Video Poker Tips

Before you start a game of video poker, it is advisable to know the odds. An understanding of the different versions of video poker and their respective strategies is also important. For instance, your strategy approaching a game of Deuces Wild would differ substantially from a Jacks or Better strategy.

Studying the payout schedule particular to each machine will help you decide which one to try your luck at. For a 100.7% payout try a 9/7 slot machine. For a 99.5% payout try a 9/6 machine. An 8/5 slot machine will yield a 97.3% payout, whereas a 7/5 offers 96.3%. The lowest payout comes from a 6/5 machine at around 95.2%. Many people prefer to play Jacks or Better on a 9/7 machine to increase their chances of a top payout. However remember that these are partial payments only. There are no guarantees that you will be successful.

Memorizing the odds on video poker is slightly more complicated but it is worthwhile to study the information below based on Jacks or Better video poker on a 9/6 machine.

For a Straight or Royal Flush the odds are 1:40,390 for a payout of 4000

For a Straight Flush the odds are 1:9,148 for a payout of 250

For Four of a Kind the odds are 1:423 for a payout of 125

For a Full House the odds are 1:86 for a payout of 45

For a Flush the odds are 1:90 for a payout of 30

For a Straight the odds are 1:89 for a payout of 20

For Three of a Kind the odds are 1:13 for a payout of 15

For a Two Pair the odds are 1:7 for a payout of 10

For Jacks or Better the odds are 1:4 for a payout of 5

So now that you know what you’re up against, why not study up on a few handy video poker tips? These ten tips can help you gain greater enjoyment from a game of video poker and can also help you to win.

• Remember the Jacks if your most valuable card
• Play Jacks or Better on machines that offer a payout of six on a flush and nine on a full house
• Always make the maximum bet on progressive machines
• As a beginner, learn the ropes by playing on machines that accept lower denominations of coins
• Relax and take your time to ensure you make sound decisions
• If you have the option of drawing three to a royal flush, reject the fourth card
• Hold onto five card winning hands
• Never break a flush for a straight flush, or a straight for a straight flush
• Discard a kicker if you have a pair
• Don’t take five cards if you have Jacks or Better