Video poker stands as one of the most skill-dependent casino games available, offering players the opportunity to significantly influence outcomes through optimal decision-making. Unlike slot machines where results are purely random, video poker combines elements of chance with strategic player choices, making it an excellent game for those willing to study and apply proper strategy.
Understanding Pay Tables
The pay table is the foundation of video poker strategy. Each machine displays how much each hand combination pays relative to your bet. The differences between pay tables can be substantial—a "9/6 Jacks or Better" machine pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush on a single coin bet, while a "8/5" machine pays only 8 and 5 respectively. This seemingly small difference reduces your return percentage by approximately 2%. Always seek machines with the best available pay tables, as this directly impacts your long-term expected value.
Return Percentages Explained
Video poker return percentages represent the theoretical amount a player can expect to receive back on their wagered money over an extended period. A machine with a 99.5% return means that, mathematically, for every $100 wagered, $99.50 is returned to players collectively. This assumes optimal play without mistakes. However, it's crucial to understand that these are mathematical projections over thousands of hands—short-term results will vary significantly due to natural variance in gameplay.
Core Strategy Principles
Optimal video poker strategy involves understanding hand rankings and the probability of improving your current hand. When dealt five cards, you must decide which to discard to maximize expected value. The key principle is that some discards offer better expected returns than others. For instance, holding a low pair is typically better than holding four cards to a flush, even though the flush seems more valuable, because the probability of completing the flush doesn't offset the guaranteed value of the pair.
Practical Strategy Application
Most video poker players benefit from using strategy charts—detailed guides showing the exact cards to hold for every possible initial hand. These charts are ranked by expected value and eliminate guesswork. While memorizing complete strategy requires dedication, learning the fundamentals dramatically improves play. Prioritize learning which hands to always keep (pairs, high cards), which to always break (incomplete straights with poor kickers), and the critical hand-ranking decisions where strategy varies.
Bankroll Considerations
Video poker requires adequate bankroll management due to natural variance. Even with optimal strategy, you'll experience losing streaks. A general recommendation is maintaining a bankroll of 20-30 times your average bet, allowing you to weather normal fluctuations without going broke during inevitable downswings. This mathematical approach to bankroll preservation is essential for long-term success.