Video Poker Strategy
Players have tried numerous means of establishing a solid Video Poker strategy: they may read a Video Poker book to learn techniques or hire a Video Poker trainer to drill them on their Video Poker strategy. Some of these may prove helpful; others less so.
For those looking to fast-track their understanding of Video Poker strategy and increase their game winnings, we present our comprehensive Casinobest.co.uk Guide to Video Poker strategy. The below tips and instructions will not only help you be a better player, they will help you earn great online casino bonus rewards for your frequent, winning play.
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Video Poker Strategy #1 – Get to Know Your Game
Of course, before you can start to win at Video Poker, you have to understand the Video Poker strategy that applies to each variation of the game. For instance, a strong strategy in Jacks or Better Video Poker may not work as well in Deuces Wild, just as a smart play in Double Bonus may cost you money in Double Double Bonus. Game selection is an important skill.
- Jacks or Better Video Poker
One key Video Poker strategy in the Jacks or Better variation of the game involves aiming for the Royal Flush whenever possible. Not only does it offer the highest payout on any size bet, it gives the biggest jackpots when the player puts in the maximum number of credits. Just like a slot machine, you have to spend big money to make big money.Of course, any good game training software will instruct Jacks or Better Video Poker players to also try for strong hands such as a Straight Flush, which pays fifty times the original bet, and four-of-a-kind, which pays twenty-five times the bet. A player might sacrifice a made Full House, which pays nine times the bet on a “9/6” machine, to go for the bigger payout with “quads.” - Deuces Wild
While many game instruction books cover tactics for Jacks or Better, few of them are dedicated to games like Deuces Wild. While a Royal Flush pays the same in both games, other strong hands such as a Straight Flush, four-of-a-kind or a Full House pay much less. In Deuces Wild, the second-best hand is four deuces, not four aces, and a Straight Flush pays only nine times the bet.
- Double Bonus
One aspect of Double Bonus that a game trainer might miss is that low four-of-a-kind hands (deuces, treys, fours) pay much more than higher hands (fives through Kings). The low “quad” hands pay eighty times the bet, where the higher ones only pay fifty times. The same is true of a Non-royal Straight Flush. Recognizing and manipulating these differences in payouts is a key Video Poker strategy.
- Multi-hand Games
Multi-hand games offer a unique Video Poker strategy challenge. The more hands you play, the higher the bankroll you’ll need to keep playing. Also, with so many hands in play and so many chances to win, the pay tables drop steeply compared with single-play machines. Most multi-play games do not offer the same payout rates as single-play games, so players need to adjust their expectations accordingly.
Video Poker Strategy #2 – Think skill, not Slots
Some inexperienced players think of this random card game machine as a descendent of Slots. While it is true that most modern Video Poker games use random number generator (RNG) software similar to that found in slot machines, veteran players know that this is not the only factor that affects their fate.
Player decisions are a key component in determining whether the game will favor the bettor or the machine. The same cannot be said of slot machines, where luck and superstition play the biggest roles.
Video Poker Strategy #3 – Choose the Best Payouts
Perhaps the best Video Poker strategy a player can implement is one that he employs before sitting down to play: read the pay table. All the Video Poker books in the world won’t help you win more if you sit down at an “8/5” game rather than a “9/6” machine. It’s one thing to win at Video Poker, but it’s another to take home the most money.
Video Poker Strategy #4 – Play Free Games, Claim Bonuses & Use a Video Poker Trainer
In addition to a good Video Poker book, another important tool to have is a Video Poker trainer software package. The software can simulate different drawing situations and help you employ the right Video Poker strategy at the right time. In order to win at Video Poker, you have to practice, practice and practice some more.
In this regard, online casinos offer several advantages over their live-action counterparts. In many cases, internet casinos offer aggressive bonus packages, both to first-time players and to repeat customers. New gaming sites like Winner and Net bet offer big bonuses to draw a crowd. Reputable casinos like Betfair & Casino.com do so to retain theirs.
Newcomers often receive cash bonuses after they make their first deposit, while veteran players can earn points for merchandise, trips and cash prizes. These aggressive bonus packages give players more than one way to increase their bankrolls.
Whether you choose to play online or on land, employ the above Video Poker strategy tips and you’ll be on your way to an enjoyable and profitable session.