Video poker is indeed a class of gambling game that
facilitates the use of a strategy - showing positive and
consistent results when executed appropriately with
sound poker sense. Most video poker players will agree
on what cards to hold and what cards to discard, for
video poker - unlike table poker - does not have
multiple betting rounds, nor factor in bluffing and
betting patterns into the equation. On the other hand,
the game consists of making a single bet, a single round
of discarding, and maybe a high-card showdown (which,
incidentally, is the part of video poker that rests on
pure luck and not strategy).
Some players espouse using specific wagering
strategies. One such popular system is the 200 coin
strategy, which advises players to gamble in 200 coin
sessions in order to maximize the chances of hitting a
high paying hand, such as a straight flush or royal
flush. The basis behind the strategy is that video
poker machines can often go through more than
one-hundred hands without giving a substantial payout.
By maximizing the playing time, and consequently the
number of hands, a player is more likely to hit the
elusive Royal Flush, which according to statistical
odds, should hit once every 40,000 hands. But all
players should know that online casino software is
entirely unpredictable and random. For all anybody
knows, a video poker machine may take 500 hands to
produce a big winner, or, it may take only ten. The
idea is to hold out as long as possible, since the big
wins come up less frequently. Of course, the larger the
betting stake, the larger the payout - which is why this
strategy also incorporates the use of winnings. For
instance, the 200 coin system advises to only make
single coin bets. For nickels, a player would need $10
worth; Dime wagers correspond to a $20 bankroll; $50 is
needed in quarters; And a $200 bankroll would be needed
to cover 200 $1 wagers. However, every time a player
wins a hand, on the next hand he or she should bet a
single coin plus the winnings from the previous hand.
If the hand wins again, the player should keep betting
in the same manner. Once a multiple coin wager loses,
the player should default back to a single coin per
wager, unless of course another win takes place. As
opposed to betting systems like the Martingale, this
wagering strategy does not chase after losses, but
rather, makes use of winnings. If the player doubles
their bankroll using this system, they should set that
money aside, and start the 200 coin sequence over again.
In regards to managing one's bankroll while playing
video poker, this strategy is a reliable and safe one to
follow. However, in order to maximize the number of
winning hands, ultimately optimizing the 200 coin
system, specific card strategy is needed. These
are all described below, going into more detail via the
specific strategy links immediately following (at the
very bottom of the page). If a player
decides to not use the 200 coin system, that is okay.
However, following the specific card strategies listed
below is vital to continued success at video poker.
Beginning with Jacks or Better, the following tips state
what starting hands are the best to keep and which cards
are the best to discard. Just like table poker players
must unceasingly ask themselves when the right time to
fold is, video poker players must ask the ever-present
question of which cards to hold and which to discard.
The following contains general video poker strategy
tips, backed by card drawing strategies specific to
Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild:
Tip #1 --------- Always Hold Paying Hands
The one exception to this rules is a paying hand that
also has potential of becoming a Royal Flush. This is
the highest paying hand at video poker by far, and all
smaller earnings should be risked if at least four cards
are lined up to form a Royal. An example of this hand
would be a suited 10, Jack, King, King (unsuited), and
Ace. Although the pair of kings is a winning hand, all
that is needed for a Royal Flush is a Queen of the same
suit. Therefore, the unsuited King should be discarded.
Tip #2 --------- Never Risk Earnings in the
High Card Showdown Bonus
Playing the high card showdown is a dangerous
practice, and is based strictly on luck. A players
winnings will be lost more times than the promise of
double winnings actually manifesting. Players who are
chasing losses often get caught playing the high card
bonus, in hopes of doubling their earnings. Players
should rather follow a disciplined money management
strategy, and not let themselves become tempted by
greed.
Aside from following the aforementioned 200 coin
stakes strategy, (or one of similar substance) and the
above tips during all video poker machines the
following card strategies are useful at individual
machines:
Jacks or Better
Always hold the following cards,
discarding all others:
A potential straight flush,
meaning there is at lest three cards of the same suit
not separated by more than five card values from high to
low card.
A potential royal flush, meaning there is at lest
three individual face cards 10 or Ace of the same suit.
A potential flush, meaning there are at least
four cards of the same suit.
All low pairs (10 and below) - in hopes of
hitting a three of a kind.
A potential straight, meaning there are at least
four consecutive cards not separated by more than five
card values from high to low card.
All high cards (10 thru Ace) of the same suit, or
any two high cards of dissimilar suit, or any lone high
card.
Jack, Queen and/or King of dissimilar suits as
well as a suited 10 with a Jack, Queen or King.
Deuces Wild
Always hold all deuces. Hold the
following hands, discarding all others:
A four card potential royal
flush, even if the hand is already a smaller win,
such as a high pair.
A three card potential royal flush,
meaning there are no other inherent winning hands and at
least three cards (10 thru Ace) of the same suit.
A potential straight flush, meaning there is at
least three cards of the same suit not separated by more
than five card values from high to low card.
A potential flush, meaning there are at least
four cards of the same suit.
A potential straight, meaning there are at least
four consecutive cards not separated by more than five
card values from high to low card.
Any Pair as well as any two suited cards ranging
from 10 thru King.
Jokers Wild
(Kings or Better)
Always hold all Jokers. Hold the
following hands if the Joker is in the hand:
A four card potential royal
flush, even if the hand is already a smaller win,
such as a high pair.
A three card potential royal flush
All three of a kinds
A potential high straight flush that includes
four consecutive cards of the same suit with at least a
King or an Ace.
A potential three-card straight flush, meaning
three cards of the same suit are not separated by more
than five card values from high to low card.
Any High Pair ( King or Ace)
A potential flush, meaning there are at least
four cards of the same suit (excluding Kings and Aces)
A potential straight, meaning there are at least
four consecutive cards not separated by more than five
card values from high to low card.
In hands without the Joker, hold the
following hands, discarding all others:
A four card potential royal
flush, forfeiting all smaller paying hands.
A potential two-card royal flush, composed with
at least two suited cards, 10, Jack, Queen, King and
Ace.
A potential straight flush with at least three
consecutive cards of the same suit, separated by more
than five card values from high to low card.
A potential royal flush, meaning there is at lest
three individual face cards 10 or Ace of the same suit.
A potential four-card flush
All pairs (2 thru Queen), in hopes of hitting three
of a kind.
A potential straight, meaning there are at least
four consecutive cards not separated by more than five
card values from high to low card.
Ace or King of dissimilar suits as well as a
solitary Kings and Aces
Additional Video Poker
Tips, Rules and Pointers:
