Gaining the Edge: Advanced Video Poker Strategies
Knowing this site is dedicated to the study of poker, I have concluded (rightly or wrongly) that some of our devotees may also play video poker while visiting my hometown of Las Vegas. I know I do, and although I enjoy playing video poker and have hit many jackpots, I realize this is a negative expectation endeavor; I am an overall loser and consider it a leak. If I could leave the poker room and walk right by those machines, I would be better off in the long run.
If anyone else might occasionally weaken enough to indulge, I would offer up a tip or two to help you win or at least mitigate the speed at which the casino collects your money.
Bet the Maximum Number of Units
First, always bet the maximum number of units, so you will be paid the maximum if you hit a royal flush or another jackpot; if playing the maximum number of credits is uncomfortable, then drop down in stakes – but always play the max!
Here’s why betting the maximum is crucial:
The Jackpot Hand
In video poker, the highest-paying hand is the royal flush—the ace-high straight flush of the same suit (e.g., A♠K♠Q♠J♠10♠). The payout for hitting a royal flush can be significantly higher when betting the maximum number of units compared to lower bets. In most video poker machines, a maximum bet qualifies you for the highest possible royal flush payout, which can be a life-changing win.
Enhanced Payback Percentage
Video poker machines typically offer a higher payback percentage for maximum bets, especially regarding the royal flush. For example, a device might offer a 99% payback for a maximum bet (5 units) and only 97% for lower stakes. The small difference in payback percentage can significantly impact your overall winnings in the long run.
Maximize Bonus Features
Some video poker variations offer bonus payouts or progressive jackpots for hitting certain hands, such as four-of-a-kind or a straight flush. Betting the maximum allows you to take advantage of these additional rewards when you hit these rare hands.
Short-Term Variance
Video poker, like all casino games, is subject to short-term variance. This means that the outcomes of individual hands can be unpredictable, resulting in temporary winning or losing streaks. Betting the maximum helps mitigate the impact of variance when you hit high-paying hands, ensuring you don’t miss out on potentially lucrative opportunities.
High-Risk, High-Reward
While betting the maximum increases the risk per hand, it also enhances the potential rewards. For players seeking the excitement of chasing significant jackpots and big wins, this high-risk, high-reward approach can add to the thrill of playing video poker.
Bankroll Management Considerations
It’s essential to consider your bankroll size and risk tolerance when deciding on your bet size. Suppose the maximum bet is too high for your comfort level. In that case, you can always choose a lower denomination machine and still bet the maximum number of units for that particular machine. For example, if you prefer playing $1 machines but the maximum bet is five credits ($5), look for a 25-cent machine with five credits (5 x $0.25 = $1.25).
Look for the Highest Pay Tables
Second, you should always look for the highest pay tables to play the best machine. In video poker, unlike slot machines, the casino tells you right up front how generous or stingy they plan to be. The way to rate a video poker machine is to look at the payoff ratio between a full house and a flush. Most machines on the Las Vegas Strip are what those in the know would call “Eight-Five” machines, meaning they pay eight units for a full house and five teams for a flush. Using this example would mean that when playing a one-dollar machine for max credits totaling five dollars, you would be returned $40 (8 x $5) for your full house and $25 (5 x $5) for your flush.
Optimal Strategies for Jacks or Better Video Poker
As a local – “Eight-Five” machines are regarded as horrible. Many casinos offer “Nine-Five” or “Nine-Six” machines; as you can see, it makes a big difference. Some local casinos have even provided “Ten-Seven” machines, but those seem to have been relegated to history. One may opine that getting 45 dollars back on $5 ventured isn’t much more than $40, but with the game’s speed, it becomes significant. The only way to beat the game is through hitting jackpots, and the extra credits from better pay tables give you more ammunition to hit the “Big One.”
Here are optimal strategies for Jacks or Better:
- Always draw one card to a royal flush, even if it requires breaking a winning pair or a made hand such as a straight or flush. The exception is not to break a made straight flush.
- Always draw two cards to a royal flush unless you already hold trips or better.
- Always draw one card to a straight flush unless you already have a pat hand.
- Always draw two cards to a straight flush unless you already hold trips or better.
- If you hold a high pair (Jacks or Better is the game’s name, so the high couples will get your wager returned even if they are not improved), including a four-flush or four straight, keep the high team.
- If you need only one card to complete a flush or a straight, draw for the color.
- If you hold a low pair with a four-flush, break the pair and go for the flush.
- If you hold a low pair and a four straight, keep the pair and draw three.
- Always hold two pair and trips.
- Always draw to a low pair rather than holding a single high card, and never keep a kicker.
- If you are dealt a hand with no card Jack or higher and don’t have a four-flush or four straight, draw five new cards.
Conclusion
There you have it – optimal strategy tips for Jacks or Better video poker. Remember you are not playing against other players; keeping a kicker to disguise three of the kind might be a good strategic play. In video poker, the math rules supreme! Attempt to find the best-paying machine by checking the pay tables, always bet the maximum number of credits, and use the above-offered drawing strategies, and you might get out of Las Vegas with your shirt still on your back. Good luck, and I hope you hit a Royal – it is a thrill.
