Maximise Your Winnings with These Video Poker Strategy Chart Tips
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Understanding the Video Poker Strategy Chart
A video poker strategy chart is a simple, easy-to-read guide that outlines the best play for every possible hand in the game. The chart is based on mathematical probabilities and takes into account the payouts for each hand.
To use the chart, simply look up the hand you have been dealt and follow the recommended play. The chart will tell you whether to hold all five cards, hold certain cards, or discard all five cards and draw a new hand.
Benefits of Using a Video Poker Strategy Chart
By using a video poker strategy chart, players can greatly increase their chances of winning big at video poker. Here are some of the benefits of using a chart:
- Reduces the House Edge: By following the chart, players can reduce the house edge and increase their chances of winning big. The chart is based on mathematical probabilities and takes into account the payouts for each hand, so players can be sure they are making the best play possible.
- Increases Your Winnings: By using the chart, players can maximise their winnings and reduce their losses. The chart takes into account the payouts for each hand, so players can be sure they are making the best play possible.
- Helps You Make Quick Decisions: A video poker strategy chart helps players make quick, informed decisions about which cards to hold and which cards to replace. This allows players to play more hands in a shorter amount of time, increasing their chances of winning big.
How A Video Poker Strategy Chart Is Arranged
A video poker strategy chart is typically arranged in a table format, with the hand combinations listed in ascending order of value and corresponding optimal strategies indicated in the adjacent column.
Here’s an example of how a video poker strategy chart for Jacks or Better, one of the most popular video poker variations, might be arranged:
| Hand | Strategy |
| Royal Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Straight Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Four of a Kind | Hold all 4 cards |
| Full House | Hold all 5 cards |
| Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Straight | Hold all 5 cards |
| Three of a Kind | Hold all 3 cards |
| Two Pair | Hold both pairs |
| Jacks or Better | Hold a pair of Jacks or higher |
| Other hands | Discard all cards and draw a new hand |
It’s important to note that video poker strategy charts are not one-size-fits-all and can vary depending on the specific video poker variation being played.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is a popular video poker game that pays out for a pair of jacks or better. The pay table for Jacks or Better typically offers a payout of 1:1 for a pair of jacks or higher, 2:1 for two pairs, 3:1 for three of a kind, and so on, up to a payout of 800:1 for a royal flush. The odds of hitting a royal flush in Jacks or Better are approximately 1 in 40,000, making it a challenging but rewarding game.
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is a video poker game that pays out for any hand with two or more deuces. The pay table for Deuces Wild typically offers a payout of 4:1 for three of a kind, 10:1 for a straight, 15:1 for a flush, and 25:1 for a full house. The odds of hitting a natural royal flush in Deuces Wild are approximately 1 in 40,390, making it a bit more challenging than Jacks or Better.
| Hand | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Four Deuces | Hold all 4 Deuces |
| Wild Royal Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Five of a Kind | Hold all 5 cards |
| Straight Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Four of a Kind | Hold the 4 cards of the same rank |
| Full House | Hold the 3 cards of the same rank and the 2 cards of the same rank |
| Flush | Hold all 5 cards |
| Straight | Hold all 5 cards |
| Three of a Kind | Hold the 3 cards of the same rank |
| Two Pairs | Hold both pairs |
| Jacks or Better | Hold the pair of Jacks or higher |
| Three to a Royal Flush | Hold the 3 cards that make up the Royal Flush |
| Four to a Flush | Hold the 4 cards that make up the Flush |
| Four to a Straight Flush | Hold the 4 cards that make up the Straight Flush |
| Two Deuces | Hold both Deuces |
| Deuce Only | Hold the Deuce |
| Discard All | Discard all 5 cards and draw a new hand |
Joker Poker
Joker Poker is a video poker game that includes a joker card that acts as a wild card. The pay table for Joker Poker typically offers a payout of 5:1 for a pair of kings or aces, 7:1 for two pair, 20:1 for three of a kind, and so on, up to a payout of 1000:1 for a five of a kind. The odds of hitting a five of a kind in Joker Poker are approximately 1 in 649,740, making it one of the most challenging video poker games.
| Hand | Recommended Play |
|---|---|
| Five of a Kind | Hold all five cards |
| Wild Royal Flush | Hold all five cards |
| Four of a Kind | Hold all four cards of the same rank |
| Straight Flush | Hold all five cards |
| Full House | Hold all three cards of the same rank and the two cards of the other rank |
| Flush | Hold all five cards |
| Straight | Hold all five cards |
| Three of a Kind | Hold all three cards of the same rank |
| Two Pair | Hold both pairs and discard the fifth card |
| Jacks or Better | Hold any pair of Jacks or higher and discard the remaining three cards |
| Discard all cards | Discard all five cards and draw a new hand |
Aces and Faces
Aces and Faces is a video poker game that pays out for high-paying hands such as aces, face cards, and four of a kind. The pay table for Aces and Faces typically offers a payout of 1:1 for a pair of jacks or higher, 4:1 for two pair, 8:1 for three of a kind, and so on, up to a payout of 400:1 for four aces. The odds of hitting four aces in Aces and Faces are approximately 1 in 441,460, making it a challenging but rewarding game.
| Hand | Optimal Play |
|---|---|
| Four of a Kind (Aces) | Hold all five cards |
| Four of a Kind (2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, Js, Qs, Ks) | Hold all five cards |
| Four Cards to a Royal Flush | Hold the four cards to the Royal Flush and discard the fifth card |
| Three of a Kind (Aces) | Hold the three Aces and draw two new cards |
| Three of a Kind (2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, Js, Qs, Ks) | Hold the three of a kind and draw two new cards |
| Two Pair | Hold the two pair and draw one new card |
| Jacks or Better | Hold the Jacks or Better and draw three new cards |
| Ace, Face, or 10 | Hold the Ace, Face, or 10 and draw four new cards |
| Discard all five cards | Discard all five cards and draw five new cards |
How to Find the Right Video Poker Strategy Chart
With so many video poker strategy charts available online, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here are some tips for finding the right chart for you:
- Look for Charts Based on the Game You Are Playing: Different video poker games have different pay tables and rules, so make sure you choose a chart that is specifically designed for the game you are playing.
- Choose a Chart with Clear, Easy-to-Understand Instructions: Look for a chart that is simple, easy to read, and has clear instructions on how to use it. This will help you make the most of your video poker strategy chart.
- Consider the Reputation of the Source: Make sure you choose a reputable source for your video poker strategy chart. Look for charts that have been created by experienced video poker players or reputable gambling experts.
Conclusion
Video Poker is a fun and exciting casino game that can be even more thrilling when you use a strategy chart. By following the chart, players can reduce the house edge, increase their winnings, and make quick, informed decisions about which cards to hold and which cards
Pay tables play a critical role in determining the odds of video poker games. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with the pay table of the video poker game you’re playing to make the right decisions and increase your chances of winning. Whether you prefer Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, or Aces and Faces, there’s a video poker game that’s right for you. So get started today and see what you can win!
