Video poker is one of the most strategic games available in any online or land-based casino. Unlike slot machines, your choices directly affect your results. New players often jump in without understanding the rules, paytables, or strategies—and these early mistakes can quickly drain a bankroll. By learning what to avoid, players can dramatically increase their odds and enjoy a far more rewarding experience. Below are the biggest mistakes beginners make in video poker and how you can avoid them.
Not Checking the Paytable Before Playing
Many new players assume all video poker machines are the same. They’re not. Paytables vary widely, and even small differences drastically affect your long-term return.
For example, the classic Jacks or Better 9/6 paytable offers a strong 99.54% RTP, but a downgraded 8/5 version drops the RTP significantly. Beginners often sit at the first machine they see without comparing payouts, resulting in lower long-term returns.
The fix:
Always check the paytable and choose full-pay versions whenever possible.
Betting Less Than Maximum Credits
Beginners often avoid playing maximum credits because they want to “stretch their bankroll.” However, betting fewer than five credits eliminates the top bonus payout for a Royal Flush, which is one of the largest contributors to your long-term expected value.
While a 1-credit Royal might pay 250 coins, a max-bet Royal typically pays 4,000 coins. This massive difference dramatically increases your overall return.
The fix:
Bet the max number of credits. If that feels expensive, lower the coin denomination instead.
Ignoring Basic Strategy
Video poker is not guesswork—it follows clear mathematical rules based on card probabilities. New players often hold the wrong cards, chase the wrong hands, or break valuable hands without purpose.
Strategy mistakes include:
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Keeping low pairs when a high-value draw exists
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Breaking paying hands unnecessarily
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Holding cards that can’t form strong combinations
The fix:
Use a strategy chart for your specific game. Each version (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker) has its own optimal strategy.
Playing Too Fast
The fast pace of video poker encourages players to keep clicking without thinking. New players often burn through their bankroll because they’re playing far too quickly. Fast play magnifies mistakes—especially when a player doesn’t fully understand strategy.
The fix:
Slow down. Evaluate each hand. Think before hitting “Draw.”
Choosing the Wrong Game for Their Skill Level
Some new players jump straight into advanced or volatile versions like Double Double Bonus or Deuces Wild, believing they offer bigger payouts. While these games can pay more, they also:
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Have higher volatility
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Require deeper strategy
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Punish mistakes harder
If a player is not ready, these games drain the bankroll quickly.
The fix:
Start with Jacks or Better, the most beginner-friendly game, and progress after learning proper strategy.
Mismanaging Their Bankroll
New players frequently underestimate how much bankroll they need for video poker. They also fail to set limits or manage their credits properly.
Common bankroll mistakes include:
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Bringing too few credits
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Playing volatile games with a small bankroll
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Chasing losses
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Increasing bets emotionally
The fix:
Follow bankroll guidelines. Bring 200–500 credits for low-volatility games and 500–1,000+ for high-volatility variants.
Holding All Paying Hands Automatically
Many beginners assume that any hand that pays should be kept. This is not always true. In games like Deuces Wild or Bonus Poker, breaking a small paying hand may be the mathematically correct decision if it leads to a stronger hand with higher expected value.
For example:
You may break a Straight in Deuces Wild if you hold wild cards and have a chance to build a Straight Flush.
The fix:
Learn when to keep and when to break paying hands using proper strategy charts.
Forgetting That Wild Cards Change Strategy
Beginners often play Deuces Wild or Joker Poker using Jacks or Better logic, which results in costly errors.
Wild cards drastically shift:
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Hand rankings
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Holding priorities
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Expected values
The fix:
Study variant-specific strategy and practice with training tools.
Playing Without Rewards or Loyalty Programs
New players often forget to use loyalty rewards, leaving free value on the table. Casinos offer loyalty points and cashback, which effectively raise your overall return.
The fix:
Always use a casino loyalty card or online rewards program.
Chasing Big Wins or Playing Emotionally
Emotional play—such as chasing losses or increasing bets impulsively—leads to poor decisions and can ruin a session quickly.
The fix:
Stick to a plan. Don’t let emotions take control.
Final Thoughts
Video poker rewards disciplined, informed players. By avoiding these common beginner mistakes—choosing poor paytables, ignoring strategy, playing too fast, and mismanaging bankroll—your odds improve dramatically. Start with the right game, follow a solid strategy, and approach each hand thoughtfully. With practice and patience, video poker becomes not only more profitable but far more enjoyable.
