Video Poker Strategy: 8 Video Poker Tips
Since there are different variants of Video Poker, and each slot machine has its own payout schedule, it's better for you to stick to one game and one machine. By doing so, you can focus on mastering the strategy for that particular Video Poker game with that particular pay schedule. However there are basic guidelines that can be applied to the different Video Poker games.
VIDEO POKER TIPS
VIDEO POKER TIP 1 - NO HAND. Discard all five cards and hope for a better draw. However if there is an Ace or face card there that has not been paired recently, hold on to it. It may be time for that card to be paired.
VIDEO POKER TIP 2 - ONE PAIR. Hold on to the pair and throw out everything else.
VIDEO POKER TIP 3 - HIGH PAIR. Hold on to the pair unless you have a shot at one of the higher paying hands in the payout schedule. (This is listed on the Video Poker machine.)
VIDEO POKER TIP 4 - TWO PAIR. Keep these four cards and throw out the fifth. You may just get a Full House!
VIDEO POKER TIP 5 - THREE OR FOUR A KIND. Keep the matching cards and throw away the unmatched ones.
VIDEO POKER TIP 6 - NEAR STRAIGHTS. If you have a potential Straight but the missing card is sandwiched between two the other cards, forget it. It's better to chase after an open-ended Straight with two possible matches. For example, a 2, 3, 5 and 6 is a poor choice since you can only hope for a 6; whereas a 6, 8, 9, and 10 can be completed by either a 5 or a Jack. (An exception to this is if an Ace is involved.)
VIDEO POKER TIP 6 - STRAIGHTS AND FLUSHES. It's wiser to hold on to these as they are if complete. If you're just one card shy to a hand, drop the fifth card and chase after it. In the rare event that your Flush can turn into a Royal Flush, you may throw away one card. However, this may be to much of a risk for some.
VIDEO POKER TIP 7 - FULL HOUSE. There is no other hand plausible with a Full House combination. Stay with it. Sure win.
VIDEO POKER TIP 8 - Don't be too impressed by a low Pair, like 2 Fours. They won't score. Of course you can get a Two Pair if you hold on to them, but you decrease the chances of stronger hands showing by keeping them.
These are very useful Video Poker tips that any beginner can use to improve their game. You do not have to follow them all the time but it will help you get started. Enjoy! :)