Six Essential Tips for Playing Video Poker

Firstly, make sure that you fully understand the rules of the game as well as the rank and value of each of the poker hands. Video poker also has a number of variants such as Jacks or Better, Joker’s Wild, and Bonus Poker, each with minor in-house variations of the rules. So be sure to be aware, and to check the rules, of the particular video poker game you are playing.

1. Practice Makes Perfect

There are many video poker trainers available online and at mobile app stores. Otherwise, playing free/casual video poker games to a great way to practice and learn, or to test out strategies. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing money in the process.

2. Evaluate The Payouts

Video poker games may occasionally differ in their payout percentage. It is therefore worth checking the payout tables of multiple video poker games to determine which, or if any particular game, has better payout.

Some video poker games are specifically marked as “full pay” games. These will offer the best odds and therefore payout.

3. Start With The Basic Strategies

The style of poker that video poker is based on, called Draw Poker, allows the player the swap any unwanted cards that they have been dealt for new ones.

The strategies are therefore very much centred around learning to recognising the potential/odds for a winning hand in what you are dealt and making your decisions, such as swapping cards, accordingly.

These can be learned by utilising video poker trainers, or researching them online, though they can vary in complexity and effectiveness. Gaining a good understanding of probability though, is also always a good idea. Furthermore, keep in mind that acquiring a feel and understanding for the game is often best done through sheer practice.

Getting the basics down first – which include everything in this article, will help form a structure on which to explore and develop more complex methods and strategies.

One of the most basic strategies has to do with learning to be disciplined and responsible about your general gambling behaviour and habits.

4. Maximum Bet

Though its recommended this is done with some discretion, it is generally worthwhile to always make the maximum bet in video poker. This will ensure that you always get the maximum payout for a winning hand.

5. Play Responsibly

Every successful gambler has long learned to protect their bankroll from its ever-present and greatest danger, namely temptation.

It doesn’t usually take very long for the average gambler to learn how quickly one can blow their bankroll in a single night, or even sitting. More often than not it will only ruin the whole experience, and if you’re not careful, potentially lead to establishing further bad gambling habits which will likely cause further financial devastation.

Therefore, setting strict loss limits and playing at a steady pace while limiting the time spent on games to limit loss caused by and factors such general temptation, and the effect of the “house edge”, is imperative.