Video Poker Strategy

The goal of video poker is not to get the best possible hand but to get the best winning hand. Unlike in poker games where you play against other player, you don't have to have the best hand by the end of the round.

If you've ever played poker (any variation) before you will have to forget about keeping the highest cards (like Kings & Aces. In video poker it is better to keep a single Jack than an Ace because  with Jack in your hand you have higher chances at a straight or straight flush.

It is possible to find a video poker game with a positive expectation. In fact, when you play video poker games with near even odds the casino still has an advantage because video poker games require a bit of skill. There are math calculation behind each strategy, but you don't need to know that. All you need to do is follow the best play and in order to do this - use strategy charts. Print it or memorize it and refer to it when you play video poker. Taking into account that this is a game against a machine you can take all the time you need to make a decision.

Jacks or Better Strategy

This strategy can be used at both land based and online casinos.

If you hand does not appear on this list you should discard all cards:

1. One high card (high cards-gaps=-2)

2. 3 to a straight flush

3. 10 and Kind suited

4. Jack and Ace, Queen and Ace, King and Ace unsuited

5. 10 and Queen suited

6. Jack and King, Queen and King unsuited

7. 10 and Jack suited

8. Jack and Queen unsuited

9. Jack and Queen and King unsuited

10. 3 to straight flush (high cards-gaps=-1)

11. 4 to an inside straight with 3-4 cards

12. 2 suited high cards

13. 3 to a straight flush (high cards-gap>=0)

14. 4 to an outside straight

15. One low pair

16. 4 to a flush

17. 3 to a royal flush

18. One high pair

19. Two pairs

20. 4 to a straight flush

21. Three of a kind, straight or flush

22. 4 to a royal flush

23. Full house or better


More video strategies to follow soon