Looking to master video poker? Whether you’re playing at a traditional casino or using popular platforms like online casino Bangladesh app Olymp, you’re in the right place. Unlike slot machines that rely purely on luck, video poker is one of the few casino games where your decisions actually matter. With the right strategy, you can significantly reduce the house edge and even turn the odds in your favor.
Why Video Poker is Worth Your Time
Before we dive into specific strategies, let’s understand what makes video poker special. Unlike traditional slot machines, video poker offers:
- Some of the best odds in casino gaming
- The ability to influence game outcomes
- A lower house edge (sometimes less than 1%)
- A chance to play without the pressure of live poker tables
- The possibility of hitting a Royal Flush (about 5 times more likely than in regular poker)
Strategy #1: Choose Your Game Wisely
Your success in video poker starts before you even place your first bet. Different video poker variants offer different odds and require different strategies. Here’s what to look for:
Pay Table Analysis
| Hand | Good Payout | Poor Payout |
| Full House | 9x | 8x or less |
| Flush | 6x | 5x or less |
| Royal Flush | 800x | 600x or less |
Pro Tip: Look for “9/6” Jacks or Better machines – they offer the best returns with proper play (around 99.54% RTP).
Strategy #2: Master the Basic Odds
Understanding the probability of hitting different hands is crucial for making the right decisions. Here are the key odds you should know:
| Hand | Probability |
| Royal Flush (dealt) | 1 in 650,000 |
| Royal Flush (after draw) | 1 in 40,000 |
| Straight Flush | 1 in 9,150 |
| Four of a Kind | 1 in 423 |
| Full House | 1 in 90 |
| Flush | 1 in 85 |
| Straight | 1 in 80 |
This knowledge helps you make informed decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard. For example, knowing that a flush is slightly harder to hit than a straight might influence your decision when you have the option to pursue either.
Strategy #3: Know When to Hold ‘Em
Making the right holding decisions is where the real skill in video poker comes into play. Here’s your priority list for holding cards, from highest to lowest value:
- Hold Any Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or Four of a Kind
- These are premium hands – never break them up for any reason
- Four Cards to a Royal Flush
- Even if you have a lower paying made hand, the potential royal flush payoff is worth chasing
- Made Full House, Flush, or Straight
- Solid returns that shouldn’t be broken unless you have four to a royal
- High Pairs (Jacks or Better)
- A guaranteed return is better than chasing bigger hands
- Exception: When you have four cards to a royal flush
- Four Cards to a Straight Flush
- Strong drawing hand with multiple ways to win
- Can result in straight, flush, or straight flush
- Low Pairs
- Keep these over a single high card
- They give you a shot at three of a kind or better
Strategy #4: Smart Bankroll Management
All the perfect play in the world won’t help if you don’t manage your money properly. Here’s how to keep your bankroll healthy:
Play Maximum Coins
While it might seem counterintuitive for bankroll management, playing maximum coins is crucial because:
- Royal flush payouts are disproportionately higher with max coins
- A royal flush with 5 coins pays 800x instead of just 250x
- This significantly impacts your long-term returns
Set Session Limits
Never chase losses. Instead:
- Decide on a maximum loss limit before you start
- Set a win goal (usually 50% of your starting bankroll)
- Take regular breaks to maintain focus
- Don’t exceed your predetermined budget
Choose the Right Denomination
Pick a denomination that allows you to:
- Play maximum coins comfortably
- Have at least 200 bets in your bankroll
- Play for your desired session length
- Stay within your entertainment budget
Strategy #5: Game-Specific Tactics
Different video poker variants require slightly different approaches. Here are some key strategies for popular variations:
Jacks or Better
- Never hold a kicker with a pair
- Don’t break a high pair for a straight draw
- Always keep three cards to a royal flush over a low pair
Deuces Wild
- Never hold a single deuce
- Keep three of a kind over four to a royal flush
- Always hold four to a royal flush with no deuces
- Remember: Straights and flushes need to be higher than in regular games
Double Bonus
- More aggressive play is warranted due to higher four-of-a-kind payouts
- Break a straight or flush for four to a royal
- Keep three to a royal flush over a low pair
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players sometimes make these errors:
❌ Breaking a Made Hand
- Don’t break winning hands hoping for better ones
- Exception: Four cards to a royal flush
❌ Holding a Kicker
- A high card alongside a pair won’t help
- It only reduces your chances of improving
❌ Playing Poor Pay Tables
- Always check the full house and flush payouts
- The difference between 9/6 and 8/5 is huge
❌ Playing Too Fast
- Take your time with each decision
- Speed increases your hourly losses
Advanced Tips for Serious Players
Ready to take your game to the next level? Consider these pro strategies:
Practice for Free
Use online casinos’ free play options to:
- Perfect your strategy without risk
- Learn new game variations
- Test different approaches
- Build confidence in your decisions
Join the Players Club
Always use a player’s card because:
- Comps add to your overall return
- You might get special promotions
- Some casinos offer cashback
- It doesn’t affect game outcomes
Remember: Video poker isn’t just about memorizing charts and odds. It’s about making smart decisions consistently while managing your bankroll effectively. Take your time, stick to your strategy, and don’t let emotions drive your play.