Video poker is a gambling game that primarily requires players' skills. While the outcome of each session significantly depends on luck, the user's skills are the key factors over the long run.
Both blackjack and video poker prevent experienced players from trying something new. The best strategies have already been developed for each variation of the game. By following them, a player minimizes the house edge and may even gain an advantage over the house in some versions.
Previous articles on Casinoz have already covered how to choose the most profitable video poker versions and offered systems and recommendations that could help our readers achieve the best results.
Why Should You Understand How to Play Challenging Hands?
A savvy gambler cannot rely on a cheat sheet and mindlessly decide on strategies. They need to understand the reasoning behind their choices. This understanding will help them navigate challenges if they encounter difficulties and cannot receive assistance at the table with the optimal strategy or consult more experienced partners.
This article discusses some complicated situations in video poker. We will analyze several difficulties frequently leading to mistakes among beginners and experienced players. Such hands appear to be exceptions to the standard recommendations, which are often confusing. However, if you act correctly in these cases, you will enhance your chances of winning.
Let's get started.
Pair or Straight?
The first example comes from Jacks or Better video poker (its common strategy is detailed in the article linked here.) Imagine you hold unsuited 10, 10, J, Q, and K without the so-called flush draw (which consists of four cards that may allow you to hope for a flush).
- Holding a pair is usually necessary if you have a pair and a double-ended straight draw.
- However, we recommend trying to collect a straight.
Even if you fail, you will probably get a paid pair.
Flush or Royal Flush?
Let's discuss another possible hand in Jacks or Better. Suppose you have an Ace, a King, a Jack, and a 6 of spades, along with a 6 of any other suit. You certainly understand that splitting a pair of sixes is necessary in this case. However, the question may arise about whether you should aim for a flush or a royal flush!
Mathematicians have determined that the latter option is more advantageous. If there are three cards for a royal flush, discarding a low pair and aiming for the highest-ranking poker hand is essential.
Flush or Pair?
Let's discuss a common situation in Deuces Wild. You get the following cards:
- 5, 7, J, and A of spades, as well as 5 of clubs.
Many inexperienced users believe discarding a pair, preferring to collect a possible flush, is necessary.
They think so because the pair comprises low-ranking cards. Nonetheless, remember that pairs do not give you payouts in Deuces Wild, so there is no difference between two fives and two aces. Anyway, their ranks should be improved.
In this case, hold onto a pair of fives and exchange the other three cards. The odds of getting a good hand are relatively high, especially considering all the deuces serve as wild cards.
Here are several free video poker games on Casinoz.
Ten Video Poker Tips from Professional Players
Regarding video poker, advantage gamblers maximize returns by understanding the math behind the game. Here are ten tips reflecting that approach:
- Master Pay Tables: Advantage players meticulously study pay tables. Even small differences significantly impact long-term returns, so they seek machines with the highest possible payouts for each hand.
- Optimal Strategy is Key: They utilize precise strategy charts for each video poker variant. These charts dictate the mathematically correct play for every hand, minimizing the house edge.
- Play Maximum Coins: To qualify for the highest payouts, particularly the royal flush bonus, they consistently play the maximum number of coins.
- Seek High Payout Percentages: They prioritize machines with the highest return-to-player (RTP) percentages. This involves researching and finding machines with favorable pay tables.
- Bankroll Management: Advantage gamblers employ strict bankroll management. They set limits and avoid chasing losses, ensuring they can withstand variance.
- Understand Variance: They recognize that video poker involves variance, meaning short-term results can deviate from long-term expectations. Therefore, they focus on the long haul.
- Game Selection is Crucial: They understand that different video poker variations have different odds. They will choose the games that provide the best odds. Examples of games frequently looked for are full-pay deuces wild and 10/7 double bonus.
- Utilize Casino Promotions: They take advantage of casino promotions, such as player rewards programs and cashback offers, to further increase their returns.
- Practice and Discipline: They practice extensively to memorize optimal strategies and maintain discipline in their gameplay.
- Understand the Math: Advantage gamblers understand the underlying math of the game. They know the odds of drawing specific cards, and they use that knowledge to make informed decisions.
By adhering to these principles, advantage gamblers aim to shift the odds in their favor and achieve consistent long-term profits.
What Else?
We want to remind you that other articles in this section contain helpful information to help you achieve a new, higher level. Strategies for popular video poker versions can be found in the appropriate section of Casinoz.
In the future, we will keep discussing complex gaming scenarios in the various versions of video poker. Stay updated, ask questions, and share your experiences.