Video Poker Strategy

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Video Poker Strategy

One of the most popular casino games is video poker. This is true for internet casino websites as well. A lot of people like video poker because it is just you versus the machine; the human element of poker has been virtually taken away. If you know what you are doing, you should do very well playing a video poker machine.

The Basics

Video poker is essentially five card draw, which is a poker game where five cards are dealt out. Of those five cards, you are to choose which cards to keep and which to discard. After the second deal, if you are able to make a decent hand, you win! Typically, machines require a minimum hand of a pair of Jacks or better to pay out at 1:1 odds, which is even money. Even money equates to a win of what you put in. For example, if you bet 25 cents, you would win 25 cents with a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. The better your hand, the better the payout. The ranking of hands are as follows: Pair of Jacks or better, 2 pair, 3 of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, royal flush.

Strategy

Video poker strategy differs depending on the player. Much of the strategy that goes into Texas Hold 'Em Poker can be related to video poker. For example, if you are dealt a 8spade, 9diamond, 10club, Jspade, 5club there are 3 possibilities of winning hands. One winning hand possibility is the Jacks or better pair, discard all cards but the Jack. Another is a flush draw with 3 cards, meaning that you would discard 2, the 9diamond and 5club. The last is a straight draw with the 8, 9, 10, J. This with this hand you would discard 1. In this case, the odds are pretty close to 50/50 with the straight and the flush. The strategy that most folks would choose is the straight draw. But an argument could be made for the flush. Very few people choose the Jacks or better option.

The only instance where you would choose to go for Jacks or better is if you were already dealt the pair of Jacks or better initially. In this example, by keeping the pair of Jacks or better, you open up a win of 2 pair, 3 of a kind, full house, or 4 of a kind. You are guaranteed a minimal win of your money back.

The Fun Of The Game

Always remember that playing casino games should be just for fun and always set a limit. Never go into a casino without a clear limit of no more than what you can afford to lose. If you think you have a gambling addiction, seek the help of a professional.