The Importance of RTP in Your Video Poker Strategy
Video poker machines are known for being some of the fairest games in a casino, which is measured by the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. Some variations even offer an RTP above 100%, giving skilled players an edge over the house. This is a rarity among casino games.
Understanding a machine's RTP is the most fundamental part of any successful video poker strategy. A high RTP means the machine pays back more money to players over time.
As a rule, avoid machines with an RTP below 98%. Taking a moment to check the paytable and find a high-paying game can significantly impact your long-term results.
Most Popular Video Poker Games
Dozens of video poker variations exist, so you'll never be short of options. However, a few games stand out due to their popularity and favorable odds. Here are the four you absolutely need to know.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the classic and most common form of video poker. It's based on five-card draw poker, and as the name suggests, the minimum winning hand is a pair of jacks. Many machines offer a progressive jackpot, adding extra excitement.
The game typically comes in two main paytable versions: 9/6 and 8/5. These numbers refer to the payout for a full house and a flush. Always look for a 9/6 machine, as it offers a much better RTP.
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is similar to Jacks or Better but with a major twist: all four deuces (2s) in the deck are wild cards. A wild can substitute for any other card to help you form a stronger winning hand. A specific Deuces Wild strategy involves prioritizing these wild cards, often requiring you to discard seemingly good hands in pursuit of a better one.
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is a popular variant of Jacks or Better that offers a bonus payout for specific four-of-a-kind hands. It plays almost identically to the original but with an adjusted paytable. When played with an optimal strategy, Bonus Poker can offer a payback percentage over 99%, making it one of the most player-friendly options available.
Joker Wild
Joker Wild, also known as Joker Poker, adds a 53rd card to the deck: the joker. Like the deuces in Deuces Wild, the joker is a wild card that can substitute for any other card. This makes it easier to form winning hands. However, the paytable is adjusted accordingly, often rewarding 'natural' hands (made without a joker) more generously.
Understanding Video Poker Paytables
The paytable is the key to understanding any video poker machine. It shows you how much each winning hand pays out based on the number of coins you bet. While there are slight differences between games, the basic structure is consistent. Here is a typical paytable for a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine:
| Your Hand | 1 Coin Bet | 2 Coin Bet | 3 Coin Bet | 4 Coin Bet | 5 Coin Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
How to Play a Hand of Video Poker
Playing video poker is straightforward, but winning requires making the right decisions. Here’s a simple breakdown of a typical hand:
- Insert money into the machine.
- Choose the number of coins you wish to bet per hand.
- Press the 'Deal' button to receive your initial five cards.
- Select which cards you want to 'Hold' and which to discard.
- Press the 'Draw' button to receive replacement cards for the ones you discarded.
- If your final hand is a winning combination, you are paid according to the paytable.
Core Strategies to Win at Video Poker
While luck plays a role, applying a consistent video poker strategy is how you give yourself the best chance to win. Here are some of the most effective video poker tips to incorporate into your gameplay.
Always Bet the Maximum Coins
Look at the paytable for the Royal Flush. The payout for betting five coins is disproportionately larger than betting one to four coins. To be eligible for this massive bonus payout, you must always bet the maximum (usually five) coins. If your bankroll doesn't support max bets, it's better to move to a lower denomination machine than to bet fewer coins.
Play for Every Potential Win
This strategy focuses on making the mathematically correct play for every hand rather than chasing long-shot draws. For example, never break up a winning pair to chase a straight or flush draw. Securing small, consistent wins is essential for preserving your bankroll and staying in the game long enough to hit a premium hand.
Control Your Pace of Play
Unlike slots, video poker allows you to control the speed of the game. Playing slower reduces your expected hourly losses and gives you more time to think through each decision carefully. Rushing through hands is a common mistake that leads to costly errors. Take your time, analyze your hand, and make the optimal play every time.
More Expert Video Poker Tips
Beyond the core strategies, a few extra habits can improve your overall experience and success rate.
- Know the Machine You’re Playing: Before you play, quickly research the specific game's rules, RTP, and optimal strategy. This is especially easy when playing online video poker.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for each session and stick to it. Never chase your losses. A good rule is to have a bankroll that can cover at least 100 max-coin bets.
- Play Responsibly: Video poker is exciting, but it's important to stay in control. Avoid playing when you're tired or under the influence, and take regular breaks.
- Track Your Sessions: Keep a record of your play, including wins and losses. This data can help you identify weaknesses in your strategy and make more effective decisions in the future.
Final Thoughts on How to Win at Video Poker
Learning how to win at video poker is achievable with practice and discipline. The tips and strategies outlined here provide a strong foundation for success. Always choose high-RTP machines, apply the correct strategy for your chosen game, manage your money wisely, and remember to play responsibly. With this approach, you can transform video poker from a simple game of chance into a skill-based challenge where you have a real shot at beating the house.
