Video poker machines may look simple on the outside, but there is some real strategy involved if you want to maximize your payouts. Before diving into advanced plays, new players should learn the basics of how these machines work.
Video poker is played using an electronic interface similar to a slot machine. However, unlike slots which involve pure chance, video poker integrates the gameplay mechanics and hand rankings of five-card draw poker.
Your goal is to form the best possible five-card poker hand according to traditional hand values. After placing a wager, you will receive five cards and can choose to hold any of them. The cards you do not hold are replaced and your final hand is scored against a payout table.
Important Video Poker Concepts
Here are some key concepts to understand about video poker as you get started at Rocket Play:
- Pay tables – The payouts for different poker hands like a flush or full house. Finding good pay tables is key.
- Random number generators (RNGs) – Video poker machines work via RNGs rather than physical card decks.
- Optimal strategy – There are mathematically optimal plays for each situation to maximize payouts.
Learning basic video poker strategy gives you an edge over other beginners. But there are also more advanced skills you can master over time.
Improving Your Skills with Optimal Strategy
Once you have a good grasp of how video poker works, the next step is learning to implement optimal strategy into your gameplay. Using optimal strategy means you are making the statistically best decisions to maximize your payouts over the long run.
Here are some tips:
Know Your Pay Tables
- Compare pay tables on different machines and games. Seek out full-pay or even better machines when possible.
- Use strategy cards tailored to that specific pay table. Basing decisions on inaccurate info can be costly.
Practice Using Strategy Guides
- Resources like strategy cards tell you the optimal plays for each situation. Memorize these over time through practice.
- Start by learning straightforward games like Jacks or Better strategy before moving to more complex variations.
Use Software for Practice
- Many sites offer free video poker to practice. Use software that coaches you on optimal plays.
- Track your stats over time so you can spot weaknesses and drill problem areas.
Mastering optimal video poker strategy takes time and discipline. But making the optimal mathematical plays on every hand can increase your payouts enormously compared to unskilled play.
Moving to Advanced Play Levels
Once you have a firm grasp on basic strategy, you can move on to applying some advanced video poker skills:
Counting Cards
Keeping a running count of certain cards seen helps you make better decisions when cards are replaced between draws. This works best in games where most cards are visible, like Deuces Wild.
Practicing Bankroll Management
Manage your bankroll wisely so you can maximize play time and handle normal swings in payouts. Setting win goals and stopping points helps prevent costly tilted play when frustrated.
Reviewing Key Hand Histories
Track your play history and review both big wins and losses. Make sure you played correctly or spot any strategic mistakes so as to learn for next time. Don’t just ride a hot or cold streak without analysis.
Evaluating Your Skill Level
Use training software that grades your play against perfect optimal strategy. Even seasoned players may only reach 95-99% optimal play. Always strive to improve further.
Pushing your video poker skills to an elite level takes lots of practice studying complex strategies combined with reviewing your play history and stats. But the payout for all that effort can be very rewarding.
Video Poker Variations to Master
While Jacks or Better is the most common entry point, expanding your mastery across video poker variations tests your skills further:
| Video Poker Game | Key Strategy Notes |
| Deuces Wild | Deuces are wild cards. Optimal strategy is complex since 15+ hand options are possible. Learn when to press for the royal flush. |
| Double Bonus | Features different payouts for multi-bonus hands. You play two hands at once with even more permutations. |
| Joker Poker | Has a joker acting as a wild card. This complicates decisions on which hands to hold/draw to. |
Dedicated players make it their mission to master strategy guides tailored for top variations. Even slim differences between games can alter the best mathematical plays.
While hitting royal flushes seems based mostly on luck, making the right strategic plays across hundreds of hands maximizes your payouts as an advanced video poker player.
Maintaining Discipline to Stay in the Green
It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to reach elite video poker play. Make sure to practice sound habits that support your long-term profitability:
Take Breaks When Frustrated
Even pros hit bad swings. Step away rather than make rushed emotional plays trying to chase losses.
Review Your Play with Software
Rigorously analyze your play history to eliminate subtle leaks costing you edges. Find holes in your strategy knowledge via quizzes.
Avoid Superstitions About Hot Machines
Wins come from math and making the right plays. Luck evens out over time. Hopping from machine to machine is not a winning tactic.
Don’t Drink While Playing
Alcohol impairs the judgment and discipline required to implement optimal strategies. Leave drinks for after your play session.
Staying grounded when variance happens, avoiding tilt-based play and rigorously reviewing your hands enables you to maximize profits as an expert video poker player using the right mathematically-proven strategies.
Applying Your Expertise
Mastering video poker requires learning basic strategy guides, then optimizing your skill across different variations and advanced plays over time. But this expertise lets you stand out from casual players relying on guesses rather than proven math for optimizing their payouts.
Beating video poker takes research, practice, discipline and constantly striving to polish your strategic decisions. But players willing to develop elite skills can enjoy some of the highest returning games on the casino floor.
While each video poker hand may play out in seconds, by making the right moves again and again, advanced players stack up small gains over time to walk away consistent winners.