While online video poker does not have the same strategic elements as traditional online poker, there is a video poker strategy involved that can reduce the house edge to almost nothing.
Fortunately, these elements are not hard to follow. Keep in mind, that your memory of them can be refreshed at any time since you are playing at home with the entire Internet at your disposal.
Video Poker Tip No. 1: Look for 9/6 Payouts
If you’re playing Jacks or Better—the classic video poker game where you need at least a pair of jacks to win—you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best possible odds. The ideal machine to play on pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush, often referred to as a 9/6 machine. These machines give you the best return on your bets. Before you start playing, check the payout table and make sure you’re on a 9/6 machine (or even better if you find one). Keep browsing online casinos until you land on the right one!
Video Poker Tip No. 2: Hold On to Winning Hands
In video poker, it’s usually best to stick with a made hand. If you’re dealt a pair or better, hold onto it—don’t break up a pair just to chase a straight or a flush, even if you’re only one card away. And whatever you do, never split up three-of-a-kind or a full house hoping for something better. Also, don’t hold onto an ace thinking it boosts your hand’s value—aces don’t carry extra weight in video poker. If you land a pair of aces, you’ll get paid, but the same goes for jacks, queens, and kings. Play smart and keep what’s already working!
Video Poker Tip No. 3: Keep an Eye on Progressive Jackpots
A lot of online video poker machines come with a progressive jackpot. Meaning multiple machines contribute to a growing prize pool. These jackpots can get really big, and you usually win them by hitting a royal flush—but only if you’re betting the maximum number of coins. If you’re not playing max coins, you won’t be eligible for the jackpot, even though you’re still helping build it up. So, if you’re going for that life-changing payout, always play max coins on progressive machines!
Another way of lowering the house advantage is to play with a good online casino bonus. This is true in all games you find in the virtual casino, not only video poker.
We recommend reading our guide about House Edge, it can help you get a better understanding of how to maximize your winnings.