When most players think of casino machines, they immediately picture the bright lights of traditional slots.
Video Poker bridges the gap between the solitary play of a machine and the strategic depth of card games.
It is widely considered the best game in the casino for players who are willing to learn proper tactics.
The beauty of the game is that, unlike slots, you can calculate the exact mathematical return of the machine.
Let's break down the mechanics of the game and explain how to identify the most profitable machines.
The Mechanics: How Video Poker Works
The basic premise of all Video Poker games is based on traditional five-card draw poker.
After reviewing your initial hand, you must decide which cards to hold and which to discard.
The machine then replaces your discarded cards with new ones drawn randomly from the remaining deck.
Payouts scale dramatically up to the Royal Flush, which is the ultimate jackpot of Video Poker.
If you constantly throw away winning cards by mistake, the house edge will skyrocket against you.
How to Spot a "Full Pay" Video Poker Machine
The most critical skill in Video Poker is the ability to read and evaluate the machine's paytable.
A 9/6 machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush on a one-coin bet.
If the machine only pays 8 for a Full House and 5 for a Flush, the house edge increases significantly.
Therefore, your first task is always to hunt down the "Full Pay" versions of your chosen variant.
Another unbreakable rule of Video Poker is to always bet the maximum number of coins (usually 5).
Exploring Different Video Poker Games
Once you master the basics, you might want to explore the different flavors of Video Poker available.
Deuces Wild is a massive favorite where all four '2' cards act as wild cards, substituting for any other card.
A "Full Pay" Deuces Wild machine (often called 100.76%) actually gives the player a mathematical advantage over the house.
Double Bonus Poker offers massive rewards for hitting four Aces, but reduces the payout for two pair to compensate.
Regardless of which variant you choose, you must download and study the specific strategy chart for that exact game.
Key Tips for Video Poker Players
- Always check the paytable before playing. Hunt for 9/6 Jacks or Better.
- Play Max Bet on every single hand to get the best mathematical RTP.
- Memorize the optimal hold decisions to eliminate the house edge.
- Never discard a high pair to draw for a straight or a flush.
- The machine will wait forever; ensure your holds are mathematically correct.
How Paytables Affect Your Odds
| Winning Hand | Full Pay (9/6) | Short Pay (8/5) |
|---|---|---|
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 25 |
| Straight | 4 | 4 |
| Player Return | Excellent | Poor |
If you want the best possible chance to beat the casino, Video Poker should be your absolute go-to game.
The combination of a 99.5%+ return and the possibility of hitting a massive Royal Flush is mathematically unbeatable.
Do not be intimidated by the strategy; with a little practice, the correct holds become second nature.
Always remember to play max coins and stay away from the terrible 7/5 or 6/5 machines hidden in the lobby.
May the cards fall perfectly for you, and we wish you a profitable Video Poker session.
