Video Poker Common Mistakes

Video Poker has the potential to offer excellent paybacks for players, sometimes in excess of 100%, but unlike Online Slots where play involves a "click and spin" mentality, Video Poker requires the player to make decisions each hand and apply correct strategy in order to achieve the maximum potential payback. The element of skill is what makes the game so attractive to many professional players, but it's also this very same element of skill which brings the casino its profit. How is this so? Many new players do not apply the correct strategy and can often make mistakes which give the house its edge.

Here are some of the more common mistakes made by Video Poker players.

Playing maximum coins - this is the number one mistake as it can potentially be the most costly. The maximum jackpot is only ever paid out if you are playing the maximum of five coins, so if you hit that Royal Flush and aren't playing five coins then you are going to miss out on a LOT of money! If you are uncomfortable playing five coins then you need to drop down to a lower denomination coin that you are more comfortable with.

Playing full pay or jackpot machines - always play at a machine which offer a full pay schedule, rather than low pay machines. Always check the payout tables before you start playing. Also look for machines which are offering the largest progressive jackpots in case you get really lucky!

Always holding 'something' - throwing away all five cards may seem like a waste to a novice player, but if all your cards are junk and don't offer any viable combinations, then your best play is to simply throw them away and draw five new cards.

Holding a 'kicker' - this is a common mistake for players coming across from other forms of poker. Holding an ace with your pair may seem like a valid play, but it reduces the chances of improving your hand. Also if you are playing Deuces Wild variation of Video Poker, it reduces the likelihood of drawing a powerful wild card. Remember when drawing two pair it doesn't matter the ranks of the cards - all two pairs still pay the same!

Breaking a made hand to draw to a 3-card Royal Flush - drawing to a Royal Flush is a positive thought process as every player should be striving for that jackpot. However if you've drawn a made hand already, then it is rarely correct to break that hand to draw to a 3-card Royal Flush. Unless the jackpot is exceptionally high, over the long term you should keep your made hand.

Use of Comps - all Video Poker players should be making use of Comp Points that you accumulate while you play. Comp Points can be exchanged directly for cash, and can often make the difference between a winning and losing player. Learn about the Comps program at the site you are playing at and make sure you cash them in!

It is possible to be a long term winner at Video Poker but with each new hand posing a new decision, it's very easy to make errors from the optimal strategy. Practice hard on sites like 32 Vegas Casino, Euro Grand Casino or Skykings Casino, avoid making these common mistakes and watch your bankroll grow.

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