Smart Video Poker Play

13 January 2024

By Jerry Stickman

From Sophia:

Hi Stickman!

I read your articles whenever I can. I love to play video poker. I play it whenever I can when I the casino. I have gotten one or two royal flushes and those were happy times. Most of the time I lose. Sometimes not much. Other times a LOT. Can you help me? How can I win more often at video poker?

Sophia

Hi Sophia,

Thank you for your question. You are not alone. I think every video poker player (in fact probably every gambler) has wondered the same thing. There are several things you can do to improve your chances of coming away with a win.

As I am sure you are aware, virtually every casino game has a casino edge built into it. Video poker is no different. The pay tables do not pay the true odds for each winning hand. That is the casino’s edge. This same is true for slot machines.

The difference is the video poker player can know what the casino edge is by checking the pay table of each game. The slot machine player has no idea of the size of the casino edge. The video poker player can choose to play only the highest paying (lowest casino edge) games. The slot machine player cannot.

That is the first key to winning more often at video poker – play only games with a low casino edge. I never play video poker game with a casino edge of more than two percent (98 percent return). In fact, I almost never play any video poker game with a return lower than 99 percent.

Not only is the casino edge available for a knowledgeable video poker player, the proper playing strategy can also be produced. The playing strategies for many of the common video poker games are available online. You can simply “google” for them. There are also PC programs and apps for smartphones that can produce proper playing strategies for most of the games that are available.

Playing these strategies perfectly means you will get the maximum average return from each hand that is dealt. This is another key to winning at video poker more often. Just keep in mind that the strategies can change for each different pay table for each different game.

They also must be played perfectly.

Having a large enough bankroll for your play is also a critical factor. One standard rule of thumb is to have three to four times the pay for a royal flush for your video poker bankroll. This will allow you to go through some lean times without panicking.

Of course, if you only play for a couple of hours two or three times a year, much less is required. The important thing is you are not worried about the money when you play.

The last key factor is discipline – including money management. This is arguably the most important factor. If you become stressed, if you are prone to chasing losses, if you run to a ATM when you run out of money rather than playing within your budget you are at great risk.

Keep an even temperament. If you become stressed or irritated, stop playing for a while. Leave the casino. Get some fresh air. Do not go back until you are calm and in control. Never, ever, go to an ATM. Play only with the money (that is specifically designated for casino play) that you brought with you.

Follow these guidelines and you will see some positive things happen. You may not win – actually, you will not win – every time. But you will win more often and when you do lose you will lose less by following these guidelines.

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