Crush Video Poker Every Time: The Ultimate How-To Guide with Top 11 Strategies

Introduction

Video poker isn’t just a game of chance—it’s a game of skill. By mastering these 11 strategies, you’ll learn how to make optimal decisions for every major hand scenario, giving you the edge you need to succeed. This guide covers everything from choosing the right game to specific tips for playing each hand, ensuring you crush video poker every time.

1. Choose the Right Video Poker Game

Not all video poker games are created equal. Variants like “Jacks or Better” and “Deuces Wild” offer different odds and strategies. Start with “Jacks or Better” if you’re a beginner; it’s simpler and offers a lower house edge when played with a full-pay 9/6 paytable. “Deuces Wild” can be more complex but offers more frequent wins.

Tip: Always research and choose games with the best paytables to maximize your potential returns.

2. Master the Paytable

Understanding the paytable is crucial. Look for games with full-pay tables, like the 9/6 paytable in “Jacks or Better,” which means 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush. This small detail can significantly impact your long-term winnings.

Tip: Before you start playing, always check the paytable to ensure you’re getting the best possible odds.

3. Know Your Hand Rankings

Familiarize yourself with poker hand rankings, from the high card to the royal flush. Knowing which hands are more valuable helps in making strategic decisions. In video poker, the ultimate goal is to maximize your chances of building a winning hand.

Tip: Memorize the hand rankings to quickly evaluate the potential of your dealt hand.

4. Optimal Hand Selection: Hold or Discard?

The crux of video poker strategy lies in deciding which cards to hold and which to discard. Here are tips for common scenarios:

• No Winning Hand: If you don’t have a pair, three of a kind, or higher, hold onto high cards (J, Q, K, A) to increase the chance of hitting a pair on the draw.
• Low Pair: Always hold a low pair (e.g., 3-3, 4-4) instead of going for a high card. The odds of improving to three of a kind or better are higher.
• Four to a Straight or Flush: If you’re dealt four cards to a straight or flush, it’s usually worth discarding the fifth card to go for the straight or flush.

Tip: Remember, in most cases, it’s better to go for a sure small win than to chase an unlikely big win.

5. Leveraging Wild Cards in “Deuces Wild”

In “Deuces Wild,” the twos are wild and can be substituted for any card. This significantly changes the strategy:

• Four Deuces: Always hold onto four deuces if dealt; this is a guaranteed win.
• Three Deuces: Hold onto the three deuces and draw two new cards for a shot at a five-of-a-kind or a royal flush.

Tip: In “Deuces Wild,” prioritize forming hands that include the deuces to maximize your winning potential.

6. The Royal Flush Chase: When to Go for It

The royal flush is the highest-paying hand, but chasing it isn’t always the best move. Only pursue a royal flush if you have four of the five cards needed. Holding just three cards to a royal flush while discarding a low pair or four cards to a flush is often a poor choice.

Tip: Aim for a royal flush only when the odds are significantly in your favor, like when holding four cards to it.

7. Don’t Break a Winning Hand

Avoid the temptation to break a winning hand in hopes of hitting something better. For instance, if you have a straight or a flush, don’t discard any cards unless you have a four-card draw to a royal flush.

Tip: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; keep your guaranteed win unless there’s a compelling reason to chase a higher payout.

8. Practice Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is essential. Set a budget for each session and stick to it. This strategy helps you play longer and reduces the risk of depleting your funds.

Tip: Divide your bankroll into smaller sessions to ensure you have multiple opportunities to play and win.

9. Utilize In-Game Bonuses and Promotions

Social casinos often offer bonuses, such as free credits or loyalty points. Utilize these to extend your playtime and practice different strategies without risking real money.

Tip: Participate in daily challenges and use loyalty points to maximize your playtime and practice without dipping into your bankroll.

10. Use a Strategy Chart

Strategy charts are invaluable tools for video poker. They tell you the best play for any given hand, increasing your chances of winning. Keep a strategy chart handy, especially if you’re new to the game.

Tip: Download or print a strategy chart for your specific video poker variant and use it as a reference while you play.

11. Practice on Social Casinos

Before venturing into real-money play, practice on social casinos. These platforms allow you to test strategies and understand the game’s mechanics in a risk-free environment.

Tip: Use social casinos to familiarize yourself with different variants and paytables. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your decisions.

Major Hand Scenario Guide

Here’s how to handle some of the most common hand scenarios:

• High Card (Ace, King, Queen, Jack): If dealt with a single high card and no other promising hands, hold the high card and discard the rest.
• Low Pair (e.g., 5-5, 7-7): Hold the pair and discard the other three cards, aiming to improve to three of a kind, four of a kind, or full house.
• Four to a Straight or Flush: If you have four cards to a straight or flush, discard the fifth card and go for the straight or flush.
• Four to a Royal Flush: Always hold onto four cards to a royal flush and discard the fifth card, regardless of what it is.
• Three of a Kind: Hold the three cards and discard the other two, aiming for four of a kind or a full house.
• Full House: Always hold a full house; never break it unless playing a progressive jackpot with a life-changing payout.
• Flush: Hold the flush unless you have four cards to a royal flush.
• Straight: Hold the straight unless you have four cards to a royal flush.
• Two Pair: Hold the two pairs and discard the fifth card, aiming to hit a full house.
• Four to a Straight Flush: If you have four cards to a straight flush, discard the fifth card and go for the straight flush.

By mastering these 11 strategies and applying them to your play, you’ll be well on your way to crushing video poker every time. Remember, the key to success lies in making the right decisions at the right moments. Use this guide as your playbook, practice regularly on social casinos, and watch your video poker skills soar.

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