Understanding Common Video Poker Mistakes
Video poker is a game of skill with a high Return to Player (RTP) percentage. However, this advantage only works if you play optimally. Many players unknowingly make common video poker errors that sabotage their success. We've identified five critical video poker mistakes that can cost you significant money over time. Learning to avoid them is the first step in a winning video poker strategy.
1. Disregarding Your Bankroll
The most fundamental mistake is poor video poker bankroll management. Even with a low house edge, you can lose quickly without a solid financial plan. Before playing, you must know your bankroll's size and its limits. A key part of any video poker strategy is ensuring your funds can withstand losing streaks.
To avoid playing above your means, calculate your expected loss per hour based on your bet size. A healthy bankroll should cover at least 20 times your expected hourly loss rate.
For example, if you expect to lose $20 per hour and plan a two-hour session, your bankroll should be at least $400. This cushion allows you to absorb losses and gives you a chance to recover without going broke.
2. Playing Hands Too Quickly
An average player gets through about 400 hands of video poker per hour, while some experts push that number to 800. While speed might seem impressive, it's often a recipe for disaster. Playing too fast is one of the most frequent video poker mistakes because it increases your exposure to the house edge and magnifies your losses over time.
Instead, aim to slow down. By reducing your pace to 200 or 300 hands per hour, you minimize your potential losses and extend your playing time with the same bankroll. Quality decisions are more important than quantity of hands.
3. Chasing High-Value Hands
Every player dreams of hitting a royal flush, but the odds are roughly 1 in 40,000. Relying on rare, high-paying hands to make a profit is a flawed approach and a common way players avoid video poker losses in the short term only to lose more later. The bulk of your winnings will come from lower-valued hands like pairs, two pairs, and three of a kind.
A critical tip for how to win at video poker is to focus on making the best mathematical decision for each hand. Never break a guaranteed winning hand, like a full house or a flush, in the slim hope of landing a monster payout. Secure your smaller, consistent wins.
4. Ignoring Bonuses and Comps
Online and land-based casinos offer bonuses, rewards, and comps to players. Ignoring these is like leaving free money on the table. You can find free play, deposit matches, and cashback offers that directly impact your bottom line. These perks reduce your overall losses and extend your playtime, giving you more opportunities to win.
Always sign up for the player's club card or opt into online promotions. It doesn’t change how you play the game, but it adds significant value to every session you play.
5. Playing Without Focus
Unlike slots, video poker requires skill and concentration. Each decision matters. Playing while distracted, tired, or under the influence is a guaranteed way to make costly errors. If you cannot give each hand your full attention, it's better not to play at all.
Whether you're in a noisy casino or at home feeling unfocused, your performance will suffer. Treat video poker like any other skill-based activity. To succeed, you need to be sharp, focused, and ready to apply the correct strategy on every single hand.
