Online video poker has exploded in popularity over the last few years. With the ability to play from home or on the go, video poker offers an exciting gambling experience without leaving your couch. However, jumping right into video poker without a solid strategy is a quick way to lose your bankroll. This guide will provide crucial tips on how to master online video poker and dramatically increase your odds of winning.
First, let’s quickly go over how online video poker works. At Bet On Red, video poker is based on draw poker, where players attempt to form the best five-card hand possible. Unlike slots which depend purely on luck, video poker requires skill and knowledge to optimize your return. The game begins by placing a wager and being dealt five cards. You then decide which cards to hold or discard to improve your hand. After selecting which cards to keep, the remaining cards are replaced and your final poker hand is scored.
Payouts depend on the strength of your final hand based on standard poker rankings. Unlike traditional poker, you are playing directly against the machine to form the best hand, rather than competing against other players.
Learn Proper Hold’em Strategy
Simply playing your “favorite” hands like Q-10 suited is a surefire way to drain your bankroll. Each hand in video poker has an optimal strategy, detailing the correct play to maximize your return. A winning strategy analyzes the initial 5 cards you are dealt and instructs whether to hold or discard certain cards to improve your hand.
For example, breaking down the proper hold’em strategy for Jacks or Better (the most popular video poker variant):
- Hold any pair, three of a kind or better
- Break up low pairs if you have 4 cards to a royal flush
- Hold 4 cards to a royal flush or straight flush
Study basic draw poker strategies and commit them to memory. A single mistake can be the difference between a sizable payout and breaking even. Even the most seasoned players reference strategy cards.
Bet Max to Qualify for Royal Flushes
Here’s an important tip to avoid a soul-crushing mistake – always bet max! Unlike slots and other https://slotspeak.com/cats-demo/ games, video poker pays back a higher percentage the more coins you wager. The largest jackpots like the coveted royal flush often require betting max coins to qualify.
Nothing hurts more than hitting a royal flush and realizing you didn’t bet enough to win the huge progressive jackpot. Save yourself the agony and always ensure you are betting the maximum number of coins.
Find the Best Pay Tables
All video poker games are not created equal. Each variant offers different payouts and return-to-player (RTP) percentages. Seek out casinos offering the most favorable pay tables to gain an instant mathematical advantage.
For example, the best pay table for Jacks or Better returns over 99.5% when played flawlessly, while the worst tables only pay back 93%. That’s a monumental difference over the long run. Before depositing, research sites offer advantageous payback. Getting dealt a bad paytable is an easy way to destroy your bankroll quickly.
Take Advantage of Comps Programs
Here’s a creative tip to maximize profits – take advantage of video poker comps programs! Unlike slots which are random, skilled video poker play impacts your bottom line. Many online casinos offer generous loyalty programs that reward skilled play.
The more hands you play using optimal strategy, the more comp points you earn. These points can be redeemed for free play credits, meals, hotel stays, and more. Comps provide savvy players with an alternative bankroll to keep playing longer. Just make sure to join casinos with suitable VIP programs for video poker players.
Know When to Walk Away
As with any gambling game, luck plays a role. Even using the perfect strategy, you’ll have winning and losing sessions. Many players struggle to quit while they are ahead. If you hit a hot streak and build a sizable bankroll, consider pocketing some of your profits and calling it a day.
Likewise, chasing losses by continuing to play through a bad run only digs you into a deeper hole. Set a budget for each session and stick to it religiously regardless if you are winning or losing. Remember, there is always another day to play. Don’t let a short term run of bad luck ruin your bankroll.
Video Poker Requires Patience
It’s called gambling for a reason – there are always risks involved. Even utilizing the perfect video poker strategy, you will experience swings in the short run. The key is remaining disciplined through hot and cold stretches. In the long run, the math works heavily in the player’s favor.
Some nights you may catch a rush and win big. Other nights the cards never seem to cooperate. But by consistently applying the proper strategies over hundreds of thousands of hands, profits are nearly guaranteed. Remain patient knowing you have the advantage and focus on playing every hand according to optimal strategy.
Summarize How to Crush Video Poker
- Learn and memorize basic hold’em strategies for your chosen video poker variant
- Always bet the maximum number of coins to qualify for big progressive jackpots
- Seek out casinos offering the most favorable pay tables to increase your RTP
- Take advantage of lucrative video poker comps programs to earn extra rewards
- Manage your bankroll wisely and know when to walk away to fight another day
- Remain patient through short term swings, remembering you have the long term mathematical edge
Follow these tips and watch your video poker profits soar. While proper strategy is crucial, veterans also consider factors like bankroll management, comps programs, and favorable pay tables. Master these additional facets, and you will be well on your way to dominating online video poker!