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Do not gamble or play until you read this page.
Video poker is a game of skill as well as luck. The
video poker machines are programmed to pay-out up to 100% when players play at
the expert level, the casinos can do this because the vast majority of players
don't play anywhere near the expert play level required. Here are a few tips to
bring your playing closer to an expert level and improve your chances of
winning.
Play only machines that offer full payback that is they will, in
theory, payback all of the monies played. If the machine payback is not posted
then look at the chart on the machine and pick out one that pays the most for a
full house and a flush. The greater the return then the higher that machine
pays-out. For example on a jacks or better machine:
Machine Return
|
Machine Payback
|
| 9 for a full house / 6 for a flush |
99.5% |
| 8 for a full house / 5 for a flush |
97.4% |
| 7 for a full house / 5 for a flush |
96.3% |
| 6 for a full house / 5 for a flush |
95.2% |
The payouts for every machine are attached to the machine. The
maximum number of coins is also shown (normally five coins) It is a good idea to
always play the maximum number of coins in order to be eligible for the bonus
payout for a royal flush. Also make sure the machine has accepted all of your
coins before playing in the event that you do get a big win you want to be
absolutely sure the five coins were played.
Play progressive machines, they can pay large amounts for a
royal flush and make the payout more in line with the difficulty of obtaining a
royal flush (about once in every 40,000 hands). Play progressive machines that
are showing about 80% of the payoff amount (example $2,000 on a machine that has
a payoff of $2,500), and be sure to play the required number of coins to be
eligible for the payoff.
Don't forget that in video poker you are playing a machine. The
machine is programmed to only payoff when a player holds one of the posted
hands. Don't hold a kicker card (a high value card to be used along with a pair)
this works when playing against other players but the machine doesn't care and
you have lost the opportunity to draw a better card.
Don't draw to an inside straight (where you have four cards and
need one in the middle to fill a straight). On the other hand if you have an
open-ended straight (you have four consecutive cards and only need one at either
end to fill a straight) then take a shot at making the straight.
Always keep any pair vs. holding a high card. Many players would
discard a pair of two's and keep one or more high cards, this is not the best
strategy, try for three of a kind you have better odds.
Always keep a high pair vs. a four-card open straight, a
four-card flush or a three-card royal. Try for three of a kind with the
knowledge that at worst you have recovered your bet.
Always keep a low pair over a four-card open end straight. The
low pair has more value than going for the straight and should be kept.
A three-card royal should be kept over a low pair, a four-card
flush and a four card open end straight. The bonus for the royal flush makes it
a better play.
Don't be afraid to draw five cards if you have garbage (one that
doesn't have a least one high card).
Basic Playing Strategy Summary:
Cards in your hand
|
Draw
|
| 4 of a kind or better |
0 cards (keep all your cards) |
| 4 cards to a royal |
1 card |
| Full house or flush |
0 cards (keep all your cards) |
| 3 of a kind |
2 cards |
| 4 card straight flush |
1 card |
| Straight |
0 cards (keep all your cards) |
| 2 pair |
1 card |
| High pair |
3 cards |
| 3 cards to the royal |
2 cards |
| 4 card flush |
1 card |
| Low pair |
3 cards |
| 4 card straight |
1 card |
| 3 card straight flush |
2 cards |
| 2 high cards |
3 cards |
| 1 high card |
4 cards |
| Garbage |
5 cards |
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Online
Poker Betting Strategies
