When Video poker was first developed in the early 1970s, they were still fighting for acceptance; the machines were usually known as “poker slots.” And there is a lot in common between video poker and slot machines. They are simple to use and require no interaction with fellow players or the dealer. Though it is often compared to slot machines and played on similar-looking machines, but they differ in one significant way. Unlike slots, video poker requires skill, as it requires to play the hand you are dealt in the best possible way according to the poker hand rankings. The decisions made by you can have a positive impact on the outcome of your hand.
The rules of video poker in terms of poker hands and combinations are easy to comprehend. Also, an effective playing video poker strategy can be devised using the same video poker odds theory as regular poker. Video poker is not just a type of online poker, but it also has various variations. Joker Wild, Jacks or Better, Triple Deuces, and Deuces Wild are some of the most popular ones.
In the world of casinos, there is a common saying that the house always has an advantage. While this is true for many casino games, there is an exception to the rule when it comes to video poker. You can easily win the game if you have the right poker skills, approach, knowledge and a bit of luck. Regardless of the variant you play, you can still have an advantage in the game if you have the right video poker technique.
What are the best video poker strategies?
Learning the strategies and tips is a game-changer for those who want to learn how to win at video poker? Below are a few online video poker strategies for beginners that will help develop the skills you will need to win big in the game.
Play maximum bet coins
There are two reasons why people play video poker, and that is to have fun and win money. So, one of the easiest video poker tips is always to bet the maximum coin value. The amount you win in the game depends on the number of coins you are playing. Playing with the highest bet coins has improved payouts for the highest combinations. This especially applies for hands like Royal Flush and Five of a Kind in variants with jokers if certain cards play as wild (for instance, Deuces Wild). Of course, not every player will be able to put this tip into action. It involves a big bankroll because you never know how many hands you will lose before scoring a big victory.
Maintaining your bankroll
Money management is one of the most vital strategies before you play any casino game. It is the amount of money that you are willing to spend on a game. Having a budget set for each video poker session is always a good idea. You must set the amount of money that you wish to spend before playing. This will help you know when it’s time to leave the game and end the specific session. If you don’t have a plan, you are likely to lose too much money or fail to walk away when you reach your bankroll limit. Keep track of your bankroll if you want to be successful in video poker.
Familiar with the pay structures
Whether you are playing the game with the maximum bet coins or different values, understanding the game’s pay structure is an important poker strategy. You will have a better winning chance if you spend time familiarizing yourself with the pay table. Why? Well, you will be able to make better choices about which hands to play and whether or not particular bets are worth taking risks. If you think the payout is worth it, the risk may be too. The pay table of this game includes all information, and you can instantly see how much you can win for a Royal Flush or Full House. Each payout is determined by the number of coins wagered as well as the hand’s ranking. Usually, players can wager from 1 to 5 coins every round, and their bet size decides the amount you can win or every hand.
Select a specific variant
There are many video poker varieties to choose from. Although you can choose to play them all, but it is always advisable to start with one type and stick with it. This is because each variation of video poker has its own set of methods that you should master in order to succeed. The challenging part of this game is to decide which cards to keep and which cards to exchange to form the best possible poker hands. These decisions must be made based on the rules and payouts of the specific variant.
Take it slow
Just as with other casino games, whether online or traditional, it is crucial to remember that all video poker machines are designed with one goal in mind, and that is to make a profit for the casino. Casino games are not essentially about you. Rather it’s about giving the casino an advantage. This means that the more you play the game, the more you lose. So, it is highly recommended that when playing poker, the pivotal aspect in order to win more money is to play fewer hands. In video poker, this aim is a bit different, as you must play slower hands rather than fewer. By playing slowly, it will reduce your expected hourly losses while increasing your odds of landing a huge win.
Final thoughts on video poker strategies
To sum up, learning to play video poker is easy. It can be found in many digital and physical casinos, and you can have many variants to choose from. The game provides a good mix of strategy and luck. The pro poker tips and tactics mentioned above will set you on the right track and will help you become a successful video poker player. However, to be successful, you must be familiar with all general poker rules. If you are new to the game and want to learn and practice poker, you can practice on Gamentio for free to get familiar with the basics and hand rankings of the game. Download the poker app for free on your Android or iOS devices and play for unlimited hours until you feel confident about your gameplay.
