Try to play only machines that offer
full or near full payback percentages. If the video poker machine payback
is not posted then look at the chart on the machine and pick
out one that pays the most for a full house and a flush. The
greater the return then the higher that machine pays-out. For
example on a jacks or better machine:
|
Video Poker Return
|
Appox. Machine Payback
|
|
9 for a full house / 6 for a
flush
|
99.5%
|
|
8 for a full house / 5 for a
flush
|
97.4%
|
|
7 for a full house / 5 for a
flush
|
96.3%
|
|
6 for a full house / 5 for a
flush
|
95.2%
|
The
payouts for every hand combination are attached to the
machine. The maximum number of coins is also shown (normally
five coins) It is a good idea to always play the maximum
number of coins in order to be eligible for the bonus payout
for a royal flush. Also make sure the machine has accepted all
of your coins before playing in the event that you
do
get a big win you want to be absolutely sure the five coins
were played.
Playing
progressive video poker machines is a good idea, they can pay large
amounts for a royal flush and make the payout more in line
with the difficulty of obtaining a royal flush (about once in
every 40,000 hands). Play progressive machines that are
showing about 80% of the payoff amount (example $2,000 on a
machine that has a payoff of $2,500), and be sure to play the
required number of coins to be eligible for the payoff.
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 bother holding a 'kicker' card (a
high value card to be used along with a pair) this works when
playing against other players but the machine doesn't care and
you have lost the opportunity to draw a better card.
Don't draw
to an inside straight (where you have four cards and need one
in the middle to fill a straight). On the other hand if you
have an open-ended straight (you have four consecutive cards
and only need one at either end to fill a straight) then take
a shot at making the straight.
Always keep any pair vs. holding a high card
in video poker. Many players would
discard a pair of two's and keep one or more high cards, this
is not the best strategy, trying for three of a kind you have
better odds when considering the payout and chances of drawing
what's needed.
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 recovered your bet.
Always keep a low pair over a four-card open end straight. The low
pair has more value as a potential 3 of a kind than going for
the straight and should be kept
A three-card
royal should be kept over 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.
Don't be afraid to draw five cards if you have garbage (one that doesn't have
a least one high card).
