Video Poker Strategy Guide

Mastering Video Poker Strategy

Video Poker offers some of the best odds in the casino, often approaching 100% RTP (Return to Player) or even exceeding it with optimal play and certain pay tables. Your decisions directly impact the outcome, making strategy crucial for maximising your returns.

The core of Video Poker strategy lies in knowing which cards to hold and which to discard after your initial five-card deal, to create the best possible final hand.

General Video Poker Strategy Tips:

• Always Play Max Coins (5 Coins): This is the single most important rule. The payout for a Royal Flush is disproportionately higher when playing max coins. Failing to do so drastically reduces your long-term RTP.
• Choose the Right Game/Pay Table: Not all Video Poker games are created equal. Different variations (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker) and even different pay tables within the same game can have vastly different RTPs. Always look for "Full Pay" machines that offer the best payouts. For example, a "Full Pay Jacks or Better" will pay 9 for a Full House and 6 for a Flush (9/6 JoB).
• Learn the Specific Strategy for Your Game: Each Video Poker variation has its own optimal strategy chart. Memorising or having access to the correct strategy for your chosen game is essential. Even small deviations can negatively impact your RTP.
• Practice with Trainers: Before playing with real money, use free online video poker trainers or apps. These allow you to practice hands and get instant feedback on optimal plays, helping you internalise the strategy.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Video poker can have swings. Ensure you have a bankroll sufficient for the volatility of your chosen game.

Basic Strategy for Jacks or Better (Full Pay 9/6):

When dealt a hand, evaluate it from the top down, keeping the highest-ranking combination you can form:

• Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind
• Four to a Royal Flush
• Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind
• Four to a Straight Flush
• Two Pair
• High Pair (Jacks, Queens, Kings, Aces)
• Three to a Royal Flush
• Four to a Flush
• Low Pair (2s-10s)
• Four to an Open-Ended Straight
• Two High Cards (unsuited, e.g., J, Q)
• One High Card
• Discard everything and draw new cards

This is a simplified guide. Full strategy charts are complex but critical for optimal play.

Tips for Mac Users:

• High-Resolution Displays: Mac's Retina displays make the detailed graphics of video poker machines exceptionally crisp and clear, enhancing the visual experience.
• Multi-Tasking with Strategy Charts: Use macOS features like Split View or expose to easily reference strategy charts or online trainers alongside your game. This is invaluable for learning and applying optimal strategy in real-time.
• Reliable Performance: Generally, Mac computers offer stable and fast performance, ensuring your video poker games run smoothly without hitches, which is crucial for quick decision-making.

Video Poker rewards strategic play more than almost any other casino game. With proper strategy and bankroll management, you can significantly improve your chances of success at MacCasino.co.uk.