Everyone’s looking for those Video Poker Tips that make your relaxing video poker sessions just a bit more profitable, and I don’t blame them. There’s something special about enjoying a nice Poker game with that solo-gameplay that slot machines offer, but it’s just even sweeter when you got some green at the end of it all.
Today, I’ll share the tips that I wish I’d gotten as a beginner many years back.
I’ll be honest, I was somewhat guilty of this too, not because I wanted to quit Video Poker altogether, but because I wasn’t even aware that Deuces Wilds or other modes even existed.
Which leads me to tip #2.
Deuces Wild
This mode turns Twos into Wild Cards, so a whole new world of winning combinations opens up for you. Let me explain what a Wild Card is:
Wild cards in Video Poker are like your secret weapon. Imagine you’re playing, and you get a wild card—it’s basically a free pass to substitute for any other card you need to complete a winning hand.
Wild Cards are the game’s secret weapon, because it can morph into any other card you need to complete a money-winning hand. Let’s say that you’re one card away from a straight or a flush, and you’ve got a wild card, well the Wild Card will turn into whatever card you need for the best possible hand you can build!
The most common version is “Deuces Wild,” where all the 2s in the deck are wild. So if you have three of a kind and a 2, that 2 can become whatever you need it to be—like completing a full house or even a straight flush. Obviously, the payout tables are adjusted a bit lower in games with Wild Cards (Casinos are a business, never forget that!), but you do get more consistent wins, which is Aces in my book!
Double Bonus Poker
Yep, Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Video Poker, and it’s a fun one if you like big payouts for certain hands. The game is almost like regular Jacks or Better, but with a twist— it gives extra bonus payouts for getting four of a kind, especially if they’re specific cards like Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s.
Double Bonus Poker is another variation of Video Poker, and if you’re all about hitting a specific hand for a big payout, then this is probably the game for you. It’s similar to a regular Jacks or Better game, but it gives you extra juicy payouts for getting four of a kind, and they get extra-large when they’re specific cards such as Aces, 3s or 4s. That’s where it gets its name (Double Bonus).
It has more volatility to it, and other hands such as a Flush or Two Pairs have lower payouts too, so it’s fine-tuned for gamblers that live for big payouts. Video Poker really has something for everyone, and it’s why I’m taking my time to explain what each game mode has to offer.
Joker Poker
This game mode adds a Joker as a wild card, so now you got an extra layer of strategy to a classic video poker game. It’s a little extra spice on the classic we all know and love if you want to mix it up.
The Joker basically acts like a Wild Card, so it can transform into whatever card you need to create the best possible hand you can build in a round (same as Deuces Wild). There’s only one joker added to the deck, so you’re playing with an extra card, which can land you a major advantage. Remember, if you’re just one card shy of a flush, straight, or even a full house—the joker swoops in and completes that hand for you.
Are Jokers and Wild Cards the Same Thing?
Technically no, I mean, it’s true that both wild cards and jokers can act as substitutes to complete hands, they’re not always the same thing in Video Poker.
Wild Cards can be designated card in the game, like in Deuces Wild where all the 2s are wild.
Jokers, on the other hands, are wild cards but in games like Joker Poker, only the joker itself can act as a wild card. There’s only one Joker in the deck, not multiple wild cards like in Deuces Wild.
It’s a subtle distinction, but hey, it’s there.
What’s the Best Game Mode
Most beginners start with Jacks or Better to learn the ropes, and many veterans choose it due to its higher level of predictability and consistent returns. It’s hard to beat a classic, but I think each game mode has its merits. You could, for example, play a game of Deuces Wild while you wait for your buddies to come online and play Texas Hold’em, or just try a game of Joker Poker to mix things up after a long day at work.
It’s all very situational and subjective, so I’d just give each of these a try before completely discarding them. That being said, you’ll find most educational content is centered around Jacks or Better because it’s easier to study and optimize for.
Video Poker Tips #4: Understand Pay Tables
Now that you can tell a good hand from a bad hand, it’s time to talk about pay tables. Pay tables determine your returns on each hand. Paytables with better payouts for Full Houses and Flush Hands are generally better in terms of odds.
| Hand | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 all of the same suit | 250 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit | 50 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 25 to 1 |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank, two of another | 9 to 1 |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 6 to 1 |
| Straight | Five cards in sequence of mixed suits | 4 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3 to 1 |
| Two Pair | Two sets of two cards of the same rank | 2 to 1 |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces | 1 to 1 |
| Nothing | No winning hand | 0 |
Different game modes feature different pay tables, so keep that in mind.
Video Poker Tips #6: Pass on Cards
If you get a strong hand, such as a Straight, Flush or Full House, don’t grab new cards. These cards have a solid chance to score you a win, so keep them!
Video Poker Tips #7: Sacrifice a High Pair
This is another intermediate-advanced tip, but it generates tremendous returns. The odds will sometimes tell you that, parting with a high pair, is a favorable risk you can take. This can result in getting a Straight Flush or even a Royal Flush to get those big payouts that can make your night.
Video Poker Tips #8: Ditch Lone High Cards
Opting for Low Pairs Over a Lone High Card: Embracing a low pair over a solitary high card can pave the way to more bountiful scenarios, such as evolving into a Three of a Kind or Two Pair, each with its own rewards.
Sometimes a solitary high card doesn’t have much potential. Low pairs can, on the other hand, transform into Three of a Kind, Two Pairs, or even Four of a Kind! All these cards have great odds and payouts, and can turn the tides on difficult nights.
Remember that video poker is all about leveraging those pay tables in your favor. Dumping and picking up cards that chase those big payouts is what makes the game fun, and even a source of reliable income for others!
Video Poker Tips #9: Bet Max Coins
Going for a Royal Flush while betting max coins is a fantastic move. This might seem like an over-the-top, and risky advice, but, some hands really do stack the odds in your favor. Striking while the iron is hot is a virtue, and video poker certainly reinforces this mantra.
Sometimes it pays to be bold!
Video Poker Tips #10: Bankroll Management
Your bankroll is the gas on your tank, the food for your army. Without it, nothing can happen, and if you mismanage it, you’ll find yourself going back to bed empty-handed. Don’t be like that!
You can come up with a system that allows you to preserve your bankroll and extend your gaming sessions, or simply have limits as to how much you’ll bet at any given day.
The path to mastering video poker is a lengthy one. You’ve heard the phrase “this is a marathon, not a race” and it applies to this and almost every other human activity. Yes, you’re playing a machine, but the game obeys these fundamental rules in the real world.
Video Poker Tips #11: Practice for Free
You can (and should!) build up your skills, dynamic probability calculations and instincts in a risk-free environment. This is where you can build your confidence and wits to take on the house and beat it consistently.
There’s no reason to burn a hole through your wallet just to get good. You can skip all that heartache and have tremendous fun with free-to-play platforms, and then with signup bonuses offers when you’re ready for the real deal.
Video Poker Tips FAQS
What is the best strategy for video poker?
Focus on understanding hand rankings, mastering the specific video poker variant you’re playing, and making strategic decisions about which cards to hold and discard.
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
Video poker is a dance between skill and luck. The random hand dealt brings the element of chance, while strategic gameplay carves the path to success.
What are the best hands to hold in video poker?
The best hands often include Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. However, the ideal hands can vary based on the specific game variant.
Is it better to hold a low pair or high card in video poker?
Generally, holding a low pair is more advantageous than a single high card, as it offers more potential for building a winning hand.
Can I play online video poker for free?
Absolutely, many online platforms extend the invitation to explore video poker free of charge, allowing players to practice strategies without financial risk.
By weaving these sophisticated strategies into your video poker tapestry, you not only amplify your winning potential but also enrich your overall gaming experience. The essence of video poker mastery lies in blending astute strategy with measured risk-taking, charting your course through this captivating world.
Everyone’s looking for those Video Poker Tips that make your relaxing video poker sessions just a bit more profitable, and I don’t blame them. There’s something special about enjoying a nice Poker game with that solo-gameplay that slot machines offer, but it’s just even sweeter when you got some green at the end of it all.
Today, I’ll share the tips that I wish I’d gotten as a beginner many years back.
I’ll be honest, I was somewhat guilty of this too, not because I wanted to quit Video Poker altogether, but because I wasn’t even aware that Deuces Wilds or other modes even existed.
Which leads me to tip #2.
Deuces Wild
This mode turns Twos into Wild Cards, so a whole new world of winning combinations opens up for you. Let me explain what a Wild Card is:
Wild cards in Video Poker are like your secret weapon. Imagine you’re playing, and you get a wild card—it’s basically a free pass to substitute for any other card you need to complete a winning hand.
Wild Cards are the game’s secret weapon, because it can morph into any other card you need to complete a money-winning hand. Let’s say that you’re one card away from a straight or a flush, and you’ve got a wild card, well the Wild Card will turn into whatever card you need for the best possible hand you can build!
The most common version is “Deuces Wild,” where all the 2s in the deck are wild. So if you have three of a kind and a 2, that 2 can become whatever you need it to be—like completing a full house or even a straight flush. Obviously, the payout tables are adjusted a bit lower in games with Wild Cards (Casinos are a business, never forget that!), but you do get more consistent wins, which is Aces in my book!
Double Bonus Poker
Yep, Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Video Poker, and it’s a fun one if you like big payouts for certain hands. The game is almost like regular Jacks or Better, but with a twist— it gives extra bonus payouts for getting four of a kind, especially if they’re specific cards like Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s.
Double Bonus Poker is another variation of Video Poker, and if you’re all about hitting a specific hand for a big payout, then this is probably the game for you. It’s similar to a regular Jacks or Better game, but it gives you extra juicy payouts for getting four of a kind, and they get extra-large when they’re specific cards such as Aces, 3s or 4s. That’s where it gets its name (Double Bonus).
It has more volatility to it, and other hands such as a Flush or Two Pairs have lower payouts too, so it’s fine-tuned for gamblers that live for big payouts. Video Poker really has something for everyone, and it’s why I’m taking my time to explain what each game mode has to offer.
Joker Poker
This game mode adds a Joker as a wild card, so now you got an extra layer of strategy to a classic video poker game. It’s a little extra spice on the classic we all know and love if you want to mix it up.
The Joker basically acts like a Wild Card, so it can transform into whatever card you need to create the best possible hand you can build in a round (same as Deuces Wild). There’s only one joker added to the deck, so you’re playing with an extra card, which can land you a major advantage. Remember, if you’re just one card shy of a flush, straight, or even a full house—the joker swoops in and completes that hand for you.
Are Jokers and Wild Cards the Same Thing?
Technically no, I mean, it’s true that both wild cards and jokers can act as substitutes to complete hands, they’re not always the same thing in Video Poker.
Wild Cards can be designated card in the game, like in Deuces Wild where all the 2s are wild.
Jokers, on the other hands, are wild cards but in games like Joker Poker, only the joker itself can act as a wild card. There’s only one Joker in the deck, not multiple wild cards like in Deuces Wild.
It’s a subtle distinction, but hey, it’s there.
What’s the Best Game Mode
Most beginners start with Jacks or Better to learn the ropes, and many veterans choose it due to its higher level of predictability and consistent returns. It’s hard to beat a classic, but I think each game mode has its merits. You could, for example, play a game of Deuces Wild while you wait for your buddies to come online and play Texas Hold’em, or just try a game of Joker Poker to mix things up after a long day at work.
It’s all very situational and subjective, so I’d just give each of these a try before completely discarding them. That being said, you’ll find most educational content is centered around Jacks or Better because it’s easier to study and optimize for.
Video Poker Tips #4: Understand Pay Tables
Now that you can tell a good hand from a bad hand, it’s time to talk about pay tables. Pay tables determine your returns on each hand. Paytables with better payouts for Full Houses and Flush Hands are generally better in terms of odds.
| Hand | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 all of the same suit | 250 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit | 50 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 25 to 1 |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank, two of another | 9 to 1 |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 6 to 1 |
| Straight | Five cards in sequence of mixed suits | 4 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3 to 1 |
| Two Pair | Two sets of two cards of the same rank | 2 to 1 |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces | 1 to 1 |
| Nothing | No winning hand | 0 |
Different game modes feature different pay tables, so keep that in mind.
Video Poker Tips #6: Pass on Cards
If you get a strong hand, such as a Straight, Flush or Full House, don’t grab new cards. These cards have a solid chance to score you a win, so keep them!
Video Poker Tips #7: Sacrifice a High Pair
This is another intermediate-advanced tip, but it generates tremendous returns. The odds will sometimes tell you that, parting with a high pair, is a favorable risk you can take. This can result in getting a Straight Flush or even a Royal Flush to get those big payouts that can make your night.
Video Poker Tips #8: Ditch Lone High Cards
Opting for Low Pairs Over a Lone High Card: Embracing a low pair over a solitary high card can pave the way to more bountiful scenarios, such as evolving into a Three of a Kind or Two Pair, each with its own rewards.
Sometimes a solitary high card doesn’t have much potential. Low pairs can, on the other hand, transform into Three of a Kind, Two Pairs, or even Four of a Kind! All these cards have great odds and payouts, and can turn the tides on difficult nights.
Remember that video poker is all about leveraging those pay tables in your favor. Dumping and picking up cards that chase those big payouts is what makes the game fun, and even a source of reliable income for others!
Video Poker Tips #9: Bet Max Coins
Going for a Royal Flush while betting max coins is a fantastic move. This might seem like an over-the-top, and risky advice, but, some hands really do stack the odds in your favor. Striking while the iron is hot is a virtue, and video poker certainly reinforces this mantra.
Sometimes it pays to be bold!
Video Poker Tips #10: Bankroll Management
Your bankroll is the gas on your tank, the food for your army. Without it, nothing can happen, and if you mismanage it, you’ll find yourself going back to bed empty-handed. Don’t be like that!
You can come up with a system that allows you to preserve your bankroll and extend your gaming sessions, or simply have limits as to how much you’ll bet at any given day.
The path to mastering video poker is a lengthy one. You’ve heard the phrase “this is a marathon, not a race” and it applies to this and almost every other human activity. Yes, you’re playing a machine, but the game obeys these fundamental rules in the real world.
Video Poker Tips #11: Practice for Free
You can (and should!) build up your skills, dynamic probability calculations and instincts in a risk-free environment. This is where you can build your confidence and wits to take on the house and beat it consistently.
There’s no reason to burn a hole through your wallet just to get good. You can skip all that heartache and have tremendous fun with free-to-play platforms, and then with signup bonuses offers when you’re ready for the real deal.
Video Poker Tips FAQS
What is the best strategy for video poker?
Focus on understanding hand rankings, mastering the specific video poker variant you’re playing, and making strategic decisions about which cards to hold and discard.
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
Video poker is a dance between skill and luck. The random hand dealt brings the element of chance, while strategic gameplay carves the path to success.
What are the best hands to hold in video poker?
The best hands often include Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. However, the ideal hands can vary based on the specific game variant.
Is it better to hold a low pair or high card in video poker?
Generally, holding a low pair is more advantageous than a single high card, as it offers more potential for building a winning hand.
Can I play online video poker for free?
Absolutely, many online platforms extend the invitation to explore video poker free of charge, allowing players to practice strategies without financial risk.
By weaving these sophisticated strategies into your video poker tapestry, you not only amplify your winning potential but also enrich your overall gaming experience. The essence of video poker mastery lies in blending astute strategy with measured risk-taking, charting your course through this captivating world.
Related Posts
Everyone’s looking for those Video Poker Tips that make your relaxing video poker sessions just a bit more profitable, and I don’t blame them. There’s something special about enjoying a nice Poker game with that solo-gameplay that slot machines offer, but it’s just even sweeter when you got some green at the end of it all.
Today, I’ll share the tips that I wish I’d gotten as a beginner many years back.
I’ll be honest, I was somewhat guilty of this too, not because I wanted to quit Video Poker altogether, but because I wasn’t even aware that Deuces Wilds or other modes even existed.
Which leads me to tip #2.
Deuces Wild
This mode turns Twos into Wild Cards, so a whole new world of winning combinations opens up for you. Let me explain what a Wild Card is:
Wild cards in Video Poker are like your secret weapon. Imagine you’re playing, and you get a wild card—it’s basically a free pass to substitute for any other card you need to complete a winning hand.
Wild Cards are the game’s secret weapon, because it can morph into any other card you need to complete a money-winning hand. Let’s say that you’re one card away from a straight or a flush, and you’ve got a wild card, well the Wild Card will turn into whatever card you need for the best possible hand you can build!
The most common version is “Deuces Wild,” where all the 2s in the deck are wild. So if you have three of a kind and a 2, that 2 can become whatever you need it to be—like completing a full house or even a straight flush. Obviously, the payout tables are adjusted a bit lower in games with Wild Cards (Casinos are a business, never forget that!), but you do get more consistent wins, which is Aces in my book!
Double Bonus Poker
Yep, Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Video Poker, and it’s a fun one if you like big payouts for certain hands. The game is almost like regular Jacks or Better, but with a twist— it gives extra bonus payouts for getting four of a kind, especially if they’re specific cards like Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s.
Double Bonus Poker is another variation of Video Poker, and if you’re all about hitting a specific hand for a big payout, then this is probably the game for you. It’s similar to a regular Jacks or Better game, but it gives you extra juicy payouts for getting four of a kind, and they get extra-large when they’re specific cards such as Aces, 3s or 4s. That’s where it gets its name (Double Bonus).
It has more volatility to it, and other hands such as a Flush or Two Pairs have lower payouts too, so it’s fine-tuned for gamblers that live for big payouts. Video Poker really has something for everyone, and it’s why I’m taking my time to explain what each game mode has to offer.
Joker Poker
This game mode adds a Joker as a wild card, so now you got an extra layer of strategy to a classic video poker game. It’s a little extra spice on the classic we all know and love if you want to mix it up.
The Joker basically acts like a Wild Card, so it can transform into whatever card you need to create the best possible hand you can build in a round (same as Deuces Wild). There’s only one joker added to the deck, so you’re playing with an extra card, which can land you a major advantage. Remember, if you’re just one card shy of a flush, straight, or even a full house—the joker swoops in and completes that hand for you.
Are Jokers and Wild Cards the Same Thing?
Technically no, I mean, it’s true that both wild cards and jokers can act as substitutes to complete hands, they’re not always the same thing in Video Poker.
Wild Cards can be designated card in the game, like in Deuces Wild where all the 2s are wild.
Jokers, on the other hands, are wild cards but in games like Joker Poker, only the joker itself can act as a wild card. There’s only one Joker in the deck, not multiple wild cards like in Deuces Wild.
It’s a subtle distinction, but hey, it’s there.
What’s the Best Game Mode
Most beginners start with Jacks or Better to learn the ropes, and many veterans choose it due to its higher level of predictability and consistent returns. It’s hard to beat a classic, but I think each game mode has its merits. You could, for example, play a game of Deuces Wild while you wait for your buddies to come online and play Texas Hold’em, or just try a game of Joker Poker to mix things up after a long day at work.
It’s all very situational and subjective, so I’d just give each of these a try before completely discarding them. That being said, you’ll find most educational content is centered around Jacks or Better because it’s easier to study and optimize for.
Video Poker Tips #4: Understand Pay Tables
Now that you can tell a good hand from a bad hand, it’s time to talk about pay tables. Pay tables determine your returns on each hand. Paytables with better payouts for Full Houses and Flush Hands are generally better in terms of odds.
| Hand | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 all of the same suit | 250 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit | 50 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 25 to 1 |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank, two of another | 9 to 1 |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 6 to 1 |
| Straight | Five cards in sequence of mixed suits | 4 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3 to 1 |
| Two Pair | Two sets of two cards of the same rank | 2 to 1 |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces | 1 to 1 |
| Nothing | No winning hand | 0 |
Different game modes feature different pay tables, so keep that in mind.
Video Poker Tips #6: Pass on Cards
If you get a strong hand, such as a Straight, Flush or Full House, don’t grab new cards. These cards have a solid chance to score you a win, so keep them!
Video Poker Tips #7: Sacrifice a High Pair
This is another intermediate-advanced tip, but it generates tremendous returns. The odds will sometimes tell you that, parting with a high pair, is a favorable risk you can take. This can result in getting a Straight Flush or even a Royal Flush to get those big payouts that can make your night.
Video Poker Tips #8: Ditch Lone High Cards
Opting for Low Pairs Over a Lone High Card: Embracing a low pair over a solitary high card can pave the way to more bountiful scenarios, such as evolving into a Three of a Kind or Two Pair, each with its own rewards.
Sometimes a solitary high card doesn’t have much potential. Low pairs can, on the other hand, transform into Three of a Kind, Two Pairs, or even Four of a Kind! All these cards have great odds and payouts, and can turn the tides on difficult nights.
Remember that video poker is all about leveraging those pay tables in your favor. Dumping and picking up cards that chase those big payouts is what makes the game fun, and even a source of reliable income for others!
Video Poker Tips #9: Bet Max Coins
Going for a Royal Flush while betting max coins is a fantastic move. This might seem like an over-the-top, and risky advice, but, some hands really do stack the odds in your favor. Striking while the iron is hot is a virtue, and video poker certainly reinforces this mantra.
Sometimes it pays to be bold!
Video Poker Tips #10: Bankroll Management
Your bankroll is the gas on your tank, the food for your army. Without it, nothing can happen, and if you mismanage it, you’ll find yourself going back to bed empty-handed. Don’t be like that!
You can come up with a system that allows you to preserve your bankroll and extend your gaming sessions, or simply have limits as to how much you’ll bet at any given day.
The path to mastering video poker is a lengthy one. You’ve heard the phrase “this is a marathon, not a race” and it applies to this and almost every other human activity. Yes, you’re playing a machine, but the game obeys these fundamental rules in the real world.
Video Poker Tips #11: Practice for Free
You can (and should!) build up your skills, dynamic probability calculations and instincts in a risk-free environment. This is where you can build your confidence and wits to take on the house and beat it consistently.
There’s no reason to burn a hole through your wallet just to get good. You can skip all that heartache and have tremendous fun with free-to-play platforms, and then with signup bonuses offers when you’re ready for the real deal.
Video Poker Tips FAQS
What is the best strategy for video poker?
Focus on understanding hand rankings, mastering the specific video poker variant you’re playing, and making strategic decisions about which cards to hold and discard.
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
Video poker is a dance between skill and luck. The random hand dealt brings the element of chance, while strategic gameplay carves the path to success.
What are the best hands to hold in video poker?
The best hands often include Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. However, the ideal hands can vary based on the specific game variant.
Is it better to hold a low pair or high card in video poker?
Generally, holding a low pair is more advantageous than a single high card, as it offers more potential for building a winning hand.
Can I play online video poker for free?
Absolutely, many online platforms extend the invitation to explore video poker free of charge, allowing players to practice strategies without financial risk.
By weaving these sophisticated strategies into your video poker tapestry, you not only amplify your winning potential but also enrich your overall gaming experience. The essence of video poker mastery lies in blending astute strategy with measured risk-taking, charting your course through this captivating world.
Everyone’s looking for those Video Poker Tips that make your relaxing video poker sessions just a bit more profitable, and I don’t blame them. There’s something special about enjoying a nice Poker game with that solo-gameplay that slot machines offer, but it’s just even sweeter when you got some green at the end of it all.
Today, I’ll share the tips that I wish I’d gotten as a beginner many years back.
I’ll be honest, I was somewhat guilty of this too, not because I wanted to quit Video Poker altogether, but because I wasn’t even aware that Deuces Wilds or other modes even existed.
Which leads me to tip #2.
Deuces Wild
This mode turns Twos into Wild Cards, so a whole new world of winning combinations opens up for you. Let me explain what a Wild Card is:
Wild cards in Video Poker are like your secret weapon. Imagine you’re playing, and you get a wild card—it’s basically a free pass to substitute for any other card you need to complete a winning hand.
Wild Cards are the game’s secret weapon, because it can morph into any other card you need to complete a money-winning hand. Let’s say that you’re one card away from a straight or a flush, and you’ve got a wild card, well the Wild Card will turn into whatever card you need for the best possible hand you can build!
The most common version is “Deuces Wild,” where all the 2s in the deck are wild. So if you have three of a kind and a 2, that 2 can become whatever you need it to be—like completing a full house or even a straight flush. Obviously, the payout tables are adjusted a bit lower in games with Wild Cards (Casinos are a business, never forget that!), but you do get more consistent wins, which is Aces in my book!
Double Bonus Poker
Yep, Double Bonus Poker is a variation of Video Poker, and it’s a fun one if you like big payouts for certain hands. The game is almost like regular Jacks or Better, but with a twist— it gives extra bonus payouts for getting four of a kind, especially if they’re specific cards like Aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s.
Double Bonus Poker is another variation of Video Poker, and if you’re all about hitting a specific hand for a big payout, then this is probably the game for you. It’s similar to a regular Jacks or Better game, but it gives you extra juicy payouts for getting four of a kind, and they get extra-large when they’re specific cards such as Aces, 3s or 4s. That’s where it gets its name (Double Bonus).
It has more volatility to it, and other hands such as a Flush or Two Pairs have lower payouts too, so it’s fine-tuned for gamblers that live for big payouts. Video Poker really has something for everyone, and it’s why I’m taking my time to explain what each game mode has to offer.
Joker Poker
This game mode adds a Joker as a wild card, so now you got an extra layer of strategy to a classic video poker game. It’s a little extra spice on the classic we all know and love if you want to mix it up.
The Joker basically acts like a Wild Card, so it can transform into whatever card you need to create the best possible hand you can build in a round (same as Deuces Wild). There’s only one joker added to the deck, so you’re playing with an extra card, which can land you a major advantage. Remember, if you’re just one card shy of a flush, straight, or even a full house—the joker swoops in and completes that hand for you.
Are Jokers and Wild Cards the Same Thing?
Technically no, I mean, it’s true that both wild cards and jokers can act as substitutes to complete hands, they’re not always the same thing in Video Poker.
Wild Cards can be designated card in the game, like in Deuces Wild where all the 2s are wild.
Jokers, on the other hands, are wild cards but in games like Joker Poker, only the joker itself can act as a wild card. There’s only one Joker in the deck, not multiple wild cards like in Deuces Wild.
It’s a subtle distinction, but hey, it’s there.
What’s the Best Game Mode
Most beginners start with Jacks or Better to learn the ropes, and many veterans choose it due to its higher level of predictability and consistent returns. It’s hard to beat a classic, but I think each game mode has its merits. You could, for example, play a game of Deuces Wild while you wait for your buddies to come online and play Texas Hold’em, or just try a game of Joker Poker to mix things up after a long day at work.
It’s all very situational and subjective, so I’d just give each of these a try before completely discarding them. That being said, you’ll find most educational content is centered around Jacks or Better because it’s easier to study and optimize for.
Video Poker Tips #4: Understand Pay Tables
Now that you can tell a good hand from a bad hand, it’s time to talk about pay tables. Pay tables determine your returns on each hand. Paytables with better payouts for Full Houses and Flush Hands are generally better in terms of odds.
| Hand | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 all of the same suit | 250 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit | 50 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 25 to 1 |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank, two of another | 9 to 1 |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 6 to 1 |
| Straight | Five cards in sequence of mixed suits | 4 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3 to 1 |
| Two Pair | Two sets of two cards of the same rank | 2 to 1 |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces | 1 to 1 |
| Nothing | No winning hand | 0 |
Different game modes feature different pay tables, so keep that in mind.
Video Poker Tips #6: Pass on Cards
If you get a strong hand, such as a Straight, Flush or Full House, don’t grab new cards. These cards have a solid chance to score you a win, so keep them!
Video Poker Tips #7: Sacrifice a High Pair
This is another intermediate-advanced tip, but it generates tremendous returns. The odds will sometimes tell you that, parting with a high pair, is a favorable risk you can take. This can result in getting a Straight Flush or even a Royal Flush to get those big payouts that can make your night.
Video Poker Tips #8: Ditch Lone High Cards
Opting for Low Pairs Over a Lone High Card: Embracing a low pair over a solitary high card can pave the way to more bountiful scenarios, such as evolving into a Three of a Kind or Two Pair, each with its own rewards.
Sometimes a solitary high card doesn’t have much potential. Low pairs can, on the other hand, transform into Three of a Kind, Two Pairs, or even Four of a Kind! All these cards have great odds and payouts, and can turn the tides on difficult nights.
Remember that video poker is all about leveraging those pay tables in your favor. Dumping and picking up cards that chase those big payouts is what makes the game fun, and even a source of reliable income for others!
Video Poker Tips #9: Bet Max Coins
Going for a Royal Flush while betting max coins is a fantastic move. This might seem like an over-the-top, and risky advice, but, some hands really do stack the odds in your favor. Striking while the iron is hot is a virtue, and video poker certainly reinforces this mantra.
Sometimes it pays to be bold!
Video Poker Tips #10: Bankroll Management
Your bankroll is the gas on your tank, the food for your army. Without it, nothing can happen, and if you mismanage it, you’ll find yourself going back to bed empty-handed. Don’t be like that!
You can come up with a system that allows you to preserve your bankroll and extend your gaming sessions, or simply have limits as to how much you’ll bet at any given day.
The path to mastering video poker is a lengthy one. You’ve heard the phrase “this is a marathon, not a race” and it applies to this and almost every other human activity. Yes, you’re playing a machine, but the game obeys these fundamental rules in the real world.
Video Poker Tips #11: Practice for Free
You can (and should!) build up your skills, dynamic probability calculations and instincts in a risk-free environment. This is where you can build your confidence and wits to take on the house and beat it consistently.
There’s no reason to burn a hole through your wallet just to get good. You can skip all that heartache and have tremendous fun with free-to-play platforms, and then with signup bonuses offers when you’re ready for the real deal.
Video Poker Tips FAQS
What is the best strategy for video poker?
Focus on understanding hand rankings, mastering the specific video poker variant you’re playing, and making strategic decisions about which cards to hold and discard.
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
Video poker is a dance between skill and luck. The random hand dealt brings the element of chance, while strategic gameplay carves the path to success.
What are the best hands to hold in video poker?
The best hands often include Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. However, the ideal hands can vary based on the specific game variant.
Is it better to hold a low pair or high card in video poker?
Generally, holding a low pair is more advantageous than a single high card, as it offers more potential for building a winning hand.
Can I play online video poker for free?
Absolutely, many online platforms extend the invitation to explore video poker free of charge, allowing players to practice strategies without financial risk.
By weaving these sophisticated strategies into your video poker tapestry, you not only amplify your winning potential but also enrich your overall gaming experience. The essence of video poker mastery lies in blending astute strategy with measured risk-taking, charting your course through this captivating world.
