Video poker is one of the few casino games where player skill significantly impacts the outcome. Unlike slot machines that rely entirely on luck, video poker allows you to influence the result through decision-making—making it ideal for players who want to combine entertainment with a strategy-based edge.
If you know the rules of poker and are willing to follow a basic strategy, video poker offers some of the highest return-to-player (RTP) rates in the casino. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tips and tactics to win at video poker using basic strategy—perfect for beginners and casual players looking to improve.
Understand the Game Variations and Paytables
Before you play, it’s important to know that not all video poker games are created equal. Different versions have different paytables, which affect your long-term odds.
Popular video poker variants:
- Jacks or Better – The most common and beginner-friendly
- Deuces Wild – All twos act as wild cards
- Bonus Poker – Offers extra payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands
- Double Bonus / Double Double Bonus – Higher volatility, larger rewards
Each variant has an optimal strategy tailored to its rules, so always check the paytable. Look for games labeled “full-pay” for the best possible RTP—full-pay Jacks or Better offers up to 99.54% with perfect play.
Learn the Basic Strategy for Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is considered the best starting point for learning video poker strategy because of its simplicity and balanced payouts. Here’s a simplified version of the basic strategy:
Always hold:
- Royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind – Never discard
- Four to a royal flush – Discard one for a shot at the jackpot
- Full house or flush – Lock in the solid payout
- Three of a kind, straight, or four to a straight flush
- Two pair – Discard the fifth card for a chance at a full house
- High pair (Jacks or better) – Keep the pair, discard the rest
- Four to a flush – Try for the higher payout
- Low pair – Hold the pair, discard the other three
Never hold:
- An unsuited low pair with three random cards
- Three unrelated high cards not forming a straight or flush draw
- One high card unless it’s part of a potential better combination
Using a strategy chart or app while playing can help you memorize the best plays over time.
Maximize Your Payouts with Max Coins
In most video poker games, betting the maximum number of coins (usually five) activates the highest possible payout for a royal flush. This boosts the top prize significantly—often up to 800:1 instead of 250:1.
Why it matters:
- Playing fewer coins reduces the royal flush payout.
- Over time, this impacts your overall return and value per session.
If max betting isn’t within your budget, consider playing lower denomination machines rather than reducing your coin count per hand.
Play Slow and Stay Disciplined
Video poker can tempt players to rush through hands, but smart play takes time. Avoid tapping through hands too quickly or making emotional decisions based on previous outcomes.
Tips for consistent play:
- Stick to your strategy regardless of short-term results
- Don’t chase losses or increase bets during losing streaks
- Use breaks to avoid fatigue and mistakes
Many video poker mistakes come from impatience or guessing—stick to calculated plays, and your long-term results will reflect your discipline.
Final Thoughts: Skill Makes the Difference
Unlike most casino games, video poker gives you a genuine shot at beating the house edge through smart strategy. By learning game-specific tactics, understanding paytables, and sticking to optimal plays, you’ll significantly improve your winning potential.
Start with Jacks or Better, use strategy charts, and practice on free versions before playing for real money. With consistent play and smart bankroll management, video poker becomes not just a game of chance—but one of skill.