Video Poker – the least you need to know about the strategy

In the past few articles, we have been covering some of the most important aspects for Video Poker. This casino game has always been a favorite at online poker rooms, casinos and all over for that matter. But it has recently gained even more popularity. Other types of poker like Texas Holdem and other player against player poker games have been sky rocketing in popularity. Maybe this is why players are taking into consideration this type of online poker game, too. Whatever the case, we want our poker article readers to get the inside scoop about Video Poker.

This article will be covering what every Video Poker player needs to know without overwhelming them with too much information. At the very least, this is what you need to know about Video Poker strategy.

The strategy for any Video Poker game can become very detailed and complex. Each Video Poker game’s strategy can be loaded with rules, rankings, and rule exceptions. With all this in mind, many new players have a hard time getting it all under control quickly. This article will totally help. Many established Video Poker players will tell you that using a hand ranking table works the best for them as they attempt to master the game. But, many Video Poker players prefer plain old English to get them through the paces of any Video Poker game. We will cover the plain English route in this article.

We will be covering the two most popular Video Poker games in this article. First, we will cover Jacks or Better Video Poker. These following tips fro Jacks or Better will get you playing on a superior level in no time.

Jacks or Better:

-          You never want to keep a kicker when playing this Video Poker game. A kicker is considered an extra high card along with a pair. For instance, if you were dealt 10, 10, A, 3, 6, the two tens are the only cards you want to keep. The ace ids the kicker, and you don’t want o keep it. Discard the A, 3, and 6.

-          When playing Jacks or Better, you never want to draw to an inside straight unless you are holding 3 or 4 high cards. Yes, 4 high cards – J-Q-K-A is an inside straight. Only the rank of card can complete it - a 10.

-          You will never want to keep 3 cards to a straight flush, but you do want to keep 3 cards to a flush in some instances when playing Jacks or Better.

-          After you start playing Jacks or Better according to a complete strategy table, use it to the exact accordance. Don’t go against the chart just because you feel you need to hit a big hand. Foe instance, do not break up a full house or two pair just because you desperately want to try for four of a kind. It is truly not worth the odds.

When it comes to playing another popular Video Poker game – Deuces wild, we recommend that you implement these tips into your game practices right away:

Deuces Wild:

-          When playing Deuces Wild, the only single card you want to hold is a deuce. Don’t go holding an ace or other one high card. Only hold a deuce. Any other card will do nothing for you statistically. Remember this – there is no such thing as a high card in the Video Poker game of Deuces Wild.

-          Obviously – never throw away a deuce. The only time you could even consider doing so is if you had a really good chance at a natural royal flush (because a natural pays a lot higher). This is a tough decision, but it will not come often enough to already start fretting about it now.

-          Never hold only one other card with a single deuce. Again, do not get into the mind set that holding a high card with a deuce will add any strength to your poker hand in Deuces Wild. It will only hurt your hand if you do so.

-          When playing Deuces Wild, never hold two pair. You have to discard one pair (it actually does not matter which one, but you have to get rid of one of the pairs). You want draw 3 cards here instead of just one. Don’t waste time worrying about which pair to chuck either. There will be times when you will regret your decision; other times you will be happy. It evens out overall. You have no power to tell ahead about which pair to keep. If you did, you would need to be reading this article! The most important thing to remember about this tip is that you just have to get rid of one of the pairs.

-          Try not to play Deuces Wild at a machine (or online poker room’s game) that has less than 5 for 1 payout on 4 of a kind poker hands.

-          In this Video Poker game, four of a kind is your bread and butter. Four of a kind counts for almost a third of your total return (for more on total return – read our other recent Video Poker articles). This fact clarifies certain strategy choices like keeping a pair over a four card flush. This fact also explains why a lull in quads can make your money leave you quicker.

We completely realize that it will be hard for many of you Video Poker players to adhere to some of these best practices, but Video Poker demands your discipline. Remember, the object of this game is to win, not to take unwarranted risks that will end up sucking all of your hard earned money into the abyss. We just covered some very important situations that you will encounter when playing these two popular Video Poker games. Honestly, if you choose to disregard them, in the long run, you will not come out on top. This game takes patience and practice, but it is a great form of poker that many players love playing.

 

(1, 025)