Video Poker Strategy

Video poker winning strategy including cards.

The beauty of video poker lies in the fact that you don't have to compete with other players to win a game. With only the machine to compete with, the chances of winning here is often said to be higher than in playing conventional poker. Video poker machines are automated to deal cards randomly and your goal is to figure out how you can create a high-ranking hand to win the jackpot. Simply put, in video poker the game is just between you and the machine.

Practice Makes Perfect

The only way to beat the machine is if you are equipped with the knowledge of the best moves you could make while playing. These decisions vary according to the situation you are in. As such, the best thing to do is to get yourself used to seeing different video poker situations. This will allow you to make the best decisions every single time. But in able to perfect this strategy, the key is to practice.

Remember the cliche, "practice makes perfect?" Well, this is true with video poker. In most cases, video poker uses a 52-card deck (without Jokers and Deuces) and the draws are based on it. If you play video poker often, you get a better look at how the machine draws are done. Hopefully, by frequently playing video poker, you will eventually be able to recognize which card, hand, or situation can get you a win. If you want to practice your game, try downloading a free-mode video poker software from the Web. Practice your skills by using this video poker simulation to prepare you for the real thing.

Game Strategies

The strategy you will use in a video poker game depends on the situation or game you're in. This goes to say that it's somewhat impossible to plan ahead of time which strategies to use in an actual game. Still, it is ideal to know all the available strategies so you'll know which ones to use when the situation calls for them.

Whenever you play video poker, you are always asked to make decisions. These decisions are essential in winning, so it wise to think them through first before going ahead with a move. The following are examples of strategies you can use for different video poker games:

* In Jacks or Better, the best strategy is to keep the hand that pays. Otherwise, here are several things you should do:
   - Do not discard two high cards that are suited.
   - If you have three cards that are unsuited, keep the King, Queen, and Jack cards. However, if you have Ace, King or Jack cards or Ace, Queen, or Jack cards, discard the Ace.
   - Do not discard any two high cards that are unsuited.
   - Do not discard any high card.

* Tens or Better has the same strategies as Jacks or Better, except 10 is now considered a high card.

* For Jokers Wild, do the following:
   - Do not discard a Joker card if you're dealt with one.
   - Do not hold an inside Straight.
   - Keep Straight Flushes.

These are just some of the strategies you need to keep in mind when playing video poker. Remember that strategies vary for every video poker variation. With that said, make sure that you are familiar with the game first before planning any strategy. Good luck!

Last Updated ( Friday, 14 December 2007 )

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