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: