Our guide on how to win video poker boosts your chances of winning when you play Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and other variants. Learn about different hands, strategies, and common mistakes. Our video poker tips are designed to help you lower the house edge and put the odds in your favor.
How to Play Video Poker and Win
Video poker is somewhat of a hybrid between online slots and poker. You get the engaging visual elements and factors of luck as you do in slots, but there is also skill involved like in poker.
Several variations of video poker games can be played online and in brick-and-mortar casinos. In most popular versions, but not all, players are dealt five cards and select which to keep. Any cards they choose not to keep are discarded and replaced. The remaining cards make up the player’s final hand.
Despite there being several variations at video poker casinos, how to play video poker and win remains very similar for whichever variant you are playing. The aim in all the versions is to make the best standard poker hand from five cards. You can view the standard poker hands below.
- Pair: Two cards of the same rank (most versions need to be at least a pair of Jacks or higher).
- Two Pair: Two sets of pairs.
- Three-of-a-Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Full House: A pair and a three-of-a-kind.
- Four-of-a-Kind: Four cards of the same rank
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Royal Flush: Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit.
Some versions payout for certain pairs, but others, like Deuces Wild, have the lowest-paying hand as a three-of-a-kind. Some variants also have other paying non-standard hands, such as Five-of-a-Kind in Jokers Wild.
What to Avoid When Trying to Win at Video Poker
Now that you know our tips for playing video poker and the actions you need to take, it’s time to learn what not to do if you want to increase your video poker wins.
Chasing a Straight/Flush
It’s important to know what cards to hold in video poker. A common mistake beginners make is opting for a high-paying hand like a straight or a flush when they shouldn’t.
If you have three to a flush/straight and a pair (low or high), you should always keep the pair and not chase the higher-paying flush/straight.
If you have four to a flush/straight and a high pair, you should keep the pair (unless it’s four to a royal flush). If it’s a low pair, discarding it is the right move.
Keeping Kickers
Unlike standard PVP poker games like Texas Hold’em or certain live dealer games, kickers are not a thing in the majority of video poker games, and there is no need to keep one as it will not increase your chances of getting a higher payout.
For example, if you have 8, 8, King, and Ace, you should keep the three 8s and withdraw the King and Ace. Your payout doesn’t increase just because they are high cards, but it does go up if you hit another 8 and get four-of-a-kind.
Not Using the Five Credits/Coins
Most in-person and online casino video poker games use a coin/credit system, and players can bet with 1 to 5 credits. A game may set credits at $0.50, which means a 1-credit bet is $0.50, a 3-credit bet is $1.50, and 5 credits is $2.50.
Always play with five credits whenever you play because the payouts are different. For example, in Jacks or Better, a royal flush pays out at 250 to 1 for a one-credit bet but at 800 to 1 for a five-credit bet.
If betting with five coins isn’t within your means, change machines or games to one with a lower credit amount rather than playing with fewer credits.
Not Playing the Maximum Coins
You must play the maximum number of coins to earn the biggest jackpot while playing progressive video poker. Five is normally the maximum, delivering the greatest win if you hold a royal flush.
Playing Games Beyond Your Skill Level
The rules differ between video poker games. Select a game that suits your level of skill and experience. A strategy for Jacks or Better will need to be altered if you switch to Deuces Wild. Using an unsuitable strategy will increase the house edge.
Holding One High Card
You will decrease your success rate if you hold an Ace, King, Queen, or Jack that is not part of a pair. This is also true in a situation where you have a hand with an Ace and two face cards. Replacing the Ace is the recommended option in this case.
Can You Win at Video Poker?
Of course. Many players have achieved great success at video poker. However, there is no strategy that guarantees a profit. Learning how to win at video poker involves understanding the house edge, winning hands, and different variants.
Video poker is increasingly popular on casino sites. Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, and Deuces Wild are among the available games. Take advantage of titles with an RTP north of 99%. Use our tips and advice to enhance your chances of winning.