Help Playing Video Poker

Video poker is a variety of the game of poker and as such is a game of skill but it also contains an element of luck.  The following points are presented to assist you in increasing your odds of winning by enabling players to perform at a much higher level of proficiency.

Use only equipment that offers full payback – the ones that will return all of the coins wagered.  When the payback rate is not posted then select the machine the returns the the largest amount whenever players hold a flush or a full house.  The larger the payback then the higher that machine pays out.

The greatest number of tokens (usually five) as well as payouts are listed on all machines.  It is a wise choice to at all times play the maximum number of tokens so that you are eligible for the bonus payout for a royal flush.  It is also important to be certain that the machine has accepted all of the coins you wish to play (so as to maximize your jackpot) before playing in case you make the royal flush.

Always keep in mind that with video poker you are playing a machine not playing other competitors, and the computer is programmed to pay out any time you are holding any of the posted winning set of cards.  Casinos offer many video poker computers that are set up to pay out 100% whenever a person is intelligent enough to play at the expert level.  The casinos can afford this since most video poker players play at a level far removed from the expert level required for the 100% pay out.

High ranking cards, known as kickers, that players wish to use along with a pair must not be kept.  This works when playing at standard poker tables in gaming casinos, however the machine does not care and you have ruined your chances of receiving a better card.

A players chances of completing an inside straight (where you need a playing card in the centre to complete the straight) are slight so don’t attempt it.  Your probability of completing an open-ended straight (where you have four sequential playing cards and require a single card at either end to make a straight) are much higher so attempt it.

Always keep any pair rather than holding a high value playing card.  Many players would keep a high ranked playing card and discard a low value two of a kind; but this isn’t your best move.  You have a better shot by retaining the two of a kind and attempting to get three of a kind.

When the cards you have include a high valued two of a kind, a three-card royal flush, a four-card open straight or a four-card flush; then retain the pair.  Your best bet is to try to complete three of a kind since at the worst case a player will have recovered her or his wager.

Retain a low value two of a kind rather than a four-card open end straight.  The low ranking pair has more value than attempting the straight and should be held onto.

In the event that a player has a three-card royal, a low ranked pair, a four-card open end straight or a four-card flush; hold the three-card royal.  The bonus for completing the royal flush makes it a smarter play.

If you have a junk set of cards, which is one that does not retain at least one high card, it’s a good idea to draw all five playing cards.