Video Poker Tips

Video poker is principally a game of ability, however it also contains an element of chance.  If you follow these suggestions, you will improve your chances of winning by playing closer to an expert level.

Only play at video poker machines that give back all of the monies played – these are referred to as full payback machines.  In the event that the return rate is not posted check out the amount paid out for a flush and full house hand and use the machine that pays the most for these hands.  The machine that pays out the most for these hands returns a larger percentage of the monies wagered at them.

All video poker machines have the highest number of tokens that can be wagered (it is generally five) and the payouts for the various hands attached to the machine.  A players’ best bet is to bet the maximum quantity of tokens to ensure that they can get the largest payout in the event that they make a royal flush.  Be certain when wagering that the machine accepts all of your coins before playing because it will come as an unpleasant surprise in the event that you possess a winning set of cards to discover that part of your bet wasn’t accepted.

Always remember that when playing video poker you are using a machine not playing other competitors, and the machine is set to pay out only if you have any of the posted winning set of cards.  At casinos there are machines that pay out 100% when gamers play at an expert level.  The casinos can allow this since the majority of video poker competitors play at a level a long way from the expert level required for the 100% pay out.

Never keep a kicker playing card, which is a high ranking card to be employed along with a pair.  Holding a kicker card is a sound strategy when playing standard poker at a casino; however the video poker machine does not care and you will have passed up a chance to draw a better playing card.

Don’t draw to an inside straight (where a player has four playing cards and require one in the centre to complete the straight).  On the other hand if a player has an open-ended straight (you have four consecutive cards and only requires one at one end to fill a straight) in that case take a stab at making the straight.

In the event that players have a pair as well as a high valued card retain the pair and dispose of the high valued playing card.  Loads of individuals would discard a low value two of a kind (say twos) and keep a high valued playing card (say an Ace); yet this is not the best way to use this set of cards.  A player has a better chance at completing three of a kind than making something using the high valued card.

If you have playing cards that contain a four-card flush, a four-card open straight or a three card royal flush but also include a high valued pair; hold the pair.  You have a better probability of making three of a kind and at worst you will have recovered your bet.

Retain a low ranking pair rather than a four-card open end straight.  A low ranked two of a kind is a superior bet than attempting to complete a straight and because of this should be kept.

When you have a low ranked two of a kind, a three-card royal, a four-card flush or a four-card open end straight; keep the three-card royal.  The bonus payout for a royal flush makes it a better bet..

If dealt a worthless set of playing cards (one that has not even a single high valued playing card) it’s a excellent move to draw a complete fresh set of cards.