Video Poker Strategy

Video Poker is one game that doesn't always come with a house advantage, making it a great type of casino game for players to try out. Like most casino games, playing online at home is a great way to begin learning the strategies of the games because it's easy for players to consult guides. Like with blackjack, there are strategies cards that help players learn the best moves to make depending upon the hands that they're dealt early on in the game. Unlike with blackjack, there are various forms of video poker games which mean that there are many different strategies that vary, and players need to learn each of them individually in order to be successful.

Video Poker games are based on strategy, which means that it is essential for players to learn the strategies in order to get the best advantage when they play the online casino games.

In order to understand strategy cards, players need to get a grasp on the numbering system that is used to explain them. First players need to understand the worst possible starting hands; the best are the ones starting from 1. The examples of video poker strategies below are for the popular Jacks or Better style of game.

1. Four of a kind, straight flush, royal flush
2. 4 to a royal flush
3. 3 of a kind, straight, flush, full house
4. 4 to a straight flush
5. 2 pair
6. High pair
7. 3 to a royal flush
8. 4 to a flush
9. Low pair
10. 4 to an outside straight
11. 2 suited high cards
12. 3 to a straight flush
13. 2 unsuited high cards (if more than 2 then pick the lowest 2)
14. Suited 10/J, 10/Q, or 10/K
15. 1 high card
16. Discard every card

Once players have an understanding of the strength of their starting hands, they need to learn how to play from there, discarding specific cards and that's where the strategy cards can come in handy. The strategy information below is strategy card information translated into plain English.

• 4 cards to a royal flush - Keep the 4 cards, discard the fifth. Even if this means breaking up a complete straight or flush.
• 3 cards of a royal flush - if the hand contains a straight flush, four of a kind, full house or
• 3 of a kind, - keep the winning combination. Otherwise, hold the 3 cards to the royal flush and draw 2 new ones.
• 2 cards to a royal flush - Keep any winning hands. Keep any pairs, even if they are too low to payout.
• Hold 4 cards to a flush or straight, 2 cards to a royal flush - Keep these in preference to single high cards or 3 cards to a flush or straight.
• 4 cards to a straight flush - Keep any complete flush or straight, else go for the straight flush.
• 3 cards to a straight flush - Keep any winning combination or a low pair. Otherwise discard the other 2 cards and draw 2 new ones.
• 2 cards to a straight flush - Keep any winning combination or a low pair. Otherwise discard the other 3 cards and draw 3 new ones.
• 4 cards to a flush - If you have a high pair, keep it. Else, discard the 5th card and draw a new one.
• 3 cards to a flush - Keep any 3 of a kind, 2 pairs or any pair. Otherwise hold these 3 cards and draw 2 new ones.
• 2 cards to a flush - Keep any pair or winning combination, otherwise hold just these 2 cards and draw 3 new ones.
• 3 or a kind - Keep it; draw 2 new cards in hopes of a full house or 4 of a kind.
• 2 pairs - Keep them, unless you have 3 cards to a royal or straight flush.
• High pair - Keep it unless you have 4 to a royal or straight flush.
• Low pair - Keep them if you have nothing better. Discard if you have more than 3 to a royal or straight flush.
• High cards - Retain them in hopes of forming a high pair otherwise consider discarding the entire hand and drawing 5 new cards.