Online casino video poker can payout up to 100% or
more without the fear of losing money, mainly because
many players don't realize that it's a game that relies
on skill as well is luck. The expert level of play required
for that kind of return is possible with study and practice.
Here's a little strategy to bring your playing closer
to an expert level and improve your chances of winning.
Play only machines that offer full payback. If the machine
payback is not posted then look at the chart on the
machine choose a machine that has the highest payouts
for a full house and a flush. This is the benchmark
for video poker payouts. For example on a jacks or better
machine:
| Posted
Return |
Payback |
| 9 for a full house
and 6 for
a flush (9/6) |
99.5% |
| 7 for a full house
and 5 for
a flush (7/5) |
96.3% |
Take note as well of the the maximum number of coins
also shown (normally five coins). It's best if you always
play the maximum number of coins in order to be eligible
for the bonus payout for a royal flush if you're lucky
enough to hit one.
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 draw to
an inside straight (where you have four cards and need
one in the middle to fill a straight). This is a well-understood
practice of both normal and online poker. On the other
hand if you have an open straight (you have four consecutive
cards and only need one at either end to fill a straight)
then take your chances and hopefully you'll be successful!
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
recouped your original 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 is better to hang on to than 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
over the long run.
Don't be afraid to draw five cards if you have don't
have at 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) |
| Full
house or flush |
0
cards (keep all your cards) |
| 4
card straight flush |
1
card |
| 2
pair |
1
card |
| 3
cards to the royal |
2
cards |
| Low
pair |
3
cards |
| 3
card straight flush |
2
cards |
| 1
high card |
4
cards |
|
