Below are a few guidelines for how to use the action tables in the previous strategies section as well as a few simple rules for getting the most out of your video poker strategy.
The Video poker action tables the
Video Poker Advisor supplies are not difficult to use. The first step is
to find your hand from the list on the right then either keep or discard your
cards according to the chart. Here is an example of how you would play a hand
in JACKS
OR BETTER 9/6 STRATEGY .
2* 7* 9* J* J*
The proper move to make in this case is not to to play it as a four-card
flush, but instead, as a high pair. The reason for this is because a pair
is higher on the list.
3* 4* 5* 6* 6*
Instead of playing this hand as a four card straight, it is best to play it
as a low pair. You should also hold low pairs instead of a three-card straight
flush, as well as any single card.
A* K* Q* J* 10*
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when moving from live poker to
video poker is assuming that the games will be played essentially the same way.
The fact is that there are many differences in the two games and this is a perfect
example of one. Unlike live poker where you may have a great hand and have great
chances of winning, the same is not true for video poker. In video poker, even
if you have a good hand you'll quickly toss it out the window for the chance
of getting the best card possible, a royal flush!
3* 3* K* 6* 9*
Sometimes players coming from the live poker arena will feel compelled to keep
a single high card, as many players are taught that you should always at least
keep your highest card. You don't want to do this in video poker, unless it's
the only card you hold. If you do otherwise you could seriously decrease the
chances of getting a better hand.
7* 8* 10* J* Q*
One of the most precarious moves in video poker is drawing to an inside straight.
Only in rare circumstances is it a good idea to do this, namely, If your only
other possible move is to hold high cards then keep those cards and draw to
the straight. When it comes to straights, if you don't have high cards then
dump it in Jacks
or Better 9/6 and play it in Double
Bonus and Joker
Poker.
2* 7* K* Q* J*
Alright, you COULD play this as a flush, but by now you should be getting the
hang of the way video poker is played. The fact is, it's way better to go for
the best there is and aim for the royal flush. Remember, the amount of money
you win at video poker is directly linked to the hands you draw. The better
your hands the more money you'll make, as simple as that.
8* 3* 6* 10* 2*
In this case it's always better to go for the flush. If you're playing Jacks
or Better your best bet is to draw five cards. If you're playing Double
Bonus and Joker Poker, your best bet is to go for the flush. Here's why:
You'll get more for your flush in Double
Bonus, where as in Joker
Poker, you might find a joker being injected.