout level.

If however you have a high Pair that already qualifies for a payout then do not discard the Pair to attempt to draw to a four card Flush or Straight, or a three card Royal Flush. You have recovered your bet and are better off taking a risk-free shot at Three-of-a-Kind or better.

However a three card Royal Flush draw should be preferred over a low Pair, or a four card Flush or Straight draw. The bonus jackpot payout for a Royal Flush makes this the correct play.

Also if you first five cards don't have at least one high card, then don't be afraid to draw five new cards and start again.

Below is a table that outlines a basic strategy using various starting hands on the first deal (after which you have the option to replace cards). The hands and plays are listed in order or priority. Utilize this strategy when you play Video Poker and give yourself the best chance of hitting that jackpot payout!

• Four-of-a-Kind or Better - You have a brilliant hand! There is no need to draw any further cards!
• 4 Cards to a Royal Flush - Draw 1 card to try and hit that Royal Flush!
• Full House or Flush - You have an excellent hand than has slim chances of improving by a draw. Do not draw any further cards.
• Three-of-a-Kind - Draw 2 cards to try and make a Full House or Four-of-a-Kind.
• 4 Cards to a Straight Flush - Draw 1 card to try and hit your Straight Flush!
• Straight - You have a made hand that is difficult to improve so do not draw any further cards.
• Two Pair - Draw 1 card to try to make a Full House.
• High Pair - Keep your pair and draw 3 cards to try and improve to Three-of-a-Kind or better.
• 3 Cards to a Royal Flush - Draw 2 cards and take a shot at making your Royal Flush.
• 4 Cards to a Flush - Draw 1 card to try and make a Flush
• Low Pair - Do not break your pair. Keep it and draw 3 cards to try and improve to Three-of-a-Kind or better.
• 4 Cards to a Straight - Draw 1 card to try and make your Straight. Open ended Straight draws are more likely to hit than inside Straight draws.
• 3 Cards to a Straight Flush - A Straight Flush pays well so draw 2 cards to try and make it.
• Two High Cards - Not a great starting hand, but draw 3 cards to try and make a Pair or better.
• One High Card - Again it's not a good start, so draw 4 cards to try and make a Pair or better.
• No High Cards - You have no pairs and no draws. Draw 5 new cards, cross your fingers and hope for the best!