Master Video Poker: A Complete Guide to Strategies, Tips, and Winning Plays

Welcome to the ultimate guide to mastering Video Poker! Whether you're a novice looking to learn the basics or a seasoned player seeking advanced strategies, this guide offers everything you need to play with confidence and improve your winning odds.

Top Pick
Approved Approved
New
0xBET Casino
9.8

Weekly 15% Cashback Bonus

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Payout Speed
1 hour
Benefits

Excellent reputation since the casino was established.

Top games from 40+ studios.

24/7 live chat customer support.

Fast withdrawals.

Deposit, play, and withdraw in Bitcoin.

Uses high quality updated software.

Payment Methods
2
Approved Approved
Favorite
Hot
Vulkan Vegas Casino
9.8

Up to $1500 + 150 Free Spins on your first 3 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Win Rate
97.8%
Payout Speed
1 - 2 Days
Benefits

20+ years operating in the iGaming Industry.

Realistic 3D Games experience.

24/7 customer support accessible via email, live chat, and phone.

Most withdrawals processed within 24 hours.

Powered by the latest state-of-the-art software from Microgaming.

Also playable on mobile devices.

Payment Methods
3
Approved Approved
Favorite
Megapari Casino
9.7
Exclusive

Up to $2070 + 150 Free Spins on your first 4 deposits

WWBONUS1

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Win Rate
98.7%
Payout Speed
1 hour
Benefits

Excellent reputation since the casino was established.

Popular Play’n GO casino games.

24/7 customer support in multiple languages.

Wide range of currencies.

Accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Uses high quality updated software.

Payment Methods
4
Approved Approved
Favorite
bet365 Casino
9.7
Win Rate
96.26%
Payout Speed
1 - 2 Days
Payment Methods

100% Match Bonus up to $100

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
New Casino customers only. Deposit min. $10. Max. Bonus $100. 30x wagering (game weighting, table coverage and max. bet rules apply) on deposit and bonus to make the bonus balance withdrawable. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

Full T&C apply
5
Approved Approved
Favorite
22BET Casino
9.7
Payout Speed
1 - 2 Days
Payment Methods

100% Match Bonus up to $300

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
6
Approved Approved
Favorite
Hot Hot
New
Weiss Casino
9.7
Win Rate
97.6%
Payout Speed
Instant
Payment Methods

Up to USDT450 + 140 Free Spins on your first 4 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
7
Approved Approved
Favorite
Cleopatra Casino
9.6
Payout Speed
2 - 3 Days
Payment Methods

Up to €8000 on your first 3 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
8
Approved Approved
Favorite
Hot Hot
888 Casino
9.6
Payout Speed
1 - 2 Days
Payment Methods

Up to $1500 on your first 5 deposits

Welcome1

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
9
Approved Approved
Grand Rush Casino
9.5
Win Rate
96.84%
Payout Speed
2 - 3 Days
Payment Methods

200% Match Bonus up to $1000

WELCOME200

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
10
Approved Approved
N1 Bet Casino
9.5
Win Rate
97%
Payout Speed
24 hours
Payment Methods

Up to $5000 + 200 Free Spins on your first 4 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Online Video Poker
Partake in one of the most breathtaking casino games ever with the help of our comprehensive video poker guide. Learn the ins and outs of video poker, starting from the basics and ending with complex strategies. Pick up video poker terms, insights, tips, and pointers towards the best video poker variants and online real money casinos based on the rankings and reviews of our industry experts.

Overview

Video Poker is a popular electronic casino game combining classic poker elements with slot machine mechanics. Players are dealt a five-card hand and have the opportunity to discard and replace cards in pursuit of a better hand. The game pays out based on the final hand's rank according to a specific paytable, which varies depending on the Video Poker version.
The game offers various strategies, allowing skilled players to maximize their returns. It requires understanding poker hand rankings and strategically deciding which cards to hold or discard. Unlike traditional poker, you're not playing against other players or a dealer; the goal is to build the best possible hand.
Common variations of Video Poker include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker, each offering unique rules and payout structures. Video Poker appeals to those who enjoy strategic gameplay and seek a game with a low house edge when played optimally.

Instructions

While it is true that luck does play a major part in video poker, much of the result is based in skill, logic, and your decisions. By using an optimal strategy and betting the maximum amount, you are likely to receive returns of approximately 100%, and sometimes even more.

  • General video poker guidelines
  • Video poker system

Previously Required Knowledge

As a guide for advanced players, you should be well aware of how to play 5 card draw table poker, use a video poker machine, and recognize the winning hands in poker.

Instructions

Step One

Follow these general guidelines:
This system works because it is based on the fact that you are the only player competing, and there is no way to bluff or card count.

When you have: Draw:
Nothing of value 5 new cards
1 high card 4 new cards
1 pair or 2 high cards 3 new cards
3 of a kind, or 2 cards less than a straight flush or higher 2 new cards
2 pairs, or q card less than an open ended straight or higher 1 new card
Straight or higher No new cards


Step Two

Follow a system:

This strategy works by matching your hand to the highest possible value combination. Basically, you are required to determine what to keep and discard according to a ranking of the hands that are considered more likely to win. Simply look at the cards you hold - your aim is to match them to the highest hand ranking appearing on the chart that you can.

  1. Full house or better
  2. 4 to a royal flush
  3. Straight, three of a kind, or flush
  4. 4 to a straight flush
  5. Two pair
  6. High pair
  7. 3 to a royal flush
  8. 4 to a flush
  9. Low pair
  10. 4 to an outside straight
  11. 2 suited high cards
  12. 3 to a straight flush
  13. 2 unsuited high cards (if more than 2 pick then pick lowest 2)
  14. Suited 10/J, 10/Q, or 10/K
  15. One high card
  16. Discard everything

For example, if you hold a 4 of clubs, 5 of spades, 6 of diamonds, 7 of spades, and 7 of hearts: although it seems as though 4 to an outside straight may be our best way to play (#10), the chart shows that a low pair (#9) is the smarter way to play and has a better chance of winning, because it lies one rank higher.

Tip: When playing Deuces Wild, the 1st strategy holds an exception: if you are holding 4 of a kind and the remaining card is of no value, you have a better chance of winning by dropping it.

Note: The 2nd strategy is only relevant for 9/6 Jacks or Better.

Our Favorite Casino

Approved Approved
Favorite
Hot Hot
New

Weiss Casino

9.7
Best for
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Over 5 games available

Excellent reputation since the casino was established.

Live casino games.

24/7 live chat support plus phone and email contact options.

Offers Unlimited withdrawal.

Deposits by cryptocurrencies are accepted.


Win Rate
97.6%
Payout Speed
Instant
Features
Auto Play
Free Games
High Limit Games
History Log
6 more
Payment Methods

100% Match Bonus up to USDT100 + 30 Free Spins

Welcome Bonus

18+ Only, T&C Apply.

FAQ

Video Poker is a solo casino game where players aim to create the best five-card hand. Players can discard and replace cards, and payouts are based on the final hand ranking.

Yes, common variations include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker, each with unique rules and payouts.

Absolutely! Understanding the specific version's pay table and employing optimal strategies can significantly improve your return.

Yes, Video Poker is accessible for beginners, but understanding poker hand rankings and basic strategy will enhance gameplay.

Many online casinos offer free and real-money Video Poker games. For practice or demo games, visit our free casino games section.

Payouts depend on the hand's rank and the specific game's pay table. Higher-ranking hands offer higher payouts, often with bonuses for maximum bets.

Discover More

Trending Casinos

Dive into the world of today's most sought-after online casinos, and discover which platforms are capturing the attention and enthusiasm of players just like you. Stay ahead of the curve, unearth thrilling games, and uncover enticing offers.

Read More

Safest Online Casinos

Make sure that your next gaming session is the most unforgettable gambling experience ever by joining the safest and most secure online casinos in the business. Use this guide to discover the ins and outs of casino safety, protected deposits, secure withdrawals, game safety, and RNG audits. Become a master at spotting the safest and securest casinos around, or simply pick one of our expert recommendations.

Read More

Exclusive Casino Bonuses

Become part of the exclusive casino welcome bonus club by learning the ins and outs of these fantastic promotions. Explore an in-depth comparison of exclusive and conventional bonuses and see their pros, cons, eligible games, and other nuances. Take your gaming fun to the next level by exploiting exclusive bonus offers at the best online casinos in the business.

Read More

Important Notice

By visiting this site, you certify that you are over 18 years old, and you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. Read More