How to Improve Your Chances of Winning

4 November 2023

By Jerry Stickman

From Brad:

Hello Stickman,

I love playing video poker. My wife says that I love it too much LMAO. While I enjoy playing, I almost never come home a winner. I’ve tried quitting when I am ahead by a certain amount – that doesn’t work because I seldom am ahead by any decent amount.

I’ve tried stopping after losing only a small amount. That isn’t any fun because I usually hit that much of a loss after very little play.

You are the expert with all the answers. What can I do to improve my win rate?

I am anxiously awaiting your reply.

Brad

Hi Brad,

Thank you for your question. It is a very common question among video poker players – actually, among gamblers of all types. Fortunately, with video poker, there are some things that you can do to help your rate of winning.

Though you did not mention which games you play, the choice of game is one of the most important factors in winning more often. Picking games that have a high return, lower the hurdle you must jump (so to speak) to win.

Games that return 99 percent or more are easier to win at than games that return 96 or 97 percent. Play the high return games to give yourself the best shot at that elusive win.

The second factor to improve the win rate is playing the proper strategy for the game you are playing. Making the hold that has the highest return on every hand nets you the most overall. Don’t fall into the trap of holding for big wins. That robs you of many smaller wins that boost your overall winnings.

The last major factor to improve your win rate is take advantage of all perks that the casino offers.
Make sure to join the player’s club and use your card every time you play. Most casinos give free play based on how much is played. Some even give cash. Either way, this is an opportunity to take home more money.

Take advantage of any offers the casino sends your way. They may not be direct winnings from your video poker play, but they can save using your own money.

I am sorry, Brad, but there is no magic formula to guarantee wins each time you play, but by taking the advice given here, you will fare better than most.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of "Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker!" You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com
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