Online Video Poker Strategy
Just as with Blackjack, Video Poker is still dealt with virtual "decks", so it's
essential to first find out how many decks are being played. Video poker has
more outcome variances than Blackjack, so mastering any "system" is more
difficult.
The first suggestion is to always bet the maximum amount of coins. It is
better to play 3 coins (where 3 is the max allowed) on a quarter machine than 1
coin on a dollar coin machine, because high hand, large payouts will pay larger
proportionally. For example, on many machines a Royal Flush will pay 1:250
on one coin, versus 1:1000 on three coins. That said, a $1.00, one coin bet
would pay $250.00 for a Royal Flush, whereas a $0.75, three coin bet would pay
$750.00!
If you can't afford to bet the maximum number of coins on the machine you are
playing on, try moving to a lower denomination machine if one is available.
Keeping track of what cards are available in a deck is another important
strategy which will aid you in your discard decisions. For example, if you had
to choose between discarding an Ace versus a 10, you'd probably hold on to the
Ace. However, if there were three 10's left in the deck versus one remaining
ace, it would make more sense to hold on to the lower valued card, because it's
more likely to match with the replaced cards.
Another strategy that applies when playing Video poker is to watch what hands
you're keeping. Most people will hold on to any paying hand when it's
dealt because they don't want to lose. However, most low hands that pay (high
pair, two pair, etc.), don't pay much, and would be better used trying to
put together a better hand. For example, if you're dealt two pair on the deal,
consider dropping a pair and trying for four of a kind or three of a kind rather
than holding both pairs and dropping the odd card. The best hand you can get
with a replacement card when holding two pair is a full house, which still
doesn't pay much compared to a higher hand.
Using this system, you won't win as frequently as you may otherwise, but should
win more when you do. Over time the casinos will always win if you never
hit large payouts, so go for the gold.
How to Play Online Video Poker |
