video poker strategy chart text with ace and king of hearts

Video Poker is a thrilling and exciting casino game that has been around for decades. Unlike traditional poker, video poker allows players to play alone against the machine, making it a perfect choice for those who want to play at their own pace.

In video poker, players are dealt five cards and must then choose which cards to hold and which cards to replace. The goal is to create the best possible hand to win the game. This is where a video poker strategy chart comes in handy.

A video poker strategy chart provides players with the optimal play for every possible hand in the game. By following the chart, players can reduce the house edge and increase their chances of winning big.

 

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.
dealer at mahogany color table with video poker strategy chart text

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
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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!