Let's start with the fact that any video poker makes a difference by complete unpredictability and volatility, no matter how low the house edge is. Of course, it is typical for almost all casino games, but video poker is the one that stands out. Therefore, be prepared for prolonged lousy luck streaks. Someday, fortune will smile at you unless you play at an unfair casino.
You have to learn how to minimize these unlucky periods and come out with a minimal loss while taking the most advantage of fortunate spans.
However, relying only on fortune's mercy would be wrong, so you must learn and work out a strategy for a chosen video poker. Detailed tables strictly define the player's behavior in a given situation. You can find some of them on our site.
Tips for Video Poker Fans
In this article, we will not analyze a particular video poker but give general advice on the game to help you get into it and understand the basic principles to proceed.
Consider the Differences between Video Poker and Table Poker
First of all, if you have a deep knowledge of any table poker (Oasis, Stud, Hold'Em, and so on), try to put aside everything you know except for the name and high hands.These are entirely different games that only have "poker" and poker combinations in common.
Everything else happens in a completely different scenario.
Don't try to use your habits and skills of other games in video poker.
Most of the recommendations below are based on this idea.
Do Not Exaggerate the Value of Some Cards and Hands
Most often, inexperienced fans of video poker love aces too much. In most varieties of video poker, an ace is not the best card in the deck.
The payout for a pair of aces is the same as for a pair of jacks. In video poker, you don't need to beat the dealer's or opponent's hand, but making a straight with an ace is way more complicated than with lower cards. The ace participates only in such hands as 10, J, Q, K, A, or A, 2,3,4,5.
On the other hand, each 10 or J provides more options for a straight. Therefore, you often have to get rid of aces and leave lower cards, which implies a greater chance of winning.
An exception may be those types of video poker that facilitate aces as some kind of bonus cards.
Also, do not forget that different kinds of video poker would not pay for all types of pairs. Keep this in mind in your game.
Do Not Be Afraid to Fold Kickers
A Kicker in video poker is a card that does not directly help make a hand but theoretically can strengthen your hand after exchanging other cards.
Inexperienced players often do not dare to lose the undesired strong card, in the hope it will be useful later.
This significantly reduces their chances of making a stronger or paid hand playing video poker. Fold these cards without regret and collect high hands.
Determine the Value of Hands by the Paytable
A pair of queens or jacks is equal to a couple of aces.Collecting any of them, you will get the same payout and won't need to compare them to determine a winner in video poker.
Go for the Royal Flush
This is not the case in most casino pokers, but in video poker, you should never neglect the opportunity to make the highest hand, even if initially you have three or two cards for it.
Summary
Following these guidelines will allow you to play better and achieve better results. Make sure you read educating articles about video poker at Casinoz. They have been put together by people who know all the details of the basic strategy.
Share your experience in the comments. Don't be shy to give advice and ask questions.