Video poker is one of the few casino games where your decisions actually influence the outcome. Unlike slot machines, video poker uses a fixed set of probabilities based on real playing-card odds. With the right strategy, you can significantly improve your results and even approach a positive long-term return on certain full-pay machines. Below are the essential strategies every player should use to boost their odds and stretch their bankroll.
Always Choose the Right Paytable
Your first and most important strategy is selecting a machine with a favorable paytable. Not all video poker games pay the same, even if they appear identical.
What to Look For
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Jacks or Better: Choose 9/6 full-pay (9 credits for Full House, 6 for Flush). RTP: 99.54%
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Deuces Wild: Seek Not So Ugly Ducks (NSUD) or full-pay versions with 100%+ RTP
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Bonus & Double Bonus: Look for full-pay machines offering higher payouts on four-of-a-kind hands
A poor paytable can reduce your return by 2% to 5%, which is huge over time. Always check before you play.
Always Bet Max Credits
Betting the maximum number of credits—usually five—unlocks the highest possible payout for a Royal Flush.
For example:
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1-credit Royal Flush might pay 250 coins
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5-credit Royal Flush typically pays 4,000 coins
This bonus payout significantly increases your overall long-term return. If max betting feels too expensive, reduce your coin denomination—not the number of credits.
Learn the Optimal Strategy for Your Game
Every video poker variant has a slightly different strategy because paytables and wild-card rules vary.
Examples
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Jacks or Better: Keep high pairs, preserve draws to Royal Flushes, and avoid breaking winning hands.
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Deuces Wild: Keep all deuces, aim for stronger hands, and break weaker paying hands if wilds can create bigger results.
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Bonus Poker: Prioritize high-value four-of-a-kind draws.
Using the correct strategy chart for your chosen game dramatically increases your long-term RTP.
Don’t Automatically Hold All Winning Hands
Many beginners think any paying hand should be held automatically. This isn’t always correct.
Examples
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In Deuces Wild, keeping a paying hand like a Straight may be a mistake if wild cards can help you build a Straight Flush or Five of a Kind.
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In Jacks or Better, you may break a low pair to chase a high-value Royal Flush draw.
Optimal play sometimes requires sacrificing a small payout to chase a much higher chance of profit.
Prioritize Royal Flush & Straight Flush Draws
Hands that contain three or four cards toward a Royal Flush offer the highest long-term value. In most strategy charts, these hands take priority over lower pairs or completed Straights.
Why?
Royal Flushes are rare but extremely valuable.
Straight Flush draws, while less valuable than a Royal, still offer strong equity.
Ignoring these draws is one of the biggest beginner mistakes.
Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
Bankroll management keeps you in the game longer and protects you from variance.
Best Practices
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Bring 200–500 credits for low-volatility games like Jacks or Better
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Bring 500–1,000 credits for high-volatility games like Deuces Wild or Double Double Bonus
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Set win and loss limits
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Take breaks to avoid tilt (emotional decision-making)
A strong strategy means little if you run out of bankroll too quickly.
Avoid Playing on High-Volatility Games Without Skill
Games like Double Double Bonus and Triple Double Bonus offer massive payouts for four-of-a-kind combinations plus “kickers.”
However, these games:
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Have wild variance
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Require deeper strategy
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Punish mistakes heavily
New players should start with Jacks or Better or Bonus Poker before moving into higher-risk variants.
Use Training Software or Strategy Cards
To maximize returns, practice your strategy with:
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Video poker training apps
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Simulation tools
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Printable strategy charts
These tools help you learn optimal decisions for every situation and correct costly mistakes.
Play Slower and Think Before You Draw
Online and digital video poker makes it easy to play extremely fast. Fast play multiplies losses if your strategy is weak.
Slow down to:
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Evaluate hands carefully
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Follow proper strategy
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Track your bankroll
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Avoid accidental mis-clicks
A thoughtful pace leads to better long-term performance.
Take Advantage of Casino Loyalty Programs
Whether you play online or in a physical casino, loyalty programs offer:
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Cash-back
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Free play credits
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Bonuses
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Tier points
These extra rewards effectively increase your return on every session.
Final Thoughts
Video poker is one of the few casino games where knowledge truly pays off. By choosing the right paytable, mastering optimal strategy, and managing your bankroll effectively, you can dramatically increase your odds and enjoy long-term success. Whether you’re playing Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or high-volatility bonus games, applying these essential strategies will ensure you get the best possible return from every session.
