Video Poker Strategy
Video Poker
includes a basic amount of skill and luck to consistently
win. When played optimally, it's one of the best casino
games to play as the house edge is well under 1%. Here's some
basic guidelines to follow when playing "Jacks or Better"
video poker:
Always keep a high pair (Jacks or better)
over an open straight or a potential flush. If you
keep the high pair, you are guaranteed to recover your bet
with the potential to improve to a better hand.
Always hold on to a pair, regardless
of how low the number, over discarding the pair and holding
on to a higher card. You're better off going for three
of a kind than holding the higher card and going for a pair.
Similarly, always hold on to a pair, regardless of how low
the number, over going for any type of potential straight
(open-end or inside).
Don't hold on to a high value card to
be used along with a pair. The game will only pay
off when the player holds one of the posted hands.
Holding on to this extra "kicker" card cost you
the opportunity to draw a card that's better for your hand.
Don't draw to an inside straight. Conversely,
feel free to draw to an open straight.
You should hold a three or four card
royal (three or four of either a Ten, Jack, Queen, King,
Ace of the same suit) over any type of potential straight
(open-end or inside), a low pair, or a potential flush.
The large payout for the Royal Flush makes it worth the
risk.
Outside of the strategies listed above,
the following chart summarizes the basic strategy of the number
of cards you should draw based on the five cards you are dealt:
|
Cards Dealt to Player
|
Number of Cards to Draw
|
|
4 of a kind or better
|
0
|
|
4 cards of a royal flush
|
1
|
|
Full House
|
0
|
|
Flush
|
0
|
|
4 cards of a straight flush
|
1
|
|
3 of a kind
|
2
|
|
Straight
|
0
|
|
2 Pair
|
1
|
|
High Pair (Jack or Better)
|
3
|
|
3 cards of a Royal Flush
|
2
|
|
4 cards of a Flush
|
1
|
|
4 cards of a Straight
|
1
|
|
3 cards of a Straight Flush
|
2
|
|
Low Pair (Tens or Lower)
|
3
|
|
2 High Cards
|
3
|
|
1 High Card
|
4
|
|
5 Low Cards
|
5
|
|